Introduction
Fallout: New Vegas, a sprawling open-world RPG set in a post-apocalyptic Mojave Desert, is a game renowned for its intricate world, compelling characters, and player-driven narratives. The passage of time within New Vegas isn’t just a cosmetic detail; it fundamentally impacts the game experience. Non-player character schedules, availability of merchants, lighting conditions, and even the progression of certain quests are all tied to the in-game clock. Ever found yourself waiting impatiently for the Gun Runners to open their doors, or perhaps needing to advance time to trigger a specific event? This is where the ability to adjust time in New Vegas becomes invaluable.
This article serves as a comprehensive guide to manipulating the flow of time within the game. We’ll explore the various methods available to both PC and console players, delve into potential issues you might encounter, and offer tips for responsible time management in the Mojave Wasteland. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer fresh out of Vault 111, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to bend time to your will in Fallout: New Vegas.
Adjusting Time on Personal Computer
Personal computer players have access to a powerful tool that grants direct control over almost every aspect of the game, including the passage of time: the console command. This is the most direct and versatile method for performing a New Vegas time adjust.
Using the Console Command
The console is accessed by pressing the tilde key (~) on your keyboard. Once open, you can enter commands to directly manipulate the game world. There are several commands relevant to adjusting time, but we will focus on the most effective and reliable.
The primary command is `SetGameHour to [Hour]`. This command allows you to directly set the in-game hour. For example, typing `SetGameHour to eight` and pressing enter will instantly advance the game time to eight in the morning. This is particularly useful for aligning your schedule with that of specific non-player characters or for ensuring optimal lighting for exploration or photography. The hour must be entered as a whole number, from zero to twenty-three. Zero represents midnight, twelve represents noon, and so on. Experiment with different values to achieve the desired time of day.
Another helpful command is `AdvanceQuestTime [Hours]`. This command advances the game time by a specified number of hours without affecting the timescale. It’s primarily used by quest scripts, and while it can technically be used by the player, it’s generally less reliable than `SetGameHour` for general time manipulation. Be cautious when using this, as it might trigger unexpected events related to active quests.
Finally, the `Set timescale to [Value]` command directly controls the rate at which time passes in the game. The default value is thirty, meaning that one real-world minute equates to thirty in-game minutes. Lowering this value slows down time, while increasing it speeds it up. However, extreme caution is advised when using this command. Severely altering the timescale can introduce a host of problems, including script errors, physics glitches, and even game crashes. It’s generally best to stick to the `SetGameHour` command for precise time adjustments and avoid tampering with the timescale unless you fully understand the potential consequences. If you do experiment, back up your save file first.
To use these commands effectively, open the console by pressing the tilde key. Then, type the desired command, replacing the bracketed placeholders with the appropriate values. Press enter to execute the command. You should see the in-game time change almost instantly. Remember that frequent saves are always a good practice, especially when experimenting with console commands.
Utilizing Mods
While console commands offer direct control, they can be somewhat cumbersome to use repeatedly. Thankfully, the New Vegas modding community has created numerous mods that simplify the process of New Vegas time adjust, often providing in-game interfaces for easy time manipulation.
One popular example is the “Simple Time Scale” mod, which provides an in-game menu that allows you to adjust the timescale with a simple slider. Other mods might offer more sophisticated features, such as the ability to synchronize the in-game clock with your real-world clock or to automatically advance time to specific points in the day.
Installing mods typically involves using a mod manager such as Vortex or Mod Organizer two. These programs streamline the installation process and help you manage your installed mods. Consult the specific instructions provided with each mod for details on installation and usage. Mods offer a user-friendly alternative to console commands, making time manipulation more accessible and convenient.
Advanced Editing the INI Files
*Warning: This method involves editing game configuration files and can potentially damage your game installation if not performed correctly. Proceed with extreme caution and back up your files before making any changes.*
For advanced users, it is possible to directly edit the game’s INI files to adjust the timescale. The relevant files are Fallout.ini and FalloutPrefs.ini, located in your Documents/My Games/FalloutNV folder.
Open these files with a text editor such as Notepad. Look for the line that reads “fTimescale = 30.0000”. You can change the numerical value to adjust the timescale. However, as mentioned earlier, extreme values can lead to instability and glitches. It’s generally best to avoid this method unless you have a strong understanding of the game’s configuration files. If you choose to proceed, always back up your INI files before making any changes. Editing INI files can be a potent method for altering gameplay parameters but carries significant risk.
