Difference between revisions of "Fallout 3"
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{{ii}} Not needed for GOG version. | {{ii}} Not needed for GOG version. | ||
{{++}} Improves stability on systems with at least 3GB RAM. | {{++}} Improves stability on systems with at least 3GB RAM. | ||
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====[https://steamcommunity.com/app/22370/discussions/0/541907867758926985/ Windows 10 Fallout 3 Patcher]==== | ====[https://steamcommunity.com/app/22370/discussions/0/541907867758926985/ Windows 10 Fallout 3 Patcher]==== | ||
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{{++}} Updated sound libraries that optimize the game's audio decoding, fixes an audio memory leak, sound related stuttering and boosts performance while reducing CPU strain. | {{++}} Updated sound libraries that optimize the game's audio decoding, fixes an audio memory leak, sound related stuttering and boosts performance while reducing CPU strain. | ||
− | ===Skip intro videos=== | + | ===Miscellaneous=== |
+ | |||
+ | ====Play without [[Games for Windows - LIVE]]==== | ||
+ | {{ii}} Games for Windows Live can be disabled as an alternative to using a [[Games for Windows - LIVE#Creating a local profile|local profile]]. | ||
+ | {{ii}} Already removed on GOG version. | ||
+ | |||
+ | {{Fixbox|description=Games for Windows - LIVE Disabler|ref={{cn|date=September 2016}}|fix= | ||
+ | {{ii}} Requires Fallout 3 v1.1 or higher. | ||
+ | {{++}} Removes login delay, reducing startup time. | ||
+ | # Ensure that the latest version of the [https://community.pcgamingwiki.com/files/file/1012-microsoft-games-for-windows-live/ Games for Windows - LIVE software] is installed. | ||
+ | # Launch the game once to allow the necessary config files to be created. | ||
+ | # Download and run the [https://www.nexusmods.com/fallout3/mods/1086/ Games for Windows LIVE Disabler.] | ||
+ | # To retrieve save games, move files from: <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Fallout3\Saves\{{p|uid}}\</code> to <code>{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\My Games\Fallout3\Saves\</code> | ||
+ | # Use the 'Move DLC's' button to get DLC working again. Steam version of Game of the Year Edition owners do not need to move DLC. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Enable HBAO==== | ||
+ | Open the Nvidia Control panel and under Program Settings for Fallout3.exe switch Ambient Occlusion to Quality.<ref>https://i.imgur.com/7kUq97r.gif</ref> GIF showing the difference. | ||
+ | |||
+ | ====Skip intro videos==== | ||
{{Fixbox|description=File removal|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | {{Fixbox|description=File removal|ref={{cn|date=July 2016}}|fix= | ||
# Go to <code>{{p|game}}\Data\Video\</code> | # Go to <code>{{p|game}}\Data\Video\</code> | ||
# Delete or rename <code>Fallout INTRO Vsk.bik</code>. | # Delete or rename <code>Fallout INTRO Vsk.bik</code>. | ||
}} | }} | ||
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==Game data== | ==Game data== |
Revision as of 15:33, 27 April 2021
Developers | |
---|---|
Bethesda Game Studios | |
Publishers | |
Bethesda Softworks | |
Engines | |
Gamebryo (TES Engine) | |
Release dates | |
Windows | October 28, 2008 |
Reception | |
Metacritic | 91 |
IGDB | 89 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | DLC |
Microtransactions | None |
Modes | Singleplayer |
Pacing | Real-time |
Perspectives | First-person, Third-person |
Controls | Direct control |
Genres | ARPG, Open world, Shooter |
Art styles | Realistic |
Themes | North America, Post-apocalyptic, Sci-fi |
Series | Fallout |
Fallout | |
---|---|
Fallout | 1997 |
Fallout 2 | 1998 |
Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel | 2001 |
Fallout 3 | 2008 |
Fallout: New Vegas | 2010 |
Fallout 4 | 2015 |
Fallout Shelter | 2016 |
Fallout 4 VR | 2017 |
Fallout 76 | 2018 |
Warnings
- For Games for Windows - LIVE on Windows 8 or later, install the latest Games for Windows - LIVE software.
