Compatibility Info - Fallout 4 ModMarket | Mod Compatibility Database

1

UNDERSTANDING COMPATIBILITY

Mod compatibility is the foundation of stable modding. Understanding different conflict types helps you build better mod lists.

CONFLICT TYPES

NO CONFLICTS

Mods work perfectly together

MINOR CONFLICTS

Cosmetic or minor gameplay issues

MAJOR CONFLICTS

Significant gameplay or stability issues

CRITICAL CONFLICTS

Game-breaking or crash-causing issues

CONFLICT SOURCES

Form ID conflicts
Asset file overlaps
Script interactions
Record overrides
Navmesh conflicts
Leveled list overlaps
Cell modifications
Quest dependencies

COMPATIBILITY FACTORS

TECHNICAL FACTORS

• Plugin dependencies
• Load order requirements
• File overwrites
• Script execution order
• Memory usage

GAMEPLAY FACTORS

• Balance changes
• Mechanic alterations
• Content additions
• UI modifications
• Audio changes

VISUAL FACTORS

• Texture replacements
• Mesh modifications
• Lighting changes
• Weather effects
• Post-processing

COMPATIBILITY REALITY CHECK

Perfect compatibility between all mods is impossible. The goal is to minimize conflicts and find workable solutions through patches, load order adjustments, and strategic mod selection.

2

ESSENTIAL COMPATIBILITY TOOLS

Professional tools for detecting, analyzing, and resolving mod conflicts.

FO4EDIT

Advanced conflict detection and resolution tool for deep analysis of mod conflicts.

Detailed record-level conflict analysis

Compatibility patch creation

Form ID conflict resolution

LOOT

Load Order Optimization Tool for automatic conflict detection and sorting.

Automatic load order optimization

Compatibility warnings and messages

Community-driven masterlist

WRYE BASH

Automated leveled list merging and conflict resolution through bashed patches.

Automatic leveled list merging

Stats and name import

Automated patch generation

BUFFOUT 4

Crash prevention and detailed crash logging for compatibility debugging.

Detailed crash reports

Memory leak detection

Stability improvements

TOOL WORKFLOW

1

DETECT

Use LOOT and FO4Edit to identify conflicts

2

ANALYZE

Review conflict severity and impact

3

RESOLVE

Apply patches, adjust load order, or choose alternatives

4

TEST

Verify resolution and document results

TOOL SELECTION GUIDE

For Beginners:

• Start with LOOT for automatic sorting
• Use Vortex built-in conflict detection
• Install Buffout 4 for crash logging

For Advanced Users:

• Master FO4Edit for detailed analysis
• Use Wrye Bash for automated merging
• Create custom conflict resolution patches

3

WEAPON MOD COMPATIBILITY

Weapon modifications are among the most complex compatibility challenges due to leveled lists, balance changes, and attachment systems.

COMMON WEAPON CONFLICTS

LEVELED LIST CONFLICTS

Multiple mods adding weapons to same lists

BALANCE OVERRIDES

Conflicting damage or stat modifications

ATTACHMENT CONFLICTS

Overlapping modification systems

WEAPON COMPATIBILITY MATRIX

MODERN FIREARMS

vs

WEAPON BALANCE

CLASSIC WEAPONS

vs

LEVELED LISTS

WEAPON SMITH

vs

CRAFTING MODS

WEAPON MOD CATEGORIES

NEW WEAPONS

• Modern Firearms
• See Through Scopes
• Weapon Pack Series
• Unique Weapons

WEAPON OVERHAULS

• Weapon Balance Redux
• Damage Overhaul
• Realistic Weapons
• Weapon Mod Fixes

WEAPON SYSTEMS

• Weapon Smith Extended
• Armor and Weapon Keywords
• Weapon Degradation
• Attachment Overhauls

WEAPON COMPATIBILITY SOLUTIONS

LEVELED LIST INTEGRATION

Use Wrye Bash to automatically merge leveled lists from multiple weapon mods:

                                               Bashed Patch Settings:

                                               • Import Leveled Lists: ON

                                               • Import Stats: SELECTIVE

                                               • Import Graphics: ON

BALANCE PATCHES

Create custom balance patches for conflicting weapon stats:

Modern Firearms Balance Patch Weapon Integration Patch Damage Scaling Fix

WEAPON MOD WARNINGS

• Never install multiple weapon overhauls simultaneously - Choose one primary system
• Check for attachment conflicts - Some mods alter the same weapon modification system
• Test weapon availability - Ensure new weapons appear in-game properly
• Monitor performance - Too many weapon mods can impact loading times

4

ARMOR MOD COMPATIBILITY

Armor compatibility involves body meshes, physics, crafting systems, and visual consistency across different armor sets.

BODY FRAMEWORK CONFLICTS

CBBE VS BODYSLIDE

Conflicting body shape systems

PHYSICS CONFLICTS

HDT vs custom physics systems

VANILLA COMPATIBLE

Works with base game bodies

ARMOR SYSTEM INTEGRATION

ARMORSMITH EXTENDED

Universal armor framework

LEGENDARY EFFECTS

May conflict with balance mods

KEYWORDS FRAMEWORK

Armor and Weapon Keywords

ARMOR COMPATIBILITY LAYERS

BODY FRAMEWORK LAYER

Choose one primary body system:

VANILLA

Base game bodies

CBBE

Caliente's Body

BODYSLIDE

Customizable shapes

ARMOR CONTENT LAYER

New armor sets and standalone pieces:

• Standalone armor pieces
• Armor pack collections
• Themed armor sets
• Faction-specific armor

SYSTEM INTEGRATION LAYER

Frameworks that modify armor mechanics:

• Armorsmith Extended
• Armor and Weapon Keywords
• Legendary modification systems
• Armor balance overhauls

BODYSLIDE COMPATIBILITY

BODYSLIDE PROCESS

1. Install body mod (CBBE/BodySlide)
2. Install armor mods with BodySlide support
3. Run BodySlide to build meshes
4. Select body preset
5. Build all armor pieces
6. Test in-game for clipping

COMMON BODYSLIDE ISSUES

• Missing presets: Download body presets separately
• Clipping issues: Rebuild with different body size
• Texture mismatches: Install matching skin textures
• Physics conflicts: Check HDT compatibility

ARMOR COMPATIBILITY BEST PRACTICES

Installation Order:

1. Body framework first
2. Armor system overhauls
3. Individual armor pieces
4. Compatibility patches
5. BodySlide builds last

Testing Protocol:

• Check armor appearance in inventory
• Test first-person view
• Verify armor stats and effects
• Check crafting integration
• Test legendary effects

5

GAMEPLAY OVERHAUL COMPATIBILITY

Gameplay overhauls make extensive changes to core game mechanics, requiring careful compatibility analysis with other mods.

