DUST Survival Simulator is a free, hardcore post-apocalyptic mod for Fallout: New Vegas. This is the mod to use if you find the original FNV too tame. DUST amplifies the lore and story of New Vegas and entirely overhauls the core of the game. All these changes result in a game that looks hauntingly like an actual nuclear fallout scenario and challenges you to the edge of death. 

You can’t do quests or join factions; your only directive is to try and stay alive. Similar to No Second Chances, Nevada Skies, and Digital Nightmare, DUST brings a darker tone to FNV. 

Starvation and insanity

Starvation and dehydration are kicked into high gear in this mod. Food and water are now more challenging to acquire. If you go to bed thirsty, you’ll die. Your survival is the only goal. Much like in reality, eating human flesh, murdering people, and loading up on hardcore drugs will do significant damage to your mental health. Be careful, though, insanity can’t be reversed, resulting in the loss of 3 charisma and intelligence, memory lapses, and hallucinations. 

Fallout atmosphere

The Mojave has been reborn as a completely dead, desolate landscape. As far as the eye can see is dust and pollution, which replaces FNV weather. Lake Mead and the Colorado River are dry as a bone. Any signs of thriving nature have been replaced with dead, brown plants. 

Beware the NPCs

Tribals brandishing melee weapons and cannibals armed with homemade hacking blades and explosives are your primary enemies in this mod. Reminiscent of World War Z, cannibals attack in number. Survivors are people just like you, and as you would, they’ll likely shoot on sight. Hunting in groups or as lone survivors and a range of weaponry make these NPCs a mixed bag. 

The post-apocalyptic full monty

DUST changes the entire FNV gameplay and atmosphere into a post-apocalyptic frenzy, which is perfect for hardcore players. The NPCs, environment, and even your stats are designed to kill you. This is survival at its most severe. 

Bug fixes abound in the latest DUST update, as well as eight alternative new beginnings. The Fort is now integrated, and all weapons have a standardized skill requirement. Pistols, rifles, automatics, and scoped weapons require 50, 65, 75, and 100 skill points, respectively. Melee weapons require skill based on their size and blade.