About this mod
Adds balanced vanilla-style backpacks and an expandable scripted framework that allows backpacks to take damage from combat. Support other mods without the need for patches.
- Requirements
- Permissions and credits
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Translations
- Changelogs
- Donations
(or BBB, an acronym I'm certain has never been used before)
Requirements:
Honest Hearts
Lonesome Road
xNVSE
JIP LN NVSE Plugin
ShowOff NVSE Plugin (optional)
Description
I've always liked the idea of backpacks in these sorts of games, but I've always disliked that: 1. the available backpack mods don't fit the aesthetics of the vanilla game, and 2. backpacks tend to be unbalanced, since they're essentially a free permanent carry weight boost.
Better Balanced Backpacks aims to fix that. It does several things:
- Adds a set of craftable vanilla-friendly backpacks that can also be optionally distributed throughout the game.
- Adds a framework that allows backpacks to take damage during combat, so that they need periodic repair.
- Adds a framework to automatically work with backpacks added by other mods, optionally balancing and distributing those backpacks too.
More Information
New Backpacks
The new 'Wasteland' Backpacks can be obtained by crafting them at the campfire. They require Leather Belts, Tanned Gecko Hides, and Scrap Metal. Tanned Gecko Hides are required to add some sort of barrier-to-entry, and also get some more use out of the underused vanilla recipe. You can craft the different coloured versions by also having a Paint Gun. The backpacks are a smaller versions of the vanilla slave backpacks, and fit the game's desert/tribal subtheme quite well.
All backpacks have a carry weight bonus and an Agility debuff for balance. The INI file can be used to toggle a 'low carry weight' mode, intended for users of JSawyer or other hardcore mods, and also enable a JSawyer-style Sneak skill debuff instead of an Agility debuff.
Backpack Damage
In the vanilla game, only armour in the main equipment slots takes damage. Therefore, even though backpacks have condition assigned, there's no way they can ever take damage and they can never break. To solve that, I've reverse-engineered the vanilla condition damage formulas and reimplemented them through a script for backpacks. The backpack can be maintained using a variety of scrap items, but mostly animal pelts and hides.
Backpacks can be given to followers, but they will not receive damage in combat. This feature is for the player only.
Mod Support
If ShowOff NVSE Plugin is installed, its JSON framework is used to add support for mod-added backpacks. By default, config files are already included for the following mods:
Blackwolf Backacks New Vegas
Blackwolf Backpack Texture Pack
Canvas Backpacks - Remade
Circle of Steel Backpack
Leather Backpack
Lionhaerts Backpacks NV
Military Backpacks
Playable Slave Backpack
RHF Simple Backpacks Mod
Spice of Life
Worn Backpack
See the Compatibility section below for details on how to make simple config files to add support for other mods.
Installation
This mod requires the following:
- Honest Hearts
- Lonesome Road
- xNVSE
- JIP LN NVSE Plugin
- ShowOff NVSE Plugin (optional)
Standard installation procedure: add the file to your data folder and check in the game launcher or your mod manager of choice. Load wherever.
If you are using a JSawyer mod, I strongly recommend you set both bLowCarryWeightMode and bSneakDebuff to 1 in the INI file for consistency with Sawyer's conventions.
Uninstallation
This mod can be safety uninstalled at any time and will have no permanent effects on your game. Just delete the file and you're good to go.
Compatibility
This mod changes no vanilla forms and is conflict-free.
For a mod to hook into the balance or distribution system, a simple JSON config file is required, which is placed in the data\config\Better Balanced Backpacks\ folder. When you launch the game, Better Balanced Backpacks will scan the folder and automatically add support for any items identified by formID in the file.
The QwibNewBackpacks.esp.json is the best example, and adds support for Canvas Backpacks - Remade by QwibQwib. The filename should be the same as the backpack mod's name. The JSON file contains a single object with the following possible properties:
- size_vsmall: array of formIDs for very small backpacks (+15/+10 lbs)
- size_small: array of formIDs for small backpacks (+25/+15 lbs)
- size_med: array of formIDs for medium backpacks (+40/+20 lbs)
- size_large: array of formIDs for large backpacks (+50/+25 lbs)
- size_xlarge: array of formIDs for extra large backpacks (+75/+35 lbs)
- size_pouch: array of formIDs for small pouches (+10/+5 lbs)
- loot_generic: array of formIDs for backpacks that should be distributed to adventurers, mercenaries, and traders
- loot_legion: array of formIDs for backpacks that should be distributed to Caesar's Legion
- loot_khan: array of formIDs for backpacks that should be distributed to Great Khans
- loot_ncr: array of formIDs for backpacks that should be distributed to NCR Troopers
Note that the formIDs are load order independent, so should have only six digits maximum (leading zeros can be omitted).
Future Plans
At present, the backpacks use the Strong Back perk icon. I'm quite literally hoping Jesus can deliver me some better icons, if he's out there.
Credits
dasmart88 for External Frame Backpack, from which the backpack models have been taken.
AngryKarakuri for Alex's Backpack Mod, from which the different backpack texture variants were taken.
Vegemit3 for the custom backpack icons.
My Mods
I spend a lot of time creating and supporting my mods, so any donations are gratefully received.