MAJOR GAMEPLAY OVERHAULS

SURVIVAL OVERHAULS

FROST vs HORIZON

Complete overhauls - cannot be combined

SURVIVAL MODE TWEAKS

May conflict with needs systems

MODULAR SURVIVAL

Individual component mods

COMBAT OVERHAULS

DEADLY COMBAT

May conflict with weapon balance

COMBAT OVERHAULS

Usually compatible with patches

DAMAGE MULTIPLIERS

Check for balance conflicts

OVERHAUL COMPATIBILITY MATRIX

OVERHAUL TYPE	AFFECTS	CONFLICTS WITH	PATCH AVAILABLE
HORIZON	Everything	Most gameplay mods	Selective
FROST	Complete conversion	All overhauls	None
SURVIVAL MODE	Needs, saving	Survival tweaks	Yes
SETTLEMENT OVERHAULS	Building system	Other settlement mods	Usually

COMPATIBILITY STRATEGIES

CHOOSE ONE PRIMARY OVERHAUL

Select one major overhaul as your base and build around it:

• Read the overhaul's compatibility documentation
• Check for official compatibility patches
• Use the overhaul's recommended mod list
• Install the overhaul early in your load order

MODULAR APPROACH

Instead of massive overhauls, use smaller, focused mods:

• Individual gameplay tweaks
• Specific mechanic improvements
• Compatible standalone features
• Easier conflict resolution

AVOID MULTIPLE OVERHAULS

Never install multiple comprehensive overhauls:

• Guaranteed conflicts and instability
• Unpredictable interactions
• Difficult to troubleshoot
• May corrupt save files

OVERHAUL COMPATIBILITY WARNING

Gameplay overhauls fundamentally change how Fallout 4 works. Always start a new game when installing major overhauls, and never add them to existing saves unless explicitly stated as safe by the mod author.

6

VISUAL & GRAPHICS COMPATIBILITY

Visual modifications stack in layers, with later mods overriding earlier ones. Understanding the visual hierarchy is crucial for compatibility.

VISUAL MODIFICATION LAYERS

TEXTURE LAYER

Base textures that replace vanilla assets:

LANDSCAPE

Ground, rocks, roads

ARCHITECTURE

Buildings, structures

OBJECTS

Furniture, items

LIGHTING LAYER

Modifications that affect lighting and shadows:

• Interior lighting overhauls
• Exterior lighting improvements
• Shadow quality modifications
• Ambient lighting adjustments

WEATHER LAYER

Weather systems that control atmospheric effects:

• Weather pattern overhauls
• Fog and particle effects
• Climate system changes
• Seasonal variations

POST-PROCESSING LAYER

Final visual enhancement effects:

• ENB presets
• ReShade configurations
• Color correction filters
• Screen-space effects

WEATHER MOD CONFLICTS

VIVID WEATHERS vs NAC

Complete weather overhauls conflict

WEATHER + ENB

ENB must support weather mod

WEATHER PATCHES

Use weather-specific patches

TEXTURE COMPATIBILITY

TEXTURE PACKS

Later mods override earlier ones

MIXED RESOLUTIONS

May cause visual inconsistency

THEMED PACKS

Consistent art style

VISUAL COMPATIBILITY RULES

TEXTURE PRIORITY

1. Base texture overhauls (lowest priority)
2. Category-specific textures
3. Individual item textures
4. Patch textures (highest priority)

LIGHTING PRIORITY

1. Interior lighting mods
2. Exterior lighting changes
3. Weather-dependent lighting
4. ENB lighting integration

PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS

VRAM USAGE

• 4K textures: High VRAM
• 2K textures: Medium VRAM
• 1K textures: Low VRAM
• Monitor with MSI Afterburner

FRAME RATE IMPACT

• ENB: High impact
• Weather mods: Medium impact
• Texture packs: Low impact
• Lighting mods: Variable impact

LOADING TIMES

• Loose files: Slower loading
• BSA archives: Faster loading
• Compressed textures: Faster
• SSD recommended for textures

VISUAL MOD INSTALLATION STRATEGY

Recommended Order:

1. Base texture overhauls
2. Weather and lighting mods
3. Specific texture replacements
4. ENB or ReShade (last)

Testing Protocol:

• Test in different lighting conditions
• Check various weather patterns
• Monitor performance impact
• Take screenshots for comparison

7

SETTLEMENT MOD COMPATIBILITY

Settlement mods modify the building system, add new objects, and change settlement mechanics. Compatibility depends on the level of system integration.

SETTLEMENT MOD HIERARCHY

FRAMEWORK LEVEL

Complete overhauls of the settlement system:

SIM SETTLEMENTS 2

Complete settlement automation

Conflicts with other frameworks

SETTLEMENT KEYWORDS

Framework for object categorization

Required by many mods

SYSTEM LEVEL

Mods that modify building mechanics:

• Place Everywhere - Removes build restrictions
• Scrap Everything - Expanded scrapping
• Unlimited Settlement Budget - Removes size limits
• Settlement Management Software - Advanced controls

CONTENT LEVEL

Mods that add new building objects:

• Homemaker - Expanded decoration options
• Settlement Objects Expansion Pack
• Thematic building sets
• Individual item additions

SETTLEMENT FRAMEWORK CONFLICTS

MULTIPLE FRAMEWORKS

Cannot use Sim Settlements + other frameworks

SCRIPT CONFLICTS

Heavy script usage may conflict

OBJECT ADDITIONS

Usually compatible with patches

PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS

OBJECT COUNT

Too many objects reduce performance

SCRIPT LOAD

Automation systems use scripts

OPTIMIZATION

Use performance-friendly alternatives

SETTLEMENT MOD COMPATIBILITY MATRIX

MOD	SIM SETTLEMENTS	HOMEMAKER	PLACE EVERYWHERE	SCRAP EVERYTHING
Sim Settlements 2	✓	✓	✓	⚠
Homemaker	✓	✓	✓	✓
Place Everywhere	✓	✓	✓	✓
Scrap Everything	⚠	✓	✓	✓

✓ Compatible | ⚠ Caution Required | ✗ Incompatible

SETTLEMENT COMPATIBILITY SOLUTIONS

FRAMEWORK SELECTION

Choose one primary settlement framework:

FOR AUTOMATION

Use Sim Settlements 2

FOR MANUAL BUILDING

Use object expansion packs

OBJECT INTEGRATION

Ensure new objects integrate properly:

                                               Required for most settlement mods:

                                               • Settlement Keywords Framework

                                               • Homemaker compatibility patches

                                               • Sim Settlements integration patches

SETTLEMENT MODDING BEST PRACTICES

Installation Order:

1. Settlement frameworks first
2. Building mechanic modifications
3. Object expansion packs
4. Compatibility patches
5. Individual object additions

Performance Tips:

• Limit objects per settlement
• Use precombined objects when possible
• Monitor script load with automation
• Test in different settlements

8

QUEST MOD COMPATIBILITY

Quest mods add new storylines, NPCs, and locations. Compatibility issues arise from cell edits, NPC conflicts, and quest dependencies.

