30 Best Fallout New Vegas Mods You Can’t Miss
Over a decade after its initial release, Fallout: New Vegas remains one of the best RPGs on Steam and other platforms. It packs adventure, decision-making, and combat into a single title, providing hundreds of hours of gameplay and a high potential for replayability.
However, there may come a time when you want to add something new to your journey, whether it’s graphics that feel more modern or new content, and exploring the best Fallout: New Vegas mods can be a great place to start. Mods, or modifications, are unofficial changes to a game’s code created by users for users. These changes can alter mechanics and graphics or add new content, resulting in a brand new experience in a familiar game.
There are endless options when it comes to FNV mods, from those that focus on graphics and audio to those that revolve around mechanics and gameplay. However, we’ve curated a list of some of the best mods for Fallout: New Vegas that can elevate your wasteland gaming experience.
1. FNV Realistic Wasteland Lighting
| What it does: | Overhauls graphics and lighting for added realism |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Graphics |
| Total downloads: | 1.8 M to 2 M |
| Last updated: | 21 November 2018 |
Have you ever wanted your Fallout: New Vegas gameplay to feel more real? The FNV Realistic Wasteland Lighting mod completely overhauls weather and lighting in this game, from the appearance of clouds to the moon and stars. The developers behind this mod used photos of the desert for reference, helping bring the world of Fallout: New Vegas to life. This mod even works with Tale of Two Wastelands, another mod that combines Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas into a single game.
2. Fallout Revelation Blues – Burham Springs Demo
| What it does: | Provides a playable demo for the in-progress Fallout: Revelation Blues mod |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Content |
| Total downloads: | 1,868 |
| Last updated: | 08 May 2025 |
Fallout: Revelation Blues is an in-progress mod that allows you to experience the gameplay of Van Buren, the codename for a canceled project that was supposed to be the third installment in the franchise. While the complete project isn’t available yet, the Burham Springs Demo provides a playable snippet for the future complete mod. You can explore much of the Burham Springs area and experience the new weather and environmental changes.
3. Consumables Widget
| What it does: | Introduces a new HUD widget where players can track active consumables |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | HUD |
| Total downloads: | 13,396 |
| Last updated: | 13 April 2025 |
The Consumables Widget is a quality-of-life mod designed to make playing Fallout: New Vegas easier. Gone are the days of not knowing how much longer your consumables will last — the Consumables Widget mod adds a sleek HUD that keeps track of durations while still matching the overall aesthetic of this game. Within the mod’s files, there is also the option to customize your widget HUD, from how many consumables are displayed to the widgets’ positions.
4. NVAC (New Vegas Anti Crash)
| What it does: | Improves engine processes to reduce the likelihood of crashing |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Operation |
| Total downloads: | 6,726,917 |
| Last updated: | 28 October 2016 |
Crashing can make it difficult to enjoy any game, and, unfortunately, mods can often increase the likelihood of your game crashing. The New Vegas Anti Crash (NVAC) mod aims to reduce the possibility of your game crashing, although the developer emphasises that it doesn’t completely eliminate the risk.
NVAC is a New Vegas Script Extender (NVSE) plugin, so you’ll need to download it first to use this mod. At its core, the NVSE plugin increases the base game’s scripting capabilities, which allows for a better modding experience.
5. The Mod Configuration Menu (MCM)
| What it does: | Allows players to access their mods in a single menu |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Organization |
| Total downloads: | NA |
| Last updated: | 20 August 2013 |
With so many options, you may find yourself installing various mods to elevate your gaming experience, only to find you’re left with a difficult-to-navigate library where finding the right mod at the right time is a challenge. One of the best New Vegas mods, the Mod Configuration Menu (MCM), targets this problem by creating a single menu where you can see all of your connected mods at once. The MCM isn’t available for every Fallout: New Vegas mod, but you can use it for several popular options.
6. Dry Wells – Legion Expansion
| What it does: | Adds an estimated 6 hours of content |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Content |
| Total downloads: | 58,000+ |
| Last updated: | 05 September 2024 |
The Dry Wells mod focuses on providing you with more content to enjoy in this thrilling RPG game, from new quests and minor factions to even a player home. The developers behind this mod rebuilt the Dry Wells location, letting you see the scene before the nuclear events. In all, the Dry Wells – Legion Expansion adds around six extra hours of content. This makes it perfect for the Fallout: New Vegas player who wants to experience a new adventure in this 2010 title.
