A very complete mod list and clear install guide that covers all the basic mods required so you can install any of your own personal mods after. Includes an extra section with a list of suggested mods to make your game visually appealing and beautiful.
Strongly suggested as this is an extension to this guide.
Permissions and credits
Credits and distribution permission
Other user's assetsAll the assets in this file belong to the author, or are from free-to-use modder's resources
Upload permissionYou can upload this file to other sites but you must credit me as the creator of the file
Modification permissionYou are allowed to modify my files and release bug fixes or improve on the features without permission from or credit to me
Conversion permissionYou are not allowed to convert this file to work on other games under any circumstances
Asset use permissionYou are allowed to use the assets in this file without permission or crediting me
Asset use permission in mods/files that are being soldYou are not allowed to use assets from this file in any mods/files that are being sold, for money, on Steam Workshop or other platforms
Asset use permission in mods/files that earn donation pointsYou are not allowed to earn Donation Points for your mods if they use my assets
Author notes
This author has not provided any additional notes regarding file permissions
File credits
Thanks to all of the mod authors of every mod I listed in this guide.
Donation Points system
Please log in to find out whether this mod is receiving Donation Points
Changelogs
Version 1.6.5
Updated SSE Engin Fixes which is now properly available through NexusMods
Version 1.6.4
Added AnimObject Swapper in the Red Section
Version 1.6.3
Added Spell Perk Item Distributer (SPID) to the RED section
Version 1.6.2
Replaced Disable Follower Collision by I'm Walkin' Here
Version 1.6.1
Added an important patch for Blended Roads and Cathedral Landscapes. Check it out in the Nature mods in the GREEN section.
Version 1.6.0
Added very important information concerning the prevention of automatic updates for Skyrim AE to help all of those having automatic update issues!
Version 1.5.5
Added the Terrain Fixes for CC Mods in the Creation Club Red section. Read install notes carefully.
Removed the green section of the Creation Club Content from the RED section, was confusing
Version 1.5.4
Replaced HDT-SMP (Skinned Mesh Physics) by Faster HDT-SMP
Version 1.5.3
Dynamic Annimation Replacer has been given the Golden Badge
Changed the link for SSE Engine Fixes to point to their GitHub page.
Version 1.5.2
Updated the file with the latest Origins of Forest - Too Much Grass Patch
Version 1.5.1
Added a few more mods in the AE section Part 1-B
Started a Green-Gold section under part 1-B for AE mods
Version 1.5.0
Seperated Section 1 with sections 1-A and 1B. 1B being for mods pertaining to the Anniversary Edition of Skyrim - More mods will be added slowly
Version 1.4.2
Replaced Schlongs of Skyrim Full to Light version for better compatibility with the Anniversary Edition
Version 1.4.1
Added the list of files to clean if you are using the paid Anniversary Edition.
Version 1.4.0
Racemenu has a preliminary build available on Patreon so it has been promoted to the GOLDEN section
Racemenu High Heels and High Poly Head have been promoted with the GOLDEN tag
Racemenu High Heels dependant armor (DX Celes Rogue) has been promoted with the GOLDEN tag
Version 1.3.5
Added Anniversary Edition notes for the mod - ABT SE - Arrows and Bolts Tweaks Special Edition
Added an update information for the mod - MultiLayer Parallax Soulgems Azura's star realm and holders HD SE
Did a few minor edits and corrected a typo.
Version 1.3.4
Made a change in LH's DirtCliff mod where I forgot to mention additional files to be installed.
Version 1.3.3
Moved the mod "No Camera Collision" from CBM Guide X to this guide in the GREEN section under Player Controls
Also moved the GREEN section "Player Controls" to the top since I think it should be installed before you begin installing other mods in the GREEN list permitting you to better view your modding progress.
Version 1.3.2
Added to the RED section "Diverse Guards Skyrim 5.2b"
Added to the RED section for the Anniversary Edition a new spinning logo menu replacer
Changed the precisions for Enhanced Blood Textures where I suggested installing it in the RED section but did not put it as a requirement.
Version 1.3.0
The entire RED section has been reviewed for the Anniversary Edition. Red (AE) noted mods usually are not compatible and all others with a gold badge work with AE.
Version 1.2.5
A few other mods have been rewarded the GOLDEN badge for AE
Added an extra Firm body physics in Body mods in the GREEN section
Version 1.2.4
A few mods have been granted the GOLDEN badge - Please remember to always consult the CBM Guide AE to get the proper install instructions for these mods.
Schlongs of Skyrim (SOS) now has a patch for the latest SKSE. Please refere to the CBM Guide AE for more information.
