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
Currently, three downloadable content packs have been released (Operation: Anchorage, The Pitt, Broken Steel) and another two have been announced (Point Lookout, Mothership Zeta). Each pack adds new quests, items, perks, and other content to Fallout 3. The latest Fallout 3 patch is required in order to play the DLC.

The first three DLC were initially released exclusively on Xbox Live and Games for Windows Live. They will be made available for PlayStation 3 starting with Operation: Anchorage in late June 2009, followed by The Pitt and Broken Steel four to six weeks apart. The following DLCs will then be released in chronological order.

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).

Point Lookout
Point Lookout will be the fourth DLC pack, to be released in late June 2009 for the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live. The PlayStation 3 version is to be released after the first three DLCs have been released. The DLC will cost 800 Microsoft points or $9.99.

Point Lookout will feature a massive new swampland area filled with new quests and content.

Mothership Zeta
Mothership Zeta will be the fifth DLC pack, to be released in late July 2009 for the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live. The PlayStation 3 version is to be released after Point Lookout. The DLC will cost 800 Microsoft points or $9.99.

In Mothership Zeta the Aliens have returned, and the player will experience an alien abduction first hand.

Retail editions
Operation: Anchorage and The Pitt will be available via retail on disc on May 26, 2009. The retail package will cost $19.99 US and will include a Vault Boy poster. The second add-on pack, set to be released in late August 2009, will feature Broken Steel and Point Lookout.

Playing offline
Important note: Before following the steps, set your Windows search function to search "hidden folders". Otherwise, you will not able to find the folders you need. A safer alternative is by simply open the "Run" application and copy & paste the paths below to directly send you to the folders.

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.