Adjusting Time on Consoles Playstation and Xbox
Console players, unfortunately, lack the direct control offered by console commands and INI file editing. The methods for New Vegas time adjust are more limited on these platforms.
The Predominant Method Sleeping
The primary way to advance time on consoles is by sleeping in a bed or using a rentable room. Sleeping allows you to fast-forward time by a specified number of hours.
To sleep, you must find a suitable bed. These can be found in various locations throughout the Mojave Wasteland, including towns, abandoned buildings, and even some outdoor areas. Certain locations, such as the Novac motel, offer rentable rooms that provide a safe and comfortable place to sleep.
Once you’ve located a bed, interact with it to bring up the sleep menu. This menu allows you to specify the amount of time you wish to sleep. You can typically choose to sleep for a set number of hours, allowing you to advance time to the desired point. Be aware that sleeping makes you vulnerable to attack, so choose your sleeping locations carefully.
Sleeping is the most reliable and convenient method for advancing time on consoles. While it lacks the precision of console commands, it allows you to skip through unwanted periods and align your schedule with in-game events.
Minor Time Increment Waiting in a Chair or Bench
Another method, although significantly less effective for large adjustments, is waiting while sitting in a chair or bench. Interacting with a chair or bench often presents the option to wait. This will advance the in-game time, but only by a small increment.
This method is useful for skipping small periods of time, such as waiting for a merchant to open their shop, but it’s not practical for advancing time by several hours. Chairs and benches are commonly found in towns and other public areas.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Despite the relative simplicity of adjusting time, several issues can arise. Understanding these potential problems and how to troubleshoot them is crucial for ensuring a smooth gameplay experience.
Troubleshooting Time Not Advancing Correctly
Sometimes, time might not advance as expected when using console commands or sleeping. This can be caused by several factors.
Quest conflicts are a common culprit. Certain quests might have scripts that interfere with time manipulation. If you’re experiencing issues, try temporarily disabling active quests or completing them before attempting to adjust time.
Script errors can also cause problems. These errors can occur due to mod conflicts or corrupted game files. Try disabling mods or verifying the integrity of your game files through Steam or your console’s game library.
Incorrect console command syntax is another common mistake. Double-check the commands you’re entering to ensure they are spelled correctly and that you’re using the proper syntax.
Finally, on personal computers, an improperly set timescale can prevent time from advancing correctly. Restore the timescale to its default value of thirty to resolve this issue. If the problem persists, load an earlier save to revert any changes you might have made.
Avoiding Game Breaking Bugs
Excessively manipulating the timescale, particularly on the personal computer, can lead to severe game-breaking bugs. This is because the game’s physics engine, scripting system, and non-player character routines are all tied to the passage of time.
Drastically altering the timescale can disrupt these systems, leading to glitches, crashes, and even permanent corruption of your save file. To mitigate these risks, avoid using extreme timescale values. Stick to the `SetGameHour` command for precise time adjustments and only experiment with the timescale if you understand the potential consequences. Saving frequently is absolutely essential when manipulating time, especially if you are using console commands. This will allow you to revert to an earlier state if something goes wrong.
Addressing NPC Schedules Disrupted
Drastically changing the time can also mess with non-player character routines, making them unavailable or causing them to act strangely. Non-player characters have specific schedules that dictate their activities at different times of the day.
If you drastically alter the time, you might find that certain non-player characters are not where they should be or that they are performing unexpected actions. To avoid this, try to make small adjustments to the time and return to a more normal time schedule after making adjustments. If you encounter a non-player character whose behavior is disrupted, try sleeping or waiting for a few hours to see if their routine returns to normal.
Concluding Remarks on New Vegas Time Adjust
Mastering the art of time manipulation in Fallout: New Vegas can significantly enhance your gameplay experience, allowing you to align your schedule with in-game events, optimize lighting conditions, and even bypass tedious waiting periods. Whether you’re a console player relying on the trusty method of sleeping or a personal computer user wielding the power of console commands and mods, the ability to adjust time is a valuable tool in the Mojave Wasteland.
Remember to exercise caution when manipulating the timescale, particularly on the personal computer, to avoid potential bugs and game-breaking issues. Experiment responsibly, save frequently, and find the method that works best for your playstyle. With a little practice, you’ll be able to bend time to your will and conquer the challenges of Fallout: New Vegas on your own terms. Now that you are armed with this knowledge, go forth and navigate the sands of the Mojave Wasteland, precisely timed to your preferences.
