Custom Beginning (aka CB) - Deluxe Edition

⭐ ⭐ (361 endorsements) 📥 9,297 downloads 📌 v1.3 📅 3/23/2014
⚪ Last updated 2014

By Africa · Gameplay Effects and Changes

⬇ Download Mod Source: Nexus Mods ↗ 📅 Updated: 10/5/2014 📅 Created: 3/23/2014
⚠️ Install Order · 2 steps
1🛠️ FOSE — Fallout Script Extender Download ↗
2🔧 UFO3P — Unofficial Fallout 3 Patch Download ↗

Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.

🔍 Analysis

  • 👍 3.9% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
  • 🏆 #256 of 420 Gameplay Effects and Changes mods in this game by downloads

📋 About This Mod

CB started as a remake of AltStart mod but as of right now is more of a lightweight "big mod" having a lot of enhancements and options that AltStart never had.

If you don't know , Alt Start  was a mod that allowed you to be play as various histories for example Slave or Doctor and so on. Is still found on Nexus however the newest version is only found in FWE and only works with FWE.

Why remake it? Because trying to improve on FWE's Alt Start I realized FWE is too big and complicated for me to figure out how everything was done  . Would be easier to make a clone of it from scratch. I  wanted to aim for something lighter with less menu clutter and as close to Fallout canon as possible especially 1/2. So I made this! CB. Aka Custom Beginning. All made by me from the ground up using resources I found around Nexus. See credit section for details.

Everything that has been added are from Fallout lore imported from FO1/2 or NV.

VERSIONS OF CB DELUXE

CB Deluxe 1. 3 introduces new GOTY optional add-on (which brings basic needs support to all foods in FO3) . rain weather (fire based weapons and power armor are affected by heavy rain and deep water), an oblivion-like 4 stage “vampire” adapted for fo3 (no sunlight damage or feeding on sleeping npcs), removed uniques from repair lists and added abraxo and leather belt to weapons and leather armors, added more items to Rock it launcher, added non game enforcing method for extra compatibility with other mods, sit anywhere by pressing and holding sneak button

CB Deluxe 1. 2 useless perks (thief, scoundrel, daddy’s girl/boy, gun nut) made more useful, intense training perk replaced by gain perks, CB added content is now in loot and vendor leveled lists , primary needs and ammo weight,  reorganized menu, revisited all histories start items

CB Deluxe 1. 1 now with Sprint Mod, Responsive Kill Reactions, added T3T misc icons as well as many tweaks and changes over previous version. Menu has been re-organized, few histories conditions have been updated. Highly recommended. Credits have been updated.

pre DELUXE CB no longer supported as of Sept 12 2014 but still available for download

INSTALL AND REQUIREMENTS

YOU WILL NEED: 1. FOSE  2. ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated  

Manually copy all files from Data folder into your Data folder.

CustomBeginningGOTY.esp  requires all DLCs and requires CustomBeginning.esp (which you have to load first the GOTY addon after) .  Without all DLCs this addon will just crash to desktop.

CB will make changes to a couple of key quests and scripts

🤖 AI-enhanced — based on mod data

Custom Beginning (aka CB) - Deluxe Edition is a gameplay overhaul mod for Fallout: New Vegas that began as a remake of Alt Start but evolved into a comprehensive alternative start experience. It focuses on playing as non-vault dweller characters, emphasizing immersion, Fallout canon, and game balance. With 361 endorsements and 9,297 downloads, it remains a niche but appreciated mod, last updated in 2014.

✨ Key Features

Allows players to start as a character other than the default vault dweller.
Emphasizes immersion and adherence to Fallout canon.
Includes game balancing adjustments.
Originated as a remake of Alt Start but expanded significantly beyond that scope.

📊 Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

  • Community-approved with 361 endorsements and nearly 10k downloads—clearly resonates with players.
  • Focuses on immersion and canon, which is a big plus for lore-focused roleplayers.
  • Adds balancing tweaks, so it's not just a start changer—it tweaks gameplay too.

⚠️ Cons

  • Last updated in 2014—likely outdated and may have compatibility issues with current game versions or mods.
  • Description is cut off, leaving features vague—you'll have to dig into the mod files or comments to know exactly what you're getting.
  • No clear installation instructions or dependency list provided, which could trip up less experienced modders.
🎯 Is This For You?
For Fallout: New Vegas players who want to break away from the vault dweller origin and dive into a more immersive, canon-friendly roleplay. If you're a lore buff or enjoy alternative start mods, this is worth a look. Skip if you prefer modern, actively maintained mods or want a simple start changer without extra gameplay tweaks.
📦 Install:Medium· 5-10 minutes

💡 Beginner Tips

  • Since the mod is from 2014, check the comments section for any compatibility patches or user-reported issues with other mods.
  • Use a mod manager like Nexus Mod Manager or Mod Organizer 2 to handle installation and load order, as manual installation can lead to conflicts.
  • If you're using other gameplay overhaul mods, test Custom Beginning early in your load order to ensure its balancing changes don't clash.

📊 Mod Details

Game
Fallout 3 Mods
Author
Africa
Version
1.3
Downloads
9,297
Endorsements
361
Category
Gameplay Effects and Changes
Created
3/23/2014
Updated
10/5/2014

🔧 How to Install Fallout 3 Mods

Download from Nexus.

📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Fallout 3 →

Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.

🎮 Need cheat codes or console commands? Check ur gaming wiki for Fallout 3 commands, item IDs, and more.

Keep browsing — more Fallout 3 mods await

📋 All Fallout 3 Mods 🏆 Top 25 📂 More Gameplay Effects and Changes 👤 More by Africa 🔎 Similar Mods 🌐 Best Gameplay Effects and Changes (All Games) 💾 Save Files 🔀 Check Compatibility ⚖️ Compare Mods 🆕 New Mods