Fallout 3 GECK modding guide

A comprehensive guide for anybody who is interested in modding the popular Fallout 3 game.

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G.E.C.K. - Getting Started

Bethesta GECK Wiki

Here you will find 70% of what you need to know to make your own
interiors and find information about every option in the GECK. It may
not provide a tutorial for each thing, but can help you weed out
nonsense and focus your talents. The search feature does work and there
are some good links.

Bethesda Videos

You can find tutorial videos that will help you get going quickly. Most
of what they cover is simple stuff, but knowing the fundamentals can
help you rule out things when you run into problems.

Oblivion Tutorial Wiki

I don't know anything about Oblivion, but from what people say...
texturing and modeling works about the same for both FO3 and Oblivion.
So you can find some good reference there that will help you in your
Fallout 3 endeavors.

Elder Scrolls Contruction Kit

The Elder Scrolls kit is very similar to the GECK. Navmeshing is
different, but for AI, scripting, and most other options are almost
identical. If you can't find the info you need on the GECK Wiki, you
can find it here.

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Tools & Utilities

FO3 Archive Utility

Extract & Create BSA files. These files contain the games raw files - meshes, sounds, textures...

Nif Tools

If you want to edit a mesh, like changing the textures... get NifScope

Nvidia DDS / Normal Map Plugin

Allows you to use Adobe Photoshop to open and edit DDS files. The plugin will also create Normal Maps.

EGM File Generator

This nifty tool creates the critical file needed to keep head wear correctly located on people.

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Topics Here

Here are posts on the nexus forum that may provide more insight. They may
not have solutions, but might contain the right hint to get you going
again.

General - Mod Packaging Suggestions

GECK / Sounds - Adding Custom Sounds.

GECK / Console - Removing items while in game.

GECK / Items - How to change item effects/stats.

GECK / Items - EGM Files.

GECK / Items - Renaming meshes and textures.

GECK / Items - Changing item's Form ID.

GECK / NPC's - AI Packaging Info.

GECK / NPC's - AI Packages 2

GECK / NPC's - Creating Dialog.

GECK / NPC's - Creating a Follower- HowTo.

GECK / NPC's - Follower Problems + Solution

GECK / NPC's - Factions

GECK / NPC's - Equipping Good Armor

GECK / Scripting - Scripting Info.

GECK / Scripting - User posted sample scripts.

GECK / Misc - LOD Trees.

GECK / Misc. - Determining your item's ID code.

GECK / Misc. - Merging Mods

GECK / Misc. - Bink Movies

GECK / Misc. - Explosion Force

Modeling - Blender & Poser Questions

Modeling - Learning Max/Maya.

Modeling - UV Mapping.

Modeling - Nif Exporting.

Modeling - Blender Importing.

Modeling - Move UV Mapping Stuff.

Modeling - Rigging Question.

Textures - Opening DDS Files.

Textures - 1st Person Stuff.

Textures - Hi-Res Textures.

Textures - Re-Texturing FO3 Items.

Textures - Camo Samples

Video - Photoshop Texturing

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