QUEST MOD CATEGORIES

STANDALONE QUESTS

Independent storylines with minimal conflicts:

• Fusion City Rising
• Project Valkyrie
• Depravity
• The Machine and Her

COMPANION QUESTS

New companions with personal storylines:

• Heather Casdin
• Ellen the Cartographer
• Outcasts and Remnants
• America Rising

FACTION OVERHAULS

Mods that modify existing factions:

• Enclave Remnants
• Brotherhood of Steel overhauls
• Institute expansions
• Minutemen improvements

COMMON QUEST CONFLICTS

CELL OVERLAP

Multiple quests use same locations

NPC CONFLICTS

Quest NPCs may conflict with overhauls

FACTION CHANGES

Faction mods may break quest logic

QUEST INTEGRATION

IMMERSIVE INTEGRATION

Quests fit naturally into world

LORE FRIENDLY

Maintains Fallout universe consistency

VOICE ACTING

Quality varies between mods

QUEST COMPATIBILITY ANALYSIS

SAFE COMBINATIONS

Quest mods that work well together:

Tales from the Commonwealth Outcasts and Remnants Project Valkyrie Fusion City Rising

REQUIRES PATCHES

Quest mods that need compatibility patches:

America Rising + DLC Enclave + Main Quest Faction Overhauls + DLC

AVOID TOGETHER

Quest mods that should not be combined:

• Multiple faction overhauls for same faction
• Quests that modify same vanilla quests
• Conflicting alternate start scenarios

QUEST MOD LOAD ORDER

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

1. Main quest modifications first
2. Faction overhauls next
3. Standalone quests after
4. Companion quests following
5. Patches and integrations last

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Start Me Up affects quest triggers
• Alternate start mods may break quest assumptions
• Some quests require specific DLC
• Voice replacement mods may affect quest audio

QUEST MOD SAVE COMPATIBILITY

Quest mods often cannot be safely removed from existing saves. Scripts and quest states may become permanently embedded. Always test quest mods on new characters and keep pre-installation save backups.

9

SCRIPT & F4SE COMPATIBILITY

Script-heavy mods and F4SE plugins require special compatibility considerations due to their deep integration with game systems.

F4SE DEPENDENCY LEVELS

F4SE CORE FUNCTIONS

Basic F4SE functionality used by many mods:

• Extended script functions
• Memory management improvements
• Advanced input handling
• Console command extensions

F4SE PLUGINS

Native code plugins that extend F4SE:

• Buffout 4 - Crash prevention
• Place Everywhere - Building freedom
• Achievements - Re-enable achievements
• HUD Framework - UI modifications

COMPLEX INTEGRATIONS

Mods with deep F4SE integration:

• MCM (Mod Configuration Menu)
• F4SE-powered framework mods
• Advanced scripting systems
• Real-time script monitoring

SCRIPT CONFLICTS

SCRIPT OVERRIDES

Multiple mods modifying same scripts

PERFORMANCE IMPACT

Too many scripts cause lag

MEMORY USAGE

Script-heavy mods use more memory

F4SE VERSION ISSUES

VERSION MISMATCH

Game updates break F4SE

PLUGIN UPDATES

F4SE plugins need updates too

STABLE VERSIONS

Use matching F4SE versions

SCRIPT COMPATIBILITY TESTING

PAPYRUS LOG ANALYSIS

Monitor script errors through Papyrus logs:

                                               Enable Papyrus logging in Fallout4Custom.ini:

                                               [Papyrus]

                                               bEnableLogging=1

                                               bEnableTrace=1

                                               bLoadDebugInformation=1

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

Track script performance impact:

• Monitor frame times during script execution
• Check for script lag spikes
• Use script profiling tools
• Test in high-activity areas

ESSENTIAL F4SE PLUGINS

STABILITY PLUGINS

• Buffout 4: Crash prevention and logging
• F4SE Console: Extended console commands
• Achievements: Re-enable with mods
• Address Library: Version independence

FUNCTIONALITY PLUGINS

• MCM: Mod configuration interface
• Place Everywhere: Building improvements
• HUD Framework: UI modifications
• Weapon Debris Crash Fix: Stability improvement

SCRIPT COMPATIBILITY WARNINGS

• Never install conflicting script frameworks - Choose one primary system
• Update F4SE with game updates - Mismatched versions cause crashes
• Monitor script load - Too many active scripts cause performance issues
• Check plugin dependencies - Some F4SE plugins require specific versions
• Test script removal carefully - Some scripts cannot be safely removed mid-save

10

PERFORMANCE IMPACT ANALYSIS

Understanding how different mod types affect performance helps you make informed compatibility decisions.

PERFORMANCE IMPACT CATEGORIES

LOW IMPACT

• Interface mods
• Audio replacements
• Small texture changes
• Simple gameplay tweaks
• Bug fixes

MEDIUM IMPACT

• New weapons/armor
• Settlement expansions
• Quest mods
• Lighting overhauls
• NPC additions

HIGH IMPACT

• 4K texture packs
• ENB presets
• Weather overhauls
• Script-heavy mods
• Large worldspaces

PERFORMANCE BOTTLENECKS

VRAM OVERFLOW

Too many high-res textures

SCRIPT LAG

Heavy script processing

DRAW CALLS

Too many objects on screen

OPTIMIZATION STRATEGIES

SELECTIVE INSTALLATION

Choose performance-friendly options

TEXTURE COMPRESSION

Reduce texture sizes

LOD OPTIMIZATION

Improve distant object rendering

PERFORMANCE COMPATIBILITY MATRIX

MOD TYPE	CPU IMPACT	GPU IMPACT	VRAM USAGE	SCRIPT LOAD
4K Textures	Low	Medium	High	None
ENB Presets	Medium	High	Medium	None
Settlement Mods	Medium	Medium	Medium	High
Quest Mods	Medium	Low	Medium	Medium
Weapon Packs	Low	Low	Medium	Low

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

ESSENTIAL MONITORING TOOLS

HARDWARE MONITORING

• MSI Afterburner - GPU/VRAM usage
• HWiNFO64 - System temperatures
• Task Manager - CPU/RAM usage
• NVIDIA/AMD overlay - FPS counter

GAME MONITORING

• F4SE console commands
• Papyrus log analysis
• Buffout 4 crash logs
• ENB performance overlay

PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS

                                               Target Performance Metrics:

                                               • Indoor Areas: 60+ FPS

                                               • Outdoor Areas: 45+ FPS

                                               • Dense Areas: 30+ FPS

                                               • VRAM Usage: <90% capacity

                                               • Frame Time: <33ms (60 FPS)

PERFORMANCE-BASED COMPATIBILITY DECISIONS

High-End Systems (RTX 4080+):

• 4K texture packs compatible
• Multiple ENB effects supported
• Complex settlement mods viable
• Weather + lighting overhauls possible

Mid-Range Systems (RTX 3060-4070):

• 2K textures recommended
• Selective ENB features
• Moderate settlement complexity
• Choose weather OR lighting mods

11

LOAD ORDER DEPENDENCIES

Understanding mod dependencies and load order requirements is crucial for maintaining compatibility across complex mod lists.

DEPENDENCY TYPES

HARD DEPENDENCIES

Required for mod to function at all:

• Master file dependencies (ESM requirements)
• F4SE and specific F4SE plugins
• Framework mods (MCM, HUDFramework)
• Required asset packs

SOFT DEPENDENCIES

Enhance functionality but aren't required:

• Optional compatibility patches
• Enhancement modules
• Integration frameworks
• Performance optimization mods

LOAD ORDER DEPENDENCIES

Specific loading sequence requirements:

• Must load after specific mods
• Must load before other mods
• Requires specific plugin positioning
• Patch loading order requirements

COMMON DEPENDENCY CHAINS

ARMOR SYSTEM

Armor Keywords → Armorsmith → Individual Armors

SETTLEMENT SYSTEM

Settlement Keywords → Homemaker → Object Packs

UI SYSTEM

HUDFramework → DEF_UI → Specific UI Mods

DEPENDENCY VERIFICATION

LOOT WARNINGS

Automatic dependency checking

FO4EDIT VALIDATION

Manual dependency analysis

MANUAL CHECKING

Read mod descriptions carefully

COMPLEX DEPENDENCY RESOLUTION

CIRCULAR DEPENDENCIES

When mods depend on each other:

Example: Mod A requires Mod B to load after it, but Mod B requires Mod A to load after it. This creates an impossible situation requiring patch resolution.