7. Enhanced Locomotion
| What it does: | Overhauls all 1st person locomotion animations |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Animations |
| Total downloads: | NA |
| Last updated: | 11 August 2024 |
The Enhanced Locomotion mod adds more realism to your character’s movements, making it easier to immerse yourself in this thrilling game. This mod covers all types of locomotion, whether that’s running and walking or sneaking.
A key factor to remember when choosing the right FNV mods is compatibility with the base game and other mods — a feature that the Enhanced Locomotion mod includes. This mod is designed to complement both vanilla and modded animations, so your character moves in a seamless way.
8. UIO (User Interface Organizer)
| What it does: | Manage UI and HUD extensions added through mods |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | UI/HUD |
| Total downloads: | NA |
| Last updated: | 21 August 2021 |
The User Interface Organizer is one of the most downloaded Fallout: New Vegas mods — and for good reason. The UIO manages and maintains the UI/HUD extensions you add to your files through mods. No more digging through file after file to ensure everything is properly installed or identify UI-related issues. If you plan on downloading UI or HUD Fallout: New Vegas mods, adding the UIO to your list may be worthwhile to make modding a breeze.
9. NMC’s Texture Pack for New Vegas
| What it does: | Retextures base-game graphics |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Graphics |
| Total downloads: | 100,000+ |
| Last updated: | 18 November 2020 |
NMC’s Texture Pack for New Vegas retextures and revamps most of the in-game graphics for FNV, adding new life to this fan-favorite title. It changes roads, landscapes, trees, vehicles, buildings, and interior objects like chairs and cupboards.
However, you may need to pair this texture pack with other mods, as many items remain unchanged, such as the sky and water. NMC’s Texture Pack for New Vegas also doesn’t apply to the DLC, but you shouldn’t encounter any problems running the DLC with this mod installed. If you have the DLC, just be prepared for base game graphics for that content.
10. Ojo Bueno Texture Pack
| What it does: | Retextures base-game graphics |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Graphics |
| Total downloads: | 4,800 |
| Last updated: | 26 July 2016 |
NMC’s Texture Pack for New Vegas isn’t your only texture pack option for this game. You can also opt for the Ojo Bueno Texture Pack, which brings new textures to wastelands of Fallout. Several packs are included in the Ojo Beuno’s pack, designed for different graphics powers. If you’re worried your graphics card can’t handle some of the more advanced packs, there’s also a texture pack designed with performance in mind.
11. Mojave Scenery Overhaul / Wasteland Flora Overhaul
| What it does: | Remakes and touches up areas for a scenery overhaul |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Graphics |
| Total downloads: | 34,900+ |
| Last updated: | 03 July 2025 |
Sometimes, you want to explore areas in Fallout: New Vegas that feel real and immersive without losing the game’s original charm. That’s the goal of the Mojave Scenery Overhaul: updating areas that feel forgettable without sacrificing the qualities that make FNV the game that it is. And, because this mod uses assets only found in the vanilla version of the game, it’s compatible with many other mods, including texture packs.
12. Nevada Skies
| What it does: | Adds hundreds of weather types |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Audio |
| Total downloads: | Not available |
| Last updated: |
Part of the reason that Fallout: New Vegas is so captivating and immersive is its soundtrack. However, even the most popular soundscapes often fall victim to time, so the ATMOS Ambience Overhaul mod aims to modernize FNV sounds. Along with adding nearly 1000 new sound effects, this mod also overhauls the entire ambient soundscape, helping create the same level of immersion as when this title was first released.
13. ATMOS Ambience Overhaul
| What it does: | Overhauls the soundscape and introduces new sound effects |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Audio |
| Total downloads: | Not available |
| Last updated: | 30 May 2025 |
Part of the reason that Fallout: New Vegas is so captivating and immersive is its soundtrack. However, even the most popular soundscapes often fall victim to time, so the ATMOS Ambience Overhaul mod aims to modernize FNV sounds. Along with adding nearly 1000 new sound effects, this mod also overhauls the entire ambient soundscape, helping create the same level of immersion as when this title was first released.
