Mod manager vs manual...

[Luminary]

Hi. I have about 150 mods in use ATM... and they were all added manually. (Data, meshes, textures, etc.) and because of this I avoid a lot of mods.

But I wanted to use the UNP body... nd it seems like a manual install is difficult if not impossible. (As many of the sub folders basically have the same file name.) So hopefully I can ask some questions.

Has anyone gone from manual to a mod manager? what happens to the existing files?
Would a mod manager resolve the fact that something like UNP has multiple mods files with the same name?
And if I wanted to stay manual, I suppose, I could just pick one set of files, has anyone else done this?

thank you!

[Ihateeverybody]

I do manual installs. Its a pain sometimes but, its just the way I am. There are a few mods where multiple options are a factor and deciphering the ModuleConfig.xml can be troublesom (Located in the FMOD Folder).

You just basicly go through the .xml line by line and match your requirements to the folder indicated. Always back up your existing folders that you will change (add, overwrite, etc) so that IN CASE something goes wrong; you can return to your previous state. Read the Mod Page carefully to see if there are any gotcha's to avoid.

Its a pain, but if you install mods manually its the price. I will say this, I understand file and folder structure in way few modders do (Still far from an expert though). My 1.57 Build I use currently is literally held together with kindergarten paste and glitter.

Edit: Just remembered. With a multiple option type mod its best to "Stage it" in its own folder prior to copying it to your data folder. This way you can go through and double check prior to "deploying".

[ĿIFE oƒ ƤIE]

Installing manually works well... into you have to start deleting and fixing file conflicts, and making sure you have mods required by other mods.

Its best to use a mod manager, unless you plan to keep your mod list small for a long time.

If you do use one, go for Mod Organizer 2.

[smr1957]

Use a mod manager - period. Ihateeverybody (and some few other old hands) do this manually because they cut their teeth on manual modding and have vast knowledge and experience. Anyone else - just don't.

[tulle040657]

I've been modding since Morrowind. I can't think of even one good reason to not use a modern mod manager. Let your computer do as much of the work as it can.

[Luminary]

thank you, which mod manager?

And sorry to be a pest, what happens to my existing mods if I deploy a mod manager?

[tulle040657]

Your existing mods will be there manually installed, you mod manger will not touch them/

Use either MO2 or Vortex, they are very different from each other but both work well. You could try both and see which one clicks best with you

[Sephrajin]

Yes, mod managers would "handle" (inform you) about overwriting files.
You then say the mod manager which mod should be loaded first, and done.
And if its the wrong order, just switch them, et voila.

MO2 uses a virtual filesystem - keeps the actual game dirs clean.
Vortex has a purge function, which does the cleanup for you.

Whichever modmanager you use, you install mods there, and the gamedir should be empty before you use any of those.

Personaly, I'm using Vortex - because I'm a curator for Fallout 4 and Skyrim SE collections.
Collections are for - lazy people - like me, allthough setting up a collection IS hard work, but once working, its super comfortable.

Since you're used to do things manual, I'd suggest giving MO2 a try, as it provides more control (so I was told at least).

But if you want to give Vortex a try, I'd have a setup guide. (its focused on FO4, but since its the Mod Manager, it'll be the same for Skyrim - alas, no links for Skyrim specific things)
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2818521483

[smr1957]

For the best advice and information (as well as when giving advice or information), see or refer to the pinned topics of the forum first. For the SSE forum, the best place to start is the following PINNED TOPIC:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2888888400

For how to use the various tools and managers, see the following section:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2882867968

And for how to use Vortex, in that section, there is this:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1977191236

[Sep]

Originally posted by Luminary:

thank you, which mod manager?

And sorry to be a pest, what happens to my existing mods if I deploy a mod manager?

Small mod list, use vortex (10-20 mod).
Big mod list, MO2 (100-1000+ m,od).

MO2 drag & drop features which are missing from Vortex is extremely useful, it saves lot's of trouble with the order.

[Bad Distraction Carnifex]

Originally posted by Sep:

Originally posted by Luminary:

thank you, which mod manager?

And sorry to be a pest, what happens to my existing mods if I deploy a mod manager?

Small mod list, use vortex (10-20 mod).
Big mod list, MO2 (100-1000+ m,od).

MO2 drag & drop features which are missing from Vortex is extremely useful, it saves lot's of trouble with the order.

I've well over 1100 mods with Vortex and it's not an issue. Just don't deploy after installing 50 mods so you can sort any conflicts and deal with any rule cycles, deploy every 5-10 mods, maybe more, maybe less depending on what you're installing.

[smr1957]

Use whichever mod manager you feel comfortable with - Vortex or MO2 (or even some other if that works for you). There is absolutely NO advantage of one over the other when it comes to the size of the build - only which one you prefer. Those who state that there is, are purely stating an opinion based upon their preferences and bias. As I posted previously, anyone wanting accurate and up to date information should be checking the following PINNED TOPIC for links to said topics:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2888888400

[SpeedFreak1972]

My take Modmanager vs manual is installation is a pain, but the real pain begins upon uninstalling complicated mods.

[Sep]

Originally posted by Bad Distraction Carnifex:

I've well over 1100 mods with Vortex and it's not an issue. Just don't deploy after installing 50 mods so you can sort any conflicts and deal with any rule cycles, deploy every 5-10 mods, maybe more, maybe less depending on what you're installing.

You don't need to spend so much time configures the rules for both mod priority and load order when you can just basically drag it. I don't even remember Vortex being able to sort loose files unless the mod was in conflict. I am also able to keep the list more neat and organize by setting up a separator. When your list get bigger, you just simply need it to keep it organize and clean.

I been using both mod manager (Vortex for Fallout & MO2 for Skyrim) and I notice a big differences on how conveniences it was to manage a large list with MO2 is in comparison to Vortex.

I am not saying using Vortex is bad, is just that Vortex is really good only for small list or collection. Considering how big Skyrim modding community is and the number of mod that depends on other or in conflict, MO2 is better choices for OP especially when OP mod list are big.

Edit: Both of this video summarize everything well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFUAyNRgsnQ&t=145s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNxzayPLMJ0

[Bad Distraction Carnifex]

Originally posted by Sep:

Originally posted by Bad Distraction Carnifex:

I've well over 1100 mods with Vortex and it's not an issue. Just don't deploy after installing 50 mods so you can sort any conflicts and deal with any rule cycles, deploy every 5-10 mods, maybe more, maybe less depending on what you're installing.

You don't need to spend so much time configures the rules for both mod priority and load order when you can just basically drag it. I don't even remember Vortex being able to sort loose files unless the mod was in conflict. I am also able to keep the list more neat and organize by setting up a separator. When your list get bigger, you just simply need it to keep it organize and clean.

I been using both mod manager (Vortex for Fallout & MO2 for Skyrim) and I notice a big differences on how conveniences it was to manage a large list with MO2 is in comparison to Vortex.

I am not saying using Vortex is bad, is just that Vortex is really good only for small list or collection. Considering how big Skyrim modding community is and the number of mod that depends on other or in conflict, MO2 is better choices for OP especially when OP mod list are big.

Edit: Both of this video summarize everything well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFUAyNRgsnQ&t=145s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNxzayPLMJ0

Uhhh....so if there's no conflict of course you can't sort loose files...because there's no conflict lol.

I think you misunderstand how modding works.

[Lyff]

I don't understand people who keep recommending MO2 when clearly the only reason they do that is because they saw it on youtube or some random streamer.
While as soon you start modding for real & push over the 150-1000mods you'll be in pain with that manager.