CONDITIONAL DEPENDENCIES

Dependencies that exist only under certain conditions:

                                               If using Mod A with Feature X enabled:

                                               • Requires Framework Y

                                               • Must load after Mod B

                                               • Conflicts with Mod C

VERSION-SPECIFIC DEPENDENCIES

Dependencies that change with mod versions:

• Older versions may require different frameworks
• New versions may add new dependencies
• Beta versions may have experimental requirements
• Always check changelog for dependency changes

DEPENDENCY MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

INSTALLATION PLANNING

1. Map out all dependencies before installing
2. Install frameworks and libraries first
3. Install core mods before add-ons
4. Install patches after all dependencies
5. Test each dependency level

DOCUMENTATION

• Keep dependency trees documented
• Note version requirements
• Track optional dependencies
• Document successful configurations
• Note problematic combinations

DEPENDENCY MANAGEMENT WARNING

Missing dependencies can cause silent failures where mods appear to work but don't function correctly. Always verify all dependencies are properly installed and loaded in correct order before troubleshooting other issues.

12

PATCH CREATION & MANAGEMENT

Creating and managing compatibility patches is essential for resolving conflicts between mods in complex load orders.

PATCH TYPES AND APPLICATIONS

OFFICIAL PATCHES

AUTHOR-CREATED

Patches made by original mod authors

COMMUNITY PATCHES

Third-party compatibility patches

UNIFIED PATCHES

Patches for multiple mod combinations

CUSTOM PATCHES

MANUAL PATCHES

User-created conflict resolution

AUTOMATED PATCHES

Generated by tools like Wrye Bash

MERGED PATCHES

Combining multiple patches

PATCH CREATION WORKFLOW

STEP 1: CONFLICT IDENTIFICATION

                                               Using FO4Edit:

                                               1. Load all conflicting mods

                                               2. Identify red conflicts in tree view

                                               3. Analyze which changes should take priority

                                               4. Document conflict types and severity

STEP 2: PATCH CREATION

MANUAL APPROACH

1. Create new ESP file
2. Copy conflicting records
3. Merge desired changes
4. Forward compatible records
5. Clean unnecessary entries

AUTOMATED APPROACH

1. Use Wrye Bash for leveled lists
2. Apply import tags
3. Build bashed patch
4. Review generated patch
5. Make manual adjustments

STEP 3: TESTING & VALIDATION

• Test patch with minimal mod list
• Verify all conflicts are resolved
• Check for new conflicts introduced
• Test in-game functionality
• Document patch purpose and changes

ADVANCED PATCH TECHNIQUES

LEVELED LIST MERGING

Combining additions from multiple mods:

                                               Wrye Bash Tags:

                                               • Delev: Remove items from leveled lists

                                               • Relev: Add items to leveled lists

                                               • NoMerge: Prevent automatic merging

FORWARD COMPATIBILITY

Creating patches that work with future mod updates:

• Use override records rather than direct edits
• Forward only necessary changes
• Document patch assumptions
• Use version-independent methods

CONDITIONAL PATCHING

Patches that activate based on mod presence:

                                               Using FO4Edit scripts:

                                               • Check for mod presence

                                               • Apply patches conditionally

                                               • Create multiple patch variants

PATCH MANAGEMENT BEST PRACTICES

ORGANIZATION

• Keep patches in dedicated folder
• Use descriptive patch names
• Version control patch files
• Document patch purpose
• Track which mods each patch affects

MAINTENANCE

• Update patches when mods update
• Review patches for obsolete changes
• Test patches with new mod versions
• Remove unused patches
• Consolidate similar patches

PATCH SHARING AND DISTRIBUTION

Before Sharing:

• Test thoroughly with clean install
• Document all requirements
• Include installation instructions
• Credit original mod authors

Distribution Platforms:

• Nexus Mods for public release
• Personal file sharing for testing
• Community forums for specialized patches
• GitHub for open-source patches

13

COMMUNITY COMPATIBILITY RESOURCES

Leverage community knowledge and resources to solve compatibility challenges and stay updated on mod interactions.

COMPATIBILITY DATABASES

NEXUS MODS DATABASE

• Mod compatibility sections
• User comment analysis
• Patch collections
• Mod author recommendations

COMMUNITY WIKIS

• Comprehensive compatibility lists
• Load order guides
• Troubleshooting databases
• Performance optimization guides

COMMUNITY SUPPORT CHANNELS

REDDIT COMMUNITIES

• r/FalloutMods
• r/fo4 (modding help)
• r/ModSupport
• Daily help threads

DISCORD SERVERS

• Fallout Modding Community
• The Midnight Ride
• Wabbajack Support
• Real-time help channels

SPECIALIZED FORUMS

• Nexus Mod Forums
• Steam Community Guides
• Mod-specific support threads
• Technical discussion boards

MODLIST COLLECTIONS

WABBAJACK MODLISTS

Pre-configured, tested mod collections:

THE MIDNIGHT RIDE

Stability-focused modlist

LIFE IN THE RUINS

Survival-focused experience

CURATOR COLLECTIONS

Expert-curated mod combinations:

• Performance-optimized collections
• Thematic mod packages
• Compatibility-tested combinations
• Regular update cycles

COMPATIBILITY TESTING TOOLS

AUTOMATED TESTING

• LOOT Database: Community-maintained compatibility rules
• Mod Organizer Warnings: Built-in conflict detection
• FO4Edit Scripts: Automated conflict analysis
• Synthesis Patchers: Automated patch generation

MANUAL VERIFICATION

• Test Characters: Dedicated testing saves
• Controlled Testing: Systematic mod addition
• Performance Benchmarks: Before/after comparisons
• Stability Testing: Extended gameplay sessions

CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMUNITY

REPORTING COMPATIBILITY ISSUES

                                               When reporting compatibility problems:

                                               • Include complete mod list

                                               • Provide load order information

                                               • Document exact steps to reproduce

                                               • Include relevant log files

                                               • Test with minimal mod setup

SHARING SUCCESSFUL CONFIGURATIONS

• Document working mod combinations
• Share load order templates
• Create compatibility guides
• Contribute to community databases

STAYING INFORMED

Regular Updates:

• Follow mod author announcements
• Subscribe to compatibility databases
• Join community Discord servers
• Check for tool updates regularly

Learning Resources:

• YouTube modding tutorials
• Written guides and documentation
• Community workshops and events
• Mod author development streams

14

TROUBLESHOOTING COMPLEX COMPATIBILITY

Advanced troubleshooting techniques for identifying and resolving complex compatibility issues in large mod lists.

