MODS

[l_Jackson]

Can anyone recommend any good mods for a first playthrough?

[Kongha]

here is a list with some short words about the mods. remember to read the readme´s
http://forums.nexusmods.com/index.php?/topic/1483493-an-up-to-date-mod-list-created-2014-03-08/

[gnewna]

I wouldn't necessarily mod your first playthrough, as you won't know whether the mods are really needed or not (for example, you may love the vanilla levelling system, you may hate it, but if you play with a levelling mod from the start, you won't know if you would prefer vanilla, or indeed another levelling mod). On the other hand, if you want your first playthrough to be a long one, there are probably some mods which will enhance it. (My first couple of playthroughs were only about ten hours long, if that, in total, as I was really just getting a feel for the game.)

One thing nearly everyone agrees on is that the characters look... well, they look terrible. I say this as someone who is baffled by people who say that about Skyrim characters (sure, some mods make them look *better*, but to me they're already pretty great), Oblivion characters are widely agreed to look like potatoes. Can you really allow that to happen to Patrick Stewart and Sean Bean? No. Most of the character enhancing mods don't seem to do a great deal, at least to my eyes, however one which makes an incredible difference is Oblivion Character Overhaul version 2 (version 1 is pretty good, but 2 is my favourite). Unfortunately, it does clash with absolutely any other mod which edits vanilla races or adds any new hairs, eyes, and possibly other things. But if you're not planning to add any of those, you're fine.

The other thing is that there are basically no followers/companions in vanilla Oblivion (there are a few people who will temporarily tag along during certain quests, and you can sort of avoid finishing their quest and bring them along with you, but they're not very chatty, they won't carry stuff for you, and some of them are not exactly helpful in a fight. (That said, I kinda wish I'd brought Sir Mazoga along with me for a bit longer, she was pretty cool.) If you like adventuring solo, this won't be an issue for you, but after playing Skyrim, Oblivion felt pretty lonely to me (although I think the NPC interaction is often better, but I like having a pal along with me, and/or someone sworn to carry my you-know-whats). I wouldn't necessarily install them in a first playthrough, but there are a few nice companion mods out there. If you just want a pack mule who will fight for you and not give you any lip, try CM Partners, there are numerous NPCs dotted around Cyrodiil (mostly in guild halls and inns, but some in other places, too) who will come along with you, some mages, some warriors, and some rogue types, plus if there's one you like the look of you can actually ask them to fight with a different style in different situations). On the other hand, if you want someone who will chat, and has a bit of a storyline, I'd suggest you look at Vilja (my favourite, she's incredibly well-developed and an utter sweetie) Fergus and Ruined-Tail's Tale - the last one is more of a quest mod with a companion as the central part of it, I haven't played myself but watched a Let's Play that added the mod part way through and it was SO GOOD. (All three of them can be 'romanced' by characters of either gender, too, although it's completely optional, I believe (certainly with Vilja and Fergus, you can enable/disable it in Vilja's settings, and with Fergus you can just avoid the topics which are blatantly leading down that path).

[Lord Voryn Ur]

I recommend graphical mods mainly. I try to keep the overall gameplay and feel of all the games I mod intact/as close to vanilla as possible.

Check out some of my Screenshots if you want to see.

[gnewna]

Ooh, nice! What are you using?

[Mister Molecule]