Key points
- Runs better on Windows 7 and later with the multiple core CPU fix.
- Shares many similarities with Fallout: New Vegas in terms of its engine and performance.
- Extensive modding community.
General information
- GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
- GOG.com Support Page
- Steam Community Discussions (Game of the Year Edition)
- Steam Community Discussions
- Fallout 3 Nexus - the most popular host for Fallout 3 mods.
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | Launcher uses SecuROM 7 DRM disc check, run with Fallout3.exe to bypass.[1] Some other copies use SafeDisc v4.85 DRM[Note 1]. Russian copies use StarForce 5 DRM. |
|||
Amazon.com | Game of the Year Edition is also available. | |||
Bethesda.net | Game of the Year Edition | |||
GamersGate | Game of the Year Edition is also available. | |||
GOG.com | Game of the Year Edition, multi-core issues are fixed.[4] | |||
Green Man Gaming | Game of the Year Edition is also available. | |||
Humble Store | Game of the Year Edition is also available. | |||
Steam | Game of the Year Edition is also available. |
- SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows Vista and later (see above for affected versions).
- All versions except GOG.com require Games for Windows - LIVE DRM.[Note 2] GFWL can be disabled by running the game through FOSE. Additionally, all non-retail copies except GOG.com require Steam DRM.
Version differences
- The Game of the Year Edition includes all DLC, and is the best choice for price and modding capability.
- The German version only includes the German language and has content differences (e.g. no blood/gore).
- The GOG.com version is uncensored for Germans.
DLC and expansion packs
Name | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Operation: Anchorage | ||
The Pitt | ||
Broken Steel | ||
Point Lookout | ||
Mothership Zeta | ||
Original Soundtrack |
Essential improvements
Patches
- The v 1.7 patch updates the game to the latest version. GOG.com and Steam versions are already patched. The Retail Game of the Year Edition will apply the patch during the DLC disc installation.
Mod Manager
- Mod Managers simplify mod installation, use one of the following.
Fallout Mod Manager (FOMM)
- Basic mod manager with a simple interface, good for beginners.
Mod Organizer
- Powerful and easy to use mod manager with mod virtualization, in order to keep the installation folder clean.
- Features a configuration editor, the FOSE executable can also be set to be launched through the configurator.
Vortex
- The official mod manager made by Nexus Mods.
- It is designed to make modding your game as simple as possible for new users, while still providing enough control for more experienced veterans of the modding scene.
Unofficial Patches
Updated Unofficial Fallout 3 Patch
- If any of the 5 DLCs aren't present, an older bugged version is installed.
- Fixes hundreds of bugs not covered by the official patches.
- A bug prevents the hiring of a certain follower[5] even when the player meets the requirements. A fix can be found either here or here.
General
Large Address Aware Enabler
- Patch to make Fallout 3 Large Address Aware, allowing FO3 more address memory space.
- Not needed for GOG version.
- Improves stability on systems with at least 3GB RAM.
Windows 10 Fallout 3 Patcher
- If Fallout 3 crashes on launch, this patcher may get it running.
- Configures fallout.ini (or creates it if non existent) to run properly on Windows 10 automatically, including the Multi-core CPU fix.
- Provides links to GfWL, DirectX 9, and .NET Runtime which are required to launch the game.
Increased Heap Allocation
- Requires Fallout 3 Script Extender.
- Increases performance by changing the initial heap size allocated by the game.
Out Of Memory Fix
- Requires Fallout 3 Script Extender.
- Engine patch to decrease overall ram usage and eliminate 'Out Of Memory' errors caused when using large textures.
Ogg Vorbis Libraries
- Released for Fallout New Vegas, but also works on Fallout 3.
- Updated sound libraries that optimize the game's audio decoding, fixes an audio memory leak, sound related stuttering and boosts performance while reducing CPU strain.
Miscellaneous
Play without Games for Windows - LIVE
- Games for Windows Live can be disabled as an alternative to using a local profile.
