Fallout 4: Game of the Year released on GOG

  • Comment
A DRM-free version of Fallout 4: Game of the Year edition is now available from GOG.com, making it the latest title in the Fallout franchise to get the Good Old Games treatment. Just like with the release of Skyrim back in September 2022, we've managed to get our mitts on the game a few days early to help our friends at GOG to make this version as modding-friendly as possible. 




You might be wondering what's different about this release compared to the versions available on Steam, Epic Games or through Xbox Game Pass, so here's a quick rundown of why this version is interesting:

  • DRM-free - Like all games offered on GOG, this version is completely free of pesky DRM so you won't be locked out of titles you paid for, or constantly asked to prove you own them - this is DRM-free gaming.
  • No Creation Club or Bethesda.net - The Creation Club and Bethesda.net menus have been disabled for this release meaning that you cannot access these services in-game. This means that all Creation Club DLCs cannot currently be obtained with this version of the game.
  • Rollback easily* - Don't you just hate it when Fallout 4 gets updated and you either have to wait for all your favourite F4SE dependant mods to be updated or mess about trying to roll back? This is quite difficult on Steam or Xbox but GOG has got you covered. Through the GOG Galaxy app, you can easily roll back to an older version of the game or turn off updates entirely to keep modding without interruption. 

To celebrate the release, the game will be available with a 75% discount for the next 2 weeks letting you pick up Fallout 4 with all major DLCs for £8.74/$9.99/€9.99 (RRP £34.99/$39.99/€39.99)**. If you've never played Fallout 4, now is a great time to give it a go! You can visit GOG.com by clicking the banner below.



I'm sure you have questions at this point so here's a brief FAQ covering what we've learned from this build so far.

Can I manage my mods with Vortex?
Yes. We've released an over-the-air update to Fallout 4 support which includes automatic detection of the GOG version and will allow you to manage your mods, plugins and saved games like any other edition of the game. You may need to restart Vortex to get this update. 

Does this version work with Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE)?
GOG has ensured that the Silverlock team behind F4SE have been a part of the conversation leading up to the release and GOG has generously given them early access to the build. As this release is very similar to the Steam build, F4SE should be ready to go without any updates needed. 

Do all existing mods work with the GOG version?
The vast majority of mods will work with this version right away. However, due to some changes to remove the Bethesda.net and Creation Club menus, mods that alter the game UI (specifically the main menu and pause menu) may need to be updated before they are compatible. 

Can I transfer my saved games over? 
Yes. The saved games folder is shared with the Steam release, so migrating from Steam should be fairly painless. If you're playing on Xbox Game Pass, you'll need to move your saves from "My Documents\My Games\Fallout4 MS\Saves" to "My Documents\My Games\Fallout4\Saves". Keep in mind that if you're playing with mods it's not a good idea to move over mid-save but if you do make sure you have all the same mods installed to the GOG version. 

I have purchased Creation Club content on Steam/Xbox/Epic can I transfer it?
No. As this version of Fallout 4 has no link to Bethesda.net, it is not possible to transfer your purchases over. 

Will I be able to get the Fallout 4 Next Gen update from GOG? 
While Bethesda has continued to be very tight-lipped on the subject since announcing that Fallout 4 will get a Next-gen update during the Fallout 25th Anniversary celebration, we can confirm that this update is planned to be available on all platforms, including GOG. While it doesn't seem likely that we'll see this updated in 2023 as originally announced, it does give us something to look forward to in 2024. 

Will you be making copies of the GOG version available to mod authors via the Mod Rewards Program
We're discussing the possibility of this with GOG so keep an eye on the Donation Points Store. If we're able to secure some copies then we'll let Mod Authors know via the dedicated forums/Discord server.  

Is GOG going to release the VR version?
At the moment there are no plans for GOG to offer the VR edition of the game. 

Can I get the Creation Kit from GOG?
No. At present, the Creation Kit is only available on Steam. Bethesda has confirmed the GOG version is not compatible with the Steam Creation Kit but all mods created using the Creation Kit will work with any PC edition of the game. 


Technical Details


For tool developers (or just those of you who are curious) here are the details of the GOG version:

  • The game version is 1.10.163. (The same as the version from Steam)
  • Game settings (INI files) are stored under "%userprofile%\Documents\My Games\Fallout4".
  • Saved games are stored under "%userprofile%\Documents\My Games\Fallout4\Saves".
  • Load order data (plugins.txt and loadorder.txt files) is stored under "%localappdata%\Fallout4".


That about wraps it up. What do you think of Fallout 4 coming to GOG? Let us know in the comments. 

* Bethesda will still be able to remove old versions from this option if required but GOG has said that in most cases they will remain available. 
** Disclaimer: We are a member of GOG.com's affiliate program. This means if you use any of the links in the article above to make a purchase from GOG.com, we get a very small cut. It's another way to help us keep the lights on and we're always happy to promote such a great company!

