Guide to Installing Fallout 1 and 2
Guide to Installing Fallout 1 and 2
For those of who wish to enjoy the long overdue pleasure of playing Fallout 1 and 2 (I’m looking at you Phokal) or want to relive it, you may not be aware that, since those long ago times, some dedicated fans have taken it upon themselves to fix up unpatched bugs and even add deleted content. The mass of fan patches and mods can be bewildering, so here, I’ll present the instructions to getting what I believe to be the best and purest Fallout experience.
To avoid spoilers, I won’t go into detail about what exactly is changed, but they’re all bug fixes unless otherwise stated. Depending on when you decide to play, you might want to check if the files that I list below are the latest versions by the time you get to them.
Fallout 1
All of the relevant patches were developed by TeamX, which superceded and intergrated the prior fan patches. These are just bug fixes and don’t add anything wacky. Install the patches by extracting them into the Fallout main directory in this order:
1. Download and install the semi-official Fallout 1.2 patch (released September 4, 2005):
http://www.teamx.ru/cgi-bin/load.cgi?files/mods/fallup12w.rar
It incorporates the official patches, so you do not need any of them.
2. Download and install the unofficial Fallout 1.3.3 patch (released June 19, 2006):
http://www.teamx.ru/cgi-bin/load.cgi?files/mods/fallup13.rar
3. Install Nimrod’s dialog fixes (released January 7, 2008):
http://www.teamx.ru/cgi-bin/load.cgi?files/mods/dialog_fixes.rar
4. (optional) Install the Fallout NPC Mod v.3.3 which lets NPCs gain levels and allows you to tell Dogmeat to stay (released September, 2006):
http://www.teamx.ru/cgi-bin/load.cgi?files/mods/f1npcmod.rar
Since this goes beyond mere bug fixes, I’m hesitant to include it, as it makes the game easier.
5. (only if you followed 4.) Install Nimrod’s dialogue fixes for the Fallout NPC Mod v.3.3 (released January 7, 2008):
http://www.teamx.ru/cgi-bin/load.cgi?files/mods/NPC_dialog_fixes.rar
6. Play the game!
There is also a Fallout Restoration Project in development, but the only release so far requires Avega’s Fallout patch 1.3 beta, which is a different fan patch that has since been integrated into and superceded by TeamX’s unofficial patches. The Fallout Restoration Project adds new characters and quests that the developers originally meant to include, but the developers are currently rewriting the whole thing from scratch, which explains why it’s not compatible with the latest fan patches. Unfortunately, I have no idea when they’ll be done.
Fallout 2
Fallout 2 has been more popular in terms of mods and patches, so finding information about the right patches is a little trickier. Fortunately, if you just want bug fixes, the FO community has come to agree that killap’s Unofficial Fallout 2 Patch is the best one. The latest patch is 1.02.24 (released May 22, 2008). You can apply this on top of an unpatched version of Fallout 2.
Manual install: http://www.killap.net/fallout2/patches/unofficialFO2patch_manual_install.rar
Automatic install: http://www.killap.net/fallout2/patches/unofficialFO2patch.exe
There is also a Fallout 2 Restoration Project, also by killap, that adds new locations, characters, and quests that the developers originally intended. It’s reached version 1.1, and I highly recommend it. If you install this, DO NOT install the unofficial patch. Version 1.1 includes an earlier version of that patch that is incompatible with 1.02.24. The good news is that version 1.2, which will incorporate the latest patch, is supposed to be due out at the end of May, so if at all possible, I recommend that you wait for it. If you wish to use version 1.1 regardless, here are the directions:
1. Install the Fallout 2 Restoration Project 1.1 (released January 13, 2008)
Manual install: http://www.killap.net/fallout2/expansion/1.1/F2_Restoration_Project_1.1.rar
Automatic install: http://www.killap.net/fallout2/expansion/1.1/F2_Restoration_Project_1.1.exe
Again, you can apply this on top of an unpatched version of Fallout 2.
