nUbee's Newbie Guide for FCOM

Introduction
This guide is intended to help those who have never installed FCOM on their Oblivion install.
Many players feel the process of installing four overhauls is a daunting and confusing task.
The reality is that all you need is a little patience and know that if something goes wrong, it
can be fixed, and that you learned something in the process. I will do my best to be as clear as
possible in the steps provided.
One of the great things about FCOM is that there are so many ways to customize your game.
There are many, many mods out there that are compatible with and compliment FCOM. But
since this is a newbie's guide, I will give you the steps for a basic installation.
When downloading mods, I recommend you create a folder (e.g. OblivionDLs on your
desktop) and place all downloaded material into that folder. The more organized your files
are, the less stress there is. In case you don't have it already, you will need to download and
install 7-zip. It's a free archive creator/extractor that will be able to extract just about any
archive you come across. It's also needed for making a modified archive of our own. This
guide will assume you have it.
Most of the required material can only be downloaded from tesalliance.org and
nexusmods.com/oblivion/. You will need a login at these sites for downloading.

1. Install Oblivion and DLC

1.1:

To start off with, make sure you are installing FCOM on a clean install of Oblivion. That
means that no other mods or files should be installed when starting this. So if you have
Oblivion installed already, it might be easiest to just uninstall it and remove the
Oblivion folders from:
C:\Users\<your username>\Documents\My Games
and
C:\Users\<your username>\AppData\Local

1.2:

Now install Oblivion. Be sure to install the game into a directory that is not in
C:\Program Files\. Instead, install it in a new folder such as
C:\Games\Oblivion
This way you won't be bothered by UAC and have problems later down the road.
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1.3:

OPTIONAL: (GOTY users, ignore this)

If you installed oblivion from an older disc version (e.g. collector's edition, original
release), and plan to install Shivering Isles, download and install the 1.1.511 patch first.
This patch includes fixes to the Textures.bsa and launcher which are not included in
the Shivering Isles 1.2.0416 patch.

1.4:

OPTIONAL:
Now install Shivering Isles. The Installer will automatically install everything in the
right location.

1.5:

If you have the Game of the Year Edition, skip this step. All others, install the latest
1.2.0416 patch. If you have Shivering Isles installed, download and install this one.
Otherwise, get this one.

1.6:

OPTIONAL:
At this point, you can install any DLC including Knights of the Nine. For an FCOM
install, it doesn't matter which ones. None are required.

1.7:

One more thing. This may not be essential, but it's probably best to run the game at this
point so that the oblivion.ini is generated. All you need to do is start the launcher,
launch the game, start a new game, then quit. No need to save.

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2. Install Required/Useful Utilities

2.1:

Download Wrye Bash. I could write pages on what Wrye Bash does, so I'm going to
recommend reading the official documentation if you want to know everything it can
do. Just know that it's one of the best things to happen to Oblivion since the game came
out. You'll want to download the Wrye Bash 306 Installer (or latest) version in the
MAIN FILES section.
2.1.1: Start the installer. Click next
2.1.2: Install Locations. It should automatically locate your install folder. Oblivion and
Wrye Bash [Standalone] should already be checked. Leave everything else
unchecked. Click next.
2.1.3: Choose Components. Check Start Menu Shortcuts to your liking and press install.
2.1.4: Once it's done installing, click next.
2.1.5: Oblivion should be unchecked (not ready to run yet). You can view the readme if
you like. I'd recommend taking a look at it at some point to get yourself more
familiar with the many useful features of Wrye Bash. You can leave the "Delete
files from old Bash versions" checked. Click close.

2.2:

Download Better Oblivion Sorting Software (BOSS). This utility makes you forget about
having to worry about what order your mods should load. Reduces headaches by 90%
or more. Download the "boss_installer.7z" (or latest) file in the Releases page and extract the
BOSS Installer.exe file.
2.2.1: Start the Installer. Select your language (I'm assuming English, since you're
reading this guide) and click OK.
2.2.2: Click next.
2.2.3: Install Location. C:\BOSS is the default, so leave it at that and click Install.
2.2.4: Once installation is completed, click next.
2.2.5: No need to run BOSS yet, so uncheck that box. View the readme if you'd like.
Click Finish and you're done.

