Modding Skyrim: Adventurer’s Mod List

An outdated mod list for 2015 for Skyrim Legendary Edition

Introduction

This guide is for Skyrim Legendary Edition and has not been updated since 2015. I would consider it very outdated. Still, it is fun to look back in time and see what it was and what it is now.

My mod list for Skyrim Special Edition is updated and can be found on Google Docs: Skyrim Special Edition Mod List[docs.google.com]

Feeling overwhelmed with all the choices? I know I was. I spent more time researching and debating mods than actually playing the game. S.T.E.P.[www.nexusmods.com] and G.E.M.S.[www.skyrimgems.com] are amazing guides that contain an abundance of information. The sheer amount of information overwhelmed me though. With all the choices and all the guides where do I start? Are these older guides and videos still valid? What should I do? I ended up reading mod list after mod list. Some of them old and outdated, and some were relatively new. It was all just too much for me. I needed something clear and simple. I needed something that reduced the guess work. This guide is the result of my anxiety and frustrations. Everything listed I use and know works together. I hope this helps new and old mod players out there.

This guide does not cover body mods. I have no desire to play Skyrim with super models, porn stars, and manga characters as NPCs and followers. This guide does not cover complicated mods to install. Reading up and trying to figure out ENBs gave me headaches. Mods that require you to run java patchers aren't here either. I want things to be simple and straightforward and I am not playing this game just so I can take screenshots and post them. I want to play a good looking game that stays true to the lore of the game as best I can. That’s it.

This guide is laid out in the order I install mods.

Instructions in this guide assume you have the Legendary Edition or all three Skyrim DLCs.

Install these mods in the order listed if using Nexus Mod Manager. When prompted to overwrite, do so unless otherwise stated in the notes. If you are prompted to upgrade when installing, choose No.

If using Mod Organizer, install the mods as indicated, then ensure the mods are placed in the order they appear in the guide.

Computer Setup

I've updated my computer since I initially made this guide but this guide was made with the following system specs and I maintained an FPS anywhere from 35-60 depending on where I am in Skyrim.

CPU: Intel Core i5 2500K @ 3.30GHz
Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 560 Ti 1280MB
Memory: 16GB DDR3 PC3-10700
Video Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Even with a better computer, I still play and use performance minded mods.

My current PC:
CPU: Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-U12S
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1866
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 250GB Solid State Drive
Storage: Samsung 840 Pro Series 512GB Solid State Drive
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Black 2TB 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V
Video Resolution: 1920 x 1080
Case: Cooler Master HAF 932 Advanced Full Tower
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST DVD Writer
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Professional SP1 (64-bit)
Monitor: AOC e2752Vh 60Hz 27.0" Monitor
Keyboard: SteelSeries Merc Stealth Wired Ergonomic Keyboard
Mouse: SteelSeries Sensei Wired Laser Mouse
Headphones: Sennheiser PC 310 Headset

INI Tweaks

The following are the only changes I've made to my Skyrim INI files. These settings come from S.T.E.P.[wiki.step-project.com] or are recommendations from the mod authors for their mods.

Skyrim.ini

[General]
sIntroSequence= ;Disables the intro sequence for a faster startup
fFlickeringLightDistance=8192 ;Helps prevent lighting pop-in

[Display]
;Improves shadow changes as the sun moves through the sky.
fSunShadowUpdateTime=0.25 ;Transition time of sun-shadow movement
fSunUpdateThreshold=1.5 ;Time between sun-shadow movement

[Combat]
;Shift the point of aim to the center of the aiming reticule for arrows and crossbows.[/i]
f1PArrowTiltUpAngle=0.7
f3PArrowTiltUpAngle=0.7
f1PBoltTiltUpAngle=0.7
f3PBoltTiltUpAngle=0.7

[Actor]
fVisibleNavmeshMoveDist=12288.0000 ;allows arrows to hit objects as far as they appear to fly.

[Grass]
iMinGrassSize=120 ;Grass on Steroids setting for boost in FPS.

SkyrimPrefs.ini

[Display]
iMaxAnisotropy = 0 ;Anisotropic Filtering.
iMultiSample = 4 ;Antialiasing.
iPresentInterval = 0 ;disable vsync! - vsync should be handled in enblocal.ini
bTreesReceiveShadows=1 ;Enables shadows rendering on trees.
bDrawLandShadows=1 ;Enables shadows rendering on land.

[Controls]
bMouseAcceleration=0 ;Disable mouse acceleration.

Utilities

How to install these essential utilities is far easier to see than read. I will not cover how to install these as there are videos that cover this far better. All of these videos are must watch videos in my opinion. I've included a link to a video for each utility. All videos are made by Gopher except for the Wrye Bash video by An3d1n.

Once you have all the tools needed to mod your game we'll want to clean Bethesda's game files. This isn't very important when playing the game unmodded but becomes vitally important if you are going to play the game modded. There are opinions on whether or not to do this, but for me, I had far fewer CTDs (Crash To Desktop) after I cleaned Bethesda's files. Gopher covers cleaning the main files in this excellent video. Skyrim Mod Tool TES5EDIT : Cleaning your master files (REVISED)

[/tr]

ENBoost[enbdev.com]

Increases performance by redirecting memory allocated to the Skyrim executable to the enbhost executable.

Use the S.T.E.P. ENBoost guide to properly configure ENBoost.
S.T.E.P. ENBoost guide[wiki.step-project.com].

Load Order Optimisation Tool - LOOT[loot.github.io]

Assists mod users in avoiding detrimental conflicts by setting the correct load order for the plugins they have installed. LOOT also identifies files that need to be cleaned in TES5Edit as well as other useful information regarding conflicts and compatibility patches. LOOT is the replacement for the outdated BOSS utility.

Load Order # 2 - LOOT.

Memory Blocks Log[www.nexusmods.com]

This little utility creates a log file that will record the highest amount of memory being allocated to each memory block. This allows you to validate that you do infact have the memory patch applied.

Skyrim Mod Sanctuary 84 : Skyrim Memory Patch.

Skyrim Script Extender - SKSE[skse.silverlock.org]

SKSE is a modder's resource that expands the script ability of the Skyrim game. You have to have this installed to use several of the mods listed in this guide. You have to configure SKSE to integrate the Sheson memory fixes and replaces SSME. The memory fix fixes the Skyrim engine limitation by instructing the engine to allocate 512MB of memory for it's first block of memory and 256MB for it's second block of memory as opposed to 256MB for both memory blocks. This is the most common reason Skyrim crashes. Once you fill the first memory block Skyrim attempts to create a second block and this is when the crash happens.

Use the Skyrim Script Extender S.T.E.P. guide to properly configure SKSE.
S.T.E.P. SKSE guide[wiki.step-project.com].

You're SKSE.ini file should look like this.

[General]
ClearInvalidRegistrations=1

[Display]
iTintTextureResolution=2048

[Memory]
DefaultHeapInitialAllocMB=768
ScrapHeapSizeMB=256

[Interface]
EnableContainerCategorization=1

If you don't feel like manually doing this you can download it from me.
Theoran's SKSE.ini file[www.dropbox.com]. Place the SKSE folder in the Skyrim data folder. You can also manually import the archive into Mod Organizer or Nexus Mod Manager.

Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE) : Installing and running on Skyrim.
Skyrim Mod Sanctuary 84 : Skyrim Memory Patch.
A better explanation is provided by FireFreak111[www.nexusmods.com] on the Nexus. I highly suggest his Skyrim Stability Guide as well.

TES5Edit[www.nexusmods.com]

An essential application used for troubleshooting load order and for cleaning mods.

Skyrim Mod Tool TES5EDIT : Cleaning your mods.

Wrye Bash[www.nexusmods.com]

Another mod manager with a twist. I use Wrye bash mostly for it's "Bashed Patch" feature. The bashed patch allows you to combine leveled lists. Why is this important? Merged leveled lists allow items from one mod to be distributed throughout the game. Items from a weapons mods could show up in vendor shops and things like that. Wrye bash is fairly easy to install. Just download the standalone edition.

Wrye Bash Skyrim - Bashed Patches by An3d1n.

Nexus Mod Manager - NMM[www.nexusmods.com]

Mod manager that allows you to download and install mods without having to do it manually. NMM is much easier to start with but lack many features that exist in Mod Organizer such as virtual directories and profiles.