Here's my Wrye Bash readout:
00 Oblivion.esm
01 Jog_X_Mod.esm
02 All Natural Base.esm [Version 1.34]
03 Francesco's Leveled Creatures-Items Mod.esm [Version 5.0]
04 Francesco's Optional New Items Add-On.esm [Version 5.0]
05 Francesco's Optional New Creatures Add-On.esm [Version 5.0]
06 Cobl Main.esm [Version 1.72]
07 Enhanced Daedric Invasion.esm
08 TamrielTravellers.esm [Version 1.39c]
09 Better Cities Resources.esm [Version 5.4.1]
0A DA Run Fatigue.esm
0B HorseCombatMaster.esm
0C RealisticLeveling.esm
0D Unofficial Oblivion Patch.esp [Version 3.4.5]
0E UOPS Additional Changes.esp
0F UOP Vampire Aging & Face Fix.esp [Version 1.0.0]
10 Oblivion Citadel Door Fix.esp
11 DLCShiveringIsles.esp
12 Unofficial Shivering Isles Patch.esp [Version 1.5.3]
++ USIPS Additional Changes.esp
13 Better Cities .esp
14 LetThePeopleDrink.esp [Version 2.6]
15 Francesco's Creatures and Items Resources.esp [Version 5.0]
16 LoadingScreenQuotes.esp
17 All Natural.esp [Version 1.34]
18 All Natural - SI.esp [Version 1.34]
19 AmbientTownSounds.esp
1A All Natural - Real Lights.esp [Version 1.34]
1B Book Collection.esp
1C ClocksOfCyrodiil_BC_OBC_OC_OCLR_Vanilla.esp [Version 5.3.0]
1D Fatality Cam.esp
1E GuildOwnership1.2.esp
1F Vows and Covenants.esp
20 Enhanced Economy.esp [Version 5.4.3]
21 kuerteeIgnoringTheMainQuestHasConsequences.esp
22 Custom Autosave.esp
23 DropLitTorchOBSE.esp [Version 2.4]
24 DS Time Manager.esp [Version 1.1]
25 Map Marker Overhaul.esp [Version 3.9.3]
26 Map Marker Overhaul - SI additions.esp [Version 3.9.3]
27 Hov's Hotkeys.esp
28 DLCHorseArmor.esp
29 DLCHorseArmor - Unofficial Patch.esp [Version 1.0.8]
2A DLCOrrery.esp
2B DLCOrrery - Unofficial Patch.esp [Version 1.0.5]
2C DLCVileLair.esp
2D DLCVileLair - Unofficial Patch.esp [Version 1.0.9]
2E DLCMehrunesRazor.esp
2F DLCMehrunesRazor - Unofficial Patch.esp [Version 1.0.6]
30 DLCSpellTomes.esp
++ DLCSpellTomes - Unofficial Patch.esp [Version 1.0.1]
++ MaleBodyReplacerV5.esp
31 CapesandCloaks.esp
32 Mage Ward.esp
33 M.O.E. - New Staffs, Blight and Ashstorms.esp [Version 2]
34 M.O.E. - Playable Scythe.esp [Version 2]
++ M.O.E. - Unlocked Palace Guard Armour.esp [Version 1]
++ M.O.E. - Unlocked Dremora Armour and Robes.esp [Version 1]
++ M.O.E. - Unlocked Glenroy and Captain Renault Blades Armour.esp [Version 1]
** RTFemaleReplacerV12.esp
35 XSPipeMod.esp [Version 1.2]
36 XiaNewAmuletsV1.esp
37 Dude Wheres My Horse.esp
38 DLCThievesDen.esp
39 DLCThievesDen - Unofficial Patch.esp [Version 1.0.11]
3A DLCThievesDen - Unofficial Patch - SSSB.esp [Version 1.0.11]
3B Francesco's More Wilderness Life.esp [Version 5.0]
3C Francesco's Optional Chance of Stronger Bosses.esp [Version 5.0]
3D Francesco's Optional Chance of Stronger Enemies.esp [Version 5.0]
3E Francesco's Optional Dungeon Chest Loot.esp [Version 5.0]
3F Francesco's Optional Dungeon Chest Locks.esp [Version 5.0]
40 Francesco's Optional Leveled Guards.esp [Version 5.0]
41 Francesco's Optional House Chest Loot.esp [Version 5.0]