2.3:

Download Oblivion Script Extender (OBSE). Some of the fixes from the Unofficial
Patches require the use of OBSE. Plus if you plan on installing other mods, many of
them require OBSE as well.
2.3.1: Unpack the OBSE zip file.
2.3.2: Copy the files "obse_1_2_416.dll", "obse_editor_1_2.dll", and
"obse_loader.exe" and the folder Data into your main Oblivion folder (same folder
with Oblivion.exe). STEAM USERS: copy the file obse_steam_loader.dll into your
main Oblivion folder as well.

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3. Unofficial Patches
Although installing the Unofficial Patches are not required for FCOM to run, it might as well
be, since these patches fix just about any bug you could think of that was present in the
original game.
3.1:

Download the Unofficial Oblivion Patch (UOP).

3.1.1: Open up Wrye Bash, either from the Start Menu (if you checked the box during
the installation) or from C:\Games\Oblivion\Mopy\.
3.1.2: Re-size the window if need be and select the Installers tab at the top. It will ask
if you want to enable Installers. Select Yes.
3.1.3: After refreshing, the Installers page will be open. From the file manager (File Explorer),
click and drag the UOP archive and drop it into the Package field. A dialogue box will
pop up asking you to move, copy or cancel. When you copy or move, it will be placed in
C:\Games\Oblivion Mods\Bash Installers\. You can alternatively copy or move archives
directly to that folder. The folders should already exist after having opened Wrye Bash.
3.1.4: Back in Wrye Bash, the Installers page should automatically refresh and you
should see the archive you moved.
3.1.5: Single-click the UOP package so it's highlighted. Three .esp check boxes should
populate the Esp/m Filter window box on the right. Uncheck the UOP
Vampire Aging & Face Fix.esp. We don't actually need that installed.
3.1.6: Right-click the UOP package and select Install from the context menu. Don't
worry about any OBSE DLL Warning windows that might pop-up. Just select
Yes.
3.1.7: The box next to the UOP package should turn green with a plus. Now, onto the
next one. Leave the Wrye Bash window open.

3.2:

Download the Unofficial Shivering Isles Patch (USIP). Only use if you have Shivering Isles
installed.
3.2.1: Copy or Move the archive into the Bash Installers folder. Same as you did with
the UOP archive.
3.2.2: Right-click the USIP package in Wrye Bash and select Install.

3.3:

Download the Unofficial Oblivion DLC Patches (UOMP). Only use if you have any DLC
installed, including Knights of the Nine.
3.3.1: Copy or Move the archive into the Bash Installers folder. Same as the others.
3.3.2: In Wrye Bash, select the UOMP package and uncheck any of the .esps for the
DLC you do not have installed. For example, if you don't have Horse Armor
installed, then uncheck DLCHorseArmor Unofficial Patch.esp. You can
check which ones you have installed by selecting the Mods tab and looking
through the esp list.
3.3.3: Right-click the UOMP package and select Install.
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4. Francesco's Leveled Creatures/Items

4.1:

Download Francesco's Creatures and Items V5B1 and grab the V5B2 Update as well.

4.2:

Put both archives into the Bash Installers folder and go back into Wrye Bash (Installers
Tab).

4.3:

In case it's not already in order, make sure the Order (2nd column in the list. You may
need to resize the column widths) for the V5B2 Update package is a greater number
than the V5B1 package. You can rearrange them by click, drag and drop.

4.4:

Right-click the V5B1 package and select Wizard.

4.4.1: An installer wizard will pop up. You can review the overview of the mod. When
you're ready, click next.
4.4.2: Shivering Isles. Select yes or no if you want Frans features in the Shivering Isles.
Obviously if you don't have it installed, select No. Otherwise, select yes and click
next.
4.4.3: FCOM Install. Yes, otherwise you would not be reading this guide. Click next.
4.4.4: You may read what will be installed to get an idea of what Francesco will add.
When ready, click next.
4.4.5: If you're installing the SI version, you have the option of Chance of More
Enemies. Check the box if you wish and click next.
4.4.5.1:
Select the chances of having more enemies and click next.
4.4.6: You may click Back and make changes to any options if you want. Otherwise,
check the box Apply these selections and Install this package (if not
selected). Click Finish.