Choose either MO or NMM.

Nexus Mod Manager : Tutorial.

Mod Organizer[www.nexusmods.com]

The last mod manager you'll ever use. The learning curve is a little more steep than Nexus Mod Manager, but the isolated mod install feature is a thing of beauty.

Choose either MO or NMM.

Consult the S.T.E.P. Mod Organizer guide for setting MO options.
S.T.E.P. Mod Organizer guide[wiki.step-project.com]
Mod Organizer. Gopher's nine video guide on MO.

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Fixes, Patches, Corrections

These are all fairly important as all of these mods fix things in game or fix mechanics that should have already been in game.

Distant Decal Fix [www.nexusmods.com]	Fixes a problem with the default game where distant decals would vanish short distances.
Unofficial Skyrim Patch [www.nexusmods.com]	Comprehensive bug fixing mod for Skyrim. Mods you will be prompted to overwrite: Distant Decal Fix
Unofficial Dawnguard Patch [www.nexusmods.com]	Comprehensive bug fixing mod for Dawnguard DLC.
Unofficial Dragonborn Patch [www.nexusmods.com]	Comprehensive bug fixing mod for Dragonborn DLC.
Unofficial Hearthfire Patch [www.nexusmods.com]	Comprehensive bug fixing mod for Hearthfire DLC.
Appropriately Attired Jarls [www.nexusmods.com]	Changes Jarl's, Housecarl's, and Steward's garments based on the side taken in the civil war.
Bookshelves Skript Updated SKSE [www.nexusmods.com]	Fix issues with books falling on the shelf during placement.
Brawl Bugs Patch [www.nexusmods.com]	Fixes bugs with brawling in game. Download and install Brawl Bugs - Compatibility Edition .
Clothing and Clutter Fixes [www.nexusmods.com]	Fixes values, weights, prices, and use of clothing and other items. Download and install Clothing and Clutter Fixes - LEGENDARY .
Cultist Mask Decapitation Fix [www.nexusmods.com]	Fixes decapitation bug for the cultist mask.
Dragon Stalking Fix [www.nexusmods.com]	Fixes the bug where dead dragon corpses follow you around or fall out of the sky.
Enchantment Reload Fix [www.nexusmods.com]	Fixes engine bug that causes enchanted weapons to drain more charges after you save and reload the game. This mod fixes how the game stores enchantment data, which causes it to incorrectly recalculate after the game reloads.
Fuz Ro D'oh [www.nexusmods.com]	Enhances support for unvoiced in-game dialogue.
Guard Dialogue Overhaul [www.nexusmods.com]	Fixes immersion breaking guard dialogue. Guards attitude towards you changes as your character becomes more legendary.
No NPC Greetings [www.nexusmods.com]	Reduces the distance required between the player and an NPC before they'll start talking to you. Download and install Slightly Reduced Distance NPC Greetings .
No Spinning Death Animation [www.nexusmods.com]	Removes spinning death animation. Download and install No Spinning Death Animation v1_1 MERGED .
OneTweak [www.nexusmods.com]	This mod fixes the double cursor bug, borderless window bug, showracemenu precache killer bug, and fixes dynamic process priority making Skyrim your computer's top priority
Realistic Crime Radius [www.nexusmods.com]	Reduces the crime report radius from 4000 to 1000.
Realistic Ragdolls and Force [www.nexusmods.com]	Reduces the extra force applied on ragdolls to a more reasonable level and replaces ragdolls so that they bend and twist realistically and fall at a faster velocity. Download and install Realistic Force .
Skyrim -Elys- AltF4 [www.nexusmods.com]	Allows you to close the game by hitting ALT + F4. More importantly, this also allows you so adjust computer volume via your keyboards media keys.
Skyrim Project Optimization [www.nexusmods.com]	Unrenders indoor areas not seen by the player for better performance. Download and install Skyrim Project Optimization - Full Version . If you install a modified version of any of the Skyrim player homes do not install the full version. You will need to download and install Skyrim Project Optimization - No Homes - Full Version so that the modified homes look correct.
Smart Souls [www.nexusmods.com]	Knocks some sense into the souls of the various denizens of Skyrim, keeping them from entering soul gems that aren't of the same level/quality as they are. Also displays the quality of the soul being captured. And prevents black soul gems from providing refuge to white souls.
Trade and Barter [www.nexusmods.com]	Fixes the trade system. Small vendors in small towns will no longer stock high end goods the bigger cities do. Your character's status, race, relationship with the vendor, knowledge, and etiquette all have a factor on prices. Download and install Hearthfire edition .
Weapons and Armor Fixes - Remade [www.nexusmods.com]	Fixes bugs and incorrect settings for weapons and armor. During install choose the following options: Skyrim Dawnguard Dragonborn Install All Options (default) aMidianborn Skyforge Weapons

Interface and Menu

These are mods that change or improve the interface of the game. Many of these turn a game designed with consoles in mind, into a game playable with a mouse and keyboard.

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SkyUI[www.nexusmods.com]

Elegant, PC-friendly interface mod with many advanced features. Improves Skyrim's User Interface by making it easier to use with mouse and keyboard, less wasteful of available screen space, and nicer to look at. Adds the ability to configure particular mods in game.

MO users will receive an error when installing SkyUI. This is due to SkyUI looking for SKSE. Ignore this error and just click the install button.

Atlas Map Markers[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds map markers for almost everything you can think of in game. This is a definite must have.

During install choose the following options:
Atlas Legendary
Some Colors

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
SkyUI

When in game, when you open your map you will get a SkyUI error. You need to disable SWF checking in SkyUI. To do this go to the SkyUI MCM Menu > Advanced > SWF Version Checking and untick the Map Menu option to disable the warning message.

Better Dialogue Controls[www.nexusmods.com]

Lets you navigate the messages boxes with your keyboard.

Better MessageBox Controls[www.nexusmods.com]

Enables better keyboard controls in the message boxes that conflict with your mouse pointer.

High Quality 3D Map[www.nexusmods.com]

Higher quality meshes and normals for the in-game map.

Download and install HQ3DMap - Meshes Hi-Res.
Download and install HQ3DMap - Normals Original.
Do not download any of the texture files.

Immersive HUD - iHUD[www.nexusmods.com]

Provides immersive feel by removing the HUD. You can configure this easily in the MMC to your play style. I prefer to hide my compass and explore and navigate on my own. Options are configurable in the MMC.

Jaxonz Renamer[www.nexusmods.com]

This mod allows you to rename anything in game. Why does this matter? Rename all your gear for better sorting. The image is an example of how I use Jaxonz Renamer. Now I can have all of my gear together instead of spread all over my inventory.
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=309341512

KenMOD - Time on loading screen[www.nexusmods.com]

Now when you see a loading screen you'll know what time it is in the real world.

After install, edit the loadingmenu_settings.txt file installed by the mod.

For NMM users, the file will be in the data/interface folder.

For MO users, you can edit the file by right clicking the installed mod and clicking information. Then click on the Textfiles tab and then click on the text file.

Change the following values:
// Clock settings
&showTimeString=0&
&twelveHourClock=1&

// Misc settings
&showLevelProgressPercentage=1&

Main Font Replacement[www.nexusmods.com]

Replaces the font in game. I personally use the Centaur font. You can choose which every you like.

No Bethesda Logo In Menu[www.nexusmods.com]

Removes the Bethesda logo from the main menu.

No Menu and Loading Smoke[www.nexusmods.com]

Removes the smoke from the main menu and loading screens.

Race Menu[www.nexusmods.com]

Complete overhaul to the character creation menu including new customization features such as multiple warpaints, body paints, hand paint, and foot paints.

The mod installs two esp files.
RaceMenu.esp file.
RaceMenuPlugin.esp.

ShowRaceMenu Alternative[www.nexusmods.com]

Allows you to cast a spell and change your character name, race, and look.

Smaller Cursor[www.nexusmods.com]

Makes the cursor smaller.

Unknown Enchants[www.nexusmods.com]

Appends a letter to all the items that are disenchantable by your character, and all spell tomes that you have not read. Options are configurable in the MMC.