42 Francesco's Optional New Adventurers.esp [Version 5.0]
++ Francesco's Optional Vendor Tweaks.esp [Version 5.0]
43 Francesco's Optional Chance of More Enemies.esp [Version 5.0]
44 Francesco's Optional Leveled Quests.esp [Version 5.0]
45 Francesco's Optional Leveled Arena.esp [Version 5.0]
46 Cobl Glue.esp [Version 1.72]
47 Cobl Si.esp [Version 1.63]
++ Cobl Tweaks.esp [Version 1.44]
48 TamrielTravellers.esp [Version 1.39c]
++ TamrielTravellersItemsnpc.esp [Version 1.39c]
49 TamrielTravellersItemsCobl.esp [Version 1.39c]
++ TamrielTravellersItemsVendor.esp [Version 1.39c]
4A ShiveringIsleTravellers.esp [Version 1.39c]
++ ShiveringIsleTravellersFriendlyFactions.esp [Version 1.39c]
4B AyleidArrows.esp [Version 1.8]
4C Extended Imperial City Version 1.0.esp
4D Gift of Kynareth.esp
4E JolardHome.esp [Version 5.3.0]
4F Kvatch Rebuilt.esp [Version 3.0]
50 M.O.E. - Tools of Kagrenac - The Secret of White Gold Tower.esp [Version 6]
51 M.O.E. - The Black Sacrament - Night Mother's Ritual.esp [Version 2]
52 mythsandlegends.esp
53 StopDarkBrotherhood.esp
54 The Ayleid Steps.esp [Version 3.4.1]
55 thievery.esp
56 thievery - EE patch.esp [Version 4.2]
57 LFox Expensive Arena Gambling.esp
58 DLCBattlehornCastle.esp
59 DLCBattlehornCastle - Unofficial Patch.esp [Version 1.0.8]
5A DLCFrostcrag.esp
5B DLCFrostcrag - Unofficial Patch.esp [Version 1.0.8]
5C Knights.esp
5D Knights - Unofficial Patch.esp [Version 1.1.3]
5E Consequences.esp
** Blood&Mud - EE patch.esp [Version 4.2]
5F The Lost Spires.esp
60 MannimarcoRevisited.esp
61 Enhanced Daedric Invasion.esp
62 ElsweyrAnequina.esp
63 Unofficial Elsweyr Anequina Patch.esp
++ Elsweyr - Drinks Patch.esp
64 Tales from Elsweyr Anequina.esp
65 road+bridges.esp [Version 4.6.3]
66 xuldarkforest.esp [Version 1.0.5]
67 LostSpires-DarkForest patch.esp
68 xulStendarrValley.esp [Version 1.2.2]
69 xulTheHeath.esp
6A FranMWL-TheHeath patch.esp
6B xulEntiusGorge.esp [Version 1.2.1]
6C xulFallenleafEverglade.esp [Version 1.3.1]
6D LostSpires-Everglade patch.esp
6E Anequina-Fallenleaf-Patch.esp
6F xulColovianHighlands_EV.esp [Version 1.2.2]
70 Hammerfell-ColovianHighlands patch.esp [Version 1.0]
71 xulChorrolHinterland.esp [Version 1.2.3]
72 xulBeachesOfCyrodiilLostCoast.esp [Version 1.6.5]
73 xulBravilBarrowfields.esp [Version 1.3.5]
74 xulLushWoodlands.esp [Version 1.3.3]
75 xulAncientYews.esp [Version 1.4.4]
76 xulAncientRedwoods.esp [Version 1.6]
77 xulCloudtopMountains.esp [Version 1.0.3]
78 xulArriusCreek.esp [Version 1.1.4]
79 xulPatch_AY_AC.esp [Version 1.1]
7A xulRollingHills_EV.esp [Version 1.3.3]
7B xulPantherRiver.esp
7C xulRiverEthe.esp [Version 1.0.2]
7D xulBrenaRiverRavine.esp [Version 1.1.1]
7E xulImperialIsle.esp [Version 1.6.8]
7F xulBlackwoodForest.esp [Version 1.1.1]
80 xulCheydinhalFalls.esp [Version 1.0.1]
81 xulAspenWood.esp [Version 1.0.3]
82 xulSkingradOutskirts.esp [Version 1.0.2]
83 xulSnowdale.esp [Version 1.0.5]
