Age old Question: ESP or ESL?

[1LR-GUE Glazer]

Just like the title states, I'm so confused as to which option to select given the choice. Do i go ESP or ESL? I've done some research and so many different results give conflicting answers. Please help a noob out :)

[ĿIFE oƒ ƤIE]

It really does depend on the mod in question.

[mikk011]

For the purposes of this question, .esl files don't use up a plugin spot so it is worth testing an esl first to see if it works correctly. If it doesn't work correctly, try the .esp. If neither work, don't use that mod and make a bug report to the mod author.

[1LR-GUE Glazer]

Originally posted by mikk011:

For the purposes of this question, .esl files don't use up a plugin spot so it is worth testing an esl first to see if it works correctly. If it doesn't work correctly, try the .esp. If neither work, don't use that mod and make a bug report to the mod author.

thank you so much friend! Been playing Skyrim since 2011 and i still learn new things everyday :)

[mikk011]

If you want read a bit about the technical aspect of this, here are a couple links. They weren't (and aren't) available for old, 32-bit Skyrim, but are available for FO4 and SkyrimSE/AE (and presumably for any new titles with similar programming)
https://steamcommunity.com/app/489830/discussions/0/3276824488728505237/
https://www.afkmods.com/index.php?/topic/5079-plugin-files-and-you-esmeslesp/

[Bun]

If you prefer to listen instead of reading: https://youtu.be/g_urrHrGQOY

[Sep]

Skyrim plugin limit is 255, so you want to try esl first before esp. If esl doesn't work, go for esp.