Unleashing Your Inner Architect: Removing the Settlement Size Limit in Fallout 4

So, you’re ready to build the Commonwealth’s most impressive stronghold, but that pesky settlement size limit is cramping your style? Don’t worry, Vault Dweller, there are ways around it! Here’s the lowdown on how to remove the settlement size limit in Fallout 4, unleashing your inner architect and allowing you to build the sprawling metropolis you’ve always dreamed of. There are three main methods: console commands (PC only), the “weapon dropping” glitch, and mods. We’ll dive into each, giving you the power to customize your settlements to your heart’s content.

Method 1: PC Console Commands (God Mode for Builders!)

If you’re playing on PC, console commands are your best friend. They offer the most direct and precise way to manipulate the game. Here’s how:

1. Enter Workshop Mode: Approach the workbench within the settlement you want to modify and activate it to enter workshop mode.

2. Open the Console: Press the tilde key (~) on your keyboard. This will open the console command window.

3. Select the Workbench: While in the console, click directly on the workbench in the game world. Its ID will appear in the console window.

4. Enter the Commands: Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:

   • setav 349 3675555555.00
   • setav 34B 3675555555.00

5. Exit and Re-enter Workshop Mode: Close the console by pressing the tilde key again. Exit workshop mode and then re-enter. This forces the game to recognize the change.

These commands effectively set the settlement size allowance to an astronomical number, granting you near-unlimited building capacity. Remember to save your game after making these changes!

Caveats: Overbuilding can still cause performance issues, especially on lower-end PCs. Proceed with caution and monitor your frame rate. These commands are specific to the PC version of the game and will not work on consoles without mods.

Method 2: The “Weapon Dropping” Glitch (Tricking the System)

This is a clever workaround that exploits the game’s mechanics. It works on all platforms (PC, PlayStation, Xbox) without requiring mods.

1. Gather Your Weapons: Collect a bunch of weapons from your inventory (the more, the better). Cheap, common weapons like pipe pistols are ideal.

2. Drop the Weapons: While standing within the settlement, drop all the weapons on the ground.

3. Enter Workshop Mode: Activate the workbench to enter workshop mode.

4. Store the Weapons: One by one, go up to each weapon and select the “Store” option. Do not scrap them! Storing the weapons temporarily reduces the settlement size meter.

5. Repeat as Needed: Continue dropping and storing weapons until the settlement size meter is low enough to allow you to build more.

Why this works: The game seems to calculate settlement size based on placed objects. When you store an item, it temporarily subtracts its “size” from the meter, even though the item is still technically within the settlement.

Limitations: This method can be tedious, especially if you need to repeat it many times. It’s also not a permanent solution, as the meter will eventually fill up again as you add more structures.

Method 3: Mods (Ultimate Customization)

Mods offer the most comprehensive and flexible way to remove or modify the settlement size limit. Numerous mods are available on PC and, with some limitations, on consoles through Bethesda.net.

1. Find a Suitable Mod: Search for mods specifically designed to remove or increase the settlement size limit. Popular options include “Settlement Size Increase” and “Unlimited Settlement Size.”

2. Install the Mod: Follow the installation instructions provided by the mod author. This usually involves using a mod manager (like Nexus Mod Manager or Mod Organizer 2 on PC) or activating the mod through the Bethesda.net interface on consoles.

3. Load the Game: Start Fallout 4 with the mod enabled.

Benefits of Mods:

• Permanent Solution: Mods typically offer a permanent fix, eliminating the need for glitches or console commands.
• Customizable Limits: Some mods allow you to adjust the settlement size limit to a specific value.
• Additional Features: Some mods may include other settlement-related enhancements, such as increased building heights or more available resources.

Considerations:

• Mod Compatibility: Ensure that the mod you choose is compatible with other mods you have installed.
• Load Order: Mod conflicts can sometimes occur, so it’s essential to manage your mod load order correctly.
• Game Stability: While most mods are safe, some can potentially cause instability or crashes. Always read user reviews and download mods from reputable sources.

FAQs: Your Settlement Size Limit Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the world of Fallout 4 settlement building.

1. Why does Fallout 4 have a settlement size limit?

The settlement size limit is in place to prevent performance issues. Building excessively large settlements can strain your system’s resources, leading to lag and crashes.

2. Does scrapping items reduce the settlement size?

Yes, scrapping items reduces the settlement size meter. This is the intended way to manage settlement size within the game’s limitations.

3. Can I increase the settlement size limit without using console commands or mods?

Yes, the “weapon dropping” glitch allows you to temporarily reduce the settlement size meter without relying on external tools.

4. Will increasing the settlement size limit affect my game’s performance?

Yes, increasing the settlement size limit can potentially impact performance, especially on lower-end systems. Monitor your frame rate and adjust your building habits accordingly.

5. What happens if I exceed the settlement size limit?

If you exceed the settlement size limit, you will be unable to build any more structures within that settlement.

6. Does the settlement size limit apply to all settlements?

Yes, the settlement size limit applies to all settlements equally.

7. Can I remove the settlement size limit on consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)?

Yes, you can use the “weapon dropping” glitch to bypass the settlement size limit on consoles. You can also use mods, but the availability of mods on consoles is more limited than on PC.

8. Are there any mods that also increase the building height limit?

Yes, some mods that remove or increase the settlement size limit also increase the building height limit. Look for mods that mention “increased build height” or “unlimited build height” in their descriptions.

9. How do I uninstall a mod that increases the settlement size limit?

The process for uninstalling a mod depends on the mod manager you used. Typically, you’ll need to disable or uninstall the mod within the mod manager and then restart Fallout 4.

10. Can settlers affect settlement size?

No, settlers do not directly affect settlement size. The settlement size meter is determined by the number and complexity of structures and items you’ve built.

11. Is there a way to reset the settlement size meter back to zero?

Scrapping all your structures resets the meter, but that’s probably not what you want! Other than that, or using the console commands mentioned above to set very high limits, there is no other way to reset the settlement size.

12. What is the biggest settlement location in Fallout 4?

Spectacle Island is widely considered the biggest area to build in Fallout 4. It also has a very high build limit. Abernathy Farm has the highest ceiling at 20 stories.

13. Can I transfer items from one settlement to another to manage size limits?

Yes, you can use supply lines to share resources between settlements. This can help you consolidate your crafting materials and reduce clutter in individual settlements.

14. Does the type of material used in construction affect settlement size?

No, the material used in construction does not affect settlement size. The meter is based on the total number of placed objects, regardless of their material.

15. Will Bethesda ever officially remove the settlement size limit?

It’s highly unlikely that Bethesda will officially remove the settlement size limit at this point, given that the game is several years old. However, the modding community continues to provide solutions for players who want to build larger settlements.

Hopefully, this has been a useful deep dive into the topic. The Games Learning Society knows that the game world can be a source of deep learning and creativity. Want to learn more? Check out GamesLearningSociety.org!