84 xulCliffsOfAnvil.esp [Version 1.1.3]
85 xulSilverfishRiverValley.esp [Version 1.0.4]
86 Lost Spires + Silverfish River Patch.esp [Version 1.0]
87 xulJerallGlacier.esp [Version 1.0.2]
88 AgainstTheZealotsOfTheNine-JerallGlacier patch.esp [Version 1.0]
89 xulTheEasternPeaks.esp [Version 1.1.4]
8A MythsAndLegends2-EasternPeaks patch.esp [Version 1.0]
8B NRB4+UL-II+LtPD Patch.esp [Version 3.0.3]
8C Salmo the Baker, Cobl.esp [Version 3.08]
8D Better Cities - House price patch.esp [Version 1.0]
8E Harvest [Flora].esp [Version 3.0.0]
++ Harvest [Flora] - Shivering Isles.esp [Version 3.0.0]
++ Harvest [Flora] - DLCVileLair.esp [Version 3.0.0]
8F Harvest [Flora] - DLCFrostcrag.esp [Version 3.0.0]
++ Better Potions and Poisons.esp
++ Brighter_Torches.esp
** Cliff_BetterLetters.esp [Version 1.1]
++ dbpoisonapple.esp
90 M.O.E. - Travel Services.esp [Version 3]
91 M.O.E. - Lucien Lachance Rumors Fix.esp [Version 1]
++ M.O.E. - Icons for Mythic Dawn Armour - Fix.esp [Version 1]
92 M.O.E. - Lycanthropy and Lichcraft.esp [Version 7]
** M.O.E. - Realistic Prices, Realistic Weights, No Quest Items.esp [Version 2]
93 M.O.E. - New Classes.esp [Version 1]
94 PersuasionOverhaul.esp [Version 1.4]
95 Regional Legion Soldiers by Ionis.esp
96 talkwithyourhands2.esp
97 geomancy.esp
98 DD_RestrictedCityEntrance.esp
99 Quest Award Leveller.esp
** Alternative Start by Robert Evrae.esp
9A M.O.E. - Fatigue Loss from Running.esp [Version 1]
++ DA ReducedBackwardsRunningSpeed.esp
9B DA Sprint.esp
9C Natural Hunger v2_1 by QF.esp
9D RealisticForceMedium.esp
9E Jump_Adjustment-2211.esp
9F RealSleepExtended.esp [Version 2.5]
A0 Vampirism2.0.esp [Version 1.2]
A1 M.O.E. - Vampire Clan Raelu.esp [Version 6]
A2 M.O.E. - Vampire Players Scarier.esp [Version 2]
A3 CDM-NPC Sundamage.esp
++ Better Scrolls.esp
A4 M.O.E. - Ethereal State Spell.esp [Version 1]
A5 M.O.E. - Levitation Magic.esp [Version 1]
A6 M.O.E. - Lock Spells.esp [Version 1]
A7 M.O.E. - Mythic Dawn Powers.esp [Version 1]
A8 M.O.E. - Teleportation Magic and Icarian Flight.esp [Version 2]
A9 DS Realistic Enchanted Item Limits.esp [Version 1.2]
AA MidasSpells.esp
++ Jjiinx_Enhanced Disease.esp
AB SorcerysToll.esp
AC sycSHOUT.esp [Version 1.02]
AD kuerteeClothingMatters.esp
AE kuerteeCrimeHasWitnesses.esp
AF kuerteeBattleFatigueAndInjuries.esp
B0 Governing Attributes Overhaul.esp
B1 Kobu's 5x Slower Skills Mod.esp
B2 NaturalMagicSkillsInceases_v2.0.esp
++ Item interchange - Extraction.esp [Version 0.78]
++ Item interchange - Placement.esp [Version 0.78]
++ Item interchange - Placement for Frostcrag.esp [Version 0.76]
++ Item interchange - Option, Ingredients in Bulk, reduced.esp [Version 0.76]
++ M.O.E. - Unlocked Hairstyles.esp [Version 1]
B3 bgBalancingEVCore.esp [Version 10.52EV-D]
B4 bgMagicEV.esp [Version 1.7EV]
++ bgMagicSpellTomes_for_WryeBash.esp [Version 1.68EV]
++ bgMagicItemSigil.esp [Version 1.68EV]
++ bgMagicEVStartspells.esp [Version 1.68EV]
B5 bgMagicBonus.esp [Version 1.7EV]