Version 1.2.3
The long awaited "Address Library for SKSE Plugins" has earned the AE GOLDEN badge and is now available for AE. Slightly edited the SE installation because they changed their file names to better identify which file is compatible with which. version of Skyrim.
Version 1.2.2
Body physics are now covered and functional with AE (See CBM Guide AE for more information)
Version 1.2.1
Added a mod in the RED section to replace the main menu logo which can possibly be purple because of the Anniversary Edition
CBM Guide AE is now live on NexusMods which now covers all my guides' AE tagged mods
Added links to all my guides at the bottom of the description page
Each guide now has it's unique color for you to recognise and I renamed all the guides so they start with CBM Guide for easy of search on NexusMods
Version 1.2.0
ALL mods have been reviewed in the list for the Anniversary Edition
Added in "GUI, new lands/worlds, homes, gameplay and quests" in the GREEN section the Unread Books Glow mod
Version 1.1.9
Objects and loot in GREEN section revised for Anniversary Edition
in "Objects and loot", removed JS coin and purse mod and replaced it with LH's Coin mod. There was a conflict for purse textures.
Version 1.1.8
Nature, weather and environement effects in the GREEN section is FINALLY revised for AE
Added a few more mods in the list such as animated embers and glowshrrom tentacles
Added an alternative Pine tree texture from Simply Bigger Trees
Changed some mod orders in "Nature, weather and environement effects" to be more logical in the load and installation order
Added an INI entry for Majestic Mountains that corrects a major white paint like texture problem on rocks with this mod.
Added a few more informations and some suggested test sections to make sure your game modding is going well
Version 1.1.7
Buildings, structures and cities in the GREEN section has been revised for Anniversary Edition
Added my video Tutorial for Black Face issues in the Followers spoiler in the GREEN section
Version 1.1.6
Creatures, beasts and animals in the GREEN section has been reviewed for Anniversary Edition (AE)
Version 1.1.5
ENB Effects in the GREEN section has been revised for Anniversary Edition (AE)
Added instructions for possible Black Face problems in the Followers, NPCs and People section which resolves conflicts with AI Overhaul mod. A question of simple mod load order.
Version 1.1.4
Followers, NPCs and People in the GREEN section has been reviewed for the Anniversary Edition
Many changes have also been made in the "Followers, NPCs and People" section adding CBBE skin texture options and other uncovered NPCs. Mainly covering Bijin mods including Seranaholic.
The "OPTIONAL" keyword has been added to mods which are not required.
Added my own mod for the Celes Rogue Armor which adds options to the armor. Although it is required to have a full SKSE compatibility, for those on a pre-AE installation, you can use it asside the Rogue Armor.
Version 1.1.3
Finished reviewing the Clothes, armors and weapons in the GREEN section.
FInished reviewing the Player and controls in the GREEN section
Under Player and controls, I changed the 360 movement mod for another good one which prevents the character from leaning back everytime it stops. I still kept the old one there for those wanting it.
Version 1.1.2
Skin, Body and Hair has been covered in the GREEN section for the Anniversary Edition.
Added information in the file cleaning section concerning Creation Club contents files.
Version 1.1.1
RED section is entirely covered for the Anniversary Update (AE). Again, remember to check the respective mod's description and posts pages for more information.
Version 1.1.0
Added in the RED section the No Looped Restoration Sheath Chime Sound mod
Gradually noting down the Anniversary Edition (AE) possible conflicting mods. Most of the RED list is covered, still a few more left.
Version 1.0.6
Added "Unique Region Names SE" which replaces "Unique Region Names" which should now make "Regional Save Names" possible to install.
Version 1.0.5
Added some specifications for the Nemesis engine installation such as the .Net Framework 3.5 requirement.
Version 1.0.4
Added some recommended and numbered STOPS in the red section to test your modded game and try to prevent some hard searching for which mod you may have mis-installed. Knowing that the game ran at a specific stop and not after may permit you to make your debugging easier in case of a loading problem or a CTD.
Also added a crucial step I had forgotten, BodySlide and Outfit Studio's Batch Building to add physics to your clothes and armors. This can be found at the very end of the mod list, the last step to do before enjoying your game.
Thanks to Egemaster for bringing a precision on QW's Grass Patch proposed in the green section under Nature mods. I added precisions for the ESL'ifying of 3 mods. The comment was there before but it was entered as a suggestion rather than a must. NOW, it's a must.
Added some message specifications for LOOT in the final steps after the mod list. Some messages in LOOT makes us understand that some fixes or patches may not be installed when they are (if you followed my guide in order). So I specified which files and messages were safe to ignore with my personal notes on those messages in LOOT.