14. Lumen (Ambient Lighting Overhaul)
| What it does: | Adds ambient lighting to glowing objects |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Graphics |
| Total downloads: | Not available |
| Last updated: | 25 July 2025 |
Have you ever encountered a light source in Fallout: New Vegas that feels like it should be lighting up the room but instead feels confined and lackluster? While a small detail, the way that light sources cast light and create depth in a room is an important part of the gaming experience. The Lumen overhaul aims to add ambient lighting to objects that should be casting their glow, further adding to the game’s realism.
15. Essential Visual Enhancements (EVE)
| What it does: | A heavily armed character with a mohawk sprints away from a large explosion |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Graphics |
| Total downloads: | 6M+ |
| Last updated: | 31 August 2024 |
When EVE first came out, it stood for Energy Visual Enhanced. However, after being entirely rebuilt, EVE now stands for Essential Visual Enhancements, improving the visuals for various areas of gameplay. From Critical Kill animations to bullet impact, EVE provides graphics that remain true to the game while offering modernized depth.
16. Weapon Mods Expanded (WMX)
| What it does: | Improves weapon modifications |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Mechanics |
| Total downloads: | 7.1M+ |
| Last updated: | 09 January 2016 |
From the creator of the same mod for Fallout 3, the WMX mod for Fallout: New Vegas has been widely successful since its creation. In fact, Bethesda reached out to the creator for an interview, and the mod has received over 7 million downloads. The Weapon Mods Expanded mod overhauls this game’s weapon modification options. It adds more slots for modifications so you can customize almost every gun, whether a melee weapon or a ranged one.
17. Weapons of the New Millenia
| What it does: | Adds new weapons |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Content |
| Total downloads: | 1M+ |
| Last updated: | 23 June 2014 |
If you’re not satisfied with the weapon variety in Fallout: New Vegas, don’t worry — there’s a mod for that. The Weapons of the New Millenia mod adds 45 new weapons, from AK-47s to Homemade SMGs. These weapons also come with their own modifications, such as addable scopes.
18. JSawyer Ultimate Edition (J.E. Sawyer’s Mod)
| What it does: | Rebalances FNV gameplay to resemble that of the original JSawyer mod |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Mechanics |
| Total downloads: | Not available |
| Last updated: | 12 April 2025 |
JSawyer Ultimate Edition is a rebuilt mod based on Joshua Sawyer’s difficulty and rebalance mod. This mod seeks to capture the same benefits of the original JSawyer mod while fixing previous inconsistencies and expanding its compatibility with other mods.
19. Bullet Penetrate and Ricochet
| What it does: | Allows bullets to penetrate cover and occasionally ricochet |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Mechanics |
| Total downloads: | 15,677 |
| Last updated: | 06 December 2024 |
The Bullet Penetrate and Ricochet mod gives your bullets the ability to penetrate cover. Just be careful, because some may occasionally ricochet. To calculate the chance of ricochet, this mod classifies each bullet into three categories: armor piercing (AP), normal, and hollow. As you move down this hierarchy, the chance of ricochet increases.
20. Just Assorted Mods (JAM)
| What it does: | Adds an assortment of mods revolving around hit markers and indicators, bullet time, and more |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Mechanics |
| Total downloads: | Not available |
| Last updated: | 07 June 2024 |
If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for a variety of mods, look no further than the Just Assorted Mods collection. This collection includes nine mods, each targeting a different aspect of gameplay. Some focus on hit markers and indicators, while others revolve around aspects like visual objects and breath holding
21. Immersive Recoil 2.0
| What it does: | Adds recoil to weapons |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Mechanics |
| Total downloads: | Not available |
| Last updated: | 13 September 2022 |
For players looking for the most accurate, fast-paced gunfights in Fallout: New Vegas, recoil poses a problem. However, if you want to add realism to your game, finding a mod that adds recoil can be helpful.
Recoil is a common aspect of most shooter games. With the Immersive Recoil 2.0 mods, you can incorporate them into Fallout: New Vegas without sacrificing the qualities that make this a special RPG. Plus, this mod is designed to be performance-friendly to reduce lag and support smooth recoil across almost all framerates.
