Lethal Headshots
⚪ Last updated 2019⚠️ Install Order · 5 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview

🔍 Analysis
- 👍 3.2% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #340 of 383 Gameplay Effects and Changes mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
If you find my mod useful and would like to give back, please consider to make a donation.
Why a new headshot mod?
Because at the present time (25th of february 2019) all other headshot mods change the damage multiplicator for human heads in the bugged "DefaultBodyPartData" file, which increases the damage that is dealt to the player character's head too. And thus balancing the game is very difficult with one of those mods.
This mod instead uses an event handler, which checks where somebody was hit. If it was the head (even if a helmet is worn), it kills this somebody instantly.
What bosses will be excluded, if the corresponding option is selected?
You will find a list in the article section. There you can also give me feedback if you think that a specific boss should be added or removed.
No DLCs required.
Although the .esp file says otherwise in the requirements, no DLCs are required. The .esp file says this because the script references the DLC bosses (because of the option to exclude bosses). The mod will work perfectly fine without DLCs.
Check out my other mod: Toggle Weapon Zoom
- Toggle weapon zoom on and off by pressing, instead of holding, a key.
- Configurable through mod configuration menu.
- Xbox 360 controller support.
- Hotkeys react faster, namely when pressing the key down instead of releasing it up. This disables the hotkey hud element, but it will still show in the pipboy inventory when assigning an item to a hotkey. (Only for keyboard and mouse, because this would feel off for controller.)
- Makes it possible to use the "Activate" key while aiming/blocking.
- and more...
Lethal Headshots makes every enemy killable with a single headshot, without increasing damage to the player's head. A simple gameplay tweak for players who want realistic, high-risk combat. 488 endorsements and 15,267 downloads show steady community interest since 2019.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community-approved with 488 endorsements and over 15k downloads
- Adds a realistic one-shot headshot mechanic without punishing the player
- Lightweight mod that doesn't alter other damage values
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2019 — may be outdated for current game versions
- Only affects headshots; no other gameplay changes
For players who want a more realistic and lethal combat experience, where careful aim is rewarded. Perfect for those who enjoy stealth or sniper builds. Skip if you prefer bullet-sponge enemies or want a broader overhaul.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Check if your game version is compatible with this 2019 mod before installing.
- If you use a mod manager, install manually by dropping files into the game directory to avoid conflicts.
- Test on a new save to ensure the headshot mechanic works as intended.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- New Vegas Mods
- Author
- A5X
- Version
- 1.50
- Downloads
- 15,267
- Endorsements
- 488
- Category
- Gameplay Effects and Changes
- Created
- 2/25/2019
- Updated
- 4/14/2019
🔧 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.
Keep browsing — more New Vegas mods await