ZFE

Description

ZFE is a Fallout 76 modding runtime for Steam and PC Game Pass. It serves two purposes:

• []Restore compatibility for supported SFE mods.[/]

  []Provide an open API for creating new Fallout 76 UI mods and services.[/]

  ZFE is growing beyond compatibility. Mod authors can use it for local storage, allow listed imports, in-process events, structured logging, user approved remote data, native input support, and independent online chat integrations.

  See the Articles tab for API guides, examples, supported calls, current limitations, and the chat relay protocol.

  ZFE was built from scratch. It does not copy or include SFE code. It reimplements the public facing behavior existing UI mods rely on through testing, observation, and ingame validation.

  An Open Chat Foundation

  ZFE does not lock players or modders into one chat mod, one interface, one server, or one community.

  Any mod author can:

  • []Create their own Fallout 76 chat UI.[/]

    []Design their own channels, appearance, commands, and user experience.[/]

    []Run an independent relay server.[/]

    []Write that server in any language or framework.[/]

    []Implement their own community rules, moderation, permissions, and server features.[/]

    []Use ZFE’s documented chat.v1 protocol instead of depending on one closed chat implementation.[/]

    ZFE can handle the native side of the integration, including secure endpoint policy, protected authentication token storage, reconnection support, native hotkeys and text input, request validation, and communication between the UI mod and its relay.

    The mod author controls the visible experience. The relay operator controls the server and community. Players can choose the compatible chat mod and community they prefer or use no chat mod at all.

    ZFE supplies the foundation, not a mandatory chat network.

    The chat API is still experimental. A complete chat experience requires a compatible UI mod, relay server, and configuration. Public production relays must use secure wss:// connections. See the Articles tab for the current contract and development guide.

    For Modders

    ZFE is not only a compatibility layer. It is an open runtime that mod authors can build on.

    Current API areas include:

    • []Storage: save local settings and UI state owned by your mod.[/]

      []Imports: read supported player generated export files.[/]

      []Events: communicate between UI mods inside the same game process.[/]

      []Logging: write structured troubleshooting messages to zfe.log.[/]

      []Remote Data: read user approved HTTPS resources through ZFE’s native cache.[/]

      []Chat: create independent chat UIs and relay services using the chat.v1 contract.[/]

      []Legacy Compatibility: support established SFE bridge calls where documented.[/]

      New mods should check ZFE’s reported capabilities before using an API. The APIs remain experimental, so expect careful evolution as more mod authors build with them.

      If you maintain an SFE mod, want to add ZFE aware features, or have an idea for a completely new UI experience, check the Articles tab. Feedback, compatibility reports, and real mod projects are welcome.

      Compatibility reports

      If a mod does not work with ZFE, please post the mod name, Nexus ID, version, platform, and the relevant part of zfe.log. These reports help improve compatibility in future releases.

      You can also use Mod Manager Download. NukaMods supports installing ZFE automatically, similarly to SFE:

      NukaMods on Nexus Mods

      Installation Instructions

      Extract dxgi.dll beside the supported Fallout 76 executable:

      • []Steam: Place dxgi.dll beside Fallout76.exe in the Fallout 76 Steam folder.[/]

        []PC Game Pass / Xbox app: Place dxgi.dll beside Project76_GamePass.exe in the Fallout 76 Content folder.[/]

        If you already use SFE, replace only its old dxgi.dll. Keep your existing mod configuration files.

        Do not install SFE and ZFE together.

        To uninstall ZFE, delete dxgi.dll.