# How to play Fallout: New Vegas multiplayer over Meshnet

## Introduction <a href="#introduction" id="introduction"></a>

The [Fallout series](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallout_\(series\)), renowned for its customizable gameplay and expansive open-world exploration, captivates both avid gamers and casual players alike. Despite [Fallout: New Vegas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallout:_New_Vegas) being a single-player game, dedicated fans have developed modifications enabling multiplayer servers, offering an opportunity for shared adventures in its vast world.

By default, multiplayer servers in Fallout: New Vegas are limited to the [local area network](https://nordvpn.com/blog/what-is-lan/) (LAN), restricting access for those outside your [home network](https://nordvpn.com/blog/setup-home-network/). However, this limitation can be circumvented by using [Meshnet](https://nordvpn.com/meshnet/) — a solution that allows you to link devices around the globe to a virtual device network, without the need for [port forwarding](https://nordvpn.com/blog/port-forwarding/). Once linked, the devices can connect as if they were physically on the same network. Such a setup allows players from different locations to connect to your server without restrictions.

This article showcases how you can set up your own Fallout: New Vegas multiplayer server on Windows and enjoy the game with your friends.

## Before you begin <a href="#before-you-begin" id="before-you-begin"></a>

Make sure that all players have a copy of Fallout: New Vegas available on their PC. Additionally, if you have played the game before and have files left on your computer, be sure to reset the game. Otherwise, the multiplayer add-ons may not function.

<details>

<summary>Resetting the game</summary>

1. Launch **Steam** and go to the **Library** tab.
2. From the list on the left, right-click **Fallout: New Vegas** and select **Manage** > **Browse local files**.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2Fc6CfazEwO0dVdH2fk6kc%2Ffallout_browse_local_files.png?alt=media&#x26;token=2da7a955-13b2-434a-95d1-0e1f480ecf90" alt="&#x22;Manage&#x22; and &#x22;Browse local files&#x22; options highlighted." width="473"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
3. Delete all files in the folder that opens.
4. Back on **Steam**, right-click **Fallout: New Vegas** once again, and choose **Manage** > **Uninstall**.
5. Open **File explorer**.
6. In the address bar, enter the path below and press **Enter**:\
   `%USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\FalloutNV` \
   &#x20;

   <div align="left"><figure><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FIOq7JUtnJwUcYLt2cjIg%2Ffallout_explorer_path_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=d3c60d62-40a3-410d-a316-935a06629b3f" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F7Q5pM3jHwxlrVaCuOxVj%2Ffallout_explorer_path.png?alt=media&#x26;token=7aca4b6a-5e76-4e40-a6a2-98e21d00d76d" alt="Path entered in the address bar of the File explorer window."></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
7. Delete all files, except for the `Saves` folder.

After completing these steps, install Fallout: New Vegas again.

<img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FdY9f7y3nfqE9jdss9lLw%2Ffallout_install.png?alt=media&#x26;token=044a3584-a744-4eb5-aa2e-7f3f5510dd8c" alt="" data-size="original">

</details>

## Prepare Fallout: New Vegas for multiplayer <a href="#prepare-fallout-new-vegas-for-multiplayer" id="prepare-fallout-new-vegas-for-multiplayer"></a>

You’ll need to carry out these instructions on all devices that will be playing on the Fallout: New Vegas server. By following these steps, you will install the required modifications and get the game ready for multiplayer action.

### Setting the graphics options <a href="#setting-the-graphics-options" id="setting-the-graphics-options"></a>

To begin, ensure that the game’s installation is finalized and configure your preferred visual options:

1. Open **Steam** and launch Fallout: New Vegas to install run-time dependencies.
2. Click **Exit** to close the launcher.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FFFvha2GYFCUFa65Uys94%2Ffallout_launcher_exit.png?alt=media&#x26;token=94084341-caf4-4c28-94a9-74187c4afacc" alt="&#x22;Exit&#x22; button highlighted in the Fallout: New Vegas launcher." width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
3. Open the Fallout: New Vegas installation directory. By default, it is:\
   `C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Fallout New Vegas`\
   &#x20;
4. Right-click **FalloutNVLauncher.exe** and select **Run as administrator**.
5. Select **Options**, and choose your preferred resolution and graphics settings.
6. Click **Play**.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FP6rinhDnb6oUc8wF0NIo%2Ffallout_launcher_play.png?alt=media&#x26;token=39269126-2347-466a-9c3a-5d98d4de2d1e" alt="Clicking &#x22;Play&#x22; in the Fallout: New Vegas launcher." width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
7. Once the game launches, click **Quit** and select **Exit game**.