2. Install the engine fixes (released February 22, 2008):
http://www.killap.net/fallout2/expansion/fixes/Windows_NT-XP-VISTA.rar
3. Enjoy!
Well, there you have it. Good enough for you, Phokal?
terry, 
slx, 
Phokal 12:15 pm on May 27, 2008 Permalink |
Looks quite good. If you notice an update, you should edit/comment and append it here. :)
I’ll have to use these when I play this soon. I also HAVE that picture you found. I printed it out as a test print of our Dye Sub printer one day and it’s framed. (I’ve had it since my apt on Adams St.)
mattlindh 11:08 am on May 28, 2008 Permalink |
Yeah, that guy’s made two more Fallout-themed pictures. He’s pretty good.
Alexxarian 1:12 pm on October 6, 2008 Permalink |
Awesome guide. Just wanted to mention that there is a new patch, 1.3.4, by TeamX, so get that one instead:
http://www.nma-fallout.com/forum/dload.php?action=file&file_id=1075&sid=16e4d1a28c3ea4ed8ca2d67c697902c3
http://teamx.mhost.ru/node/297
Jimbo 3:32 pm on November 13, 2008 Permalink |
I have an issue with the white label trilogy collection. It’s been a while since i abandoned fallout 2 (yes I will take the abuse) In fall out 1 my screen blacks out including the inventory bar and can only be uncovered with mouse movements like eraser in paint. I don’t remember this being a bug on the original. running on xp sp2 amd 6000 7600gt
phokal 3:47 pm on November 13, 2008 Permalink |
Did you set them to run in Compatibility Mode?
Right click the shortcut or exe, go to the Compatibility Tab, and set to Run as Windows 98. You may need to turn on other/different combinations of options. Possibly 95. I don’t remember off hand.
jim 7:54 am on December 17, 2008 Permalink |
hey Jimbo, that exact same thing is happening to me, anyway around this?
i tried what you said phokal, but still same problem.
phokal 10:29 am on December 17, 2008 Permalink |
I’ll be reinstalling this on Vista 64 soon. I’ll let you know more precise steps then. I just remember hitting the exact same thing. Switching around compatibility options eventually fixed it. maybe the 16bit color one?
Hagbard23 8:44 pm on January 4, 2009 Permalink |
Hey, all the links for the fallout one patches are dead, is the site down and this works usually, or are the URLs just old and the files are somewheres else or what… but they aren’t working for me i get a 404 on all of them… so hey…wtf?
Nick 12:33 am on February 15, 2009 Permalink |
Yes these links are now dead.
The GSP white label 3 in 1 version contains a patch for each game – are these patches enough to complete all 3 games? E.G F2 is patched to 1.02d from the disc files. Updating F2 to 1.02e from web based patches produces error where the game no longer recognises the CD.
Any experience of completing or patching white label 3 in 1 set appreciated.
phokal 7:54 pm on July 15, 2009 Permalink |
Yup. Sorry about that. I need to clean this up a bit. For now, I’ll point everyone to GoG.com, which offers a patched up and supported version of the game.
I’ll fix these links soon.
Angus 11:48 pm on October 8, 2009 Permalink |
nma-fallout.com has all the latest patches. Also, the White Label edition is the European version. If you have that one, you will also need to get the children patch.
Water Bear 6:36 pm on October 10, 2009 Permalink |
Step 1: Buy fallout 1,2 and tactics off steam for 19 bucks
Step 2: Play.
phokal 9:02 pm on October 10, 2009 Permalink |
The fan patches actually add in a decent amount of content. They range from bug fixes, increased resolution, or cut material.
slx 7:21 am on January 31, 2012 Permalink |
Sadly all of the Fallout 1 links are 404 (even the “1.3.4, by TeamX”) and the Fallout 2 “Install the engine fixes (released February 22, 2008)” is, too. :(
Please, refresh the links!
terry 12:02 pm on September 13, 2012 Permalink |
listen i love fallout but im rubbish with a PC ive downloaded a restoration project patch and i dont know how to do anything else do i have to install it to a certain folder? do i have to extract something to a file? how do i extract? someone take pity on a technophobe fallout fan and e-mail me with instructions fallout 2 works fine just plain ignorant thanks tfo2010@hotmail.co.uk