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Arguably harder than using console codes, installing a game mod can involve a few tweaks and adjustments (and even an extra program or two) to achieve optimum functionality. But with all the creative content out there, and the hundreds of hours it can add to your playtime, you’ll likely find whatever effort you put in well worth it.

Now, these instructions are from my time installing mods on Fallout 3 and New Vegas, and so this installation process is based on Bethesda titles. Installing a mod on Skyrim should work exactly the same way (though if it doesn’t for some reason I openly invite you to hold me down and beat me for not checking first).

The first step in the process, naturally, is to find a mod you want to install. You can find a little bit of everything, from textures to music to quests, over at the Nexus network (http://www.fallout3nexus.com http://www.newvegasnexus.com http://www.skyrimnexus.com). My recommendations include CONEL RAD radio for Fallout 3 and New Vegas, Existence 2.0 for Fallout 3, and Underground Hideout for Fallout 3.

The second is to install a mod manager. This can be an optional step if you intend to only use minor amount of mods. However, some mods will require such a massive  change to the game’s structure that you will have to adjust the order in which the game loads them. By adjusting the load order and moving more complicated files to the bottom of the list, you give them enough time to fully load into your game and function as they should. Different mod managers exist for different Bethesda games, but the ones you’ll need will likely be the Fallout Mod Manager, New Vegas Mod Manager, or Nexus Mod Manager.

The third step is to download and install. Now, while there are a few super-sophisticated mods that have their own installation set-up (Cube Experimental for Fallout 3 is an excellent example), the vast majority of mods will require that you directly deposit their components into the Program Files. This is not as hard as it sounds. It merely requires that you defy all logic and start messing around with the Program Files. But the great thing *about* those files is that you can easily make a copy and put it on your Desktop to replace the original if anything should go horribly wrong. In fact, that should probably considered “Step 3, part A”. Next is to download and unzip the mod.

Once you’ve done that, go into Downloads, find your unzipped file and open it. In most mod files, you should find an .esp (sometimes a different type of file but .esp is the most common), and some other folders like Texture or Sound (depending on the type of mod and its needs). You will normally also find a “Read Me” file that will explain any kinks or special instructions for installation. The vast majority of the time, you will be directly depositing the .esp file and assorted folders into the Data folder of your game file. Typically these are found by accessing C:\ > Program Files > [Name of Publisher] > [Name of Game] > Data, however, if you have a Steam copy of the game, you will first have to look in “Steam” or “Valve” before accessing the publisher and game files. Once you have opened the intended destination of your mod files, simply drag them over from your open Download folder and deposit them into Data.

At this point, if you are installing a more intensive mod like Fallout 3 Wanderer’s Edition or Mart’s Mutant Mod, you will want to adjust their load order in your mod manager. From here you can also “activate” the mods by clicking their respective check boxes. Note: if you do not activate the mods in your mod manager, you will have to do so in the game menu by accessing the Data Files. Unactivated mods will have an empty box next to them that must be checked before the content will actively load into your game.

All in all it’s really not that hard. You’re basically downloading and unzipping a file, then DURRRRRR depositing it right into the necessary Program File folder. The hardest part is finding the right place to put them. And even that is not difficult. All in all, game mods are one of the best reasons to own a gaming PC.