### Validating game files <a href="#validating-game-files" id="validating-game-files"></a>

Now, you should verify the integrity of the game’s files using Steam’s built-in tools:

1. Open **Steam** and go to the **Library** tab.
2. Locate **Fallout: New Vegas**, right-click it, and select **Properties**.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F5eZ2LMYZaVG46vu94PKf%2Ffallout_properties.png?alt=media&#x26;token=978cc92f-7e19-4c90-9193-eb4fc534db2c" alt="&#x22;Properties&#x22; option highlighted." width="309"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
3. On the left, select **Installed files** and click **Verify integrity of game files**.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FEosqYp62TwKYJ6ZtPKEu%2Ffallout_verify_integrity.png?alt=media&#x26;token=54286068-705a-48dc-8f65-a75f2c80d9a4" alt="Clicking &#x22;Verify integrity of game files&#x22; in the &#x22;Installed Files&#x22; menu."><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
4. Once completed, close the dialog.

### Installing stability modifications <a href="#installing-stability-modifications" id="installing-stability-modifications"></a>

Next, install modifications to help the game run smoothly in multiplayer mode.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**

To download two of the required modifications, you will need a [NexusMods](https://www.nexusmods.com/) account. You can create an account for free on the [NexusMods registration page](https://users.nexusmods.com/register).
{% endhint %}

#### 4GB patcher <a href="#id-4gb-patcher" id="id-4gb-patcher"></a>

The 4GB patcher adjusts the game’s files increasing its allowed [random access memory](https://nordvpn.com/cybersecurity/glossary/random-access-memory/) (RAM) usage from the default 2GB to 4GB. This leads to better performance and smoother overall gameplay.

1. Navigate to the [4GB patcher page](https://www.nexusmods.com/newvegas/mods/62552?tab=files\&file_id=1000075100) of the NexusMods website.
2. Click **Slow download**.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F7WM2nMkQ2Rbe591NvSlg%2Ffallout_4gb_patcher_download.png?alt=media&#x26;token=bcdbea74-e43a-4547-909a-7899c5f48825" alt="Clicking the &#x22;Slow download&#x22; button." width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;\
   If you have a premium account, choose **Fast download** instead.
3. Open the downloaded archive.
4. Extract the **FNVpatch.exe** file to the Fallout: New Vegas installation folder.
5. Launch **FNVpatch.exe**.
6. Verify that the command line dialog output says `FalloutNV.exe Patched!` and close it.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FUMud0liFTCPj0EwwBgtL%2Ffallout_patcher_cli.png?alt=media&#x26;token=bb88e6fa-3ea9-4dab-97f5-f72358667dfb" alt="Command line output showing that the FallloutNV.exe file was patched."><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

#### Script extender <a href="#script-extender" id="script-extender"></a>

The New Vegas script extender (NVSE) enhances the game’s engine for increased modding and scripting availability.

1. Visit the [Releases page](https://github.com/xNVSE/NVSE/releases/) of the New Vegas script extender GitHub repository.
2. Download the latest available `.7z` archive.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F87AWbLISe3e5mUIm4WRA%2Ffallout_nvse_download.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6f3b6064-cd85-4408-a7b6-3be358027525" alt="Downloading the latest NVSE archive."><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
3. Extract the archive’s content to the Fallout: New Vegas installation folder.

#### Anti-crash <a href="#anti-crash" id="anti-crash"></a>

The New Vegas anti-crash (NVAC) modification aims to minimize the number of unexpected game crashes.

1. Go to the [New Vegas anti-crash page](https://www.nexusmods.com/newvegas/mods/53635?tab=files\&file_id=1000039152) of the NexusMods website.
2. Click **Slow download**.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FQBDVI5mWlf0euLMAG5TB%2Ffallout_nvac_download.png?alt=media&#x26;token=dc06ee30-d931-4265-a848-128b0dc37d75" alt="Clicking the &#x22;Slow download&#x22; button." width="563"><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;\
   If you have a premium account, choose **Fast download** instead.
3. Extract the contents of the downloaded archive to the `Data` folder of the Fallout: New Vegas installation folder.\
   &#x20;\
   **Example**\
   `C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Fallout New Vegas\Data`

### Setting the load order <a href="#setting-the-load-order" id="setting-the-load-order"></a>

Now, you need to set the load order for the game’s plugins:

1. Visit the [Releases page](https://github.com/loot/loot/releases) of the Loot GitHub repository.
2. Download the latest available Windows installer file.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F1AGp04gIjrkXWA45VxEG%2Ffallout_loot_download.png?alt=media&#x26;token=6bf90161-9167-4f3d-afd0-6c503fb10a36" alt="Downloading the Loot installer file."><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
3. Launch the downloaded executable and install Loot.
4. Using Windows Search, search for `loot` and click **Run as administrator**.

