After getting the original Fallout and Morrowind running as a holotape on Fallout 4’s Pip-Boy and terminals, modder RPGKing117 has taken things a step further by making Skyrim playable within Fallout 4. The mod, titled ‘Skyrim Pip-Boy Edition,’ allows players to stream Skyrim directly into their Pip-Boy. This innovative mod was released recently, building on RPGKing117’s previous works.
The functionality of the mod relies on a custom-modified version of SKSE (Skyrim Script Extender), which is integrated into the Fallout 4 engine through shared memory and a dedicated F4SE (Fallout 4 Script Extender) plugin. Players can insert a holotape that the mod provides into Fallout 4, triggering the Skyrim content.
RPGKing117 elaborated, “Skyrim runs in a hidden window, which gets downscaled to 1024×1024 and streams its framebuffer directly into Fallout 4’s Pip-Boy display in real time.” A custom F4SE plugin allows for the holotape trigger, manages the shared-memory connection, and facilitates input passthrough so that keyboard controls can be used while in Fallout 4.
The visuals in this setup present Skyrim in a black-and-white, retro style, resembling old television broadcasts, which aligns with Fallout’s aesthetic. However, while the visuals may lack the vibrant colors of Tamriel’s landscapes, the soundtrack and ambient sounds remain intact, creating a unique experience even if it feels a bit disjointed.
For players interested in enhancing their experience, RPGKing117 noted that certain mods compatible with Skyrim can be utilized. These include mods that enable the Pip-Boy screen to display in full color and those that prevent character animations from interrupting gameplay. This could address some of the aesthetics concerns and improve the overall immersion.
To run the mod, players must have Steam copies of both Fallout 4 and Skyrim’s Legendary Edition. Note that this edition is an older version than the Special Edition, which is what most players will find in Steam searches. Additionally, users will need the Fallout 4 Script Extender, Skyrim Script Extender, and a 64-bit version of Windows 10 or 11. It is also important to mention that this mod for Skyrim is not compatible with RPGKing117’s Morrowind mod, meaning players will have to choose which Elder Scrolls game they wish to play.
In summary, RPGKing117’s ‘Skyrim Pip-Boy Edition’ brings a fascinating new layer of interactivity to Fallout 4, merging two beloved franchises into one unique experience. Whether you’re navigating the frozen wasteland of Fallout or the mystical lands of Skyrim, the possibilities of exploration and interaction are expanded once again.
