Killing Costs Karma
⚪ Last updated 2023⚠️ Install Order · 5 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
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🔍 Analysis
- 👍 2.2% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #116 of 135 Miscellaneous mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
I always felt in Fallout it was too easy to hit max postive karma and too difficult to stay at neutral karma. To make karma a bit more dynamic and fluid, this mod causes you to lose a very small amount every time you kill someone, regardless of their karma affiliation and even if you kill them in self defense.
So, if you go on a raider killing spree, you may notice your karma has gone from "good" to "neutral."
Karma isn't removed for killing animals or creatures. Only for killing NPCs (humans and nonferal ghouls).
You can set how much karma is lost using the config file. By default, you lose 1 point in karma when you kill someone. This penalty is applied on top of the karma you lose in the base game when you murder a "good" NPC. You do not lose karma for killing Lobotomites or Marked Men, but you can change that in the mod's config file.
Too prevent being spammed with "You Lost Karma" messages every time you enter a firefight, the karma is lost silently and with no message. You still receive karma messages if you steal or murder.
This mod also disables being rewarded positive karma for killing "evil" npcs like Vuples. This can be turned back on it in the config file.
As karma doesn't really matter in FNV, this mod was mainly made with TTW in mind, although it still works without it.
This is a script runner which means there is no esp so it won't be counted in your loadorder mod count. Still, you install this mod like you would any other mod.
==Requirements==
JohnnyGuitarNVSE
Killing Costs Karma makes every NPC kill, regardless of alignment or self-defense, reduce your karma by a small amount. Designed for Tale of Two Wastelands, it adds a challenge for players who want to maintain good karma. With 137 endorsements and 6,147 downloads, it's a niche but appreciated tweak.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Simple concept that adds a meaningful challenge to karma management.
- Community-tested with 137 endorsements and over 6k downloads.
- Lightweight and doesn't overhaul the game—just tweaks one mechanic.
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2023, so may not be compatible with the latest TTW or Fallout updates.
For TTW players who want a stricter karma system and enjoy role-playing consequences for every kill. If you're a completionist trying to keep good karma, this adds a layer of difficulty. Skip if you prefer a more forgiving karma system or don't play TTW.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Since it's a simple mod, just drop the files into your Data folder and activate it in your mod manager.
- If you're using TTW, make sure you have the latest version installed and check for compatibility patches.
- Test with a quick save before committing to a long playthrough to see if the karma loss feels balanced.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- New Vegas Mods
- Author
- hman101
- Version
- 1.2
- Downloads
- 6,147
- Endorsements
- 137
- Category
- Miscellaneous
- Created
- 1/7/2023
- Updated
- 6/16/2023
🔧 How to Install New Vegas Mods
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