LOOT TOOL
Auto-sort utility
CONFLICT CHECKER
Detect overrides
TEMPLATE BUILDER
Generate orders
BACKUP MANAGER
Save configurations
UNDERSTANDING LOAD ORDER
Load order determines which mods take priority when multiple mods modify the same game elements.
HOW IT WORKS
PLUGIN LOADING
- Fallout4.esm loads first
- Official DLC masters (.esm)
- Mod masters (.esm)
- Light plugins (.esl)
- Regular plugins (.esp)
OVERRIDE SYSTEM
- Later mods override earlier ones
- Record-level overrides
- Asset file priorities
- Form ID assignments
- Script execution order
Wrong load order can cause crashes, missing content, broken quests, or corrupted saves. Always backup before major changes!
PLUGIN TYPES
MASTER FILES (.ESM)
Core game files and large overhauls. Always load first in their category.
LIGHT PLUGINS (.ESL)
Space-efficient plugins that don't count toward the 255 limit.
REGULAR PLUGINS (.ESP)
Standard mod plugins with full functionality and features.
MASTER LOAD ORDER TEMPLATE
The definitive framework for organizing your mods. This template works for 10 to 500+ mods.
UNIVERSAL TEMPLATE
OFFICIAL GAME FILES
Fallout4.esm, DLCs, Creation Club content
UNOFFICIAL PATCHES
UFO4P, DLC patches, community fixes
FRAMEWORKS & LIBRARIES
F4SE plugins, MCM, frameworks
MAJOR OVERHAULS
Game-wide changes, total conversions
NEW LANDS & WORLDSPACES
New areas, DLC-sized mods
QUEST MODS
New quests, companions, storylines
GAMEPLAY CHANGES
Mechanics, balance, survival
SETTLEMENT MODS
Building, objects, mechanics
NEW WEAPONS
Weapon packs, individual weapons
WEAPON MODIFICATIONS
Weapon changes, rebalances
NEW ARMOR
Armor sets, clothing, accessories
ARMOR MODIFICATIONS
Armor changes, rebalances
CREATURES & NPCS
New creatures, NPC overhauls
VISUAL OVERHAULS
Textures, meshes, graphics
WEATHER & LIGHTING
Weather systems, lighting mods
AUDIO MODS
Sound effects, music, voices
USER INTERFACE
HUD, menus, UI overhauls
COMPATIBILITY PATCHES
Inter-mod compatibility fixes
BASHED PATCH
Automated conflict resolution
PERSONAL TWEAKS
Custom patches, final overrides
LOOT CONFIGURATION
Load Order Optimization Tool (LOOT) automates sorting but requires proper configuration.
LOOT INSTALLATION
- 1. Download from loot.github.io
- 2. Install to separate folder
- 3. Run as administrator
- 4. Set game path to Fallout 4
- 5. Update masterlist
LOOT USAGE
- 1. Launch LOOT
- 2. Click "Sort Plugins"
- 3. Review messages
- 4. Apply changes
- 5. Test in-game
CUSTOM LOOT RULES
For mods not in the masterlist, create custom rules:
"name": "YourMod.esp",
"after": [
"ModItShouldLoadAfter.esp"
],
"req": [
"RequiredMod.esp"
]
}
Create userlist.yaml in LOOT directory for persistent rules.
LOOT LIMITATIONS
- • Cannot detect all conflicts
- • May not know newest mods
- • Generic rules don't fit all setups
- • Manual review always required
CONFLICT DETECTION
Identify and resolve conflicts between mods to maintain stability.
CRITICAL CONFLICTS
- • Form ID conflicts
- • Master file dependencies
- • Essential record overrides
- • NavMesh conflicts
- • Script incompatibilities
MINOR CONFLICTS
- • Stat overrides
- • Texture replacements
- • Sound file conflicts
- • Leveled list additions
- • Keyword conflicts
SAFE CONFLICTS
- • Intentional overrides
- • Cosmetic changes
- • Description updates
- • Icon replacements
- • Localization changes
USING FO4EDIT FOR CONFLICTS
- 1. Launch FO4Edit
- 2. Load all plugins
- 3. Look for red conflicts in tree
- 4. Right-click for conflict info
- 5. Analyze which mod should win
CONFLICT RESOLUTION ORDER
When two mods conflict, the mod loaded later wins:
ModB.esp (loads second - takes priority)
CONFLICT RESOLUTION STRATEGIES
- • Reorder mods to change priority
- • Use compatibility patches
- • Create custom override patches
- • Choose alternative mods
- • Use bashed patches for leveled lists
ADVANCED TECHNIQUES
Expert-level load order optimization for large mod lists.