73 comments

  1. MaryamSabir
    MaryamSabir
    • member
    • 2 posts
    • 0 kudos
    "Wow, the Game of the Year just dropped on GOG, and it's totally awesome! This game has it all - stunning graphics, epic adventures, and a gripping story that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, you're in for a treat. Grab your copy on GOG and prepare for hours of non-stop fun. It's a must-play for anyone who loves gaming!"
    Follow us on this website https://kbcluckywinners.com/
  2. bcathey
    bcathey
    • member
    • 453 posts
    • 2 kudos
    i know somebodies already asked this but here goes , without access to (bethesda.net) do we no longer have access to the mod page and mods except for the ones on the nexus ??? if so ill just go ahead and keep with the steam version , because some of those mods arent available on the nexus.
    1. MaryamSabir
      MaryamSabir
      • member
      • 2 posts
      • 0 kudos
      "Wow, the Game of the Year just dropped on GOG, and it's totally awesome! This game has it all - stunning graphics, epic adventures, and a gripping story that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just starting out, you're in for a treat. Grab your copy on GOG and prepare for hours of non-stop fun. It's a must-play for anyone who loves gaming!"
      Follow us on this website https://kbcluckywinners.com/
  3. Obs70
    Obs70
    • member
    • 1 posts
    • 0 kudos
    C’est bien beau de faire une MAJ pour la Next gen mais ce serait mieux s’ils pensaient faire des MAJ pour les bugs déjà existant. A moins que ce ne soit inclut dans cette fameuse MAJ.
  4. PeterMartyr
    PeterMartyr
    • premium
    • 1,136 posts
    • 13 kudos
    @nexus I noticed that window environment variables where used to explain the %path% names, problem is 99.999999% of nexus members will not have a clue what that means, yeah a quick google search will clarify it... LOL but a part of readability and clarity is know the audience you're writing for .. just my humble opinion, but dumb it down a bit. It is unrealistic to expect an average user to know that %systemroot% and %windir% is the same thing for example.


    • C:/Users/{username}/AppData/Local/Fallout4
    • C:/Users/{username}/Documents/My Games/Fallout4/Saves

    Maybe writing it out maybe be the better option?
    1. Pickysaurus
      Pickysaurus
      • Community Manager
      • 21,422 posts
      • 589 kudos
      That information is for the more technical members of the community, who will know what it means. 

      Also, the paths I included can be copied and pasted into Windows Explorer to be taken to the files. 
    2. PeterMartyr
      PeterMartyr
      • premium
      • 1,136 posts
      • 13 kudos
      Fair enough, but my point was they "the technically" minded do not need help.  Where other less fortunate do, and the majority of nexus user, no offense intended, are not super PC savvy. Plus as a nexus communicator, you need to write for the audience that going to read it. Without having to do a google search. Think of someone like Carl Sagan and then try and emulate that. For the common man

      Plus your argument do not hold water.

      1. login into Steam Password 2FA and 30 days
      2. login into Nexus Password 2FA and 30 days
      3. login into GOG  Password 2FA and 30 days
      How can one be bad and the other good? Plus only advance technically minded user can launch GOG Game without launching the Client. Thus for majority of nexus users there no substantial difference or advantage between steam or gog, that the reality.

      Edit there no way I am downloading my Projekt Red games and hoarding them on my PC PLUS Red and I go backs years, I have hard copies of witcher 1 Enhanced  and the Witcher 2 version 1 and guess what, they are not DRM Free. Yet I still loved those DRM included games. Yeah I predate GOG with my support for Projekt RED. My paid for  pre-order for the Witcher 3 was 2 & 1/2 years before it got release and they kept apologizing to us in emails. Bless 'em for the delays.
  5. pepperman35
    pepperman35
    • member
    • 1,289 posts
    • 41 kudos
    Hard pass for me, but thanks for the information.  Always nice to stay informed.  Without the ability to create mods I would have no use for the GoG version.  
    1. webmistressr
      webmistressr
      • member
      • 2 posts
      • 0 kudos
      There are many 3rd party alternatives to the Creation Kit, some of which are better and can do more (Tes4Edit sorry FO4Edit, F4SE etc). You can still mod, and upload to Nexus, but you can't upload to or profit from their Creation Club. So, nothing of value was lost!
    2. showler
      showler
      • premium
      • 4,623 posts
      • 32 kudos
      FO4Edit can't do most of the things that the Creation Kit can do and F4SE doesn't do anything at all except give more script functions.

      Making mods without the CK would be difficult unless you are only making adjustments to existing items.
  6. shawnvangelion
    shawnvangelion
    • member
    • 1 posts
    • 0 kudos
    witcher 3 was goty lol 
    1. Sonja
      Sonja
      • member
      • 6,929 posts
      • 170 kudos
      Indeed it was.

      However, when games come bundled with all DLCs and updates (especially if due to a later version), they are often labelled "GOTY."
    2. showler
      showler
      • premium
      • 4,623 posts
      • 32 kudos
      More to the point:  Game of the Year isn't a universal standard.  Lots of places announce their "game of the year" lists and none of them are more or less valid than any other.
  7. webmistressr
    webmistressr
    • member
    • 2 posts
    • 0 kudos
    Thank you GOG!

