I'm looking to mod Fallout 3 and would appreciate some pointers as to which mods I should start with. I would like to retexture it to start with, any great texture packs out there, or multiple ones? I've modified the crap out of Oblivion, so I'm not new to the scene, is there anything like wyre bash or any program I should use to install the mods?

Anything like FCOM?

For retexturing you'd definitely want to check out NMC's texture pack http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12056

For something similar to FCOM you'd want to check out FOIP: http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=4968

You'll probably want to check out FOMM, the Fallout Mod Manager: http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=640 and FO3Edit: http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=637.

FO3Edit provides a lot of functions similar to Wrye Bash including making a Merged Patch (like a bashed patch). Check out the Top 100 list to see a lot of the more popular mods.

Hope that helps.

One thread below this one (right now), is http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/1121454-wipzbeta-darnified-ui-f3/.

Also check out the Fallout port of the BOSS sorting mod, also called BOSS: http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10193

and FOSE, the Fallout Script Extender: http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8606

I much prefer using Wrye Flash (a port of Wrye Bash) for installation, as I'm so used to BAIN now, and prefer that infinitely to OBMM. Yes, I know FOMM is somewhat better than OBMM, but still, installing and uninstalling via Wrye [B/Fl]ash is just flat out superior. IME, anyway.

As noted above, DarnUI is a must (like DarN, or DarkUId DarN, for Oblivion, of course).

If you want something a little more "hardcoe" than FWE (which, don't get me wrong, is very good) you might like ART (Arwen's Realism Tweaks; there's a RelZ thread on the first page here) - it's compatible with MMM and a number of other key mods. Worth a look, at least, IMO.

CASM is another must. As is something to get NPCs to S T F U about your character even looking at items they own (or at locked doors/whatever), or simply knocking things over. Gah, that was annoying. :flamethrower:

I like DC Interiors, and similar mods, though some of them are a bit dodgy, so could do with some editing/cleaning/patching. Definitely worthwhile, even so. And at least one or two are basically fine, as is.

I also like Fellout, or Dynamic Weather. Either can be used with Enhanced Weather (rain, snow and the like), IIRC. But using them (FO and DW) together mightn't be so wise.

Groovatron's great for screenshots, if you're into that.

I don't mind the eXcalibr stuff either, or some of it, anyhow. Adds lots of guns, etc. A bit of fun, but - depending on your setup - could be tricky/inappopriate, alongside other mods.

There are body mods, a la Oblivion. And clothing/armour follows alnog similar lines, you could say. Likewise, weapons.

...

I don't know - what are you after, other than textures and possibly something FCOM-like?

First off, thank you for all the the responses! I usually go overboard when it comes to modding, so I want to keep it simple. I just want to retexture everything, get a mod for added realism (weather, better economy, etc.) MMM or the like. I would like to get a companion mod and a few amazing quest or dungeon mods. 2 or 3 awesome house mods as well.

Would Megaton's texture pack be better?

NMC's texture pack includes Megaton. The Megaton/Rivet City packs were his earlier mods whereas the one linked above includes them and more.

Houses:
http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9592
http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1663
http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=6394
http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13517

Weather/Lighting:
http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=6550
http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2672
http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14869
http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8069

Quests:
http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13308
http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12296 as well as anything else by the same modder
http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12466
http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13866

You're the best!

What about an addon for perks? Something not too overpowering.

http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1409 is good. It even includes some perks you can gain by completing quests.

If you have the Mothership Zeta DLC:
http://www.fallout3nexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8747

Superb mod.