22. The Living Desert
| What it does: | Adds new events and NPCs |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Content |
| Total downloads: | Not available |
| Last updated: | 18 April 2025 |
When you’re playing an open-world game, the last thing you want is for the environment to feel empty or lackluster. The Living Desert mod adds hundreds of new NPCs to the world of Fallout: New Vegas and new scripted events that can occur while you explore the world. This brings more life to an already immersive game, helping you truly connect with the world within
23. Realistic Stealth Overhaul
| What it does: | Overhauls the stealth system for added realism |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Mechanics |
| Total downloads: | 48,722 |
| Last updated: | 15 June 2012 |
The Living Desert mod isn’t the only option to help you feel like you’re in the world of FNV. Choosing stealth-based RPG classes in Fallout is a popular choice, but they may not always feel the most realistic. The Realistic Stealth Overhaul (RSO) mod aims to revamp how stealth works in this game, factoring in things like armor weight and line-of-sight while you’re sneaking around.
24. Take Cover
| What it does: | Adds a cover mechanic |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Mechanics |
| Total downloads: | 628,928 |
| Last updated: | 03 December 2024 |
If you’ve played third-person shooters in the past, then you may be familiar with cover mechanics. These in-game mechanics allow you to duck or stand behind objects and peek to shoot. The Take Cover mod brings these mechanics into Fallout: New Vegas, adding new dynamics to your shootouts.
This mod only works with guns like shotguns and pistols. Plus, while you’re free to guide your character to cover, NPCs won’t pick up this behavior.
25. One HUD (oHUD)
| What it does: | Gives HUD control, including moving or adding elements |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | HUD |
| Total downloads: | 1,481,995 |
| Last updated: | 13 January 2023 |
Have you ever wished you had more control over your HUD in Fallout: New Vegas? Maybe you want to remove elements you don’t use often, or hide the HUD when not in use. You can control your HUD in-game with the One HUD (oHUD) mod. You can move elements around, hide them, or even add new elements.
26. Fallout – New California
| What it does: | Adds a new world and story to explore |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Content |
| Total downloads: | 919,105 |
| Last updated: | 09 April 2020 |
Even with a wide-open world and plenty to explore, you may feel at some point that your adventure in Fallout: New Vegas has come to an end. If that’s the case for you, Fallout – New California provides an entirely new world for you to explore and a new storyline with branching narrative paths.
New California was designed to be an unofficial prequel to New Vegas. Once you install this mod, you can access it from the Main Menu upon startup.
27. New Vegas Bounties series
| What it does: | Adds difficult bounty hunter-style missions |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Content |
| Total downloads: | 1M+ |
| Last updated: | 17 July 2014 |
The wastelands are full of dangers, and some of them just happen to be human. With the New Vegas Bounties mods, you’re tasked with hunting down dangerous criminals and outlaws across the world. While the missions within this mod are straightforward, you’ll find that they aren’t easy. Instead of adding puzzles and other mechanics, the creator behind this mod chose to focus on complex and difficult-to-beat opponents that will put your combat skills to the test.
28. A World of Pain
| What it does: | Adds 170 new locations with enemies and loot |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Content |
| Total downloads: | Not available |
| Last updated: | 06 May 2024 |
Speaking of challenging adventures, the A World of Pain mod adds 170 new locations to explore in Fallout: New Vegas. But beware: These new spots are filled with enemies. However, if your combat skills can handle these difficult opponents, each location also offers an array of loot. In all, this mod adds several hours worth of new content, from NPCs and vendors to quests.
29. The N.V. Interiors Project
| What it does: | Adds new locations and vendors that you can explore |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Content |
| Total downloads: | 1,376,412 |
| Last updated: | 10 March 2019 |
The N.V. Interiors Project seeks to add more life and adventure to the Mojave Waste. This mod adds dozens of new buildings to explore in Fallout: New Vegas, and later updates have added new vendors. The developer behind this mod has provided several new updates over the years, providing ample locations to explore through the N.V. Interiors Project.
30. Functional Post Game Ending (FPGE)
| What it does: | Implements a fully functional post-game |
| Download: | Nexus Mods |
| Category: | Content |
| Total downloads: | 500,000+ |
| Last updated: | 03 July 2025 |
With the Functional Post Game Ending (FPGE) mod, your virtual adventure doesn’t have to end with the credits. This mod extends your gameplay beyond the official ending, providing a fully functional world where you can see how the results of your gameplay pan out, truly highlighting the interactive storytelling this title is known for.