SYSTEMATIC ISSUE ISOLATION

BINARY SEARCH METHOD

Most efficient method for large mod lists:

1. Disable half of your mods
2. Test if the issue persists
3. If issue gone, it's in the disabled half
4. If issue persists, it's in the enabled half
5. Repeat with the problematic half
6. Continue until you isolate the specific mod

CATEGORY-BASED ISOLATION

Disable entire categories to narrow down the source:

DISABLE BY TYPE

• All weapon mods
• All visual mods
• All quest mods
• All settlement mods

DISABLE BY IMPACT

• Script-heavy mods
• Performance-intensive mods
• Recently added mods
• Beta/experimental mods

ADVANCED DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES

LOG FILE ANALYSIS

CRASH LOGS

                                                       Buffout 4 crash logs location:

                                                       Documents\My Games\Fallout4\

                                                       F4SE\Logs\crash-*.log

PAPYRUS LOGS

                                                       Script error logs location:

                                                       Documents\My Games\Fallout4\

                                                       Logs\Script\Papyrus.0.log

PERFORMANCE PROFILING

Identify performance bottlenecks:

• Monitor frame times during specific actions
• Track VRAM usage with different texture sets
• Analyze CPU usage during script execution
• Check loading times for different areas

COMMON COMPLEX ISSUES

CASCADING FAILURES

One mod breaks causing others to fail

INTERMITTENT ISSUES

Problems that appear randomly

SAVE CORRUPTION

Gradual save file degradation

DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS

FALLRIMTOOLS

Save file analysis and cleaning

CONSOLE COMMANDS

Runtime system information

MONITORING SOFTWARE

Hardware performance tracking

TROUBLESHOOTING DECISION TREE

CRASH ISSUES

                                               1. Check Buffout 4 crash logs

                                               2. If memory-related: Increase F4SE memory limits

                                               3. If plugin-related: Check load order and dependencies

                                               4. If asset-related: Verify file integrity

                                               5. If script-related: Check Papyrus logs

PERFORMANCE ISSUES

                                               1. Monitor hardware usage during gameplay

                                               2. If GPU bottleneck: Reduce visual settings

                                               3. If CPU bottleneck: Reduce script-heavy mods

                                               4. If VRAM issues: Compress textures

                                               5. If loading issues: Check drive space and speed

FUNCTIONALITY ISSUES

                                               1. Test with minimal mod list

                                               2. Check mod requirements and dependencies

                                               3. Verify load order with LOOT

                                               4. Check for conflicting mods

                                               5. Test with new game/clean save

COMPLEX TROUBLESHOOTING REALITY

Some compatibility issues may require hours of systematic testing to resolve. Document your troubleshooting steps and maintain backups of working configurations. Sometimes the solution is to choose different mods rather than force incompatible ones to work together.

15

FUTURE-PROOFING YOUR MOD LIST

Strategies for maintaining compatibility as mods update and new content becomes available.

SUSTAINABLE MODDING PRACTICES

MODULAR DESIGN APPROACH

Build your mod list in independent modules:

• Core Module: Essential fixes and frameworks (stable)
• Content Module: Quests, weapons, armor (swappable)
• Visual Module: Textures, lighting, weather (updatable)
• Experimental Module: New and testing mods (volatile)

VERSION CONTROL STRATEGY

Maintain multiple stable configurations:

STABLE BRANCHES

• Known working configuration
• Thoroughly tested and documented
• Only updated after testing
• Backed up with mod versions

DEVELOPMENT BRANCHES

• Testing new mods and updates
• Experimental configurations
• Isolated from stable saves
• Regular stability checkpoints

MANAGING MOD UPDATES

UPDATE EVALUATION PROCESS

1. Read Update Notes: Understand what changed
2. Check Compatibility: Verify with current mod list
3. Test Separately: Use development branch for testing
4. Monitor Community: Watch for reported issues
5. Gradual Rollout: Update one mod at a time

UPDATE PRIORITY SYSTEM

HIGH PRIORITY

• Critical bug fixes
• Security patches
• Stability improvements
• Game-breaking fixes

MEDIUM PRIORITY

• Feature additions
• Quality of life improvements
• Performance optimizations
• Compatibility updates

LOW PRIORITY

• Cosmetic changes
• Minor tweaks
• Experimental features
• Beta versions

COMPATIBILITY MONITORING

AUTOMATED MONITORING

Tools and techniques for tracking compatibility:

• LOOT Updates: Regular masterlist updates
• Mod Manager Notifications: Update alerts
• Community Alerts: Discord/Reddit notifications
• Automated Testing: Scripts for compatibility checks

MANUAL MONITORING

Regular maintenance tasks:

                                               Weekly Compatibility Check:

                                               • Review mod update logs

                                               • Check compatibility databases

                                               • Test critical functionality

                                               • Monitor performance metrics

                                               • Document any issues found

PLANNING FOR GAME UPDATES

PRE-UPDATE PREPARATION

• Disable Auto-Updates: Prevent unwanted game updates
• Complete Backup: Save entire installation
• Document Configuration: Record current state
• Check F4SE Compatibility: Verify version requirements

POST-UPDATE RECOVERY

1. Test Vanilla Game: Ensure base game works
2. Update F4SE: Get compatible version
3. Update Tools: LOOT, FO4Edit, etc.
4. Gradual Mod Re-enablement: Start with essential mods
5. Compatibility Verification: Test each mod category

LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• Stay connected with modding communities
• Follow mod authors for updates
• Participate in compatibility testing
• Share your successful configurations

KNOWLEDGE MAINTENANCE

• Keep learning about new tools
• Understand emerging mod frameworks
• Practice advanced troubleshooting
• Document your experiences

FUTURE-PROOFING CHECKLIST

Essential Practices:

• Maintain multiple stable configurations
• Regular backups with version control
• Conservative update approach
• Community monitoring and participation

Advanced Strategies:

• Automated compatibility testing
• Custom patch maintenance
• Performance baseline tracking
• Contribution to community resources

16

REAL-WORLD COMPATIBILITY EXAMPLES

Practical examples of common compatibility challenges and their solutions, based on actual user scenarios.

CASE STUDY 1: WEAPON OVERHAUL CONFLICTS

THE PROBLEM

User installed Modern Firearms, See Through Scopes, and Weapon Balance Redux. Weapons appeared but had incorrect stats, some scopes didn't work, and leveled lists were broken.

THE ANALYSIS

• Modern Firearms adds weapons with custom stats
• Weapon Balance Redux overrides all weapon stats
• See Through Scopes modifies scope records
• All three mods edit leveled lists differently

THE SOLUTION

                                                   Load Order Fix:

                                                   1. Modern Firearms (base weapons)

                                                   2. See Through Scopes (scope modifications)

                                                   3. Weapon Balance Redux (stat changes)

                                                   4. Custom patch forwarding MF weapons to WBR

                                                   5. Bashed patch for leveled lists

Modern Firearms + WBR Patch See Through Scopes Compatibility Unified Weapon Patch

CASE STUDY 2: SETTLEMENT SYSTEM BREAKDOWN

THE PROBLEM

User combined Sim Settlements 2, Homemaker, Place Everywhere, and Scrap Everything. Building menu became unstable, objects disappeared, and settlements crashed the game.