During install, choose the following:
Core Mod
Dawnguard
Dragonborn

Main Menu Background
and Music Replacers

Music and background replacers are all about personal preference. I've used all of these. You can choose which one you want or none at all. I list them here as my personal recommendations

Background only replacers
Spinning Skyrim Emblem[www.nexusmods.com]
Lover of Dragons[www.nexusmods.com]

Music only replacer
Malukah - The Dragonborn Comes[www.nexusmods.com]

Background and Music replacers
Talos + Malukah - Tale of Toungues[www.nexusmods.com]
Windy + Malukah - The Dragonborn Comes[www.nexusmods.com]

[/table]

Foundation Mods: part 1

These mods provide the overall foundation for the game. These are our base mods that everything else installs on top of. This section takes the longest as these require the most thought to get through. In the event that there are less obvious choices on what file to download, I list what file or files to download. Hang in there, it's going to get easier. I promise.

[/tr]

Bethesda Hi-Res DLC Optimized[www.nexusmods.com]

Optimized version of Bethesda's High Resolution DLC.

Download the following:
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized --UNIVERSAL--
Unofficial High Resolution Patch --COMPATIBLE VERSION--

Choose the Full 1024 version during install. Then install the Unofficial High Resolution Patch --COMPATIBLE VERSION--.

You do not need to install or use the regular Unofficial High Resolution Patch nor do you need the three HRTP esp files anymore. In your mod manager disable/uncheck the following:
HighResTexturePack01.esp
HighResTexturePack02.esp
HighResTexturePack03.esp

Bethesda Performance Textures - Animals and Creatures[www.nexusmods.com]

Performance based retexture of all Bethesda animal and creature textures.

Download and install:
BPT_AC_All_1_2
BPT_Argonian
BPT_Khajit

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized --UNIVERSAL--
Unofficial High Resolution Patch --COMPATIBLE VERSION--

Bethesda Performance Textures - Armor - Clothes - Weapons[www.nexusmods.com]

Performance based retexture of all Bethesda armor, clothing, and weapons.

Download and install:
BPT_ALL_3_0
BPT -Tamriel Objects_ver2
BPT_Character_1_1
Children Nord Clothes

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized --UNIVERSAL--
Unofficial High Resolution Patch --COMPATIBLE VERSION--
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

Better Dynamic Snow[www.nexusmods.com]

Changes the ugly, pure-white dynamic snow effect to actually use the default snow texture.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

[/th]

Langleys Textures Workshop[www.nexusmods.com]

Another texture replacer that covers a wide variety of things.

Download and install All in one.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized --UNIVERSAL--
Better Dynamic Snow
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

Ruins Clutter Improved[www.nexusmods.com]

Ruins Clutter Improved is a retexturing project, which covers some of the ugliest objects in the dungeons of Skyrim. It improves the visual experience of catacombs and ruins by adding more detail to common clutter like pots, sconces, candles, doors and many other stuff.

Download and install Ruins_Clutter_Improved_v2-8 NMM Installation.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Better Dynamic Snow
Langleys Textures Workshop
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

Realistic Smoke and Embers[www.nexusmods.com]

High resolution texures for smoke and embers.

Download and install RSE Medium v1_4.

SkyFalls and SkyMills[www.nexusmods.com]

Animates waterfalls and windmills from a distance. This dramatically enhances the look and feel of the game.

Download SkyFalls and SkyMills FOMOD-BAIN Installer.

During install choose the following options:
Yes for Dawnguard
Yes for Dragonborn
Yes for Falskaar (optional)
Yes for Wrymstooth (optional)
I don't use these mods
Realistic Water Two (default)
1.5x vanilla (default)

[/table]

Foundation Mods: part 2

[/tr]

Static Mesh Improvement Mod - SMIM[www.nexusmods.com]

Edits 3D models to improve their appearance and to fix many of the ugly seams and other oddities.

During install choose the options you prefer. At the bottom of the install options install the following:
SkyMills Compatibility

Do not install the following:
Half-size
Half-size with Skyrim HD Furniture
Half-size with Skyrim HD Weathered Furniture
Ultra-Sized 4096x4096 Textures

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized --UNIVERSAL--
Bethesda Performance Textures - Armor - Clothes - Weapons
Better Dynamic Snow
Langleys Texture Workshop
Ruins Clutter Improved
SkyFalls and SkyMills
Unofficial Hearthfire Patch
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

Skyrim HD - 2K Textures[www.nexusmods.com]

A massive retexture project covering almost all of Skyrim.

Download and install:
SHD LITE - Dungeons
SHD LITE - Landscape
SHD LITE - Misc
SHD LITE - Towns
SHD LITE - Riften

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized --UNIVERSAL--
Bethesda Performance Textures - Animals and Creatures
Bethesda Performance Textures - Armor - Clothes - Weapons
Langleys Texture Workshop
Realistic Smoke and Embers
Static Mesh Improvement Mod
Unofficial High Resolution Patch --COMPATIBLE VERSION--
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

Enhanced Distant Terrain 2[www.nexusmods.com]

Enhances over 6000+ LOD textures.

Download and install the following:
Enhanced Distant Terrain 2
Enhanced Distant Terrain 2 - Dragonborn

A Quality World Map - With Roads[www.nexusmods.com]

High resolution world map with installation options for main roads, all roads and a clearer map view.

During install choose the following options:
Quality Map (HiRes) Install All Roads
Install Clear Map Add-on

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Enhanced Distant Terrain 2

[/table]

Weather, Lighting, Water

These mods change the weather, lighting and water in Skyrim. There are many alternatives. This guide is written with CoT, CoT-Weather Patch, ELFX, and RWT as the installed mods. You can choose from the alternatives if you wish. I have tried many of the alternatives listed and the ones in this guide are the ones I preferred after play testing. I've also included comparison videos to help you make your decision if you plan on going off-script. :)

[/tr]

Climates Of Tamriel[www.nexusmods.com]

Weather, lighting, and audio overhaul. We are only going to install the weather options.

Download and install the following:
Climates Of Tamriel - V3-1 - Loose
Climates Of Tamriel - Dawnguard Patch
Climates Of Tamriel - Dragonborn Patch

During install, choose the following options:
Default Experience
Default Experience
ClimatesOfTamriel
Default Experience

Alternatives
Enhanced Dynamic Weather System - EDWS[www.nexusmods.com]
Pure Weathers[www.nexusmods.com]
Realistic Colors and Real Nights - RCRN[www.nexusmods.com]

Comparison Videos
Skyrim Mod Comparison: CoT vs PW

Climates Of Tamriel - Weather Patch[www.nexusmods.com]

Consider this Climates of Tamriel updated.

During install, choose the following options:
Regular Edition
Dragonborn
Night Level: 0 (no change)

Enhanced Lights and FX[www.nexusmods.com]

Overhaul of Skyrim's lighting system.

Download and install in the following order:
Enhanced Lights and FX
Enhanced Lights and FX - Dawnguard
Enhanced Lights and FX - Dragonborn
SMIM Meshes

During the Enhanced Lights and FX install, choose the following options:
Core Files
ELFX Enhancer
ELFX Exteriors
Moonpath (optional)

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Better Dynamic Snow
Langleys Textures Workshop
Ruins Clutter Improved
Static Mesh Improvement Mod
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

During the SMIM Meshes install you will be prompted to overwrite Enhanced Lights and FX. You want to overwrite these files.

Alternatives
Climates Of Tamriel - Weather - Lighting - Audio[www.nexusmods.com]
Realistic Lighting Overhaul[www.nexusmods.com]
Ultra Realistic World Lighting[www.nexusmods.com]

Comparison Videos
Light: CoT vs URWL vs RLO vs ELFX
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YceSkJgy2gw
Skyrim Mod Comparison: RLO vs ELFX

Realistic Water Two[www.nexusmods.com]

Water retexture mod.

During install choose the following options:
Core files
Medium
Default
Legendary
Wyrmstooth (optional)
Falskaar (optional)

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
SkyFalls and SkyMills
Skyrim HD LITE - Misc
Static Mesh Improvement Mod
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

Alternatives
Pure Waters[www.nexusmods.com]
W.A.T.E.R.[www.nexusmods.com]

Comparison Videos
Skyrim Mod Sanctuary 88
Skyrim: Water Mods Comparison: WATER vs PW vs RWT[/tr][/table]

Environment

These mods affect the overall environment of Skyrim. This covers caves, mines, dungeons, landscape, terrain, grass, plants, and sky elements.