I also added a message for Unique Region Names and a dependant mod after it since Unique Region Names is being updated by the author an not available for now. Thanks to paleronsa for this information.
Version 1.0.3
NeV-P_Extreme Materials - Crystals: Causes Crash to Desktop (CTD) if we don't delete the main esp file which I mentionned.
Origins Of Forest - Too Much Grass Patch (OoF TMGP): Used this mod instead of the Lakeview Manor patch because it really removes the unecessary grass arround the manor and also covers some other minor locations.
Version 1.0.2
I made a small mistake in my mod list concerning Serana's hair and KS Hairdos with Physics (SMP). Because of many issues with the hair physics of KS Hairdos (bouncy hair or floating hairs) and the dependency on the wigs for the SMP Serana hair, I had decided a few months ago to not supply this in my mod guide but forgot to remove them from the list. I replaced the Serana Hood plus Hair mod with a non SMP version. For all those that created their characters with KS Hairdos hair with physics, you can safely reinstall KS and selecting the "wig" option for Serana's hair to work with Physics. As for the others that have problems with the physics, you will need to change hairstyle before uninstalling KS Hairdos IF and only IF you used one of those hairstyles for your character during the creation.
Version 1.0.1
Updated the INI settings to enable underwater fog. I did not like the clear fogless underwater so I did a few searches to understand what made it clear. These settings will not ruin your save. So it's safe to change mid game.
I also added an optional fix mod for Origins of Forest to reduce the plant sizes because fighting in this density was pretty hard. It does not reduce vegetation density, just the vegetation height.
This guide will cover most (if not all) mods that are main requirements for all of your future mod needs.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Join my new Discord Channel for further updates and news on the next version of this guide.
What are you doing now, why is it so long before you get back in Skyrim? FAMILY is the short answer. Modding Skyrim calms me down. I also want to finally play my adventure to it's maximum potential which is why I want to integrate other DLC sized mods in my guide as well as some of the sexual oriented mods without making Skyrim a sex adventure, I just want to include normal life stuff in the game. You don't just open Skyrim for 10 minutes and leave, when you play, it's for hours, not minutes. When you mod, it's for days, not hours.
ANY QUESTIONS? PM me or post a comment.
If you see this sign, this means that this mod is a crucial mod which requires update from the author to work with the latest SKSE and/or Skyrim version. Most of these mods are listed in the SKSE popup box which appears when not compatible after an update.
This guide took a lot of time to create and takes time to maintain and update, your encouragement is greatly appreciated. You can encourage me in 1 of 3 ways: or more than 1 if you feel generous
Comment and share your experience in the Posts tab.
Contents and introduction
Update notes: Please see changelog above.
Why follow this guide instead of another one?
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In short, 3 reasons:
• You have a very clear, ordered, easy to read and follow list of mods to install with detailed install and download instructions. • You are provided a mod list of all the basic requirements to add more futur mods of your own taste. • You also have a clear guide on which files to manually edit and which ones to clean with clear and easy to follow instructions.
More information:
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When installing a mod, you need to check its dependencies and make sure that all the requirements are met for it to work. That's where the problems arise and why you are reading this guide. Modding can get complicated for a lot of people and it can become complicated really fast if you are not careful about what you install and in which order AND which files to edit manually when necessary.
This guide provides, to the best of my knowledge, a mod list with detailed information on tricky and/or particular install instructions for major mods and fixes. I hate to read hours of texts lost somewhere in a mod's description pages trying to figure out how to install and in what order. This guide also prevents the tedious problem of going from one mod to another, getting lost in hordes of tabs in your browser for different mods all because you wanted to install 1 single mod that finally required several different patches who depend of hordes of other fixes and where the initial mod depends on many different other mods who also depend on other fixes (okay, I exaggerated a bit) but you get the idea. This guide covers what you need without getting you lost in what depends on what and provides more than the basics for you to install your own mods afterwards without needing to worry about major and other minor dependencies.
My guide also does not push you into installing mods that I find beautiful to my taste. It's a 2 part guide, 1st part (red) being the base mods that all or most mods require to work. A 2nd part (green) which includes my suggested mods which you are free to install or not.
What's first? (required computer specs)
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Compare my computer's specs to yours and see if you have what it takes to install all the mods listed in this guide. Installing the mods listed in the first part (red) should not require higher specs than what Bethesda suggests. Equivalent or higher specs will mostly depend on the mods you install in the second part (green) which contain high texture resolutions and other possible greedy mods.