Tips To Install and Manage Fallout New Vegas Mods
Adding mods to your Fallout: New Vegas games allows you to explore this world in a new way. However, before you get started, here are some tips to make your install process a breeze, plus some additional tips for managing your mods and keeping your save data safe.
- Use a mod manager like MO2 or Vortex. A mod manager is a hub where you can find all your Fallout: New Vegas mods in one place. This lets you quickly review your downloads, which can be especially helpful if you’re looking for a mod conflict or problem.
- Install NVSE/xNVSE before any other mods: New Vegas Script Extender (xNVSE) expands the capabilities of mods for this title, all without the worry of any permanent side effects taking a toll on your game files. Installing it first can prevent problems later down the road.
- Install JIP LN NVSE and UIO for UI-based mods: JIP LN NVSE and UIO are other helpful plugins to download before modding your game. JIP LN NVSE adds even more scripting functions while UIO ensures your UI-based mods, such as those that change the HUD or inventory in-game, work well together.
- Enable archive invalidation in your mod manager: You want to ensure that your game knows to load your modded files when you launch Fallout. Enabling archive invalidation ensures that the game engine loads your modded files instead of the default.
- Read mod descriptions carefully for requirements: Not all mods work the same way. Some require other mods and downloads before use, while some may have compatibility issues with specific game versions or other mods.
- Follow recommended load order guidelines: When you launch your game, some mods may need to load in first to keep your game running smoothly.
- Keep your mod folder organized: Use additional folders to sort your mods for easier access, whether finding a specific mod type (like textures versus content) or decluttering mods you don’t use anymore.
- Test mods one at a time to catch conflicts early: Few things are worse than downloading a library of mods at once, only to find a problem from an unknown source. Test each mod individually to check for any problems before activating all your mods at once.
- Use LOOT or FNVEdit to sort and clean plugins: LOOT and FNVEdit are two tools that help you sort and clean mods. FNVEdit also helps you resolve conflicts. Don’t skip on these to keep your modded game healthy with fewer problems.
- Backup your save files before modding: Sometimes, your mods might encounter problems that lead to corrupting save data or new bugs. Keeping a copy of your save files can keep your progress safe.
- Avoid mixing mods that overhaul the same systems: If you want to completely overhaul an in-game system, such as combat, choose one mod and stick with it. Mixing multiple mods that target the same function can cause issues to arise, including game crashes.
- Keep a vanilla backup of your game install folder: Even mods from safe sources can have issues. Before you start modding, make a copy of your original, vanilla Fallout: New Vegas files. This way, if something goes wrong, you can start from scratch.
Discover More Epic RPG Adventures
Despite its age, Fallout: New Vegas is a rich and immersive action role-playing game that fans continue to love even today. Though the vanilla game itself remains popular, mods have succeeded at keeping this game relevant, repairing outdated mechanics or graphics and adding new content that players can enjoy.
While Fallout: New Vegas certainly is a standout title among other games in the genre, it’s not the only RPG players can play. In fact, there are countless other RPG games that you can play today that pair immersion with thrilling action and tangible storytelling for an unforgettable virtual adventure.
FAQ
Is Fallout: New Vegas Better With Mods?
A vanilla playthrough of Fallout: New Vegas can be an immersive adventure that all players can enjoy, but adding mods can elevate your gaming experience further. Many of the best Fallout: New Vegas mods improve performance and graphics, while others focus on adding content that allows you to enjoy this title in a new and interesting way.
How Do I Fix Crashes After Installing Mods in New Vegas?
If you’re finding that Fallout: New Vegas crashes after installing mods, then you may need to check the integrity of your game files. You can find this option through Steam by selecting “Local Files” in your game’s “Properties” tab. If the problem persists, you may need to check the mods themselves and uninstall any that may be causing it.
Can I Use Fallout 3 Mods With Fallout: New Vegas?
In almost all cases with Fallout 3 mods, you won’t be able to use them directly with Fallout: New Vegas. This is because of how mods work, which involves modifying the game files for specific titles. However, you may be able to find Fallout 3 mods that have been converted to work with Fallout: New Vegas.