[/tr]

aMidianBorn Caves and Mines[www.nexusmods.com]

High resolution, handmade textures for caves, frozen caves, and mines.

Download and install the 1k version.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Langleys Textures Workshop
Skyrim HD 2k LITE - Dungeons
Static Mesh Improvement Mod - SMIM
Unofficial High Resolution Patch --COMPATIBLE VERSION--

aMidianBorn Landscape[www.nexusmods.com]

High resolution, handmade textures for landscape.

Download and install the 1k version.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Langleys Textures Workshop
Skyrim HD 2k LITE - Landscape
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

aMidianBorn Solstheim Landscape[www.nexusmods.com]

High resolution, handmade textures for Solstheim.

Download and install the 1k version.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized --UNIVERSAL--
Langleys Textures Workshop

Decrease That Grass[www.nexusmods.com]

Gets rid of useless grass pieces which is barely noticeable to increase performance.

During install choose the following options:
Grass! (Core)
No Rocks!
No Kelp!
Reduced Dead Plants!
Select None!

Enhanced Distant Terrain[www.nexusmods.com]

Gives a more detailed effect to terrain at long distances.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
HD Enhanced Terrain

Ethereal Auroras[www.nexusmods.com]

Auroras retexture.

Ethereal Cosmos[www.nexusmods.com]

Galaxy, stars, and constellations retexture.

Download and install the following:
Ethereal_Cosmos
CoT_Stars_Replacer

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Climates Of Tamriel

Glowing Ore Veins 300[www.nexusmods.com]

Makes ore veins more visible and easier to spot. This isn't exactly the most lore friendly mod, but you will really appreciate it when searching the landscape for ore.

HQ Snow[www.nexusmods.com]

Snow retexture.

Download and install HQ Snow Texture 2_7_1 1024 Seperate.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
aMidianborn Landscape
Langleys Textures Workshop
Skyrim HD 2k LITE - Landscape

Hybrids Hires Plant and Herb Retexture[www.nexusmods.com]

Plant and herb retexture.

Interior and Dungeon Fog Remover[www.nexusmods.com]

Replaces most default "fog" meshes with blank ones.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Enhanced Lights and FX

MOUNTAIN OR MOLEHILL[www.nexusmods.com]

Performance friendly mountain and rock retexture.

Download and install Mountain or Molehill 5_0 Vanilla Version.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Langleys Textures Workshop
Skyrim HD 2k LITE - Landscape

Re-Defined Dungeons[www.nexusmods.com]

Dungeon retexture.

Download and install the 1k version.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Langleys Textures Workshop

Shooting Stars[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds shooting stars to Skyrim

Skyrim Performance PLUS[www.nexusmods.com]

Optimizes falling leaves, needles, rain, and snow.

Download and install the following:
Rainfall FX
By Request - Completely Disable Aspen Leaves FX
By Request - Completely Disable Falling Pine Needles FX

The Beauty of Skyrim - Dungeons[www.nexusmods.com]

Dungeon retexture.

Download and install the 1k version.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Langleys Textures Workshop
Re-Defined Dungeons

[/table]

Architecture

These mods add or change the buildings, metal, building blocks of architecture in Skyrim.

[/tr]

aMidianBorn Farmhouse[www.nexusmods.com]

High resolution, handmade textures covering farmhouses.

Download and install the 1k version.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Langleys Texture Workshop
Skyrim HD v1 5 LITE - Towns

aMidianBorn Farmhouse and Roads Stonewall[www.nexusmods.com]

High resolution, handmade textures covering farmhouse stonewalls.

Download and install the 1k version.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
aMidianBorn Farmhouse
Skyrim HD v1 5 LITE - Towns

aMidianBorn Imperial Forts[www.nexusmods.com]

High resolution, handmade textures covering imperial forts.

Download and install the 1k version.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:

aMidianBorn Whiterun[www.nexusmods.com]

High resolution, handmade textures covering the city of Whiterun.

Download and install the 1k version.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Langleys Texture Workshop
Skyrim HD 2k LITE - Towns
Static Mesh Improvement Mod
Unofficial High Resolution Patch --COMPATIBLE VERSION--
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

Better Signage - Inns and Shops[www.nexusmods.com]

Improves the default signage for the city taverns and shops to make them more detailed and dimensional.

EotW Dawnguard DLC Textures Remastered[www.nexusmods.com]

High quality and lore friendly texture overhaul for almost all new items introduced by the Dawnguard DLC including all armors, weapons and clothes as well as most of the statues, creatures and clutter items.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized --UNIVERSAL--
Bethesda Performance Textures - Animals and Creatures
Bethesda Performance Textures - Armor - Clothes - Weapons
Unofficial Dawnguard Patch
Unofficial High Resolution Patch --COMPATIBLE VERSION--

Fences of Skyrim[www.nexusmods.com]

Fixes the flickering fences by changing the fence meshes.

Download and install the main file only.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
SMIM

HiRes Legible Road Signs[www.nexusmods.com]

Road sign retextures. Choose the version you prefer.

Hold Border Banners[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds banners along roadsides at the boundaries of two holds. The banner you see will show you which hold you are entering.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

Langleys Dwemer Metal Retexture[www.nexusmods.com]

Dwemer metal retexture.

Download and install Rust and scratch.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized --UNIVERSAL--
Bethesda Performance Textures - Animals and Creatures
Langleys Texture Workshop
Skyrim HD 2k LITE - Dungeons
Skyrim HD 2k LITE - Towns

Point The Way[www.nexusmods.com]

Places road signs at several major intersections that were either lacking signs, or didn't have enough signs to indicate the full extent of where you could travel on a road. Also fixes signs that were pointing in the wrong direction or had the wrong city on them.

RUSTIC WINDOWS[www.nexusmods.com]

Window retexture.

Download and install Rustic Windows 1_4 All - Regular.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
aMidianBorn Farmhouse
aMidianborn Whiterun

Skyrim Better Roads[www.nexusmods.com]

Improves the roads around Skyrim making them more defined and more maintained outside major cities.

During install choose the following options:
All the Roads and Bridges

Smelters for Riften and Solitude[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds a smelter in Riften and Solitude.

Stunning Statues of Skyrim[www.nexusmods.com]

Retextures sixteen different statues.

During install choose the following of many, many options:
Choose all statues
Choose HD Meshes
Choose the 1k version of your preference

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized UHRP --COMPATIBLE VERSION--
aMidianborn Whiterun

[/table]

Characters and Creatures

These mods add or enhance your character, NPCs, or creatures.

[/tr]

Amazing Follower Tweaks[www.nexusmods.com]

Multiple followers. Manage outfits, spells, combat style, home assignment and level up. Make werewolves or vampires lords. Followers will ride horses, make camp, avoid traps, ignore friendly fire, auto relax, auto change into standard/city/home outfit. Auto toggle helmets. Followers pose, dance, and more.

Armored Skeletons and The Walking Dead[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds several new Skeleton & Undead types into the world of Skyrim.

Convenient Horses[www.nexusmods.com]

Complete overhaul of Skyrim horses.

Deadly Dragons[www.nexusmods.com]

Makes dragons feared and powerful. Dragons will provide you with a challenge.

During install, select the following options:
Loremonger
Do not install

Ethereal Elven Overhaul[www.nexusmods.com]

Revamps elven races making them more appealing.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

Follower Commentary Overhaul - FCO[www.nexusmods.com]

Unlocks voice types for vanilla followers. Adds new idles to vanilla follower voicetypes. Adds over 1,000 lines of dialogue for the 18 vanilla follower voicetypes.

Immersive Patrols[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds functional, scheduled patrols of almost every major faction across all DLCs, including Stormcloaks, Thalmor, Imperials, Silver Hand, Werewolves, Dawnguard, Travelers, Merchants, Bandits, Forworn, Skaal, Redoran, Reavers and even Rieklings without over cluttering the world.

Download and install Immersive Patrols Aggressive.

Populated Cities Towns Villages[erkeilmods.altervista.org]

Adds generic NPCs to each city, town and village.

During install choose the following options:
50 PERCENT LESS NPCs with Mercenaries not hirable (script free)

Populated Dungeons Caves Ruins[erkeilmods.altervista.org]

Adds generic creatures to dungeons, caves, and ruins.