++ bgMagicEVAddEnVar.esp [Version 1.68EV]
B6 bgMagicEVPaperChase.esp [Version 1.68EV]
B7 bgMagicAlchemy.esp [Version 1.57]
B8 bgMagicPotionNumberSoulGemValue.esp [Version 1.68UV]
++ bgBalancingEVOptionalClasses.esp [Version 9.0EV-U]
++ bgBalancingEVOptionalFangs.esp [Version 10.0EV-D]
++ bgBalancingEVOptionalMoreEyes.esp [Version 10]
** bgBalancingEVOptionalNPCDiversity, Vanilla.esp [Version 10.0EV-D]
** bgBalancingOptionalNPCDiversityKvatchRebuilt, for Wrye Bash.esp [Version 9.0EV-D]
B9 bgBalancingEVLAMEAddition.esp [Version 10.51EV-D]
++ bgBalancingEVLAMEGlue.esp [Version 10.0EV-D1.62EV]
** bgBalancingEVOptionalNPCDiversityLAME.esp [Version 10.5EV-D]
BA bgIntegrationEV.esp [Version 1.0b]
BB Birthsigns Expanded.esp [Version 3.]
BC Better Cities Full.esp [Version 5.4.1]
BD Better Imperial City.esp [Version 5.4.0]
BE Better Cities - Unique Landscape Barrowfields.esp [Version 1.3]
BF Better Cities - Unique Landscape Chorrol Hinterland.esp [Version 1.3]
C0 Better Cities - Unique Landscape Cheydinhal Falls.esp [Version 1.4]
C1 Better Cities - Unique Landscape Skingrad Outskirts.esp [Version 5.3.0]
++ Better Cities - COBL.esp [Version 5.4.1]
C2 Better Cities - Unique Landscape Imperial Isle.esp [Version 5.3.0]
C3 No More Annoying Comments.esp
C4 MRP - You find nothing of use.esp
C5 MRP - You successfully harvest.esp
C6 Annoying messages begone!.esp
C7 Chameleon-NoRefraction-2411.esp
++ bgMagicShaderLifeDetect.esp [Version 1.68]
++ kuertee bgMagicEVShader default drain effects.esp
C8 bgMagicLightningbolt.esp
** NRB4 Standard Road Record.esp
++ Cobl Filter Late MERGE ONLY.esp [Version 1.53]
C9 Cobl Silent Equip Misc.esp [Version 01]
** All Natural - Indoor Weather Filter For Mods.esp [Version 1.34]
CA Better Cities - Unique Landscape Panther River patch.esp [Version 1.4]
CB IntegrationTheStrandedLight-SilverfishRiverValley patch.esp [Version 1.1]
CC IntegrationTheStrandedLight-EasternPeaks patch.esp [Version 1.1]
CD MM_SkoomaAddiction.esp [Version 1.2]
++ betterskullofcorruption.esp
CE Fire Turrets.esp
CF MoreStaffsAtRindir.esp
D0 Dwemer_Skyship_1_1_0_noQuest.esp
D1 Dead Drop Targets.esp
D2 Super Bonus Items.esp
D3 Superior Quest Rewards.esp
D4 Volanaro's Opinion 2.esp
D5 Insane Spellcaster AI.esp
D6 DB_NightMotherMoney2k.esp
D7 JumpingZd.esp
D8 Jumpmore Fatigue Cost Reduction ONLY v1.esp
D9 Mage Guild Teleport v1.3.esp
DA Even More AI Eating.esp
DB Higher Thieves' Guild Fence Amounts 2.0.esp
DC ImperialGladiators1.1.esp
++ No Quest Items [v.1.0].esp
DD MagicRevisedMysticism.esp
DE Chameleon_Rebalance-4130.esp
++ Dremora Weapons.esp
++ Enhanced Enchantments.esp
++ Great Leap Upward.esp
++ Modified Daedric Nature.esp
++ Modified LP Creature Spells.esp
++ SpiddalStickMod.esp
++ Cure Disease Hardcore.esp
++ Better Fountains Wells and Altars.esp
++ Deadly Land Mines.esp
++ Savage Garden.esp
++ Weapons for SuperNPCs.esp
++ SuperNPCs.esp
DF ROHJ - Wing Sword.esp
E0 Bashed Patch, 0.esp
E1 DeadlyReflex 5 - Combat Moves.esp