MERGE PLUGINS
Combine multiple ESP files to save plugin slots:
GOOD CANDIDATES
- • Armor/weapon packs
- • Texture-only mods
- • Small quest mods
- • Cosmetic changes
AVOID MERGING
- • Script-heavy mods
- • Frequently updated mods
- • Complex dependencies
- • Master files
ESL FLAGGING
Convert ESP files to ESL format to bypass 255 plugin limit:
• Less than 2048 new records
• No new cells or worldspaces
• No persistent references
• Compatible with Form ID range
- 1. Open mod in FO4Edit
- 2. Right-click plugin header
- 3. Check "ESL" flag
- 4. Compact Form IDs
- 5. Save and test
BASHED PATCHES
Automatically merge leveled lists and other compatible records:
WRYE BASH SETUP
- 1. Install Wrye Bash
- 2. Launch and scan mods
- 3. Right-click "Bashed Patch"
- 4. Select "Rebuild Patch"
- 5. Configure options
RECOMMENDED OPTIONS
- • Leveled Lists
- • Stats (if needed)
- • Names (if needed)
- • Import Graphics
- • Import Sounds
CATEGORY-SPECIFIC ORDERING
Detailed placement rules for specific mod types.
WEAPON MODS
NEW WEAPONS
Add new weapon types - load early
WEAPON OVERHAULS
Modify existing weapons - load later
WEAPON PATCHES
Compatibility fixes - load last
ARMOR MODS
NEW ARMOR SETS
Add new armor types - load early
ARMOR OVERHAULS
Modify existing armor - load later
BODYSLIDE PATCHES
Body compatibility - load last
SETTLEMENT MODS
SETTLEMENT OVERHAULS
- • Sim Settlements 2
- • Settlement frameworks
- • Major building overhauls
BUILDING OBJECTS
- • Object packs
- • Decoration mods
- • Furniture additions
SETTLEMENT PATCHES
- • Compatibility patches
- • Settlement fixes
- • Performance patches
VISUAL MODS
TEXTURE REPLACEMENTS
Base textures should load before specialized ones:
- 1. General texture overhauls
- 2. Specific category textures
- 3. Individual item textures
- 4. Seasonal/weather textures
LIGHTING MODS
Lighting should load in specific order:
- 1. Interior lighting overhauls
- 2. Exterior lighting changes
- 3. Weather-dependent lighting
- 4. ENB-specific lighting
PERFORMANCE-FOCUSED ORDERING
Optimize load order for maximum game performance.
PERFORMANCE PRINCIPLES
LOAD EARLY
- • Performance optimization mods
- • Memory management tools
- • FPS improvement mods
- • Script optimization
LOAD LATE
- • Resource-intensive mods
- • Complex script systems
- • High-resolution textures
- • ENB presets
ESSENTIAL PERFORMANCE MODS
BOSTON FPS FIX
Load Priority: Very High | Fixes downtown performance issues
INSIGNIFICANT OBJECT REMOVER
Load Priority: High | Removes unnecessary objects
SHADOW RESOLUTION 2048 TO 512
Load Priority: Medium | Reduces shadow quality for performance
PREVIS REPAIR PACK
Load Priority: Very High | Fixes broken precombines
PERFORMANCE KILLERS
Mods that can severely impact performance if not properly ordered:
- • ENB Presets: Load last, after all visual mods
- • 4K Texture Packs: Monitor VRAM usage, load strategically
- • Complex Weather Systems: Can conflict with performance mods
- • Script-Heavy Mods: Limit quantity, load after frameworks
- • Grass/Flora Overhauls: Major FPS impact, load carefully
STABILITY TESTING
Systematic approach to testing load order stability.
TESTING PROTOCOL
INCREMENTAL TESTING
- 1. Install 10-20 mods at a time
- 2. Test for 30+ minutes each batch
- 3. Visit different game areas
- 4. Check console for errors
- 5. Monitor performance metrics
STRESS TESTING
- 1. Combat in downtown Boston
- 2. Settlement building with many objects
- 3. Fast travel between locations
- 4. Extended indoor exploration
- 5. NPC-heavy areas like Diamond City
STABILITY INDICATORS
STABLE SIGNS
- • No crashes for 2+ hours
- • Consistent frame rates
- • No console errors
- • Saves load properly
- • All features working
WARNING SIGNS
- • Occasional stuttering
- • Minor texture issues
- • Slow loading screens
- • Console warnings
- • Memory usage spikes
UNSTABLE SIGNS
- • Frequent crashes
- • Infinite loading screens
- • Missing meshes/textures
- • Script errors
- • Corrupted saves
TESTING LOCATIONS
HIGH-STRESS AREAS
- • Downtown Boston (Financial District)
- • Combat Zone exterior
- • Goodneighbor entrance
- • Trinity Tower area
- • Corvega Assembly Plant
FEATURE TESTING
- • Settlement building interfaces
- • Workshop menu functionality
- • Companion interactions
- • Quest progression
- • Inventory management
LOAD ORDER TROUBLESHOOTING
Diagnose and fix common load order issues.
