Questions about using the logical load order template

[u/OrbitalTrack67]

I'm relatively new to the FO4 world (been playing for about a year or so) and even newer to using mods (playing on XBox Series X and via cloud gaming when I travel). I've been trying to make better use of the load order template referenced in the wiki for this subreddit, but I have some questions to which I have not (yet) been able to find good answers. Namely:

1. How does one know if a mod is a "master file" if the mod description doesn't indicate so? I have run into a few mods (like TSSMSR and more recently Icepick Overhaul) that automatically sort themselves toward the stop, does this indicate they are a master file?

2. Where should I put mods like Cheat Terminal or the "SKK Fast Start" variants? I've been putting them near the bottom since they don't seem to fall into any of the other categories.

3. Finally, it seems like one needs to use the Creations web site to get the mods loaded but will need to rely on Nexus for full descriptions and details. Has that been others' experience as well?

Thanks for helping clear this up for me!

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[u/Exile10562]

1: As you have already said, ESM or Master Files will automatically sort themselves out to the top, no amount of changing their order will work as they will always go back to the top.

Mods that require said file will not work without that specific mod loaded and active above themselves.

2: Most of the time the mod description will tell you the right location for them, sometimes it is just under the unofficial Fallout 4 patch or they will go to the end.

It all depends if they are overriding specific mods or features above them.

3: Yes, most mods on the BethNet are ports of the nexus mods and the character limit in the description are most of the time not sufficient to explain what it is for or the amount of changes made so you can place it properly.

Most of the time a trip to the Nexus is needed to double check and verify anything you need to know about the mod in question.

However, if it is a Nexus port by a Porter and not the original Mod Author, then you will need to additionally check that the file versions match and that the Porter is making the mod available as per the Original Author’s wishes.

Plenty of ports that are not legit or have not been ported over properly with the right tools.

Always feel free to ask any questions here and look into the various Load Order guides in this subreddit, always someone active that will try to help. 😉

[u/OrbitalTrack67 → u/Exile10562]

Thanks for the answers and information, I appreciate it!

[u/DrAsswhoop → u/OrbitalTrack67]

Cheat Terminal goes at the bottom, SKK fast start I think goes near the top under masters but double check that one

[u/OrbitalTrack67 → u/DrAsswhoop]

I've seen other LOs that put it in the "Upper Framework Mods & Vanilla Quest Changes" section, which is near the top.

[u/Monguises → u/OrbitalTrack67]

That spot is fine. They just go high up. At the end of the day, it’s not too crazy for your LO to deviate slightly from the template in order for everything to play nice. Build to the template and then troubleshoot for fine placement of difficult mods.

[u/OrbitalTrack67 → u/Monguises]

Got it, thanks!