Official modding support for Fallout 4 is finally coming to consoles this Summer. This will mark a fairly historic update as mods have normally been the sole province of PC gaming.
“Mod” is short for modification. In gaming it refers to altering any piece (or pieces) of game content. Typical mods are created by fans to create all new content, tweak existing content, or change the rules of a game. Mods have been around as long as gaming has, but have gained increased popularity over the last decade thanks to mod-friendly games like Minecraft.
A notable reason for the popularity of Bethesda’s big RPG franchises The Elder Scrolls and Fallout have been their official modding support. “Mods and the players who create them have always been an important part of our games. We believe that our games become something much more special, when we put the power of creation in your hands,” Bethesda said in an update.
Bethesda always releases an official editor to help modders create free content, extending the life of their games indefinitely. Fallout 4’s mod editor, the Creation Kit, is now available through the 1.5 Beta Update via Steam. Patch 1.5 also adds support for Fallout 4’s latest DLC adventure, Far Harbor, and an all-new Survival Mode difficulty setting.
How to access the 1.5 Beta Update in Steam:
- Log into Steam
- Right Click on Fallout 4 in your Library
- Select Properties
- Select Betas
- A drop down menu will appear. Select beta
- Wait a few minutes and Fallout 4 should update
- When done, Fallout 4 should appear as Fallout 4 [Beta] in your Library
Bethesda is taking a huge step forward with mod integration in Fallout 4. With 1.5 you can browse and install mods directly from within the game. Bethesda will also host mods on its official website. Previously mods required you to use the Steam Workshop and install them before entering the game. This in-game modding directory is also what will help bring mods to consoles. While this system is available right now for PC via the 1.5 Beta Update, it’s coming to Xbox One in May and Playstation 4 in June.