I also have some lovely texure packages by Qarl

[bamdorf]

I have a fair experience with Skyrim mods, and therefore (LoL) I decided to start fairly simply. I highly recommend that one get a mod working, then move on to another, etc.

The mods I targeted frist were the unofficial Oblivion patch, the unofficial Shivering Isles patch, and the official mods patch; all are availabe on Nexus - oblivion.

I noted that my version of Oblivion has the latest official update because I am using Steam.
Next, I downloaded the three packs above by hand to my downloads folder. I then extracted all of them to C:\Progream Files (x86)\Steam\steamappse\common\Oblivion\Data. That's where all the mods and expansions go. When the extractor asked if I wanted to overwrite I said do all of them.

Then, just for fun, I tried to run Oblivion (hahaha). I got the splash screen and clicked on data files and selected everything. When I tried to run it crashed out to desktop at once. Because of my experience wtih Skyrim I know there are two likely problems

1 --- Some of the data files I am trying to use are not appropriate because i dont have the base file. I have shivering isles and Knights of the Nine but nothing else.

2---- The mods are not being loaded in the correct order. In skyrim I used BOSS to work on this, so I tried running BOSS but it would not update the "masterfile".. I downloaded the latest version of BOSS, uninstalled the old version, and installed the new version. Viola, now it was updating the master file. I checked the BOSS output and it seemed to recognize and reorder alll the stuff.

So I tried running again, and same thing.

Doh, I looked over the list of data files (from the Splash screen starting Oblivion or the Nexus Mod Manager). Yep, the unofficial mod pack had sevveral pateches for DLC I dont have! LoL.
I unchecked those, looked at BOSS again just for grins, then tried to run Oblivion.

Guess what now i works. I played awhile and it seems solid so far.

I would say I have a good start but I will continue to play awhile, then perhaps try out some other mods....like leveling mods in particular.

I hope maybe this will help someone. The previous poster showed that you can get a LOT of mods working together...but I repeat, don't do this all at once. Good luck.

[Kongha]

"I then extracted all of them to C:\Progream Files (x86)\Steam\steamappse\common\Oblivion\Data"

Oblivion shouldnt be in x86 for some reasons (OBSE dosent like that at all for example)

And if you want, please use a mod manager so you can roll back if you mess things up. Nexus Mod manager (NMM) is good option to keep it safe. You need to repack some mods so it works with how NMM wants the files to be structured.
This is how you can use NMM with Oblivion mods. I will use the excellent overhaul "Oscuro's Oblivion Overhaul 1.35" as an example:
a) First manually download OOO (and the optionals that you want).
b) Create a folder called "data".
c) Unzip evertyhing from OOO into data. It should look like this for example: "/data/texture", "/data/meshes" and "/data/ Oscuro's_Oblivion_Overhaul.bsa"
d) zip/rar the data folder. Name it to OOO 1.35.rar
e) open up NMM and select "add mode from file"
f) activate the file.
g) archive invalidation (its under the toolbox)

There is exception ofc. The ones Ive run into is "All natural" and "Unique landscape" that needs Oblivion mod manager by timesplip and Wrye bash.

2) And then we come to the dreaded "Wrye bash" that is said to be a hard program to understand. And that is such a big lie that has existed to long in my opinion :) This video is a good introduction of Wrye bash that explains how to use the program.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RlmQDkk0yk

[Omgwtfbbqkitten]

For a first time playthrough I recommend using mostly graphic mods as long as your PC can handle the HQ textures.

That way you can experience the game as it was intended while making the outdated graphics look their best.

Here are the mods that I recommend for a first timer. Many of which will be a quick download and only a few of the texture packs will take a while. Qarls TP3 and Insanitys armour compilation will probably take the longest.

 http://www.nexusmods.com/oblivion/?

OBSE - Oblivion Script Extender (Required)
OBMM - Oblivion Mod Manager (Recommended * )
BOSS *

Patches and Fixes

Unoffical Oblivion Patch *
Unoffical Shivering Isles Patch *
Unoffical Official Mods Patch *

Stutter Remover *
Fast Exit *
Quiet Feet Max *

Graphics

Elven Map Redux 
Elven Map for Shivering Isles 
Colored Map Icons

Oblivion Character Overhaul V2 + Blockhead (2 files) *
Qarls Texture Pack 3 *
Fantasmagoria the Imperial ecology v4 + Ecology for a Mad God (2 files) 
Landscape Retexture + Landscape Retexture Shivering Isles by Lugian (2 files) 
Armored Skeletons *
Mythic Animals Hi Res (2 parts) *
Mythic Creatures *
Mythic Ghosts and Goblins *
Mythic Madness *
Realistic HD Night Sky *
Slofs Horses *
Ulrims Horses *
Wayshrines Enhanced *
Better Looking Armor (See Insanity's Armoury Compilation Below.)

http://tesalliance.org/forums/

Insanity's Improved Armoury Compilation (Higher Quality than Better Looking Armor) *
Insanity's Crusader Armor * (Might not be in the compilation, not sure.)
Mythic Amber Armor (Not in Insanity's Compilation) *

Sound

Atmospheric Oblivion *
Better Bell Sounds *
More Immersive Sound Edited *
Oblivion Stereo Overhaul *
Sounds of Cyrodiil *
GOSH - Gecko's Oblivion Sound Overhaul * 

Convenience

DarNified UI *
A to Take All *
Keychain *
Dude Wheres My Horse *

[[CRG] Ghost™]

Insanity's got an Armor comp? gotta chek that out. thanks kitten!

