Press the ESC key to close the menu

by dnfrealtec·v1.0·Updated 2026-03-10

ESC now closes the current menu instead of opening the pause menu in a specific menu.

About this mod Machine translation

ESC now closes the current menu instead of opening the pause menu in a specific menu.

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Using F4SE, this mod allows you to close menus such as Pip-Boy or Containers by pressing ESC. When no such menu is open, ESC works as usual.

It has no ESP file - just a DLL - so you can safely add or remove it at any time.

Old console or next-generation users please use the main version in the File tab.

Users of AE or the latest version, please use the AE version.

ESC is supposed to close the current menu. It's like a contract between the player and the game.

But Bethesda makes pressing ESC in a menu such as Pip-Boy or Container open the pause menu.

Install this mod to finally uphold this sacred contract.

It also works with gamepads: press the return key to close the menu.

Menus affected by this mod include Pip-Boy, Containers, Barter, Books, Inspection (Crafting), VATS, and Terminals.

Terminal menu does not close when pressing ESC. They only block pause menu pop-ups.

If you want to open the pause menu when pressing ESC, you can edit the ESCtoMenuClose_Settings.ini file in the mod folder.

Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE)

Address database

Microsoft Visual C++ 2022 Redistributable

Unzip the archive from playbuff and read the bundled readme / instructions first.
There is no universal mod manager for this game: some mods replace game files directly, some go into a game-specific Mods folder, and some need a game-specific community loader or tool first — follow the bundled readme.
Place the files exactly as the readme says; mods with listed dependencies need those installed too.
Launch the game to confirm it loaded; some games require enabling mods in settings or an in-game mod menu.

Install locations vary a lot between games and mods — the bundled readme is the most reliable guide.