Populated Forts Towers Places[erkeilmods.altervista.org]

Adds bandits to forts, towers, and empty spaces.

During install choose the following options:
FULL (suggested)

Populated Lands Roads Paths[erkeilmods.altervista.org]

Adds adventurers, merchants with body guards, refugees, pilgrims, assassins and much other to roads and paths.

During install choose the following options:
FULL INSTALLATION with Mercenaries not hirable (script-free)

Run For Your Lives[www.nexusmods.com]

Makes citizens in a village or city run indoors during a dragon attack.

Sleep Tight[www.nexusmods.com]

Makes NPCs, bandits, warlocks, etc. in interiors sleep at night. Now you can sneak into a fort and kill them while they sleep.

Sleeping Innkeepers[www.nexusmods.com]

Each night innkeepers all over Skyrim will get some sleep on the bedroll by their post, allowing them to still serve any late night customers who come in. Due to the nature of their job, they usually sleep from the early hours of morning until sunrise.

Superior Lore-Friendly Hair[www.nexusmods.com]

Hair retexture.

During install choose the following options:
Rough (1k Size)

TK Children[www.nexusmods.com]

Modifies child faces to give them all some variation. Also adds different hair for kids.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Unofficial Dawnguard Patch
Unofficial Dragonborn Patch
Unofficial Hearthfire Patch
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

TK Children Head Fix[www.nexusmods.com]

Fixes the size of children heads for the TK Children Mod.

TK Children Merged USKP Patch[www.nexusmods.com]

A merged patch combining TKChildren_V.esp, TKChildren_DB.esp, TKChildren_HF.esp and implementing Unofficial Skyrim Patch fixes as well. After this is installed uncheck the following:
TKChildren_DB.esp
TKChildren_HF.esp
TKChildren_V.esp

Travellers of Skyrim - Travelers[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds 50 new NPCs that travel between over 30 locations in Skyrim.

Download and install the following:
Travellers of Skyrim v134
Travellers of Skyrim - Dragonborn Addon v101

When Vampires Attack[www.nexusmods.com]

Makes citizens in a village or city run indoors during a random vampire attack.

Xenius Character Enhancement[www.nexusmods.com]

Massive character enhancements. Improves detail on faces, skin, eyes, scars, war paint, dirt, fingernails, and female feet. Removes jagged, angular shapes and seams on lips and neck.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized --UNIVERSAL--

Xenius Character Enhancement - Dawnguard[www.nexusmods.com]

Face textures and enhancements to vampires.

[/table]

Clothing and Equipment: part 1

These are all mods that add or change the appearance of clothing, armor, and weapons.

[/tr]

aMidianBorn Book of Silence[www.nexusmods.com]

High resolution retextures for armor, creatures, dragonborn items, unique items, and weapons.

Download all 5 main files plus the Bonemold Hotfix and the Skyforge Hotfix.

Download and install the following. Use default install options for all.
aMidianBorn Book of Silence - Armors
aMidianBorn Book of Silence - Creatures
aMidianBorn Book of Silence - Dragonborn DLC
aMidianBorn Book of Silence - Unique Items
aMidianBorn Book of Silence - Weapons
Bonemold Hotfix
Skyforge Hotfix

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized --UNIVERSAL--
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized UHRP --COMPATIBLE VERSION--
Bethesda Performance Textures - Animals and Creatures
Bethesda Performance Textures - Armor - Clothes - Weapons
Skyrim HD 2k LITE - Misc
Static Mesh Improvement Mod
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

Apophysis Dragon Priest Masks[www.nexusmods.com]

Dragon priest mask retextures.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
aMidianBorn Book of Silence - Unique Items
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

Bandolier - Bags and Pouches[www.nexusmods.com]

Creates seven new slots for pouches to carry more weight. The new slots are on the chest, back left and right, front left and right, and the players left and right side. Adds small pouches, satchels, bags, box pouches, bandoliers, and large bandoliers.

Better Circlets[www.nexusmods.com]

Circlet retextures.

Download and install Better Circlets MD 1K V1o1.

Better Shaped Weapons[www.nexusmods.com]

Replaces weapon meshes to look more like weapons and less like thick paddles.

During install choose the following:
Install everything (default)
Dawnguard
Dragonborn
Skyforge weapons
DragonBling Red
DragonBling Red
Stalhrim
Stalhrim
Swords
Quiver

Cloaks of Skyrim[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds almost 100 new styles of cloak to the world of Skyrim, via crafting, levelled-lists, and static loot.

Download and install the following:
Cloaks of Skyrim 1-2
Cloaks of Skyrim 1-2 Dawnguard

Cloaks of Skyrim - Unofficial Skyrim Patch Compatibility FIX[www.nexusmods.com]

Fixes bug caused by having Cloaks and USKP installed. Includes Briar Heart body fix, wild edits reversed, other minor fixes, and a new Daedric cloak.

EotW Mage Equipment Overhaul[www.nexusmods.com]

Lore friendly retexture of all mage related gear.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized --UNIVERSAL--
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized UHRP --COMPATIBLE VERSION--
Bethesda Performance Textures - Armor - Clothes - Weapons
aMidianBorn Book of Silence - Unique Items
aMidianBorn Book of Silence - Weapons
Skyrim HD 2k LITE - Misc

EotW Mage Robes of Skyrim[www.nexusmods.com]

Lore friendly retexture of all mage robes.

Download and install the following:
EotW Mage Robes of Skyrim
EotW Mage Robes of Skyrim - Hearthfire DLC Robes addon.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized --UNIVERSAL--
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized UHRP --COMPATIBLE VERSION--
Bethesda Performance Textures - Armor - Clothes - Weapons

Glimpse of Elsweyr[www.nexusmods.com]

Bag of holding mod. It comes with scripts to move alchemy ingredients for you but I don't use the scripts. I prefer to manually move my stuff around. This is a no frills bag of holding with a little bit of lore thrown in as well.

During install choose the following:
Dawnguard AND Hearthfire Version
Loose Files

This is very important. You are going to eventually have not carry as much in any bag of holding mod. At a certain point, accessing and retrieving items from the bag is slow. You are going to have to start selling off all the crap in the bag. Use the bag as a way of clearing out a dungeon and then unloading it in town. Do not use the bag as a holding space for everything you've retrieved in the last 40 hours of game play. Empty it occasionally.

[/table]

Clothing and Equipment: part 2

[/tr]

Immersive Armors[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds 22 new sets of armor to the game (28 including variants), 13 addition non-set helmet options, 3 new shields and a large number of other items.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
aMidianborn Whiterun

Left Hand Rings[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds rings you can wear on your left hand.

Left Hand Enchanted Rings[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds enchanted rings you can wear on your left hand.

Gemling Queen Jewelry[www.nexusmods.com]

Amulet, circlet, and ring retextures.

During install choose the following:
Amulets
Circlets
Rings
Gamwich Amulet Textures - 1024
Left Hand Rings
SMIM Textures

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized --UNIVERSAL--
Bethesda Performance Textures - Armor - Clothes - Weapons
Clothing and Clutter Fixes - LEGENDARY
Left Hand Rings
Static Mesh Improvement Mod
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

Sabre Gear Backpack[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds craftable backpacks.

Thieves Guild Armor HD revival[www.nexusmods.com]

Thieves guild armor retexture.

Download and install TGA revival.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized --UNIVERSAL--
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized UHRP --COMPATIBLE VERSION--
Bethesda Performance Textures - Armor - Clothes - Weapons
Skyrim HD 2k LITE - Misc

Unique Uniques[www.nexusmods.com]

New textures and meshes for unique items. Unique items will actually be unique now.

During install choose the following:
Unique Uniques

Winter Is Coming - Cloaks[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds lore friendly cloaks.

Download and install WIC Cloaks NMM 2_3.

During install choose the following:
Main Plugin
Main Cloaks Patch

[/table]

Animations and Effects

All of these mods add, change, or replace animations and effects in Skyrim.

[/tr]

Alternate Summoning Visuals[www.nexusmods.com]

Replaces the large purple ball effect that occurs when a creature is summoned, with an effect that looks a lot more subtle and arcane.