Now for the OP. I HIGHLY recommend using the WryeBashv304.3(Standalone)/BOSS combo for installing most mods, using OBMM for those you need to, or prefer to. Goto the TESCOSI website and follow their instructions for the pre-mod prepping of Oblivion, except mb Oblivion Stutter Remover - it froze fire and magic effects on me so I am currently putting up with the stutter til I learn how to tweak this. There is a bit of a problem with OBSE and Steam - or was 2 months ago, so if its not fixed yet...the fix is posted in this forum, and others. Google is your friend.

Now onto the base mods: (IMHO)
all the Unofficial Patches by Quarn Kivan and Arthmoor

OBGE Core with Standalone Effects (using CrysisDOF+Volumetric SSAO+Godrays), OBGE Liquid Water and OBGE Physically Correct Sky (if it works for ya) This combo alone vastly improves the visuals. This above all texture packs if you have to choose.

Qarls Texture Pack 3 (redimized and/or reduced if your rig cant handle the full version - they still look pretty good) and Bomrets SI Texture pack. Google 'building oblivion overclockers.net' for how to create your own BAIN for this. Get QTP3 full version at Planet Elder Scrolls.

Any/all of the flora replacers by discovery1. latest is Fantasmagoria Flora.
Most of the texture replacers by Mikal33.
MrSandmans RS-URASS Camera Lens Effects (realistic sunglare) - bright sun lens effect option.Tweak your Oblivion.ini settings : fSunGlareSize=80 and fSunBaseSize=225

DarNified UI - if you bash it you also need the bcf file to convert it - use OBMM, easier. Read the readme to learn how to save your settings. DarN also has a forums website. Keychain not required if you have DarNified UI - its built in.

A To Take All - (essential IMO - especially if you've played FO3/FONV)
E to Exit A takes Open Books - especially if you loot books for bux
Toggle Quantity Prompt - dont really need if you use Enhanced Economy; a must if not
Dynamic Map and Map Marker Overhaul - requires Pluggy and MenuQue

Book Jackets Oblivion Hi Res - the animated Tome of Life is pretty cool
Slofs oblivion robe trader - get from fileplanet
Mikes clothes replacer

Black Glass Armor and Weapons (or anything that replaces that awful green - also, someone made a clear glass armor mod - the perv! theres also a clear glass weapon mod)

trolf's Loading Screens - they're just way better (after awhile chek out funny loadscreens by toothman unless you don't have a slightly twisted sense of humor)

Days and Months; Display Stats; Chameleon NoRefraction; Harvest Containers; Harvest Flora; Crowded Cities Improved;

Horse Armor Textures w KOTN theme - folders need restructuring tho...if you're up to it

Alive Waters and Alive Waters Update. Koi add on. also Underwater Ecology by discovery1
realistic horse eyes - its a small thing but really, those vanillas suck

Alluring Potion Bottles (also Alluring Wine Bottles and APB Idle Object replacers - havent tried these 2 yet)

better cloud ruler temple - not essential but it gives CRT a polished look

Kvatch Rebuilt - must be installed before the following absolute MUST HAVE COMBO :

Weather-All Natural (c/w RealLights and Natural Interiors) I use vanilla weather patterns cuz the transitions were too abrupt for the others. I think this can be tweaked tho
- Immersive Interiors (now you NEED WryeBash for the bashed patch)
- Immersive Interiors Landscape LOD add on
- Immersive Interiors - Bravil : JUST RELEASED! havent tried it yet but goes with above,
- Animated Window Lighting System and Chimneys - AWLS : gotta have it even without any of these others, go with all the default/recommended settings 1st time.
cant remember if its AllNatural or AWLS but choose '80% darker nites no blue tint' when the option comes up during install. It's so freakin cool to be inside looking out thru a window at the rain coming down and the lights in the other buildings come on at dusk. Immersion times ten!!!
I tried Illumination Within but didnt care for it - if you dont use Better Cities give it a try - u might like it - goes with the above combo.
either OCO or OCOv2 : oblvion character overhaul. v2 needs Blockhead needs OBSE.

Detailed Terrain is pretty good - MUST be installed with OBMM for the shader effects to work properly, otherwise all you get is the textures.

either Companion Vilja (her voice will grow on you if you give it a chance) and/or talkietoasters OLD version of Companion Share Recruit. Dont use the new one ON Vilja - otherwise its good too. I like the old one cuz inventory access is a spell that can be hotkeyed vs. navigating dialogue options. Vilja can carry all your loot tho, so CSR is redundant with her if thats its only purpose for you.