- Already removed on GOG version.
Games for Windows - LIVE Disabler[citation needed] |
---|
|
Enable HBAO
Open the Nvidia Control panel and under Program Settings for Fallout3.exe switch Ambient Occlusion to Quality.[6] GIF showing the difference.
Skip intro videos
File removal[citation needed] |
---|
|
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Fallout3\*.ini |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/22300/pfx/[Note 3] |
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Fallout3\Saves\ |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/22300/pfx/[Note 3] |
Save game cloud syncing
System | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
GOG Galaxy | ||
OneDrive | Requires enabling backup of the Documents folder in OneDrive on all computers. | |
Steam Cloud |
Save games missing
If logged into Games for Windows LIVE, the game will save in the Games for Windows LIVE folder corresponding to the currently logged-in username. If logged out of the service, the game will be unable to locate the saves.
Retrieve Missing Saves[citation needed] |
---|
|
Once you restart the game, your saves should now be detected.
Video
Graphics feature | State | WSGF | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | |||
Multi-monitor | See Multi-monitor. | ||
Ultra-widescreen | |||
4K Ultra HD | |||
Field of view (FOV) | See Field of view (FOV). | ||
Windowed | |||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | Install OneTweak followed by FOSE and enable the windowed mode in the launcher. | ||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | Set in launcher. Up to 15 samples. | ||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | Set in launcher. Up to 8x MSAA. SGSSAA can be achieved on Nvidia systems with flag 0x000010C1 . |
||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | Toggle in launcher is broken. Set iPresentInterval=0 in fallout.ini to disable. |
||
60 FPS | |||
120+ FPS | |||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | Rendered image uses SDR color space. In-game HDR option refers only to HDR Rendering. |
- Most graphics options are accessible on the main launcher screen.
Multi-monitor
- Adds support for multi-monitor displays.
- Displays HUD on the middle display.
Multi-monitor[citation needed] |
---|
|
- Relevant multi-monitor resolutions:
3840x1024 5040x1050 iSafeZoneXWide=610 iSafeZoneXWide=770 iSafeZoneYWide=15 iSafeZoneYWide=15 iSafeZoneX=610 iSafeZoneX=770
Field of view (FOV)
Edit Field of view (FOV)[7] |
---|
The second line affects the FOV of the gun, so a lower value is recommended to avoid clipping. For example 66 |
These values use the 5:4 aspect ratio as a baseline FOV:
Aspect Ratio FOV Value 4:3 79.9000 16:9 105.3000 15:9 99.0000 16:10 95.2000 21:9 80.0000
Enabling HBAO+ for Nvidia graphics cards
- Note: Using Nvidia HBAO+ can break compatibility with ENB Series.
- Use the Ambient Occlusion flag
0x00000005
withQuality
orHigh Quality
.
Using Ambient Occlusion flag 0x00000005 [8]
|
---|
|
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | ||
Mouse acceleration | Enabled by default; see Mouse acceleration. | |
Mouse sensitivity | ||
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Controller | ||
Controller support | Native XInput controller support. | |
Full controller support | Partial support | |
Controller remapping | ||
Controller sensitivity | ||
Controller Y-axis inversion |
Controller types |
---|
XInput-compatible controllers |
---|
PlayStation controllers |
---|
Generic/other controllers |
---|
Additional information | ||
---|---|---|
Button prompts | For DualShock use the Playstation 4 Controller mod. | |
Controller hotplugging | ||
Haptic feedback | ||
Digital movement supported | ||
Simultaneous controller+KB/M |
Mouse acceleration
Disable mouse acceleration[9][10] |
---|
|
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | Music, footsteps, voice, effects and radio. | |
Surround sound | In-game Audio, up to 7.1 output[11] Cutscene Audio is 2.0. | |
Subtitles | Shows one subtitle at a time. | |
Closed captions | ||
Mute on focus lost | ||
EAX support | Use DSOAL to enable true binaural sound. Does not require a sound card.[12] |
- May require DirectSound3D restoration software to restore proper audio functionality on Vista and later (Included in HRTF mod).
