Fallout 4 does not include comprehensive screen-reader support, but the community-created Fallout 4 Access mod adds spoken output and navigation assistance to many parts of the PC version.
The mod works with NVDA, JAWS, or Windows SAPI. It is intended primarily for blind and low-vision players, although some navigation and control features may also be useful for players with motor or cognitive access needs.
Screen-Reader Support for Menus
Fallout 4 Access reads interface content from the main menu, pause menu, settings, save and load screens, dialogue choices, terminals, message boxes, and the level-up interface.
It also supports several parts of the Pip-Boy, including inventory, quests, workshops, statistics, radio stations, and map markers. Players can hear quest objectives and summaries, character statistics, carry weight, caps, level progress, and other information normally presented visually.
Container and barter menus include spoken item information and controls for switching between inventories. Quantity changes, trade values, available caps, and pending transaction totals can also be announced.
Crafting and Equipment Information
The mod reads weapon, armour, Power Armour, robot, cooking, and other workbench interfaces. When browsing equipment modifications, it can announce numerical changes to affected statistics and identify modifications already installed on an item.
Junk items can include spoken component breakdowns and information about whether a component has been tagged for searching. This reduces reliance on visually comparing crafting materials and equipment statistics.
Object Scanner and Navigation
The object scanner searches for nearby items, characters, doors, containers, bodies, and other objects. Results can be divided into categories and subcategories so players do not have to navigate one long undifferentiated list.
Door results can include lock status and destination information. Bodies can be identified as looted or unlooted. The mod also announces the object under the crosshair and selected heads-up display notifications, including item pickups, location discoveries, experience gains, and quest updates.
Auto-walk can move the character toward a selected scanner object or map marker. Movement can be cancelled with configured controls. Players should still expect navigation limitations in complex environments, around hazards, or when an automatically selected route is obstructed.
Combat Feedback
Fallout 4 Access includes continuous target tracking and audio markers for successful hits, critical hits, and enemy defeats. Its aiming assistance can check several body regions when an enemy is partly behind cover and track an exposed area.
The mod can also announce combat statistics, camera-view changes, entering or leaving sneak mode, and changes in enemy detection status.
Books, Puzzles, and Mod Configuration
Books and notes can be read aloud, with page changes detected across keyboard, controller, and remapped inputs. The Mod Configuration Menu provides spoken headings, pages, option labels, values, hints, key-binding controls, and input modes.
The Freedom Trail ring puzzle includes spoken feedback for the selected letter and submitted answer. This is targeted support for one visually presented puzzle rather than automatic assistance for every puzzle in the game.
Requirements and Current Limitations
Fallout 4 Access is a PC mod and does not work on consoles. It requires Fallout 4 Script Extender, Address Library for F4SE Plugins, Extended Dialogue Interface, Mod Configuration Menu, and a compatible screen reader. NVDA users must also install the required 64-bit controller client file.
The mod remains under development. Its page currently identifies lockpicking and hacking minigames, the Power Armour heads-up display, and settlement building as inaccessible. Game updates and conflicts with other interface mods may also affect compatibility.
Read the installation instructions, required dependencies, changelog, and recent user reports on the original Fallout 4 Access mod page before installing it.