Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) vs MWSE
Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE)
f4se.silverlock.orgMWSE
mwse.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) | MWSE |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Mod Loaders | 7.8 (#9) | 7.7 (#12) |
| Purpose | F4SE is a modder’s resource that expands Fallout 4’s scripting capabilities. | MWSE adds functions to Morrowind scripts beyond those provided by the game's Construction Set. |
| Support | The readme directs installation and other problem reports to the F4SE subreddit and says the team cannot help with load order problems. | The project directs users seeking scripting advice or discussion to the Morrowind Modding Community Discord. |
Plans
In their own words
Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE)
Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) is a free Windows resource for Fallout 4 modders who need expanded scripting capabilities. It extends scripting without changing the game’s executable files on disk. Listed interfaces include the Papyrus plugin API and hooks for Papyrus, Scaleform, and the classic script system. The homepage lists build 0.7.9 for Fallout 4 runtime 1.11.240. F4SE supports Fallout 4 releases from Steam and GOG, while MS Store, Game Pass, Epic, and other Windows Store versions are unsupported because those applications do not provide required APIs. Native code plugins require updates from their creators for runtime 1.10.980 and later, and plugins must have publicly available source code. Injection loads mods and may trigger poorly written virus scanners. Additional utilities include a command-line BA2 archive extractor and PEX script disassembler. The project is provided as-is and directs installation questions to its subreddit.
MWSE
MWSE adds scripting capabilities to The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind beyond those provided by the game's Construction Set. It gives mod authors ways to add features or behavior that would otherwise be impractical or impossible. From version 2.1, modifications can use Lua for event-driven behavior, with hooks for events such as level-ups, collisions and world activations. MWSE exposes APIs through Lua 5.1, with extensions from Lua 5.2 and Lua 5.3. Mods are not sandboxed, so they can include packaged Lua modules and native code. Included patches raise the mod limit from 256 to 1024, and crash dumps and logs help diagnose mod problems. MWSE is free software under the GNU General Public License and comes with no warranty. It supports Windows and Linux through Wine. Installation requires the x86 Visual Studio 2022 Redistributable, Morrowind Code Patch and Morrowind Graphic Extender XE. MGE XE bundles MWSE-Update.exe, which downloads the latest automated build. The project directs scripting advice and discussion to the Morrowind Modding Community Discord.