Localizations
- The German version only includes the German language.
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | ||||
French | ||||
French | ||||
German | ||||
Hungarian | Retail only, Download. | |||
Italian | ||||
Polish | Retail only. Patch for digital release here. Only the base game is dubbed. | |||
Russian | Retail only. Patch for digital release here. | |||
Spanish |
VR support
3D modes | State | GG3D | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Nvidia 3D Vision | Use Helix Mod: Fallout 3 for better 3D support. | |||
TriDef 3D | ||||
vorpX | G3D, DirectVR Officially supported game, see official vorpx game list. |
Devices | |||
---|---|---|---|
3RD Space Gaming Vest |
Issues fixed
- TweakGuides has created a comprehensive guide for fixing issues in this game. It can be found here.
Game crashes randomly
Multiple Core CPU Fix[13][14] |
---|
|
Game crashes on start-up
Make sure you can log in GFWL[citation needed]
In case of any problems, run Fallout 3 in compatibility mode - Windows XP SP3, and GFWL installer in Windows 7 copatibility mode. |
---|
Disable Other Monitors[15][citation needed] |
---|
|
Change FalloutPrefs.ini to reference your current GPU[citation needed] |
---|
|
Crash when starting new game or loading save
unsupported IGPs and windows 10 AU: use graphics bypass[16] |
---|
Reset codecs[17] |
---|
|
Run as administrator[citation needed] |
---|
Game keeps minimizing
- Caused by the cursor being active in the background (and clicking Icons, Links, Buttons etc.)
Disable Visual Themes and Desktop Composition[citation needed] |
---|
Certain non-conversation voices, such as museum exhibits and random speech, are too quiet
Editing the config file[18][citation needed] |
---|
|
Pip-Boy radio skipping or stuttering
- Commonly caused by an issue with current MP3 codec, the format used exclusively by songs played through Pip-Boy radio.
- The music may not be stuttering when the game is minimized, with the song played normally.
Use DSOAL[citation needed] |
---|
Fix for Creative X-Fi soundcards[19][citation needed] |
---|
|
Use IndirectSound[20] |
---|
Disable MP3 decoding in LAV Splitter Configuration[21] |
---|
|
Set LAV Audio as preferred DirectShow MP3 decoder |
---|
|
Crash when leaving Rivet City marketplace
Use UPDATED Unofficial Fallout 3 Patch version 1.3 or greater[citation needed] |
---|
Use fixed Broken Steel patch[citation needed] |
---|
|
Game hangs on closing
Disable threaded audio[citation needed] |
---|
|
Game hangs a few seconds after loading
Disable Creative Alchemy if no Creative soundcard present[citation needed] |
---|
|
Game becomes unresponsive after Alt+Tab ↹
Enable borderless fullscreen |
---|
|
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
Direct3D | 9 | |
Shader Model support | 3 |
Executable | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Windows |
Middleware
Middleware | Notes | |
---|---|---|
Physics | Havok | |
Audio | DirectSound | |
Cutscenes | Bink Video | 1.7d |
Modifications
Mods for Fallout 3 can be found at Fallout 3 Nexus.
- See Essential improvements for modifications that fix bugs and improve performance.
Recommended mods
- A good beginner friendly non-NSFW Fallout 3 modding guide is here. Most mods can be found at Nexus. For adult oriented mods go to LoversLab .
Utilities
Fallout 3 Script Extender (FOSE)
- Disables Games for Windows - LIVE (GFWL) when run.
- Used by many Fallout 3 mods to extend the scripting capabilities of Fallout 3's game engine.
- Russian and Polish DVD retail copies, Direct2Drive copies, and the unpatched game (1.0.0.12) are all unsupported.
Script Extender Plugins
The following mods require Fallout 3 Script Extender.
NVAC - New Vegas Anti Crash
- Created for Fallout New Vegas, but also works on Fallout 3.
- Implements structured exception handling and sanity checking to reduce frequency of game crashes.
