Companion Sandbox Mode

⭐ ⭐⭐ (4,208 endorsements) 📥 125,849 downloads 📌 v2.3 📅 10/22/2010
⚪ Last updated 2011

By Povuholo · Companions

⬇ Download Mod Source: Nexus Mods ↗ 📅 Updated: 2/11/2011 📅 Created: 10/22/2010
⚠️ Install Order · 5 steps
1🛠️ NVSE — New Vegas Script Extender Download ↗
2🛠️ 4GB Patcher — FNV 4GB Patcher Download ↗
3🔧 NVAC — New Vegas Anti Crash Download ↗
4🧩 JIP LN — JIP LN NVSE Plugin Download ↗
5🔧 YUP — Yukichigai Unofficial Patch Download ↗

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

🔍 Analysis

  • 👍 3.3% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
  • 🏆 #36 of 58 Companions mods in this game by downloads

📋 About This Mod

This mod is now outdated. I recommend using tyron1234\'s Improved Companion Sandbox. It is based on my mod, but with both new and improved features. Check it out! http://www.newvegasnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=44803 Original description follows. =================== Ever annoyed by the fact that if you\'d let your companions wait, they\'d just stand there like a statue? Now you can make companions go into \'sandbox mode\', which allows them to interact with the environment. Your companions will walk around, sit in chairs, lean against walls, or even harvest a nearby plant or dead animal for food. And possibly some other things. Right now, there are two different versions. Version 2: Adds a new sandbox package to all the companions, and allows you to activate it by talking to your companions and telling them that they can relax. They will respond to this with their own voice, and a little gesture that is different for each companion. The advantage of this is that the original \'wait here\' command can still be used, so that your companions will still stand still if you need them to (for combat strategy reasons). Bonus features: Companions will switch to casual clothing when relaxing (optional), and ED-E has a dialogue option that allows him to play New Vegas Radio. Version 1: The simple version, only replaces the \'wait here\' package with the sandbox package. The advantage is that this didn\'t require altering the companions, so it is more likely to be compatible with mods that alter companions. The disadvantage is that if you tell companions to wait while you\'re in a dangerous area, they might wander around a bit and do something stupid like walking over a mine. When possible, I recommend using Version 2 instead. (In)compatibility =============== V2: This version is more likely to be incompatible with mods that change something about companions. When in doubt, load the other mod later than this one (so that one will definitely work) and then see if using the relax dialogue topic still makes the companions go into sandbox mode. If your companion just stands still right there when you tell them to relax, or they start walking home, it\'s very likely there\'s a conflict with that other mod that alters the companion. If no compatibility patch is made by anyone for the conflicting mod, use Version 1. 2 instead. It should be possible to merge changes that other mods make to the companions with FNVEdit, if you know how. V1: This version should be compatible with most other mods that alter companions, unless they also change the guard AI package. Known Issues or Bugs ==================== I\'ll mention it again: If your companion stands perfectly still all the time when told to relax, or starts walking home, this is because of a mod conflict. Companions can use all kinds of furniture and \'idle markers\'. This means they can sit in chairs, lean against a wall, or hang

🤖 AI-enhanced — based on mod data

Companion Sandbox Mode alters companion AI so they interact with their environment when told to wait, instead of standing idle. Version 2 adds a Sandbox package accessible through dialogue, preserving the original waiting behavior. A classic mod with 4,208 endorsements and 125,849 downloads, last updated in 2011.

✨ Key Features

Changes companion AI to interact with environment when waiting
Version 2 adds a Sandbox package started through dialogue
Original waiting AI preserved in Version 2

📊 Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

  • Huge community trust: 4,208 endorsements and 125k downloads
  • Adds life to companions—they'll actually do stuff instead of staring at walls
  • Version 2 gives you the choice between vanilla waiting and sandbox behavior

⚠️ Cons

  • Last updated in 2011—likely outdated for modern game versions, may need patches
  • Sandbox behavior might be unpredictable or cause issues in certain areas
🎯 Is This For You?
For players who want their companions to feel more alive and immersive, especially when waiting around. If you're tired of companions standing like statues, this mod adds a bit of realism. Skip if you prefer strict control over companion behavior or play on a heavily modded setup where compatibility could be a concern.
📦 Install:Easy· Under 1 minute

💡 Beginner Tips

  • Since the mod is from 2011, check if it's compatible with your game version and any other companion mods you use.
  • If you're using a mod manager, install manually by dropping files into the Data folder to avoid conflicts.
  • Test the sandbox behavior in a safe area first to see how companions react before relying on it in combat.

📊 Mod Details

Game
New Vegas Mods
Author
Povuholo
Version
2.3
Downloads
125,849
Endorsements
4,208
Category
Companions
Created
10/22/2010
Updated
2/11/2011

🔗 Required By 1 Mod

These mods list this mod as a dependency.

🧩 Commonly Used Together

Users add these mods to the same collections — a real compatibility signal, not an AI guess.

🔧 How to Install New Vegas Mods

Download from Nexus.

📖 Full step-by-step install guide for New Vegas →

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

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

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