Download and install Alternate Summoning Visuals NO ESP.

DUST[www.nexusmods.com]

Retextures the falling dust effects to look more like dust instead of smoke.

Download and install Download and install DUST v4 x256.

Finer Dust[www.nexusmods.com]

Fixes the blocky dust particles.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
DUST

Magic Runes HD[www.nexusmods.com]

Retexures all six magic runs.

Download and install Full Pack - All Magic Runes HD V2.

Plynxs No Motion Sickness[www.nexusmods.com]

Reduces motion sickness by eliminating camera bob in first and third person modes. It also eliminates the massive camera sway in non-combat sprinting modes.

Download and install PlynxsNoMotionSickness v0_91 Crafting Edition.

SNOW[www.nexusmods.com]

Retextures the blowing snow effect.

Download and install Download and install SNOW v3_1 x256.

Ultimate Spinning Arrows[www.nexusmods.com]

Makes arrows and bolts spin mid flight. Most noticeable on kill cams.

Download and install Ultimate Spinning Arrows.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

[/table]

Clutter and Miscellaneous

These mods add or retexture the clutter and miscellaneous items throughout Skyrim.

[/tr]

Designs of the Nords[www.nexusmods.com]

Retexture of all hold and DLC banners.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
aMidianBorn Whiterun
RUSTIC FARMHOUSES

EotW Real Golden Septims[www.nexusmods.com]

Septims coin retexture.

HQ Paper[www.nexusmods.com]

Paper retexture.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
aMidianborn Imperial Forts
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized --UNIVERSAL--

Langleys Ingots[www.nexusmods.com]

Ingot retexture.

During install choose the following option:
Ingots without logo

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Static Mesh Improvement Mod
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

Radiant and Unique Potions and Poisons HD[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds textures for potions, poisons, and booze. Each potion or poison bottle is different in color, pattern, label, and adornments. Bottles have their own designs or labels now that reflect what the potion/poison actually does.

Download and install Radiant and Unique Potions Poisons and BOOZE v2 NON GLOW.

Realistic Instruments[www.nexusmods.com]

Instrument texture fixes.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Langleys Textures Workshop

Rens HD Shrines[www.nexusmods.com]

Retextures the shrines throughout Skyrim.

Stalhrim of Skyrim[www.nexusmods.com]

Stalhrim retexture.

During install choose the following:
1k
Custom Opacity

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Bethesda Hi-Res Optimized --UNIVERSAL--

Soul Gems Differ[www.nexusmods.com]

Makes soul gems look different depending on type and if it's filled.

During install choose the following:
Continue to installation
No
Sort-friendly and Weighted
STEP Installation Options
Install Soul gems Differ

Sweet Mother[www.nexusmods.com]

Sweet Mother retexture.

[/table]

Sound

These mods add or change the audio in game. Install these in the order listed. As in previous sections, click Yes To Mod when prompted.

[/tr]

Audio Overhaul for Skyrim - AOS[www.nexusmods.com]

Extensive sound overhaul aiming to make the soundscape more immersive, clear, responsive, and impactful.

During install choose the following:
Skyrim + DG + DB
Sound Files
Climates of Tamriel 3.1
Guard Dialogue Overhaul
Realistic Water Two
Weapons and Armor Fixes Remade

Better Horse Pain Sounds[www.nexusmods.com]

Saves your ears from the ear piercing sound of your horse in pain.

Realistic Wolf Howls[www.nexusmods.com]

Replaces the wolf howls and barks with something much more realistic.

Download and install Realistic Wolf Howls more barks than howls.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Audio Overhaul for Skyrim

Smooth Blade Draw and Sheathe[www.nexusmods.com]

Quieter sound when drawing or sheathing a blade. When in sneak mode, your character will attack silently instead of yelling with each swing plus weapon sounds are quieter. During install, choose all options.

During install choose the following:
Audio Dynamic Sneak
Daggers
1Handed blades
2Handed blades
Enchanted weapons
Mute activation fail
Mute critical hit
Mute left hand

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Audio Overhaul for Skyrim

Immersive Sounds - Compendium[www.nexusmods.com]

Add and replaces sounds for weapons, combat, footsteps, movement, magic, spellcasting, loot, inventory, doors, containers, and levers. This mod works very well with AOS and Smooth Blade Draw.

During install choose the following:
Main Files (Required)
IS Default (Extra Bloody)
IS Default (Stylized Fantasy)
IS Default (Arrow Whistle)
IS Default
IS Default (Sharp)
Classic RPG
IS Default
Oblivion Skillup Sound
Dungeon Ambiance
Silent Sneak Attack
AOS Compatibility Patch

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Audio Overhaul for Skyrim
Smooth Blade Draw and Sheathe

Soultrap Sound Edit - Calm Wind[www.nexusmods.com]

Replaces the thunder clash sound of soul trap with a calm wind.

Thundering shouts[www.nexusmods.com]

Improved shout audio.

Download and install Thundering Shouts - loose files.

Mods you will be prompted to overwrite:
Unofficial Skyrim Patch

[/table]

Gameplay

All of these mods add to your gameplay experience.

[/tr]

Ancient Spells[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds 50+ new spells to skyrim, from all magic trees, the goal of this mod is to add the majority of the unique spells from Morrowind and Oblivion equally, due to mechanic changes on gameplay some effects have been altered but they remain as balanced as possible.

Ars Metallica - Smithing Enhancement[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds skill advancement for crafting as well as the ability to craft items for archers and thieves.

Download and install Ars Metallica - Legendary Edition.

Blacksmith Storage Chests[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds a chest to each blacksmith area that you can purchase. You can have all purchased chested share inventory also.

Download and install Blacksmith Storage Chests_COMPLETE with Carpenter Chests.

Gildergreen Regrown[www.nexusmods.com]

Allows the replanted sapling tree in Whiterun to grow over the course of 6 in-game months.

Harvest Overhaul[www.nexusmods.com]

Allows you to harvest a realistic amount of ingredients. When harvesting, you will harvest a random number instead of just one.

During install choose the following:
Harvest Overhaul - Dragonborn, Dawnguard
Dawnguard and Dragonborn

Skyrim Mod Sanctuary 58 : Harvest Overhaul by Gopher.

Localized Guild Jobs[www.nexusmods.com]

Choose where you want to get the target for your Thieves Guild job when talking with Vex and Delvin.

Non-Automatic Skill Books[www.nexusmods.com]

Changes the way skill books work, so that you may choose if and when you gain a skill from it. Upon activating a book, a menu will appear allowing you to select if you read the book and gain its knowledge at that time, or simply take it without reading.

Download and install Better.

Radiance[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds 30 encounters to the world.

Skyrim -Community- Uncapper[www.nexusmods.com]

Unlocks skill level caps of 100 to 10000.

Skyrim Coin Replacer Redux - SCRR[www.nexusmods.com]

Replaces Septims with Haralds or Dumacs found in Nordic and Dwemer ruins.

Download and install SCRR - Legendary Edition.

Smart Cast[www.nexusmods.com]

Allows you to assign a set of rules to a spell to be cast automatically. I have muffle set to cast each time I crouch. I have Fast Heal set to cast when my health is below 50%. This mod allows you to play and not navigate through menus to cast spells you cast routinely.

Skyrim Mod: Smart Cast by Brodual.

Storefront[www.nexusmods.com]

Your spouse will operate a store in the city you live in.

Swift Potion Reborn[www.nexusmods.com]

Allows you to assign a set of rules for potion intake. I have my best healing potion set to be drunk when my health reaches 25%.

Skyrim Mod: Swift Potion Reborn by Brodual.

The Paarthurnax Dilemma[www.nexusmods.com]

Allows you to decide what to do with Paarthurnax.

Traps Make Noise[www.nexusmods.com]

Setting off traps will alert everyone in the area.

Download and install Traps Make Noise.

Think To Yourself Messages - TTYM[www.nexusmods.com]

Changes ingame messages from third person perspective to first person perspective.

Skyrim Mod Feature: Think to Yourself Messages by insane0hflex.

Upgrade Leveled Items Spell[www.nexusmods.com]

Adds a spell to the game that will upgrade leveled items to match your current level. No longer worry about getting a leveled award.

Download and install Upgrade Leveled Items Spell - Dragonborn.

