Swimming Creatures Fix - ESPless

⭐ ⭐⭐ (4,135 endorsements) 📥 352,379 downloads 📌 v1 📅 9/18/2023
⚪ Last updated 2023

By Migck · Bug Fixes

⬇ Download Mod Source: Nexus Mods ↗ 📅 Updated: 9/18/2023 📅 Created: 9/18/2023
⚠️ 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

  • 👍 1.2% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
  • 🏆 #36 of 110 Bug Fixes mods in this game by downloads

📋 About This Mod

Swimming Creatures FixNOTE: this is included in Unofficial Patch NVSE Plus.

Back in FO3, the only creatures with swimming animations are the Mirelurk, Mirelurk King (Lakelurk), and dogs. Obsidian added those animations for some of its new creatures in subsequent DLCs for NV, but most of the time didn't apply the movement flag to the creatures record proper that would have allowed them to do so.

This simple script runner scans all creatures at startup, and gives the missing flag for swimming to those lacking an animation template if their skeleton falls under the model folders used by the following:

  • []Mantis

    []Gecko

    []Giant Rat

    []Super Mutant

    []Mirelurk

    []Lakelurk

    []Yao Guai (HH)

    Note that it's just for movement in water, not combat. Not even lakelurks can hit you while swimming, but now at least all of those can keep pursuing you, should you go for a dive.

    Ideally this would also remove the swimming flag from all those creatures not using the above model paths (like bighorners), but I'd rather just use this to grant it to those that could use it. Creatures without the anims but with the swim movement flag can still move through water with their land movement anims, which looks dumb but it's better (and likely faster) than nothing.

    This is a plain .txt file so changing it to fit your needs should be easy enough. Enjoy.

🤖 AI-enhanced — based on mod data

Swimming Creatures Fix - ESPless is a lightweight bug fix for Fallout 4 that adds the 'swim' movement flag to vanilla creatures that already have swimming animations, allowing them to chase the player in water. With over 4,000 endorsements and 350,000 downloads, it's a popular quality-of-life improvement for players tired of water being a safe zone.

✨ Key Features

Adds the 'swim' movement flag to vanilla creatures that have swimming animations.
ESPless design means no plugin slot usage and easier compatibility.
Allows creatures to pursue the player in water, not just mirelurks.

📊 Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

  • Huge community trust with 4,135 endorsements and 352k downloads.
  • ESPless means no plugin slot usage and easier compatibility.
  • Fixes a real gameplay gap—water no longer becomes a cheap escape route.

⚠️ Cons

  • Only affects creatures that already have swim animations—some enemies still won't follow.
  • Last updated in 2023—may not be tested with the latest Fallout 4 updates or DLC.
🎯 Is This For You?
For Fallout 4 players who want more challenging encounters near water and enjoy immersion fixes. If you're tired of swimming to safety from land enemies, this mod is for you. Skip if you prefer water as a safe zone or want new creatures—this only tweaks existing ones.
📦 Install:Easy· Under 1 minute

💡 Beginner Tips

  • Since it's ESPless, just drop the files into your Data folder or use a mod manager—no plugin load order worries.
  • If you use a mod manager, enable the mod and let it deploy; no extra patches needed.
  • Test near a body of water with creatures like dogs or ghouls to see the new behavior.

📊 Mod Details

Game
New Vegas Mods
Author
Migck
Version
1
Downloads
352,379
Endorsements
4,135
Category
Bug Fixes
Created
9/18/2023
Updated
9/18/2023

🔧 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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