If you’re experiencing issues with the Extended Crafting Framework overhaul, known as ECO Redux, in Fallout 4, you are not alone. Many players report problems ranging from missing mods and broken workbenches to the plugin not integrating with other mods properly. ECO Redux is an advanced and powerful tool for streamlining crafting and gameplay modifications, but it can also be complex to install and configure correctly. This article provides a comprehensive and trustworthy guide to fixing ECO Redux when it’s not working fully.
1. Confirm Installation Order and Load Priority
One of the most common causes of ECO Redux not functioning properly is an incorrect installation order or load sequence. ECO Redux relies heavily on Fallout 4’s scripting systems and other mod frameworks like F4SE and MCM (Mod Configuration Menu).
- Make sure you have F4SE installed correctly. That means unzipping it into your Fallout 4 game folder alongside the executable, not just placing it in your Mod Organizer or Vortex folder.
- Install the required dependencies in the following order:
- F4SE
- Address Library for F4SE Plugins
- MCM
- FallUI Framework (which ECO Redux uses for some UI elements)
- ECO Redux
Use a LOOT sorter or the built-in sorter of your mod manager (Vortex or Mod Organizer 2) to get the correct plugin load order. Incorrect load orders can render entire mod features inoperable.
2. Check for Missing Master Files
If ECO Redux is missing functionalities like crafting categories or menus, chances are that one or more master plugins weren’t installed or loaded properly. Open up your mod manager and make sure none of your plugins are marked as “missing masters.”
If you do see missing files, reinstall ECO Redux and any associated mods to ensure no corruption has occurred. Partial installations are one of the most common sources of problems with overhaul mods.
3. Ensure Compatibility with Other Mods
ECO Redux is designed to unify and simplify the weapon, armor, and equipment modding system. However, this means it may conflict with other mods that serve similar purposes, such as:
- AWKCR (Armor and Weapon Keywords Community Resource)
- Crafting Frameworks like VIS-G or DEF_UI
- Standalone weapon or armor mods that come with their own complex integration systems
Check if your other mods require compatibility patches. The ECO Redux Nexus page often lists available patches or links to tools like SynthECO that help inject compatibility tags into related mods.
4. Test in a Clean Save
Sometimes an old or heavily modded save can become unstable when new mods like ECO Redux are added. This is particularly important if you had an early version of ECO or conflicting mods previously.
Start a new save or use FallrimTools to clean your current save to eliminate script lag or stuck changes from older mods. It’s a great way to test if the issue comes from the mod or some lingering data in your game.
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5. Verify MCM Integration
ECO Redux integrates deeply with the MCM interface to allow you to control sorting categories, tags, and features like dynamic modifications. If you’re not seeing the ECO tab in the MCM menu:
- Make sure MCM is updated to the most current version
- Check your game’s Data\F4SE\Plugins\ directory to make sure MCM.dll exists and is not blocked by Windows
- Launch the game through F4SE, not the vanilla Fallout 4 launcher
Sometimes, simply waiting a few in-game minutes after loading a save will cause MCM to refresh, especially on heavily modded setups.
6. Update and Reinstall Mods as Needed
The ECO Redux mod, along with its dependencies, is under active development. Conflicts and bugs are regularly patched, so be sure to:
- Use the most recent version of the mod and all required supporting tools
- Delete and reinstall the mod if any files seem corrupted or if key features (like workbenches or tagging systems) aren’t appearing
- Read the posts/comments section on the mod’s Nexus Mods page for clues from other users having the same issues
7. Consider Using SynthECO for Optimization
SynthECO is a third-party tool built specifically for ECO Redux. It enables you to batch-patch other mods to integrate with ECO Redux’s system automatically. This can fix invisible attachments, missing tag names, and inaccessible crafting categories.
Always read the instructions carefully. SynthECO has a command-line interface, which may seem intimidating but is very powerful when used correctly.
Final Thoughts
Getting Fallout 4 ECO Redux fully operational can be difficult, especially within a complex modded environment. Approach the troubleshooting steps methodically, verify each component, and test isolated variables. With patience and the right tools, you can restore full functionality and get the most out of one of Fallout 4’s most useful overhaul mods.