4.5:

Right-click the V5B2 package and select Install. No need to use the wizard.
4.5.1: Select OK to the INI Tweaks window that pops up.
4.5.2: V5B1's package box should turn yellow. Everything is fine. Install successful.

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5. Oscuro's Oblivion Overhaul

5.1:

Download Oscuro's Oblivion Overhaul (OOO). Go to the Files page and download the BSA and
FULL files.

5.2:

Move the downloaded archives into the Bash Installers folder.

5.3:

Go into Wrye Bash (Installers tab), then select the Oscuros Oblivion Overhaul FULL
package. Uncheck the esp with the Knights of the Nine name in the window box on the right.
Uncheck the No Daedric Items esp as well. Now right-click the package and select install. Do
the same with the Oscuros Oblivion Overhaul BSA package as well.

6. Oblivion WarCry
6.1:

Download Oblivion WarCry. We'll want the Oblivion WarCry EV Opti.7z and
WarCryEv.7z archives.

6.2:

Move both archives you downloaded into the Bash Installers folder.

6.3:

In Wrye Bash, right click each of the WarCry packages and select install.

7. Bob's Armory
7.1:

Download Bob's Armory. Get two more files: Bob's Armory Oblivion.7z and
FCOMBob's Armory Oblivion Opti.7z.

7.2:

Just like WarCry, move the archives into the Bash Installers folder.

7.3:

And like previously, in Wrye Bash, right-click the packages and select install. These
mods are easy to install aren't they?

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8. FCOM: Convergence
8.1:

Download FCOM: Convergence. In the Download page, fetch these archives:

FCOM Convergence 1.00.7z

FCOM_Convergence.7z

FCOM RealSwords Resources.7z (optional)

FCOM_EntropicOrderRebalance.7z
Since FCOM Optional Add-Ons.7z is not required, I won't be including that. If you
still want any of the esps included to be installed, please read the documentation or ask
on the official forum.

8.2:

Move the archives into the Bash Installers folder.

8.3:

Back in Wrye Bash, highlight (single-click) the package FCOM Convergence 1.00.7z.
8.3.1: If you do not have Knights of the Nine installed, uncheck
FCOM_Knights.esp in the window box on the right.
8.3.2: If you did not download the FCOM RealSwords Resources.7z archive,
also uncheck FCOM_RealSwords.esp.
8.3.3: Uncheck the FCOM_SpawnRates esps. If you want, you may check
only one of them. These esps control the spawn rates of monsters and
NPCs. So if you want fewer enemies in your travels, you may wish to
check SpawnRatesReduced OR SpawnRatesSlightlyReduced. If you want
fewer, but stronger enemies, then check SpawnRatesStronger. Remember
to only check one of them. If you want standard spawn rates, leave them
all unchecked.

8.4:

Highlight the package FCOM_EntropicOrderRebalance.7z. In the esp/m filter, only check one
esp. If you want more difficulty, check the Hardcore esp, otherwise, check the Rebalance esp.

8.5:

Right-click each FCOM package and install them.

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9. Martigen's Monster Mod (MMM)

9.1:

Download Martigen's Monster Mod 3.8. From the Download page, get these:

MMM 3.8 ReadMe and Version History.rar (for your reference. You'll need it.)

MMM38.rar

MMM38BSA.7z

9.2:

Move the archives MMM38.rar and MMM38BSA.7z into the Bash Installers folder.

9.3:

Rename the BSA within the MMM38BSA.7z archive.

9.3.1: In the explorer window, right-click the MMM38BSA.7z archive and select
7-Zip Open archive in the context menu.
9.3.2: Once inside the 7-zip file manager, right-click on the file Mart's Monster
Mod.bsa and select Rename.
9.3.3: Rename the file to FCOM_Convergence_Mart's Monster Mod.bsa
9.3.4: You may now close the 7-zip file manager.

9.4:

Back in Wrye Bash, select the package MMM38.rar and right-click anywhere in the
window box of esps. Click Deselect All.

