# Mantella

> Free mod that lets you talk to any NPC in Skyrim and Fallout 4 by voice.

- Official site: https://github.com/art-from-the-machine/Mantella
- Loot Llama page: https://lootllama.net/tools/mantella/
- Category: Mods (https://lootllama.net/category/mods/)
- Best for: Skyrim and Fallout 4 players
- Strength: Free mod that lets you talk to any NPC by voice; actively updated (2026)
- Caveat: Needs an LLM/API setup and some tinkering
- Pricing: Free (Free / open source)
- Platforms: Windows, Skyrim, Fallout 4
- Tags: Mods, NPCs, Open Source, Voice
- Last verified: 2026-10-14

## Overview

Mantella is a free, open-source mod for Skyrim and Fallout 4 that lets you talk to NPCs naturally with your voice.

It uses a pipeline of speech-to-text, a large language model for responses, and text-to-speech in the character's voice. NPCs keep memories of past conversations and know about the world. You choose the LLM, which can be a cloud API or a local model.

## Key features

- Voice conversations with any NPC
- Speech-to-text, LLM, then text-to-speech
- NPC memories across conversations
- Works with cloud or local LLMs
- Supports Skyrim and Fallout 4

## Use it for

- Have real conversations with companions in Skyrim
- Roleplay new storylines in Fallout 4
- Test how LLM NPCs feel before building your own

## Pricing

The mod is free and open source. Costs depend on the LLM you choose: cloud APIs charge per use, while local models are free but need hardware.

## Getting started

Follow the installation guide in Mantella's GitHub repo and docs.

## Alternatives

- [VoxLore](https://lootllama.net/tools/voxlore/): Local LLM dialogue engine for living NPCs that ships inside your game.
- [Convai](https://lootllama.net/tools/convai/): Conversational AI NPCs with voice, actions and engine plugins.
- [NVIDIA ACE](https://lootllama.net/tools/nvidia-ace/): NVIDIA's suite of models for speech, intelligence and animation of digital humans.

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From Loot Llama (https://lootllama.net/), a curated directory of AI tools for gamers, modders and game developers. Full catalog: https://lootllama.net/llms-full.txt