Fallout 4 Long Load Times Explained

Load times are a pain, especially in modern gaming, where they are much more rare. So, what’s up with the long load times in Fallout 4, and is there anything that can be done?

Why Does Fallout 4 have Long Load Times?

With the release of the next-gen patch, the spotlight once again falls on this issue as players dive back into the Commonwealth. Whether transitioning between indoor and outdoor environments or simply loading a save file, the wait has often tested the patience of players. Now, with the enhanced capabilities of next-gen consoles, the expectation was for smoother, swifter transitions. However, for many players, the reality has been the opposite.

It’s important to remember that Fallout 4 has always been a little messy. Unfortunately, the load times haven’t gone away with the next-gen patch. Despite this, the improvements are clear even if you have to wait for some load times. However, there are a couple of things you can try if you’re really having issues.

How to fix Fallout 4 Long Load Times

While the next-gen patch brings performance boosts, it also causes some issues with mod compatibility. Fallout 4 took a huge leap for console gaming by introducing a mod menu built into the game. However, Several of these mods now clash with the new patch, causing crashes, instability, and of course longer loads.

For those grappling with load time woes and mod compatibility issues, the best option is to uninstall all mods and start fresh. You can start the game with no installed mods to see if you’re still running into severe issues and go from there. By doing so, players can also test the stability of each mod individually and add them back into your loadout as needed.

Despite the long load times in Fallout 4, it’s still worth it to return to the commonwealth. The improved performance and additional content, paired with renewed interest from the Fallout TV show, may just be what Fallout 4 needs to start its second life.

The free next-gen patch for Fallout 4 is now available for the Xbox Series X, PS5, and Windows PC.