THE ANALYSIS

• Sim Settlements 2 completely overhauls settlement system
• Homemaker adds objects to vanilla categories
• Place Everywhere removes settlement boundaries
• Scrap Everything modifies precombined objects
• Script conflicts between automation and manual building

THE SOLUTION

                                                   Two-Track Approach:

                                                   Track A: Sim Settlements 2 + compatible add-ons

                                                   Track B: Homemaker + Place Everywhere + manual building

                                                   • Cannot combine automated and manual systems

                                                   • Use SS2 integration patches for compatible objects

                                                   • Limit Scrap Everything to specific settlements

SS2 Chapter 2 Compatibility Homemaker SS2 Integration Settlement Keywords Framework

CASE STUDY 3: VISUAL OVERHAUL PERFORMANCE CRISIS

THE PROBLEM

User installed multiple 4K texture packs, Vivid Weathers, Enhanced Lights, and a demanding ENB preset. Game ran at 15 FPS and crashed due to VRAM overflow.

THE ANALYSIS

• 4K textures consuming 8GB+ VRAM on 6GB GPU
• ENB preset designed for higher-end hardware
• Weather and lighting mods stacking performance costs
• No performance optimization mods installed

THE SOLUTION

                                                   Optimization Strategy:

                                                   1. Downgrade to 2K textures for most objects

                                                   2. Keep 4K only for characters and important items

                                                   3. Use performance-focused ENB preset

                                                   4. Install Boston FPS Fix and optimization mods

                                                   5. Reduce ENB effects selectively

2K Texture Pack Performance ENB Boston FPS Fix Optimized Vanilla Textures

CASE STUDY 4: QUEST MOD INTEGRATION NIGHTMARE

THE PROBLEM

User installed Fusion City Rising, Tales from the Commonwealth, America Rising, and Project Valkyrie. Quest conflicts, NPC duplication, and save corruption occurred.

THE ANALYSIS

• Multiple quest mods editing same cell locations
• America Rising conflicts with main quest progression
• NPC records overriding each other
• Script conflicts between quest systems
• Save game became dependent on all quest mods

THE SOLUTION

                                                   Staged Installation Approach:

                                                   1. Start with one major quest mod per playthrough

                                                   2. Use compatibility patches where available

                                                   3. Install Start Me Up for clean quest states

                                                   4. Test each quest mod individually first

                                                   5. Keep separate save files for each configuration

Tales + Fusion City Patch America Rising Compatibility Start Me Up Quest Fix

CASE STUDY 5: SCRIPT OVERLOAD MELTDOWN

THE PROBLEM

User installed 15+ script-heavy mods including multiple companion frameworks, settlement automation, and script-based overhauls. Game became unplayable with constant stuttering.

THE ANALYSIS

• Papyrus VM overloaded with script execution
• Multiple mods running constant background scripts
• Script conflicts causing infinite loops
• Memory allocation exceeded limits
• CPU unable to handle script load

THE SOLUTION

                                                   Script Diet Plan:

                                                   1. Remove redundant script mods

                                                   2. Choose one primary framework per category

                                                   3. Optimize Papyrus settings for performance

                                                   4. Install script monitoring tools

                                                   5. Use script-light alternatives where possible

Papyrus Tweaks Script Performance Monitor Lightweight Alternatives

LESSONS LEARNED

COMMON PATTERNS

• More mods ≠ better experience
• Framework conflicts are the most serious
• Performance issues compound quickly
• Script conflicts are hard to diagnose
• Prevention is easier than fixing

PREVENTION STRATEGIES

• Research before installing
• Test incrementally
• Choose quality over quantity
• Maintain performance baselines
• Keep documentation updated

REAL-WORLD TAKEAWAYS

These case studies represent actual user experiences and demonstrate that:

• Compatibility issues are usually solvable with the right approach
• Most problems come from lack of research and testing
• Community solutions exist for most common conflicts
• Sometimes less is more - selective modding beats shotgun approaches
• Good documentation and backups save hours of troubleshooting

17

PLATFORM-SPECIFIC COMPATIBILITY

Different platforms and hardware configurations create unique compatibility challenges requiring specialized solutions.

HARDWARE COMPATIBILITY FACTORS

GPU VENDORS

NVIDIA RTX SERIES

Best ENB compatibility, DLSS support

AMD RADEON

Some ENB issues, FSR support

INTEL ARC

Limited mod compatibility

CPU ARCHITECTURES

INTEL 12TH GEN+

Excellent script performance

AMD RYZEN 5000+

Great multi-threaded performance

OLDER CPUS

May struggle with script-heavy mods

OPERATING SYSTEM COMPATIBILITY

WINDOWS 11

ADVANTAGES

• Latest DirectX support
• Improved memory management
• Better multi-core utilization
• Enhanced security features

CONSIDERATIONS

• Some older mods may need updates
• New security restrictions
• Different default settings
• TPM requirements

WINDOWS 10

ADVANTAGES

• Mature, stable platform
• Extensive mod testing
• Broad compatibility
• Well-documented issues

CONSIDERATIONS

• End of support approaching
• Missing newer features
• Potential security risks
• Limited future updates

STORAGE COMPATIBILITY

NVME SSD

• Fastest loading times
• Best for texture streaming
• Recommended for mod storage
• Reduces stuttering

SATA SSD

• Good performance
• Adequate for most mods
• Budget-friendly option
• May limit large texture packs

HDD

• Slowest loading
• Causes frequent stuttering
• Not recommended for modding
• May cause timeout errors

GAME DISTRIBUTION PLATFORMS

STEAM VERSION

ADVANTAGES

• Most mod compatibility
• Automatic updates
• Workshop integration
• Largest user base

CONSIDERATIONS

• Auto-updates can break mods
• DRM restrictions
• Forced online verification
• Limited installation control

GOG VERSION

ADVANTAGES

• DRM-free
• No forced updates
• Full installation control
• Offline play

CONSIDERATIONS

• Some mods may need adjustments
• Manual update management
• Different file paths
• Smaller community

GAME PASS VERSION

Game Pass versions have significant modding limitations due to UWP restrictions. Many mods will not work properly, and F4SE support is limited. Not recommended for serious modding.

REGIONAL AND LANGUAGE CONSIDERATIONS

LOCALIZATION ISSUES

• Non-English Versions: Some mods only support English
• Font Limitations: Character sets may not display properly
• Voice Acting: Language-specific voice mods needed
• Text Encoding: UTF-8 vs regional encodings

SOLUTIONS

                                               Localization Compatibility:

                                               • Use English base game for maximum compatibility

                                               • Install language packs separately

                                               • Look for localized versions of major mods

                                               • Use community translation patches

PLATFORM OPTIMIZATION TIPS

Windows 11 Users:

• Enable Game Mode for better performance
• Configure Windows Defender exclusions
• Use Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling
• Disable unnecessary background apps

Hardware-Specific:

• Update GPU drivers regularly
• Enable XMP/DOCP for memory
• Monitor temperatures under load
• Use appropriate power settings

18

COMPATIBILITY TESTING PROTOCOLS

Systematic approaches to testing mod compatibility and ensuring stable configurations.