9.5:

Now this is where things get complicated. There are many ways you can customize
MMM to your liking. There is no best way, it's all to each person's taste. If you want to
know what a plugin does, consult the readme you downloaded. Also, be aware that
many of the esps included here are NOT compatible with FCOM. If you don't know
what you want or you don't care, you may check the esp/esm listed below:

Mart's Monster Mod.esm

Mart's Monster Mod More Wilderness Life No Gates.esp

Mart's Monster Mod Extra Wounding.esp

Mart's Monster Mod Hunting & Crafting.esp

Mart's Monster Mod Looting NPCs & Creatures.esp

Mart's Monster Mod Diverse Creatures Expansion.esp

Mart's Monster Mod Diverse WaterLife.esp

Mart's Monster Mod Mummies.esp

Mart's Monster Mod RadiantAITweaks.esp

Mart's Monster Mod Shivering Isles.esp (If you have SI installed of course)
These will work, but remember that this is only one way to set up MMM. Please consult
the readme and forums for information on each plugin. Additional plugins can be
installed later, but make sure to run BOSS and rebuild the Bashed Patch (more on that
later) after any changes have been made.

9.6:

Now right-click the MMM38.rar and MMM38BSA.7z packages and install.

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10. Load Ordering and Bashed Patch

Congratulations. You've just completed a basic FCOM install. But there are a few things that
need to be set up before we can enjoy the game.
10.1: If you're not already there, Open the Mods tab in Wrye Bash. You should see a bunch of
esp and esms in the list.
10.2: At the top of the window, just below the tabs, you should see a bar labeled File. Rightclick that bar and select Load All. It might take a little while for all the files to be
checked.
10.3: At the very bottom of Wrye Bash, you should see some icons, starting with a green box, a red
box, and possibly several others. If you mouse over any of them, a tooltip will show up. Look
for the one that has a tooltip that says Launch BOSS. It should be an icon with the oblivion
symbol and BOSS in front of it. If its not there, go to C:\Games\Oblivion\Mopy\. Copy
bash_default.ini to bash.ini. Open bash.ini and uncomment the variable sboss at the end of the
file (delete the semicolon) and make sure the path to the executable is correct (wherever you
installed BOSS). You will need to restart Wrye Bash in order for it to effect. Click the button to
launch BOSS.
10.4: A window will eventually show up. Feel free to review the Recognized Plugins section.
When you are done, close the window.
10.5: Back in Wrye Bash, looking at the mod list, you should see Bashed Patch, 0.esp as the
last mod. Right-click that esp and select Rebuild Patch.
10.6: If a window titled Deactivate these mods... pops up, make sure all esps are checked
and click OK.
10.7: You'll now see a window with two sections. The important stuff should already be
checked. You can make further adjustments/tweaks by checking boxes. If you don't
know what it does, don't check it. Consult the Wrye Bash readme for more information.
Moving the mouse over a box/tweak will also give you a short description. Again, if
you're unsure, just leave everything untouched. The defaults should be good enough,
although do check them out in your spare time. Some of them are really useful. Click
Build Patch at the bottom of the window when you're ready.
10.8: Building a patch can take some time, especially if you have a lot of mods installed. So
get a drink and be patient. Once it's completed, a summary window will pop up. Click
OK.
With that, you are done! Everything in your mod list in Wrye Bash should have a check-mark,
a plus sign if the mod name is green, or a dot if the mod name is purple. Click the Oblivion
symbol at the bottom, and enjoy the greatness of FCOM.
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11. Suggestions and Further Notes

Feel free to play around with Wrye Bash. A lot of new players are intimidated by it because
there are so many features. Nothing will harm your computer in any way. At worst, you may
need to reinstall Oblivion, but that's highly unlikely. Definitely play around with the tweak
settings in the Build Bashed Patch. Some can really make your game more enjoyable. You can
also make some oblivion.ini edits by going to the INI Edits section. For more info on the
development of Wrye Bash, visit the Wrye Bash forum thread.
This guide is not official. For the best support, please visit the FCOM forum thread.
If there are any confusions, problems with this guide, including typos and sentences that need
rewording, or if you have suggestions on how to improve this guide, please contact me at
forums.nexusmods.com or forums.bethsoft.com. My username is nUbee at both sites.

Last Revised July 16, 2016