F3TF - Fallout 3 Tick Fix
- Reduces stuttering.
FO3 Mod Limit Fix
- Raises the game's 120 plugin limit to 255.
- Can also cause an increase in FPS, remove game stutter and allow for faster loading times especially when using a large number of mods.
Overhauls
Tale of Two Wastelands
- Requires Fallout 3 Game of the Year Edition and Fallout New Vegas Ultimate Edition. The mod is now in beta and is very stable. Installation guide by GamerPoets.
- Since it utilizes the FNV engine, FO3 mods are inherently incompatible. Modders must make TTW-specific versions of their mods for them to be compatible and list them as such, so users should do research beforehand to see if there is a TTW-compatible version of a mod they want to install.
- Total conversion of Fallout 3 to the Fallout New Vegas engine, allowing both games to played in one save with the FNV engine along with the advantages it brings in both stability and modding.
- Includes more than 40000 bug fixes to both games.
User Interface
Vanilla UI Plus (VUI+)
- Fixes user interface bugs and inconsistencies.
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | XP, Vista | |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Pentium 4 2.4 GHz AMD Athlon 64 4000+ |
Intel Core 2 Duo AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ |
System memory (RAM) | 1 GB (XP) 2 GB (Vista) |
2 GB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 7 GB | |
Video card (GPU) | ATI Radeon X850 Nvidia GeForce 6800 256 MB of VRAM DirectX 9.0c compatible | ATI Radeon HD 3800 Nvidia GeForce 8800 512 MB of VRAM |
Sound (audio device) | DirectX 9.0c compatible |
- Fallout 3 is not optimized for Windows 7 and later.
Notes
- ↑ SafeDisc retail DRM does not work on Windows 10[2] or Windows 11 and is disabled by default on Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 when the KB3086255 update is installed.[3]
- ↑ Games for Windows - LIVE DRM features: Legacy activation, supports local profiles.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
- File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data.
- Games with Steam Cloud support may also store data in
~/.steam/steam/userdata/<user-id>/22300/
. - Use Wine's registry editor to access any Windows registry paths.
- The app ID (22300) may differ in some cases.
- Treat backslashes as forward slashes.
- See the glossary page for details on Windows data paths.
References
- ↑ Fallout 3 Tweak Guide - TweakGuides.com
- ↑ Not Loading in Windows 10; this will break thousands of - Microsoft Community - last accessed on 2017-01-16
- ↑ Microsoft - MS15-097: Description of the security update for the graphics component in Windows: September 8, 2015 - last accessed on 2018-02-16
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 - GOG.com employee response
- ↑ Unofficial Fallout 3 Patch: Bug Reports
- ↑ https://i.imgur.com/7kUq97r.gif
- ↑ TweaksGuides.com Fallout 3 Tweak Guide - TweakGuides.com
- ↑ [1]
- ↑ 1.1.0.35パッチに異常なマウス加速の問題 Fallout3 - Nuka-Cola Fan Club
- ↑ Mouse acceleration in new patch makes game unplayable - Bethesda Softworks Forums
- ↑ PC Gaming Surround Sound Round-up
- ↑ True 3D Headphone Sound for Fallout 3! (HRTF mod) - YouTube
- ↑ Fallout 3 on Windows 7 w/quad core - Windows 7 Help Forums
- ↑ Fallout 3 lreeze-ups with Quad (or Triple) core processors... a solution. | comp.sys.ibm.pc.games.rpg
- ↑ How to fix fallout 3 freezing and crashing (worked for me win7 64 bit) - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
- ↑ How to Play Fallout 3 On Intel - Techgage.com
- ↑ Codec Investigation Project - Fallout 3 PC Issues - Bethesda Softworks Forums
- ↑ Fallout 3 GOTY Modulated Voices too quiet - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
- ↑ Stuttering Radio Music- Solution. - Steam Users' Forums (retrieved)
- ↑ Verified by User:Expack3 on 2017-10-19
- Tested under Windows 10 version 1709
- ↑ Radio stutter fix - Nexus Wiki