Fallout 3 add-ons

Bethesda Softworks has released downloadable content (DLC) packs for Fallout 3 in the first half of 2009. The G.E.C.K., the Fallout 3 editor, was released in December 2008 for the PC version of the game.

G.E.C.K. editor
The official editor for Fallout 3, called the G.E.C.K. (Garden of Eden Creation Kit), is available for free download here and allows PC users to create and add their own content to the game.

The release of the G.E.C.K. provides the community with tools that allow players to expand the game. Users can create, modify, and edit any data for use with Fallout 3, from building landscapes, towns, and locations to writing dialogue, creating characters, weapons, creatures, and more.

The G.E.C.K. has an interface similar to The Elder Scrolls Construction Set, which is useful to those who are familiar with it.

Though G.E.C.K. has some minor issues (such as a missing lip sync and rare crashes), no information has yet been revealed regarding a possible update.

DLC packs
Three downloadable content packs were released exclusively on Xbox Live and Games for Windows Live. Bethesda Softworks has confirmed that the DLC will not be made available to the PlayStation 3. Each installment of the DLC added new quests, items, perks, and other content to Fallout 3, and was be released from January to May 2009. The latest Fallout 3 patch is required in order to play the DLC.

Operation: Anchorage


Enter a military simulation and fight in one of the greatest battles of the Fallout universe: the liberation of Anchorage, Alaska from its Chinese invaders. Operation: Anchorage was released on January 27, 2009 and costs 800 Microsoft points ($10 US).

The Pitt


Journey to the industrial raider town called The Pitt, located in the remains of Pittsburgh. The Pitt was released on March 24, 2009 and costs 800 Microsoft points ($10 US).

Broken Steel


Join the ranks of the Brotherhood of Steel and rid the Capital Wasteland of the Enclave once and for all. This DLC pack continues the adventure past the main quest and raises the level cap from 20 to 30. Broken Steel was released on May 5, 2009 for XBox360 and May 7, 2009 for PC/Windows Live. The DLC costs 800 Microsoft points ($10 US).

Future DLC
While Bethesda has not confirmed any future DLC, the name Point Look has been revealed here and here, to be released in a retail pack along with Broken Steel; the release date currently unknown. According to the latest Microsoft regulations concerning DLC achievements for Xbox 360 games, Bethesda has used only 350 out of a maximum 750 gamer points and only 14 achievements out of a maximum 30 with the first three DLC packs. That leaves the developer the option to add more DLC in the future.

Retail editions
There are rumors that both Operation: Anchorage and The Pitt will be available via retail on disc on May 26. The retail package will cost $19.99 US and will include a Vault Boy poster. It appears that Broken Steel will not be included.

Playing offline
While Games for Windows Live requires you to be online to in order to play DLC packs, you can find the DLC files (a main .bsa, a sounds .bsa, and an .esm) in the following folder
 * (Windows XP)
 * (Windows Vista & Windows 7)

If you move them to your  folder, you will be able to play the DLC without activating Games for Windows Live.

Remember to load through the Fallout 3 launcher then click on "Data Files" and check the box next to "Anchorage" before running the game. Keep in mind that this workaround is not officially supported.

And please remember if you are using your Windows search function to search "hidden folders" in order to find these files.