    I wrote an unhinged rant about why I will never pay Steam or any of those DRM-infested storefronts in GOG's "Requests" thread for Fallout 4 recently, explaining how pirates get a better experience than Steam users, because they can freeze and archive the base game install, F4SE, and their current mod versions at a particular point in time, whereas modders and gamers alike get shafted by things like auto update, online checks, and complete loss of working historical installations and mods when hard drives and computers fail.

    I wrote about how I have two MDISC DVD's from the mid 00's marked "Pear Shaped Skyrim", containing the base install and mods and saves required to get my custom, wide-hipped, small-chested female character into that game without requiring Internet access and using archived Windows 7 + WSUS Offline backups. I promised GOG that I would reward them as soon as this game hit their platform, and I intend to follow through.

    I get paid on the evening of the 28th, and I will add it to my collection, download the offline installer, download my F4SE and modding tools for the correct version, and my Bodyslide and Outfit Studio - burn it to an MDISC "lifetime archival" Blu-Ray and mark it - you guessed, "Pear Shaped Fallout 4". Finally, I will own this masterpiece and all the amazing tools that others have made for it, legally. And I can mod it and publish here without worrying about being a cursed pirate.

    When I have done this, I will both update (or reply to) this post to confirm, and I will release my currently uploaded, but hidden mod, of Marian, my FemShep (sorry NORA lol!)
  8. showler
    showler
    • premium
    • 4,623 posts
    • 32 kudos
    2024?

    <big no of a very theatrical quality>
    1. Eysenbeiss
      Eysenbeiss
      • supporter
      • 767 posts
      • 44 kudos
      Learn to read.

      2024 is supposed to be the 25th anniverary update from bughthesda, it has nothing to do with FO4 being available throug GOG.
    2. showler
      showler
      • premium
      • 4,623 posts
      • 32 kudos
      Feel free to relax about my ability to read.

      I don't care about the game being released on GOG.  I've owned it for eight years, I have no reason to buy it again.

      I'm concerned about the free update being delayed until next year.  I hope that makes you feel better.
    3. streetyson
      streetyson
      • member
      • 2,776 posts
      • 74 kudos
      Except you don't own nor buy any game on Steam at all, you merely rent them - i.e. you only buy a licence to run it on your device for an unspecified length of time for as long as Steam exists and don't screw up your account and still support your chosen OS. As of next January, Steam and it's client will no longer support Windows 7 or 8.1, so dual-booters like me with lots of older games on those drives would eventually be screwed if they had Steam versions of them and needed/wanted to install them again in the future. And as I have already installed such games time and again over the past few decades I know this is not merely some theoretical argument.

      As for 2024, you're both somewhat misreading - the 25th Anniversary of Fallout was 1997-2022, not 2024 (and not Bethesda, which started in 1986). If you read the linked article you'll see it's dated October 2022, and Fallout 1 came out in October 1997. The article is mainly about Fallout 76 stuff for October to November 2022. But further down it also includes an announcement about a Fallout 4 Next Gen update in 2023 and Picksaurus is saying it currently seems more likely this might not appear until 2024. Hope that helps.
    4. TheGamingPaladin
      TheGamingPaladin
      • member
      • 120 posts
      • 0 kudos
      Ubisoft laughs at the  belief that you own digital games, they think otherwise. XD
    5. TimeBrain
      TimeBrain
      • member
      • 1 posts
      • 0 kudos
      Actually, if you're running old games like that, you'll likely have better luck on Linux. Ironically, there's a lot of cases where proton gives better backwards compatible than windows. You also might get better performance, especially on Intel Arc, even using dxvk on Windows gives Arc better performance in older titles.
    6. showler
      showler
      • premium
      • 4,623 posts
      • 32 kudos
      Why does everyone think I can't read?

      The article clearly states that the upcoming next-gen update was ANNOUNCED at the 25th anniversary celebration in 2022.  It was expected to come out in 2023 and now appears to be delayed until 2024.  That's what I'm unhappy about.

      Why is that so hard to understand?
    7. lefttounge
      lefttounge
      • supporter
      • 9,993 posts
      • 198 kudos
      Just ignore them, they are insanely rude and disrespectful. There is no need to gaslight anybody over simply not seeing a post.
  9. Windsermera
    Windsermera
    • member
    • 1 posts
    • 0 kudos
    Having problems with the f4se  it won't load up not sure why but feeling iam missing something and not seeing it
    1. lefttounge
      lefttounge
      • supporter
      • 9,993 posts
      • 198 kudos
      Hmm...This is an off topic post.
      F4se will if you install it right. Perhaps if you asked in the help forums others will be able to better assist you, be sure to tell them what mod manager you are using as well.
  10. lefttounge
    lefttounge
    • supporter
    • 9,993 posts
    • 198 kudos
    Seriously stressed out about this one. I can't afford to have my current older fallout 4 break because Bethesda wants to force an update.
    Gotta make sure to keep Steam updates turned off.