STRUCTURED TESTING METHODOLOGY

BASELINE ESTABLISHMENT

Create a reference point for all testing:

1. Fresh game installation
2. Performance benchmarks (FPS, loading times)
3. Stability test (2+ hours gameplay)
4. Documentation of system specs
5. Save file for consistent testing

INCREMENTAL TESTING

Add mods systematically:

                                               Testing Phases:

                                               Phase 1: Core fixes and frameworks (5-10 mods)

                                               Phase 2: Major content additions (10-20 mods)

                                               Phase 3: Visual and audio enhancements (20-40 mods)

                                               Phase 4: Quality of life improvements (40+ mods)

                                               • Test each phase thoroughly before proceeding

TESTING ENVIRONMENTS

VIRTUAL MACHINE TESTING

ADVANTAGES

Isolated environment, snapshot restore

LIMITATIONS

Performance overhead, limited graphics

DEDICATED TEST INSTALLATION

ADVANTAGES

Full performance, real-world conditions

REQUIREMENTS

Separate installation, more storage

AUTOMATED TESTING TOOLS

SCRIPT-BASED TESTING

                                               PowerShell Testing Script Example:

                                               # Launch game with specific mod configuration

                                               Start-Process "f4se_loader.exe" -ArgumentList "-profile=test"

                                               # Monitor for crashes or performance issues

                                               # Log results to file

                                               # Generate compatibility report

PERFORMANCE MONITORING

• MSI Afterburner: GPU usage, VRAM, temperatures
• Process Monitor: File system access patterns
• LatencyMon: System latency and DPC issues
• Custom F4SE Plugins: Game-specific metrics

COMPATIBILITY TEST SCENARIOS

STRESS TESTING

• Combat Stress: Large battles with many NPCs
• Settlement Stress: Complex builds with many objects
• Area Transitions: Fast travel between distant locations
• Save/Load Cycles: Frequent save and reload testing

FEATURE TESTING

• Mod Features: Test all advertised functionality
• Integration: Verify mod interactions work correctly
• Configuration: Test mod settings and options
• Edge Cases: Test unusual scenarios and combinations

TESTING DOCUMENTATION

TEST REPORT TEMPLATE

                                               Compatibility Test Report

                                               Date: [Test Date]

                                               Configuration: [Mod List Version]

                                               System: [Hardware Specs]

                                               Tests Performed:

                                               • Stability: [Duration] - [Result]

                                               • Performance: [FPS Range] - [Notes]

                                               • Functionality: [Features Tested] - [Status]

                                               • Compatibility: [Conflicts Found] - [Resolution]

                                               Issues Found: [List with severity]

                                               Recommendations: [Next steps]

TRACKING METRICS

QUANTITATIVE METRICS

• Average FPS in different areas
• Loading times for various locations
• Memory usage over time
• Crash frequency

QUALITATIVE METRICS

• Visual quality consistency
• Audio synchronization
• UI responsiveness
• Overall stability impression

COMMUNITY TESTING

BETA TESTING PROGRAMS

Participate in community testing efforts:

• Mod author beta testing groups
• Community modlist testing
• Patch verification testing
• Performance benchmark sharing

CROWD-SOURCED COMPATIBILITY

Leverage community knowledge:

• Submit compatibility reports to databases
• Share successful configurations
• Report new conflicts discovered
• Contribute to LOOT masterlist

TESTING BEST PRACTICES

Systematic Approach:

• Always test with clean saves
• Document everything thoroughly
• Use consistent testing procedures
• Test edge cases and unusual scenarios

Collaboration:

• Share results with the community
• Participate in testing programs
• Help others with compatibility issues
• Contribute to compatibility databases

19

EMERGENCY COMPATIBILITY RECOVERY

Rapid response procedures for when compatibility issues render your game unplayable.

CRISIS RESPONSE PROTOCOL

IMMEDIATE ACTIONS (0-5 MINUTES)

1. Document the Issue: Screenshot error messages, note last actions
2. Check Crash Logs: Look for immediate cause in Buffout 4 logs
3. Disable Recent Changes: Turn off mods added in last session
4. Test Vanilla Launch: Try launching without any mods
5. Check System Resources: Verify available disk space, memory

SHORT-TERM RECOVERY (5-30 MINUTES)

1. Restore Last Working Config: Load most recent backup
2. Binary Search Isolation: Disable half of mods, test, repeat
3. Check for Corrupted Files: Verify game files via Steam
4. Clear Temporary Files: Delete shader cache, temp folders
5. Reset Configuration: Restore default INI files

LONG-TERM RECOVERY (30+ MINUTES)

1. Complete System Analysis: Full compatibility audit
2. Rebuild Configuration: Start from known-good base
3. Update All Components: Game, F4SE, tools, mods
4. Create New Baseline: Document working configuration
5. Implement Safeguards: Better backup and monitoring

DISASTER RECOVERY TOOLKIT

ESSENTIAL TOOLS

BACKUP SOLUTIONS

• Mod Organizer 2 profiles
• Load order backup files
• Save file archives
• Game installation images

DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS

• FO4Edit for conflict analysis
• LOOT for sorting issues
• Buffout 4 for crash logs
• FallrimTools for save cleaning

RECOVERY SCRIPTS

                                                   Emergency Recovery Script:

                                                   @echo off

                                                   echo Starting emergency recovery...

                                                   copy "backup\*.ini" "Documents\My Games\Fallout4\"

                                                   copy "backup\plugins.txt" "AppData\Local\Fallout4\"

                                                   echo Recovery complete!

                                                   pause

COMMON EMERGENCY SCENARIOS

SCENARIO 1: GAME WON'T START

LIKELY CAUSES

• Missing F4SE
• Corrupted plugins
• Missing dependencies
• Registry issues

RECOVERY STEPS

1. Try vanilla launcher
2. Verify F4SE installation
3. Check Windows Event Viewer
4. Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables

SCENARIO 2: CONSTANT CRASHES

LIKELY CAUSES

• Memory overflow
• Mod conflicts
• Corrupted saves
• Hardware issues

RECOVERY STEPS

1. Check Buffout 4 logs
2. Disable high-VRAM mods
3. Try older save files
4. Test with minimal mods

SCENARIO 3: CORRUPTED SAVE FILES

SYMPTOMS

• Infinite loading screens
• Missing NPCs or objects
• Broken quest states
• Crashes on save load

RECOVERY STEPS

1. Use FallrimTools to clean save
2. Try earlier save files
3. Remove problematic mods
4. Start new game if necessary

PREVENTION STRATEGIES

AUTOMATED BACKUP SYSTEM

                                               PowerShell Auto-Backup Script:

                                               # Create timestamped backup

                                               $timestamp = Get-Date -Format "yyyyMMdd_HHmmss"

                                               $backupPath = "D:\FO4_Backups\$timestamp"

                                               New-Item -ItemType Directory -Path $backupPath

                                               Copy-Item "Documents\My Games\Fallout4\*" $backupPath -Recurse

                                               # Keep only last 10 backups

                                               Get-ChildItem "D:\FO4_Backups" | Sort-Object CreationTime -Descending | Select-Object -Skip 10 | Remove-Item -Recurse

MONITORING AND ALERTS

• Performance Monitoring: Track FPS degradation over time
• Crash Frequency: Alert when crashes exceed threshold
• Save File Size: Monitor for unexpected save bloat
• Mod Updates: Track when installed mods receive updates

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

The best recovery is prevention. Maintain regular backups, document changes, and test thoroughly. When disaster strikes, stay calm and work systematically through the recovery process.

RECOVERY CHECKLIST

Before Crisis:

• Set up automated backups
• Create recovery scripts
• Document working configurations
• Test recovery procedures

During Crisis:

• Stay calm and systematic
• Document everything
• Work from simple to complex
• Don't make changes in panic

20

MASTERING MOD COMPATIBILITY

The culmination of compatibility knowledge - becoming an expert in mod integration and conflict resolution.