I don't know much about the LOD stuff but Bomrets seems the simplest and his mods are popular and of excellent quality. I havent fully looked into this part yet.

Now your extra content mods
KOTN Revelation; Reclaiming Sancre Tor; Elsweyr-Anequina (get from the Assimilation Lab); Thievery in the Imperial City; Dungeons of Tamriel; many addons by David Brasher, Vibliribland or ub3rman123 and if you own Morrowind - Morroblivion. NOTE: I havent tried any of these yet but they are quite popular and the authors are known for quality mods.

I immediately rejected Sounds of Cyrodiil : too busy and could still hear people while underwater, but lots of people like it. GOSH is bit better I think. Not so busy.

Except where noted, all mods DL'd from nexusmods. Many will also have a Shivering Isles add-on version. Good forums at TheNexus and Bethsoft and Planet Elder Scrolls. Best vanilla game wiki (IMO) - UESP.

I started mid-May and I have my first install pack ready for re-install. I am currently doing my 'before' screenshots so I should have everything in by Tuesday at the latest, I reckon. I dont regret the time its taken - the results are fantastic and so worth it. Just OBGE et.al = happiness x3.

Well, thats not my entire list but its a start. Good Luck. Take the time to learn (if you don't know yet) how to use the tools (did I mention the TESCOSI website?). Read the readme's!!!

Remember: Google is your friend (most of the time). Information is a powerful tool. Patience is a valuable ally.

[[CRG] Ghost™]

damn. thats quite the wall. sorry. too bad steam doesnt have that spoiler hider thingy Bethsoft has...

[Austism]

Oprindeligt skrevet af Kongha:

"I then extracted all of them to C:\Progream Files (x86)\Steam\steamappse\common\Oblivion\Data"

Oblivion shouldnt be in x86 for some reasons (OBSE dosent like that at all for example)

And if you want, please use a mod manager so you can roll back if you mess things up. Nexus Mod manager (NMM) is good option to keep it safe. You need to repack some mods so it works with how NMM wants the files to be structured.
This is how you can use NMM with Oblivion mods. I will use the excellent overhaul "Oscuro's Oblivion Overhaul 1.35" as an example:
a) First manually download OOO (and the optionals that you want).
b) Create a folder called "data".
c) Unzip evertyhing from OOO into data. It should look like this for example: "/data/texture", "/data/meshes" and "/data/ Oscuro's_Oblivion_Overhaul.bsa"
d) zip/rar the data folder. Name it to OOO 1.35.rar
e) open up NMM and select "add mode from file"
f) activate the file.
g) archive invalidation (its under the toolbox)

There is exception ofc. The ones Ive run into is "All natural" and "Unique landscape" that needs Oblivion mod manager by timesplip and Wrye bash.

2) And then we come to the dreaded "Wrye bash" that is said to be a hard program to understand. And that is such a big lie that has existed to long in my opinion :) This video is a good introduction of Wrye bash that explains how to use the program.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RlmQDkk0yk

OBSE is fine in (x86) for me, its that thing called Wyrebash or something that likes to screw everything up.

[[CRG] Ghost™]

Steam (and therefore Oblivion) is fine in Program Files or Program Files (x86) UNLESS you are modding it AND your OS is Windows Vista or newer. The User Account Control (UAC) then makes modding a potential PITA! One possible solution (not recommended) is to make sure all your *.exe's related to your modded Oblivion are set to run as administrator. The best solution is to install Steam outside of the aforementioned folders. Note that Wrye Bash and OBMM are inside the Oblivion folder, so are limited by the UAC securities. The LEAST recommended solution is to turn off UAC (dont do this - there are other workarounds if you don't want to re-install Steam)
Now, one more little related inconvenience : some (very few) mod creators didn't realize people install their games in locations other than where they do, and entered an absolute pathway so the texture calls in the mesh files direct the engine to a file location that sometimes doesn't exist. NifSkope is a great tool for fixing this, by amending the texture call to the more general "textures/...." pathway
I got to back up Kongha. Wrye Bash Standalone Version is NOT hard to understand at all. I will admit the Python stuff was very daunting, but since the addition of a standalone version, knowledge of Python is not required.