Vendor Sale Delay - GONE[www.nexusmods.com]

Moves the "Open barter menu" command to the start of the dialogue, instead of having it in the end.

[/table]

New Companions

I want more than just a companion. I want a partner, a friend, a comrade. Based on everything I've read, the following companion mods meet those needs. I have yet to fully test all of these.



Arissa - The Wandering Rogue[www.nexusmods.com]
Location: Dead Man's Drink in Falkreath
Skyrim Mod: Arissa - The Wandering Rogue by Brodual.
Skylight 22: Arissa - The Wandering Rogue by Gopher.

Arissa is an Imperial with an independent, rebellious spirit and a gift for making expensive things disappear. She is a rogue-type character with a dual-wielding combat style. She will readily use blades, bows, and any armor given to her. She levels as the player levels, favoring thief-oriented skills such as light armor, lockpicking and one-handed weapons. She always has the Light Foot perk, so she'll never set off a pressure plate or tripwire in a dungeon. Her level is uncapped.



Hoth[www.nexusmods.com]
Location: Moorside Inn in Morthal
Skyrim Mod: Hoth by Brodual.
Skyrim Mod Feature: Hoth by insane0hflex.

Hoth is a male, Nordic follower who can be recruited in the Morthal Inn to join your travels. He fights in two handed style as well as with a bow. Hoth generates quests for the player dynamically based on your location in the world. As a bounty hunter, Hoth is always picking up new contracts. Talk to Hoth and he will share his contracts for you to do together! Once you finish a quest given by Hoth, he will always have another to offer



INIGO[www.nexusmods.com]
Location: Mistveil Keep jail in Riften
Skyrim Mod: Inigo by Brodual.
INIGO v2.0 trailer by smartbluecat.

Meet Inigo. He’s a fully voiced Kahjiit adventuring companion with a few thousand lines of unique dialogue. You can not kill Inigo. He’ll level alongside you. He’ll avoid most traps. If you’re sneaking he won’t chatter. If you talk to him while sneaking he’ll whisper. He can run out of arrows. He’s highly skilled in archery, one-handed, and sneak. He has unique, random combat dialogue for most enemies. Your morality is his morality.



Sofia - The Funny Fully Voiced Follower[www.nexusmods.com]
Location: Whiterun Stables
Sofia Trailer by John Jarvis.

Sofia is a humorous and advanced fully voiced follower. She is fully location and quest aware (currently just the main quest and bounty quests) and will comment on the player character and her surroundings. She has her own custom dialogue system which allows for longer and more detailed dialogue.



Vilja in Skyrim[www.nexusmods.com]
Location: Bannered Mare in Whiterun
Skyrim Mod: Vilja in Skyrim by Brodual.

When Vilja inherits a mysterious bottle from her grandmother, the young Solstheim girl decides to go to Skyrim to find out the truth about its content. But, things haven't turned out as Vilja has hoped. After travelling the hostile roads of Skyrim for months with her horse Bruse, she still hasn't found the only person who can help her, and now someone has stolen the bottle! She may be brave, but now she needs help. Will you help her?

New Dungeons

These mods add new dungeons, ruins, and caves to Skyrim.



Engelmann's Rest[www.nexusmods.com]
Location: South/South-east of Helgen on the road that leads to Southfringe Sanctum.
Skyrim Mods: Engelmanns Rest by hodilton.

An ancient ruin that was once a home of Engelmann, a Companion turned Witchhunter. But now, it is overrun by Skeletons and Necromancers who have imprisoned Engelmann's soul. Suitable for players level 15 and up.



Luftahraan - Heimfeigr[www.nexusmods.com]
Location: North-east of the College of Winterhold, on a remote ice floe in the Sea of Ghosts.
Skyrim Mod: Heimfeigr by Brodual.

Massive, standalone dungeon filled with enemies, traps, puzzles, and a challenging boss. Suitable for players level 15-20 and up.



Ogmund's Tomb[www.nexusmods.com]
Location: West of Riverwood across the river.
Skyrim Mod: Ogmund's Tomb by Brodual.

An ancient Nordic tomb has been reclaimed by Cultists of Arkay, a bandit sect who worships the dead. Their presence has disturbed the Draugr who are determined to drive the imposters out. Suitable for players just starting out.



Windcaller's Pass[www.nexusmods.com]
Location: East of Whiterun, southeast of the Ritual Stone.
Windcallers Pass by Predrag Pesic by TvTrig Gaming.

An ancient mountain pass that goes through the depths of High Hrothgar, where Jurgen Windcaller built a temple dedicated to Ice and Time; two significant forces that he believes had built Skyrim. Suitable for players level 20 and up.

New Lands

These mods add new world spaces to Skyrim.



Falskaar[www.nexusmods.com]
Falskaar - Climates of Tamriel patch[www.nexusmods.com]

A portal activates deep within the ruins of Mzubthand for the first time since the Nords arrived in Falskaar almost 600 years ago. The Traveler's arrival marks the beginning of the prophecy that states, "They who arrive through the shimmering wall, mark the start of the worst." Is it really the start? Will the major families of Falskaar unite or will their past feuds and power grabs send them to war?



Moonpath to Elsweyr[www.nexusmods.com]
Moonpath to Elsweyr - Typo Patch[www.nexusmods.com]

Join a caravan in Falkreath traveling to the Khajiit homeland of Elsweyr along the mysterious moonpath. Explore dense jungles and vast deserts while helping the Khajiit overthrow the Thalmor oppression.



Wyrmstooth[www.nexusmods.com]

The East Empire Company commissions the Dragonborn to slay a dragon that is interrupting trade routes throughout Skyrim. But is the dragon stirring up trouble with a particular reason and is there something more sinister behind it? Soon after being summoned by the Greybeards, an imperial courier named Theodyn Bienne tracks you down to ask you do a task that seems simple enough; slay a dragon that's stirring up trouble. But things don't go that easily...

New Quests: part 1

These mods add new quests to Skyrim.



Agent of Righteous Might[www.nexusmods.com]
Quest Starter: Courier or visit the Shrine of Stendarr in Winterhold.
Skyrim Mod: Agent of Righteous Might by Brodual.

Since the end of the Oblivion crisis the Vigilants of Stendarr have fought to eradicate the enemies of the Nine. It wasn't long before Nirtius saw that battling these foes resulted in large numbers of casualties amongst his comrades. It seemed to him there was a better way to carry out the mission. Instead of full-on combat he would disguise himself, infiltrate the enemy and then destroy them from within.

Nirtius, his shield brothers, and those others who trusted him left the Vigilants of Stendarr and founded their own faction, calling themselves the Agents of Righteous Might. Since then, the Agents have successfully used their tactics to infiltrate and destroy numerous unholy factions while suffering the rare casualty within their band of followers. However, not everything has gone as expected and a recent disastrous mission against the remnants of the Mythic Dawn has proven that the Mythic Dawn are not ordinary daedra worshippers like the ones he had hunted in the past and that they are much more organized and disciplined. And, to make matters worse, it seems there is a traitor among the Agents.

Nirtius has need of an outsider. Someone with the skill of an assassin and the heart of a martyr...



Moon and Star[www.nexusmods.com]
Quest Starter: Courier or speak with Mandyn Hlaalu at the Sleeping Giant Inn in Riverwood.
Skyrim Mod: Moon and Star by Brodual.

A mysterious and powerful criminal has been spotted in Skyrim, his trail dogged by hunters from Morrowind. However, there may be more at stake than it seems, and this criminal may be familiar...



The Lost Wonders of Mzark[www.nexusmods.com]
Quest Starter: Enter the dwemer ruin of Mzarnumez located north-west of Dawnstar.
Skyrim Mod: The Lost Wonders of Mzark by Brodual.

In the docks of the northern oceans, sailors whisper tales of an ancient ruin, one unlike any other. A strange dwemer machine, that sits far out in the ocean, overlooking the far shores of Skyrim. And while the sailors tell these tales, history tells another.

Deep within that ruin lies the last endeavors of the great lord of Blackreach. It says that Mzark, ruler of everything under Skyrim's mountains, left behind wonders untouched for thousands of years, watched over by a group of strange sentient machines, who even now seek a worthy adventure to help them fulfill their purpose, and claim the lost wonders of Mzark!



