Fallout: New Vegas unsettling new expansion on the way, free to try ahead of launch

Bethesda may be in the midst of developing a remastered version of Fallout: New Vegas, but you might want to venture back to Mojave before that project lands.

That’s because an unsettling new expansion is on the way by the name of ‘Institut Mojave’.

With Fallout Day fast approaching, on October 23, fans of the franchise are already feasting well, and that’s all thanks to the hard work of talented modders.

Fallout 4 fan expansion ‘Detour’ is getting plenty of well-deserved attention - and now ‘Institut Mojave’ has surfaced for those that prefer Obsidian’s New Vegas.

Developed by NexusMods user WotanIsGreat, ‘Institut Mojave’ very much remains in development with a free standalone playable slice having instead launched in the form of ‘They Want To Replace You’.

“Someone is walking the Mojave with your face, your name and your coat. And it wants your life,” teases the taster’s synopsis.

The larger ‘Institut Mojave’ expansion centres around a secret branch of the Institute operating in the Mojave Desert in 2281.

Specifically within the free taster ‘They Want To Replace You’, you’ll face off against synth replicants built by the Institute with the intent of killing the courier and taking their place.

Players are stalked by a never-ending stream of synth replicants

WotanIsGreat

Precedings will kick off shortly after you depart Goodsprings. A replicant will come looking for you that looks just like you, albeit with one and a half times your health.

The mod’s creator notes that the replicant “fights only from range”, adding that it prefers to keep its distance and seek cover rather than rushing you.

Its duster cloaks it like a Stealth Boy but you should be able to spot your stalker via a subtle shimmer.

“You can get away. Break line of sight long enough or put enough distance between you, and it gives up for now. It calls out, "You can hide. I'll find you anyway," and vanishes in a pulse flash,” WotanIsGreat explains.

It’ll then try again 10 minutes later and should you defeat it, the Institute will send a new synth replicant one to three days later.

That’s the loop you should expect within the exceptionally creepy ‘They Want To Replace You ’, with the full story set to unfold in the unreleased ‘Institut Mojave’.

You’ll be able to snag some loot if you do kill the synth, including the Courier’s Six Duster, Replicant Coat, Courier’s Six Helment, LAER, a 5.56mm Pistol, and Stimpaks.

Later replicants will boast better randomised loot.

READ MORE: Fallout 5 latest update: Everything Bethesda has confirmed

High praise is already pouring in for ‘They Want To Replace You’

Already, plenty of Fallout: New Vegas players are enjoying this creepy new mod offering.

“The war on clankers starts with gaming and modding,” wrote one NexusMods user.

“This is really cool,” added another, while someone remarked, “Very interesting concept.”

Halloween is fast approaching so if you’ve ever bemoaned the fact that Fallout: New Vegas simply isn’t scary enough for the occasion, this free download should suit you perfectly.

This mod is PC only, so console players won’t be able to join in the fun.