The game can only apply one version of a record, so if multiple plugins contain the same record, the last-loaded plugin's version overrides all others.

If it doesn't, the game will crash on launch.

If one plugin changes a record added by another plugin, the former must load after the latter.

The load order is important for two reasons: When the game is run, it loads each installed plugin one by one in a certain load order. – and can either be new or changes to the records added by another plugin. They contain various data records, which cover almost all aspects of what is in the game – NPCs, items, races, interiors, worlds, quests, etc.

These files are created by the game's official editing tools, or by third-party modders' tools. Mod plugins for the game are files that end in. For simplicity, 'the game' will be used when the text refers to any of the games that LOOT supports. This page provides a general overview of load ordering in the games LOOT supports for those who are unfamiliar with the concept.

Fallout 4 best load order