Skip to content

WABBAJACK |

Pick your road

Wabbajack is an automated modlist installer. Instead of manually downloading, installing, and configuring hundreds of mods yourself, Wabbajack automates most of the process and reproduces a curated setup as intended by the modlist author. A Wabbajack modlist is built around a predefined collection of mods, configuration files, load orders, patches, and installer settings.
For the user, the process is straightforward: after installing the required tools and selecting a modlist, Wabbajack automatically downloads the necessary files from sources such as Nexus Mods and configures the setup with minimal manual interaction. Once completed, you receive a ready-to-play modded installation.
If you'd like to learn more about Wabbajack, check out the Wabbajack Wiki.

The DUSTy Roads Wabbajack provides two profiles:

  • a Base Version featuring DUST, and essential fixes,
  • and an Expanded Version that further builds upon this foundation with additional gameplay enhancements and content, such as Expansion Project, Ink & Ash, and more.

You can consult the mod lists on Load Order Library for a complete overview of the included mods: DUSTy Roads - Base | DUSTy Roads - Expanded.
Alternatively, you can browse through the sections of the guide.

Warning
This Wabbajack has been developed and tested on Windows. Linux has not been tested or verified by me. Although it may work through Proton/Wine, compatibility is not guaranteed, and Linux installations are not supported. Support is provided only for Windows installations.

Pre-Installation

Prior to starting the automated installation, a few manual steps are required to prepare your system, including installing the game and downloading Wabbajack.

Preparation

It is essential to read and complete the Preparation section of the guide before proceeding with the Wabbajack installation!

Installation

Wabbajack

  1. Download the installer using the Download Now button
  2. Create a new folder outside of any default Windows folders or the game folder itself, for example: D:\Wabbajack
  3. Move the downloaded Wabbajack.exe into this new folder, and run it
  4. Click Browse lists, check Non-featured, and search for dusty roads in the Search for a modlist... field
  5. Click the DUSTy Roads tile, and then click on the Install button at the bottom
  6. On the left-hand side, set both the Installation Location and the Downloads Location. These folders cannot be:
    • the game folder,
    • a default Windows folder,
    • the Wabbajack folder,
    • or another folder already containing a MO2 installation.
    Example of a suitable location: D:\Mod Lists\DUSTy Roads
  7. Click the Install button and log in to Nexus Mods when prompted
  8. Authorize Wabbajack, then simply wait for the downloads and installation to finish...
  9. When finished, click the Open in File Explorer button to open the folder where the mod list is installed
Wabbajack Installation
Information
If you do not have a Premium account, you will need to manually confirm each mod download.
The time required to download and install everything depends on your Nexus Mods account type and internet speed.

Manual Installation

Alternatively, DUSTy Roads can also be installed from disk by first downloading the .wabbajack file.

  • Download the main file DUSTy Roads - Wabbajack
  • Open Wabbajack, click on Browse lists, and click the Install from disk button on the top-right side
  • Locate the downloaded DUSTy Roads.wabbajack file, then follow the installation instructions above.

Post-Installation

Just as before the installation, a few manual steps are required before you can start playing.

Files for the Game Root Folder

Some files that are not managed by MO2 need to be copied manually to the game's root folder.

  1. In the installation folder of the DUSTy Roads Wabbajack, open the _Manual Install folder
  2. Copy everything from this folder to the game's root folder:
    • xNVSE files
    • FNV BSA Decompressor files
    • FNV 4GB Patcher executable
Information
The root folder is the main directory where the game is installed; the directory containing FalloutNV.exe.

FNV BSA Decompressor

Decompresses FNV's BSAs and repacks them without zlib compression for performance, and transcodes the sound effects.

  1. Run FNV BSA Decompressor.exe
  2. The paths should be auto-filled. If not, complete with the path of your FNV installation. Click Decompress and wait for it to finish

FNV 4GB Patcher

A patcher that enables 4GB memory access for FNV and automatically loads xNVSE

  1. Run FNVpatch.exe, and a window will open with the text “FalloutNV.exe patched!”
  2. Close the window and you'll see FalloutNV_backup.exe appeared (the original unpatched executable)

Mod Organizer 2 Setup

  1. Launch ModOrganizer.exe from the DUSTy Roads installation folder
  2. A Register? pop-up might appear: Select Yes
  3. Run the game with the Fallout Launcher, not New Vegas
  4. Click Options
  5. Select the Ultra preset (or another preset accordingly to your system specifications)
  6. Set the resolution to your monitor's native resolution
  7. Exit the launcher, and change the program back to New Vegas
Information
If your resolution is not listed in the launcher, you can set it manually in FalloutPrefs.ini.
MO2 tools Click the Tools button in the toolbar.
  1. Select INI Editor
  2. Go to the FalloutPrefs.ini tab
  3. Go to the Display section, and set the following values:
    iSize W= screen width (e.g., 2560)
    iSize H= screen height (e.g., 1440)
  4. Click the Save button


Finish

Done. That's it. Your descent into cannibalism can now begin. Select the appropriate profile from the drop-down menu at the top of the left pane:

  • DUSTy Roads - Base: featuring DUST and essential fixes.
  • DUSTy Roads - Expanded: base version with major expansions and additional gameplay enhancements.

And make sure New Vegas is selected in the Run drop-down menu, not NVSE!
Run New Vegas


How to Update?

Each time a new update is released, the following steps are required:

  1. Before updating, always consult the changelog for details on new additions, removals, fixes, and any manual update instructions. Existing saves are generally compatible unless noted otherwise.
  2. Launch Wabbajack and use the same installation folder as the existing mod list installation.
Warning
If you added any mods after the installation, add the [NoDelete] prefix to their names in the left pane. Keep in mind that these mods may still be moved or disabled after updating the mod list.

Support

If you get stuck or run into any issues, we’ve got your back. Join our DUST Discord server and navigate to the #support-and-bugs-dust channel. You can make a new post and tag it appropriately. When asking for support, please follow these simple rules:

  • You did some effort to look into the matter yourself.
  • You followed the installation instructions.
  • You did not install an ungodly amount of additional mods.
  • You will share your load order, and mod list (and crashlog in case of CTDs).
  • Please keep things polite and clear. I work on this in my spare time, and I don't have a lot of it.

You can also check the guide's FAQ for solutions to common issues.

Information
Copy-paste from Wabbajack:
"Do not contact mod or guide authors for support.
If you use a Wabbajack modlist, only go to that list's curator for support on any issues you may have."

Warning
A WORD ABOUT NEW VEGAS ANTI CRASH (NVAC)
NVAC basically tells the game to not crash, when it wants to crash. So it forces the game to run when it shouldn't. That's not healthy as you can imagine, what may result in an unstable game and even save corruption. NVAC had its merits in the past I guess, but nowadays any scenario where NVAC would stop crashing are fixed by other mods. Except for crashes by broken meshes. But well, why would you want to run a broken mod anyway?
Additionally, NVAC can also contribute to crashing due to memory corruption. And when you crash with NVAC active, the crashlog that is generated will be useless. Without reliable crash information, issues cannot be properly diagnosed or fixed. As such, support will not be provided.

TL;DR: If your solution is NVAC, your problem isn't solved.


If you're confident enough to get your hands dirty, you can have a look at the ADDITIONAL MODS section for more content.