My computer's main specs MB: Gigabyte x570 Aorus Elite Wifi CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 4.0 Ghz (6 cores, 12 threads) RAM: 16Gb DDR4 3600 Mhz GPU: Zotac Nvidia GeForce GTX 980 Ti 6Gb OS: Windows 11 HDD running the game: Samsung 980 Pro 1Tb
Note about my hard drive: This drive boasts speeds of 7000Mb/s for reading. I personally am not boasting these speeds because I did not do any tests to prove that right, but you may want to consider this detail in your comparison.
Understanding modding, mod files and basic terms
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If you are new to modding, here is a list of basic terms you will see. I have provided a basic explanation for these terms.
OldRim, SRO or LE mods are for Skyrim Original and possibly will not work. There are some OldRim mods that do work but I will not list them here. SRO is played in a 32 bit environment. It does work on 64 bit systems but mods and certain functions are different in 32 bits and 64 bits which makes some of them incompatible for Skyrim Special Edition.
VR mods are obviously not used as it's for the VR players out there.
AE is the Anniversary Edition of Skyrim that came out on November 11 2021.
TES simply means The Elder Scrolls which is actually the real name of Skyrim as the full name is The Elder Scrolls Skyrim Special Edition.
Install folder path and game's EXECUTABLE folder path: Steam installation: {StramInstallPath}\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition\ Other install paths: Search for the Skyrim executable file named "SkyrimSE.exe". That's where the game's EXECUTABLE folder is.
DATA folder: This folder is directly in the game's EXECUTABLE folder. This is where mods are placed to work in Skyrim.
Manual Install: Mods that require manual install usually need you to copy/cut and paste files manually in the game's EXECUTABLE folder. Take note that some mods will require you to be installed in the DATA folder so be attentive if a mod needs to be manually installed in the game's executable folder or in the game's data folder.
Mod Managers: Several mod managers are available, the old one is NMM (Nexus Mod Manager). I use Vortex, the new one proposed by NexusMods. Others are available, but I am suggesting and will be using Vortex with this guide.
Install order: Many mods depend on other mods to work because they use these other dependent mods' functions or graphics, therefor, the dependencies MUST be installed first.
Load order: This is by far one of the biggest problems in modding. Load order is crucial. Some mods use parts of another mod's files. If you do not take care of load order, some mods may not work or even be noticed or can even cause your game to crash.
Cleaning: For some reason, Bethesda did not give us nice clean game files so cleaning up the base game files is required to have a proper working Skyrim.
CTD: Abbreviation used for Crash To Desktop. Basically, the game crashes and closes with no messages, you simply are brought back to your desktop without anything special happening. Now the fun part begins, what makes it crash, which mod and why?
Vanilla: Term used to state that no mods were used OR that a mod uses Bethesda's original contents in the game without depending on external contents.
Creation Club: Bethesda's way of monetizing unique mods unavailable on NexusMods. Mods in Creation Club can be installed using Credits which cost money. These mods go through Bethesda's approuval procedures and do not interfere with achievements. More can be read on Creation Club Mods here: https://en.uesp.net/wiki/Skyrim:Creation_Club
FOMOD: This is the installation options proposed when installing a mod. Some mods propose some options in their installation package and use what we call the FOMOD installer and usually referred to as FOMOD options.
ESL or ESP-FE: Skyrim has a max limit of amount of mods to load. These mods are usually packed in a ESP file. Mods flagged as ESL or ESP-FE permits to load more mods because they are not counted as a mod in the max amount of mods to load. Basically, ESL mods are very popular and wanted because you can easily get hundreds of additional mods loaded in Skyrim without worrying about the game's mod limit.
CK or Creation Kit: This is the tool Bethesda provided us to create mods. Without this tool, you would not be here. If you feel like creating a mod, this is what you need. If you only install mods for your game, this is NOT needed.
Nude body mod details (CBBE, UNP, SOS, SAM)
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CBBE and UNP body types
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For those new to modding, CBBE and UNP are 2 major players for high resolution skin textures and body shapes for the integration of nude female bodies. Both offer a very good and solid base for your future modding of characters and followers. Choosing one is a matter of personal taste but you cannot install both.
This guide is based on CBBE. A lot of people wonder which one to use between UNP and CBBE. I prefer CBBE because it has been rewritten for SSE and I find it more flexible. I also got lost in UNP body styles because of UNPB, SevenBase and other extra body options that made other mods like followers a bit harder to manage on a global scale. I also found that UNP limited my choices for many mods because some were for UNPB only, others SevenBase only. I am not discouraging the use of UNP, I am just sharing a part of my past experience. Therefor, in this guide, I will not cover in detail the installation of UNP or any other body mods besides CBBE.