The Shadow of Meresis[www.nexusmods.com]
Quest Starter: Find a corpse on a small sandbank in the middle of the river south of Solitude.
The Shadow of Meresis Trailer by Kanal von Hebrock22.

Along the Carth river shore you find a person that had died with no apparent signs of physical trauma. Around the person's neck you recognize a shiny, black amulet. You grab it without hesitation, but should you have?.....

New Quests: part 2

ThirteenOranges Elder Scrolls Quests Series
Skyrim: Top 10 Quest Mods by Brodual.

And the Realms of Daedra
Quest Starter: Read the book Ornarol's Fate.
In the early days of the First Era the Chimer warlord Ornarol made a pact with the Daedra before betraying them to his own ends. When his deceit was discovered the three Daedric Princes tore his soul asunder, each taking part of his soul as a trophy, leaving bridges between his remains and their realms of oblivion. Embark on a dangerous quest to steal back Ornarol's Soul and close these gateways to oblivion once and for all.

No Mercy
Quest Starter: Find messenger to The Vigilant on road between Ivarstead and Riften.
A messenger has been sent from a small chapel of Stendarr to the Vigilant at Stendarr's Beacon, seeking aid against an unknown evil, but the messenger never made it to her destination. Investigate events at Stendarr's Chapel and explore the dark and dangerous undercroft, sewers and caves below.

Sea Of Ghosts
Quest Starter: Explorer Sea of Ghosts area.
The Sea Of Ghosts are the cold and dangerous waters on the northern coasts of Tamriel. Among the mists and fog lie many secrets, treasures and stories long since forgotten. Travel these dangerous waters with the crew of The Winter's Warmth, exploring many new locations throughout the Sea of Ghosts.


Sorcery
Quest Starter: Read the book A Sorcerer's Folly.
The forgotten treasure of a great Sorcerer lies hidden in a long abandoned tower, kept away from the world and its perils for many long years. Time has come to unravel the Sorcerer's mysteries. Travel to the mountains of the West Reach to find the Sorcerer's Tower and uncover it's many secrets. What perils guard The Treasure, and what ordeals must be survived to gain access to The Sorcerer's Realm?

The Bigger They Are
Quest Starter: Read the book Holfir Giant Slayer.
A great hero of the Companions lies dead before he could defeat his greatest quest, the slaying of the great giant, Barlok'Gosh. Take up the arms of Holfir Giant Slayer and travel dangerous roads and caves to find Barlok'Gosh and finish what he started.




Undeath[www.nexusmods.com]
Quest Starter: Starts automatically when you reach level 30 or higher.
Skyrim Mod: Undeath by Brodual.

When a powerful necromancer and his followers seek out the forbidden secrets of immortality that could threaten Skyrim, will you defeat him to stop his evil quest, or continue it yourself?

New Towns and Inns

These mods add new towns, inns, and taverns to Skyrim.



Inns and Taverns[www.nexusmods.com]
You've been on the road since the sun was just starting to peer over the horizon, you're tired and thirsty but the nearest town is still many hours walk. If only there was a tavern next to the road where you could rest your weary feet and have a sup of mead. This mod adds 15 inns and taverns across Skyrim.





ThirteenOranges Elder Scrolls Series

Amber Guard
Amber Guard was a small village in the Reach that has fallen to ruin over the last two centuries since the events of Arena. The ruins of the village are home to a band of dangerous bandits raiding the roads of Whiterun Hold since the increased Forsworn activity has driven them from The Reach.

Granitehall
Granitehall was a small village built around the Imperial Fort of the same name. Rumors and folktales tell of a great tragedy there many years ago, and the mysterious circumstancies surrounding it. Since that time the village has fallen to ruin and been overgrown by the forests around it.

Laintar Dale -Hearthfire Edition-
Laintar Dale is a small township in the snowy woods of The Pale. The place lies just off the main road between Whiterun and Dawnstar, hidden in the woods. Laintar Dale, as it is today consists of a manor and out buildings (now privately owned) and the Laintar Dale Smithy, run by the orc blacksmith Murzush gra-Ushar.

Pit Fighter
Pit Fighter contains an all new faction to join, complete with NPCs, progression through the ranks, unique rewards and side quests.

"The Pit Fighters of Windhelm were once the city's proud Arena Team, known throughout Tamriel as The Paladins. Since the Arena in Windhelm was closed, the team has fallen on hard times, competing in underground pit fights to earn coin and renown as the great champions of the Arena they once were. Join their ranks, compete in Pit Fighting Arenas throughout Tamriel and challenge current Champions to earn the ultimate title, becoming a Legend of gladiatorial combat."

Pit Fighter Travels Add-On
The Travels add-on allows you to compete in fights and challenges throughout the other provinces of Tamriel, with new weapons, enemies and creatures.

Post Install

Now that we have everything downloaded. We have everything installed. It's time to play, right? Nope. You can try but your game will crash. We have to run LOOT and make sure our load order is correct.

1. Close NMM.
2. Run LOOT. Do not close the results. We'll need them in a minute.
3. Launch TES5Edit and validate it completely loads and goes through every mod.
3a. If all is good. Follow the instructions to clean any dirty mods.
3b. Skyrim Mod Tool TES5EDIT : Cleaning your mods
4. Launch Wrye Bash and create your bashed patch. Wrye Bash Skyrim - Bashed Patches
5. Run LOOT again.
6. Launch Skyrim from the SKSE executable.

Tip:

Make a copy of SkyrimLauncher.exe. Make a copy of skse_loader.exe and rename it SkyrimLauncher.exe. You can now launch the SKSE Skyrim from Steam.

That's It. I hope this guide helps. Happy adventures!

[Sgt.Quint]

0/10, does not contain any information for porn mods.

[Detah]

jokes on you I forgot to install the necessary stuff like TES5 edit and LOOT before starting modding the game now it crashes every 20 minutes lol. One of these days I will try and uninstall everything to clean it all out but I'm busy with other games for the time being unless you count Enderal which is a mod for skyrim that totally converts the game

[Black Album]

I wonder if it would be possible to get some advice from you, Theoran.
I'm very new to the concept of modding and have been making some mistakes. I'm thinking of starting again and using your guide as template.
Anyway ... I've read in many posts in the community forums that you should only add 1 or 2 mods at a time and test each one with 20mins of gametime. When implementing your guide do Load all the mods at once and then start a new game?
I do hope you don't mind me asking such a basic questionafter after reading your wording in the introduction .... you just seemed like you had a great understanding for whats it's like for us newcomers who haven't got a clue what's going on ... and are a little confused and scared by all of this info out there.

[EbonHawk]

I use Mod Organizer now; just wish I had used it for my previous 3 installations. Live and learn.

[Theoran]

Cooper-1989, thanks for the heads up. I actually wasn't aware of the patches. Now that I am I will add them to my load order and add them to this guide after proper testing.

[Theoran]

EbonHawk, The easiest way to have Skyrim reverted to Vanilla is to use Mod Organizer Profiles. Unless NMM added profile support the only way to get back to vanilla is painstakingly delete it ll and redownload. I use MO and have a profile that is just vanilla Skyrim and a profile with cleaned ESM files and all my mods. There is a guide out there that lays this all out and I thought about including it in this I just never did and forgot about it. That's going to be in my next update.

[Cooper-1989]

Amazing guide, thank you very much! I noticed ethereal even overhaul has several patches (ie dawnguard and dragonborn, immersive patrols, uskp, Falskarr, wyrmstooth, and the populated mods). I didn't know if these were intentionally left off the list for some reason or maybe they'd been overlooked. Thanks again!

[EbonHawk]

..as a means for getting Skyrim into the perfect configuration to begin the extensive modding process, that is.

[EbonHawk]

Wow, very nice. Now, if only there were a section about reverting Skyrim back to vanilla, it would be more complete. Otherwise, great guide! :-)

[Theoran]

Added the following mods to the following sections:

Architecture
aMidianBorn Farmhouse 1k
aMidianBorn Farmhouse and Roads Stonewall 1k
Fences of Skyrim
Skyrim Better Roads
Smelters for Riften and Solitude


Environment
Decrease That Grass


Interface and Menu
ShowRaceMenu Alternative


Guide has been updated with new formatting and more information. Added more info related to new companions, new dungeons, new lands, new quests, and new towns and inns.