CRASH TO DESKTOP (CTD)
COMMON CAUSES
- • Missing master files
- • Form ID conflicts
- • Corrupted plugins
- • Memory overflow
- • Script errors
SOLUTIONS
- • Check FO4Edit for errors
- • Verify mod dependencies
- • Run LOOT for conflicts
- • Test with minimal load order
- • Use binary search method
INFINITE LOADING SCREENS
COMMON CAUSES
- • Corrupted save files
- • Mod removal mid-game
- • Precombine conflicts
- • Memory allocation issues
- • Script lag
SOLUTIONS
- • Use earlier save file
- • Install Boston FPS Fix
- • Check for precombine conflicts
- • Increase memory allocation
- • Clean save with ReSaver
MISSING CONTENT
COMMON CAUSES
- • Mod overrides
- • Incorrect load order
- • Missing patches
- • Leveled list conflicts
- • Asset file priorities
SOLUTIONS
- • Check mod priority
- • Use compatibility patches
- • Create bashed patch
- • Verify asset installation
- • Check archive invalidation
BINARY SEARCH METHOD
Efficient way to find problematic mods in large load orders:
- 1. Disable half of your mods
- 2. Test the game
- 3. If stable, problem is in disabled half
- 4. If unstable, problem is in enabled half
- 5. Repeat with problematic half
- 6. Continue until you find the culprit
EXPERT CONFIGURATIONS
Advanced setups for experienced modders with 250+ mods.
MASSIVE LOAD ORDERS (250+ MODS)
ORGANIZATION STRATEGIES
- • Use mod groups/categories
- • Create detailed spreadsheets
- • Document all changes
- • Use consistent naming
- • Regular backup schedules
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
- • 32GB+ RAM recommended
- • High-end CPU for scripts
- • Fast SSD storage
- • Dedicated GPU with 8GB+ VRAM
- • Windows 11 for latest drivers
MODULAR LOAD ORDER DESIGN
CORE MODULE
Essential fixes and frameworks that never change
CONTENT MODULE
New content mods that can be swapped
EXPERIMENTAL MODULE
Testing new mods without affecting stable base
AUTOMATION TOOLS
LOAD ORDER MANAGERS
- • Mod Organizer 2 profiles
- • Vortex collections
- • Custom batch scripts
- • Load order templates
VALIDATION TOOLS
- • Automated conflict detection
- • Dependency checking
- • Performance monitoring
- • Stability testing scripts
COMMON MISTAKES
Avoid these frequent load order pitfalls.
CRITICAL ERRORS
LOADING PATCHES BEFORE MODS
Patches must load after the mods they patch
MISSING MASTER FILES
Always install required dependencies first
OVERRIDING ESSENTIAL FIXES
Don't let other mods override bug fixes
IGNORING LOAD ORDER HINTS
Read mod descriptions for placement instructions
COMMON OVERSIGHTS
NOT UPDATING LOOT MASTERLIST
Keep LOOT database current for best results
MIXING INCOMPATIBLE MODS
Check compatibility before installing
IGNORING PERFORMANCE IMPACT
Monitor FPS and stability with each addition
POOR BACKUP PRACTICES
Backup before major load order changes
PREVENTION STRATEGIES
RESEARCH FIRST
- • Read mod descriptions
- • Check compatibility lists
- • Review user comments
- • Test with minimal setup
INCREMENTAL APPROACH
- • Add few mods at a time
- • Test after each batch
- • Document what works
- • Keep stable backups
SYSTEMATIC TESTING
- • Use test characters
- • Visit problem areas
- • Monitor performance
- • Check for conflicts
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Unique scenarios and edge cases in load order management.
