Hi
I was wondering if there is possible to play two different playthrough using different mod lists without incurring in catastrophic corruption of save files or game breaking bugs.
I would like to use "sim settlements - conqueror" along a raider oriented character generated with the "start me up - alternate start" without trashing my current playthrough

Typically, you can have two different runs featuring different mods. You can go as far as having two entirely different mod lists for each run, you just have to make sure that you load the right mod list for the right save.

For instance, your Raider save. If you're only difference is Sim Settlements - Conqueror, then whenever you want to play your Raider you have to make sure that is activated when you load your save.
If you want to play your other run, then turn off Sim Settlements.

This is true for the whole mod list.

What Dishwasher said, and messing up is quite difficult as the game will inform you that by loading the wrong save you'll be loading one that is missing some elements

A fix for this is that you begin using Mod Organizer 2 for all future modding.

MO2 allows you the ability to run different "Profiles" that are essentially completely different mods and load orders with zero negative repercussions. Not only that but MO2 allows you the option of using profile specific saves. Essentially, it stores your save files that are specific to that Profile allowing quick and easy transition between your characters.

I have also moved this topic from "Fallout Discussion" to "Troubleshooting".
- Raven

Tribal Raven wrote:

A fix for this is that you begin using Mod Organizer 2 for all future modding.

MO2 allows you the ability to run different "Profiles" that are essentially completely different mods and load orders with zero negative repercussions. Not only that but MO2 allows you the option of using profile specific saves. Essentially, it stores your save files that are specific to that Profile allowing quick and easy transition between your characters.

I have also moved this topic from "Fallout Discussion" to "Troubleshooting".
- Raven

I also remember NMM having a similar option, do you know if they also implemented the thing in Vortex?

@"BigLo" Yup, there is a toggle-able option in Vortex's settings menu called 'Enable Profile Management' which activates the whole Profile's function.

I've never used it however, so I can't say how well it works.

@"weemaddude" I did try using it and I can tell you this much, if you have a shitton of mods installed, then leave it, switching between profiles is gonna take YEARS

i'm currently using vortex and i'll check the profile option, i guess that re-textures and stuff like that will pass from one profile to the other but as long as differrent scripts don't cause troubles it's ok. meanwhile thank you all for the help

Honestly, go with MO2. Either use different profiles with local saves enabled or just go with multiple instances for the same game. Local saves is a must check, otherwise the game shows you ALL saves for that game, not just the ones you had with that specific profile.