THE COMPATIBILITY MASTERY PATH

NOVICE

0-6 Months

Basic LOOT usage, simple conflicts

ADEPT

6-18 Months

FO4Edit proficiency, patch creation

EXPERT

18-36 Months

Complex conflict resolution, automation

MASTER

36+ Months

Framework development, community leadership

ADVANCED MASTERY CONCEPTS

PREDICTIVE COMPATIBILITY

Anticipating conflicts before they occur:

• Understanding mod architecture patterns
• Recognizing conflict-prone combinations
• Developing intuition for mod interactions
• Creating preventive compatibility strategies

ECOSYSTEM THINKING

Understanding mods as part of larger ecosystems:

• Mod family relationships and dependencies
• Community development patterns
• Long-term sustainability planning
• Cross-game compatibility principles

INNOVATION IN COMPATIBILITY

Pushing the boundaries of what's possible:

• Developing new compatibility frameworks
• Creating automated conflict resolution tools
• Establishing new compatibility standards
• Contributing to next-generation modding tools

MASTER-LEVEL SKILLS

TECHNICAL MASTERY

• Deep Engine Knowledge: Understanding Creation Engine internals
• Script Architecture: Designing efficient script systems
• Memory Management: Optimizing resource usage
• Performance Profiling: Identifying bottlenecks
• Asset Optimization: Balancing quality and performance

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

• Mentoring Others: Teaching compatibility concepts
• Standard Development: Creating best practice guides
• Tool Creation: Developing compatibility utilities
• Research Leadership: Advancing the field
• Community Building: Fostering collaboration

CONTRIBUTING TO THE FUTURE

NEXT-GENERATION COMPATIBILITY

Preparing for the future of modding:

                                               Future Compatibility Concepts:

                                               • AI-powered conflict detection

                                               • Automated patch generation

                                               • Real-time compatibility monitoring

                                               • Cross-platform mod sharing

                                               • Version-independent compatibility

KNOWLEDGE SHARING

Ways to contribute to the community:

• Writing comprehensive compatibility guides
• Creating educational video content
• Developing open-source tools
• Contributing to compatibility databases
• Mentoring newcomers to modding

THE COMPATIBILITY EXPERT'S TOOLKIT

ANALYSIS TOOLS

• Custom FO4Edit scripts
• Automated conflict scanners
• Performance profilers
• Memory analyzers

DEVELOPMENT TOOLS

• Patch automation frameworks
• Compatibility testing suites
• Version control systems
• Documentation generators

RESEARCH PLATFORMS

• Compatibility databases
• Performance benchmarks
• Community feedback systems
• Academic research tools

MASTERY MILESTONES

SKILL CHECKPOINTS

TECHNICAL MILESTONES

• Successfully manage 500+ mod setup
• Create complex compatibility patches
• Develop automated testing systems
• Contribute to major modding tools

COMMUNITY MILESTONES

• Help 100+ users solve compatibility issues
• Create widely-used compatibility resources
• Establish new compatibility standards
• Mentor the next generation of modders

THE MASTER'S PHILOSOPHY

PRINCIPLES OF MASTERY

• Continuous Learning: The field evolves constantly
• Community First: Individual success depends on community health
• Quality Over Quantity: Better to do fewer things excellently
• Teaching Others: Knowledge grows when shared
• Responsible Innovation: New solutions should benefit everyone

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Respect for mod authors' intentions and rights
• Transparency in compatibility solutions
• Accessibility of knowledge and tools
• Environmental consideration in resource usage
• Inclusive community building

YOUR JOURNEY TO MASTERY

Mastering mod compatibility is not a destination but a continuous journey of learning, sharing, and growing with the community. Every challenge you solve, every person you help, and every tool you create contributes to the collective knowledge that benefits all modders.

Remember that mastery is not just about technical skills—it's about wisdom, patience, and the ability to see the bigger picture. The most skilled compatibility experts are those who can balance technical excellence with community leadership and ethical responsibility.

Your journey started with your first mod installation. As you continue to learn and grow, remember to help others along the way. The modding community thrives because experienced members share their knowledge freely and support newcomers.

Welcome to the path of mastery. The wasteland—and the community—await your contributions.

COMPATIBILITY MATRIX

MOD COMPATIBILITY CHECKER

UNDERSTANDING COMPATIBILITY

CONFLICT TYPES

CONFLICT SOURCES

COMPATIBILITY FACTORS

TECHNICAL FACTORS

GAMEPLAY FACTORS

VISUAL FACTORS

ESSENTIAL COMPATIBILITY TOOLS

FO4EDIT

LOOT

WRYE BASH

BUFFOUT 4

TOOL WORKFLOW

DETECT

ANALYZE

RESOLVE

TEST

TOOL SELECTION GUIDE

WEAPON MOD COMPATIBILITY

COMMON WEAPON CONFLICTS

WEAPON COMPATIBILITY MATRIX

WEAPON MOD CATEGORIES

NEW WEAPONS

WEAPON OVERHAULS

WEAPON SYSTEMS

WEAPON COMPATIBILITY SOLUTIONS

LEVELED LIST INTEGRATION

BALANCE PATCHES

WEAPON MOD WARNINGS

ARMOR MOD COMPATIBILITY

BODY FRAMEWORK CONFLICTS

ARMOR SYSTEM INTEGRATION

ARMOR COMPATIBILITY LAYERS

BODY FRAMEWORK LAYER

ARMOR CONTENT LAYER

SYSTEM INTEGRATION LAYER

BODYSLIDE COMPATIBILITY

BODYSLIDE PROCESS

COMMON BODYSLIDE ISSUES

ARMOR COMPATIBILITY BEST PRACTICES

GAMEPLAY OVERHAUL COMPATIBILITY

MAJOR GAMEPLAY OVERHAULS

SURVIVAL OVERHAULS

COMBAT OVERHAULS

OVERHAUL COMPATIBILITY MATRIX

COMPATIBILITY STRATEGIES

CHOOSE ONE PRIMARY OVERHAUL

MODULAR APPROACH

AVOID MULTIPLE OVERHAULS

VISUAL & GRAPHICS COMPATIBILITY

VISUAL MODIFICATION LAYERS

TEXTURE LAYER

LIGHTING LAYER

WEATHER LAYER

POST-PROCESSING LAYER

WEATHER MOD CONFLICTS

TEXTURE COMPATIBILITY

VISUAL COMPATIBILITY RULES

TEXTURE PRIORITY

LIGHTING PRIORITY

PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS

VRAM USAGE

FRAME RATE IMPACT

LOADING TIMES

VISUAL MOD INSTALLATION STRATEGY

SETTLEMENT MOD COMPATIBILITY

SETTLEMENT MOD HIERARCHY

FRAMEWORK LEVEL

SYSTEM LEVEL

CONTENT LEVEL

SETTLEMENT FRAMEWORK CONFLICTS

PERFORMANCE CONSIDERATIONS

SETTLEMENT MOD COMPATIBILITY MATRIX

SETTLEMENT COMPATIBILITY SOLUTIONS

FRAMEWORK SELECTION

OBJECT INTEGRATION

SETTLEMENT MODDING BEST PRACTICES

QUEST MOD COMPATIBILITY

COMPATIBILITY
MATRIX