CREATION CLUB CONTENT
LOAD ORDER PLACEMENT
- • Load after official DLCs
- • Before unofficial patches
- • Treat as official content
- • Check for mod conflicts
COMPATIBILITY NOTES
- • May conflict with mods
- • Updates can break saves
- • Limited customization
- • Patches may be needed
LANGUAGE VARIATIONS
NON-ENGLISH GAMES
- • Check mod language support
- • Use localized patches
- • Test voice/text integration
- • Consider translation mods
TRANSLATION CONSIDERATIONS
- • Translation mods load late
- • May override other content
- • Check for completeness
- • Test in different areas
PLATFORM-SPECIFIC ISSUES
WINDOWS VERSIONS
- • Windows 11: Latest drivers
- • Windows 10: Stable, well-tested
- • Older versions: Compatibility issues
- • Check specific requirements
HARDWARE CONSIDERATIONS
- • AMD vs Intel CPU differences
- • NVIDIA vs AMD GPU support
- • Memory allocation limits
- • Storage speed impact
LOAD ORDER TEMPLATES
Pre-built configurations for different play styles.
PERFORMANCE BUILD
Optimized for 60+ FPS on mid-range hardware
VISUAL SHOWCASE
Maximum visual fidelity for screenshots
GAMEPLAY OVERHAUL
Complete game transformation
TEMPLATE CUSTOMIZATION
ADDING MODS
- • Follow template structure
- • Maintain category groupings
- • Check for conflicts
- • Test incrementally
REMOVING MODS
- • Check for dependencies
- • Clean save files
- • Update patches
- • Test for stability
ESSENTIAL TOOLS
Must-have utilities for load order management.
LOOT (LOAD ORDER OPTIMIZATION TOOL)
Automatically sorts plugins and detects conflicts
FO4EDIT
Advanced conflict analysis and resolution
WRYE BASH
Automated patch creation for leveled lists
FALLRIMTOOLS
Clean corrupted save files
TOOL INTEGRATION WORKFLOW
SORT WITH LOOT
Initial automatic sorting
ANALYZE WITH FO4EDIT
Detailed conflict review
PATCH WITH WRYE BASH
Automatic conflict resolution
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Connect with the modding community for support and knowledge.
OFFICIAL FORUMS
NEXUS MODS FORUMS
Official support and discussions
REDDIT r/FALLOUTMODS
Community help and showcase
BETHESDA FORUMS
Official game support
DISCORD COMMUNITIES
MODDING DISCORD
Real-time help and chat
FALLOUT 4 MODDING
Dedicated F4 modding community
MODMARKET DISCORD
Official support channel
LEARNING RESOURCES
VIDEO TUTORIALS
- • YouTube mod guides
- • Twitch modding streams
- • Official tool tutorials
- • Community workshops
DOCUMENTATION
- • Creation Kit wiki
- • Tool documentation
- • Community guides
- • Best practices docs
EXPERT ADVICE
- • Mod author insights
- • Advanced techniques
- • Troubleshooting tips
- • Performance optimization
LOAD ORDER MAINTENANCE
Keep your load order healthy with regular maintenance.
REGULAR MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
WEEKLY
- • Update LOOT masterlist
- • Check for mod updates
- • Backup current load order
- • Clean temporary files
MONTHLY
- • Full stability test
- • Review mod compatibility
- • Clean save files
- • Archive old backups
QUARTERLY
- • Major load order review
- • Remove unused mods
- • Update all tools
- • Performance optimization
HEALTH CHECK PROCEDURES
AUTOMATED CHECKS
- • LOOT conflict detection
- • FO4Edit error scanning
- • Missing master detection
- • Plugin limit monitoring
MANUAL REVIEW
- • Performance trend analysis
- • Stability pattern review
- • User experience assessment
- • Feature functionality test
DOCUMENTATION BEST PRACTICES
KEEP DETAILED RECORDS
- • Load order snapshots with dates
- • Mod installation/removal logs
- • Performance benchmarks
- • Stability test results
VERSION CONTROL
- • Track working configurations
- • Document successful changes
- • Note problematic combinations
- • Maintain rollback points
FUTURE-PROOFING
Prepare your load order for game updates and new mods.
GAME UPDATE STRATEGY
BEFORE UPDATES
- • Complete backup of entire setup
- • Document current mod versions
- • Create stability test save
- • Check mod compatibility lists
- • Disable Steam auto-updates
AFTER UPDATES
- • Test with minimal mod list
- • Check F4SE compatibility
- • Update tools and utilities
- • Verify mod compatibility
- • Gradual mod re-enablement
SCALABILITY PLANNING
MODULAR DESIGN
Build your load order in logical modules:
- • Core stability module (never changes)
- • Visual enhancement module (swappable)
- • Gameplay modification module (experimental)
- • Content addition module (expandable)
EXPANSION READINESS
Leave room for growth:
- • Reserve plugin slots for new mods
- • Keep ESL conversion options open
- • Plan for merge plugin opportunities
- • Maintain flexibility in category ordering
EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
NEW FORMATS
- • ESL plugin evolution
- • Advanced compression methods
- • Next-gen texture formats
- • Improved archive systems
AUTOMATION TOOLS
- • AI-powered conflict detection
- • Automated patch generation
- • Smart load order optimization
- • Performance prediction tools
ADVANCED OPTIMIZATION
Squeeze every drop of performance from your load order.