   <div align="left"><figure><picture><source srcset="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F2J0d1Nbc3LOqQDz3quK0%2Ffallout_loot_run_admin_dark.png?alt=media&#x26;token=34d468ec-93e5-4862-b113-2f75cb11783d" media="(prefers-color-scheme: dark)"><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FcgguuGge3WwaVd8Bq6rl%2Ffallout_loot_run_admin.png?alt=media&#x26;token=96397927-4f9a-4762-917f-67d390f65238" alt="&#x22;Run as administrator&#x22; option for Loot highlighted in Windows search."></picture><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
5. In the upper-left corner, ensure that **Fallout: New Vegas** is selected.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2F5itw6lYaE1G73omgjcSI%2Ffallout_loot_selected.png?alt=media&#x26;token=fa9a63fa-b422-4356-b8c9-dd5c392c6b38" alt="Fallout: New Vegas selected in the Loot app."><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
6. Click **Update masterlist**, select **Sort plugins**, and click **Apply sorted load order**.
7. Exit Loot.

### Downloading New Vegas: Multiplayer <a href="#downloading-new-vegas-multiplayer" id="downloading-new-vegas-multiplayer"></a>

Finally, you can download and run the Fallout: New Vegas multiplayer client.

1. Visit the [Releases page](https://github.com/NVMP/ClientDistribution/releases/) of the New Vegas multiplayer client GitHub repository.
2. Download the latest available `build_release_client.zip` archive.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2Fk5A7ORIvkTJv2mVsfQxA%2Ffallout_nvmp_download.png?alt=media&#x26;token=03998108-4c04-4e14-9747-ae1d5c3d93c6" alt="Downloading the New Vegas: Multiplayer client."><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;
3. Extract the archive’s content to the Fallout: New Vegas installation folder.
4. Right-click **nvmp\_launcher.exe** and choose **Run as administrator**.
5. Click **Launch in offline mode**.

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FJ3zAZ1PhUu8moCM1X0nL%2Ffallout_mp_offline.png?alt=media&#x26;token=dd84e8c3-b0b0-4f5b-9c9d-ae293485bb08" alt="&#x22;Launch in offline mode&#x22; text button highlighted."><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

You should now see the **New Vegas: Multiplayer** window from which you can either start your server or connect to your friend’s server.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**

If you receive a Windows Defender SmartScreen dialog when opening `nvmp_launcher.exe`, select **More info** and click **Run anyway**.
{% endhint %}

## Play Fallout: New Vegas over Meshnet <a href="#play-fallout-new-vegas-over-meshnet" id="play-fallout-new-vegas-over-meshnet"></a>

With all of the setup taken care of, you can start your server, connect to it, and start playing.

### Starting your server <a href="#starting-your-server" id="starting-your-server"></a>

To initialize your Fallout: New Vegas server, in the lower-left corner of the **New Vegas: Multiplayer** window, click **Launch local server**.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FP9IkCNbhRIxHOWZXJdia%2Ffallout_launch_server.png?alt=media&#x26;token=1dd5d4d7-cbe2-43b1-b86b-5ecb0a023ded" alt="&#x22;Launch local server&#x22; option highlighted in the New Vegas: Multiplayer window."><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

You should see a Command Prompt window appear indicating that the server is running.

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FFsulUq4EOfaL3txj1Jr2%2Ffallout_server_cli.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e84f880f-cc91-4a91-90cc-b64c5d37232c" alt="Command Prompt window showing that the server is running."><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**

If the **Windows security alert** box appears when starting the server, select both the *private* and *public* networks options, and then click the **Allow access** button to allow incoming connections through the firewall.
{% endhint %}

### Connecting to the server <a href="#connecting-to-the-server" id="connecting-to-the-server"></a>

To join your server:

1. Copy the Meshnet IP address of the device that is running the Fallout: New Vegas server from the [NordVPN app](https://nordvpn.com/download/).
2. In the lower-left corner of the **New Vegas: Multiplayer** window, select **Connect via IP**.

   <figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FEbnUDYIVWRZAfcnyEgEz%2Ffallout_connect_via_ip.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e4e15b2a-5689-4d64-9a6f-1c6a517c0530" alt="&#x22;Connect via IP&#x22; option highlighted in the New Vegas: Multiplayer window."><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

   &#x20;
3. In the dialog that opens, paste the copied IP address followed by `:27015`.\
   &#x20;

   **Example**

   <div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FZYvgmQkLKevWrhXcxdJj%2Ffallout_server_ip.png?alt=media&#x26;token=e705bf9a-1f4c-439e-a9b6-3ae6cb1e994e" alt="Meshnet IP address and port number entered in the &#x22;Connect to a server&#x22; dialog."><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

   &#x20;\
   If you’re connecting from the same device that is running the server, replace the IP address with `localhost`, as such: `localhost:27015`
4. Click **Connect**.
5. Once the game launches, start either a new game and load your previous save file.

Now you can enjoy the endless possibilities of the Fallout: New Vegas world with friends!

<div align="left"><figure><img src="https://3559400189-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F0cTezbT2vN0lurEio8Z5%2Fuploads%2FEz9cbwUMWsUqK8pHoDtd%2Ffallout_gameplay.png?alt=media&#x26;token=05647fbf-ad26-4256-aa43-151c996fed0a" alt="Two players connected to the Fallout: New Vegas server."><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>