MEMORY OPTIMIZATION
F4SE MEMORY SETTINGS
DefaultHeapInitialAllocMB=2048
ScrapHeapSizeMB=1024
StringBlockSizeMB=512
[Experimental]
bEnableHotSwap=1
bEnableOneDriveSupport=0
SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION
- • Increase virtual memory
- • Disable unnecessary services
- • Use high-performance power plan
- • Optimize page file location
- • Configure Windows for gaming
SCRIPT OPTIMIZATION
PAPYRUS TWEAKS
fPostLoadUpdateTimeMS=2000.0
bEnableLogging=0
bEnableTrace=0
bLoadDebugInformation=0
iMinMemoryPageSize=256
iMaxMemoryPageSize=1024
iMaxAllocatedMemoryBytes=307200
SCRIPT LOAD ORDER
- • Load framework scripts first
- • Group related script mods
- • Separate heavy script systems
- • Monitor script performance
ASSET OPTIMIZATION
TEXTURE PRIORITY
- • Base textures first
- • Overrides last
- • Compress for performance
- • Monitor VRAM usage
MESH OPTIMIZATION
- • Optimize polygon counts
- • Fix mesh errors
- • Batch process meshes
- • Use LOD systems
ARCHIVE MANAGEMENT
- • Prioritize BSA files
- • Use loose files sparingly
- • Compress archives
- • Monitor loading times
EXPERT TIPS & TRICKS
Professional secrets from veteran modders.
LOAD ORDER PSYCHOLOGY
PLAYER EXPECTATION
- • Order mods by perceived importance
- • Place "must-have" mods early
- • Group similar functionality
- • Consider visual flow
CONFLICT PRIORITY
- • Stability over features
- • Performance over visuals
- • Compatibility over complexity
- • Maintenance over novelty
HIDDEN DEPENDENCIES
SOFT DEPENDENCIES
Mods that work better together but don't require each other:
- • Weather and lighting mods
- • Weapon and armor overhauls
- • Settlement and building mods
- • Audio and visual enhancements
IMPLICIT REQUIREMENTS
Unstated but necessary for full functionality:
- • Performance patches for visual mods
- • Compatibility patches for overhauls
- • Framework updates for complex mods
- • Base game fixes for mod stability
ADVANCED TECHNIQUES
CONDITIONAL LOADING
- • Create situation-specific profiles
- • Use mod manager features
- • Implement batch scripts
- • Monitor system resources
DYNAMIC ADJUSTMENT
- • Monitor performance metrics
- • Adjust based on gameplay
- • Seasonal mod swapping
- • Hardware-specific optimization
ACHIEVING MASTERY
The path to becoming a load order expert.
MASTERY MILESTONES
SKILL DEVELOPMENT PATH
FOUNDATION (MONTHS 1-3)
- • Master basic load order principles
- • Learn LOOT and FO4Edit basics
- • Practice with 20-50 mods
- • Focus on stability over features
INTERMEDIATE (MONTHS 4-8)
- • Learn conflict resolution
- • Create simple compatibility patches
- • Manage 50-150 mods confidently
- • Understand mod interactions
ADVANCED (MONTHS 9-18)
- • Master advanced FO4Edit features
- • Create complex merged patches
- • Optimize for specific hardware
- • Handle 150-300 mods
MASTERY (18+ MONTHS)
- • Develop custom methodologies
- • Create tools and automation
- • Handle 300+ mods seamlessly
- • Mentor other modders
FINAL WISDOM
PATIENCE IS KEY
Mastery takes time. Don't rush the process. Each mistake is a learning opportunity.
COMMUNITY MATTERS
Learn from others, share your knowledge, and contribute to the modding community.
NEVER STOP LEARNING
The modding landscape evolves constantly. Stay curious and keep experimenting.
QUICK REFERENCE
Essential load order reminders
GOLDEN RULES
- • Masters before plugins
- • Patches after mods
- • Stability before features
- • Test before adding more
- • Backup before changes
DANGER SIGNS
- • Frequent crashes
- • Infinite loading
- • Missing content
- • Performance drops
- • Save corruption
EMERGENCY ACTIONS
- • Restore from backup
- • Disable recent mods
- • Run FO4Edit check
- • Binary search method
- • Clean save files