In the case of a UNP installation: If you are a old or new UNP user, please respect the install order below and install UNP instead of CBBE when proposed. Make sure to read the details page of UNP to know exactly what dependencies it has and what options are offered to you. When installing through your mod manager, please make sure to read carefully the options in the FOMOD installer if there is one. Please read carefully the CBBE dependent mods install instruction on their description pages because some of them also supply a UNP option. If no UNP options are available, do not install the mod or look for an alternative. Please DO feel free to post a comment on your installation for UNP and/or other body mods.
SOS vs SAM body types
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SOS and SAM are also 2 big players for high resolution skin textures and body shapes for the integration of nude male bodies. While doing this mod guide, I had to re-install my mods and change many things. I tried using SAM which I loved. It provides some solid skeletons for the male genitals and works very well. The problem with SAM is the amount of available compatible skin textures. To MY personal taste, I found only 1 skin texture for males and the Argonian and Khajiit textures were not to my tastes at all. Most skin textures look plasticky or straight out of a barber shop and a skin care salon and the choice of different skins is pretty limited compared to SOS. There also seems to be some seam problems when applying skins that are not made for SAM. Although most skins still work, you may encounter seams during gameplay. Therefor, I resigned to go back to using SOS which works perfectly and has been thoroughly tested for years. Since this is to only give a nude skin to males without any sex oriented mods, I figured that SOS was more than good enough for my needs. On top of it, if sex frameworks are your thing, SOS has lots of support for such frameworks.
IMPORTANT - Install order and overwrites are your responsibility
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I have taken a very long time writing this guide (over 1 year) but I did not cover every single installation process. This guide presumes that you are a bit familiar with modding tools such as Vortex. This means that in some cases, mods may require overwrites and it will be up to you to make sure that the proper overwrites are done if I do not mention it. Some mods will require to overwrite other mods but also require other previous mods to overwrite it. In Vortex, you will be given a list of mods with a "???" drop down lists which you will need to select as "Before" or "After". Many times, the suggested one is good, but other times, you may need to follow your logic and select differently than the suggested one. This is most relevant for the green section and possibly all your own mods you will install after the red section (first part).
Mod color legend
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I have color coded the mods to make things easy for everyone. There are 3 categories of mods:
Red - Game engine mods
Blue - Base mods, patches and/or fixes
Green - Normal mods
There are also 2 sub categories for the 3 main colors above:
Pink - Nudity, explicit content or sexually oriented mods or depending on such mods
Golden - This tag is for those playing the Anniversary Edition (AE) of Skyrim. Mods with this color mean that it is compatible with AE.
Mod category/color explanation
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Red: These are plugins, engines or include files to add functionalities used by other mods. Installing these mods will not add any extra content to your game but are crucial. These are usually the basics from which blue and green mods depend on.
Blue: These mods add more customizations/tweaks/fixes or change certain original vanilla elements in the game to enhance visuals or permit better manipulations on things. Some of these mods may seem to belong in the green section, but usually, green mods may overwrite files from these mods without entirely overwriting their entire content. Examples of these are huge HD texture sets where a huge blue mod may change hundreds of textures but a green mod may change just 5 or 20 files in those hundreds of files. These mods usually have very particular dependecies and must respect a very particular install order which you must carefully follow. Many green mods will depend on these.
Green: These mods is where you get easily lost. They provide HD textures, meshes, additional player homes, followers, additional places, weather mods, additional quests or quest enhancements, sexual contents and many other things you may think of. Many of these depend on blue and red mods. I have categorized these mods for easier search in this long list.
MOD SPECIAL INFORMATION The following colors will be combined with one of the 3 main colors (Red, Blue and Green).
Yellow: Pay VERY careful attention to mods with this color because they require manual installation in your game's EXECUTABLE or DATA folder OR require some file manipulations. You may need to edit files in a text editor or manually change file names. Read the install instruction very carefully.
Pink: Mods tagged with this color will most certainly contain explicit material such as nudity or display very suggestive contents such as explicit statues or paintings. I purposely did not cover any sex oriented mods and engines such as OSex or SexLab Framework so you will not find any mod installing such sex oriented contents. BUT, I do cover some nude mods such as SOS and CBBE. Please note that some mods with a pink tag may cover some Skyrim items, locations or other elements that do not pertain to actual player or NPCs but are still very suggestive and/or explicit by their content.
MOD install order and priorities If you follow the guide as it is listed, your load order should be fine. For the rest, LOOT will take care of it at the end. Please pay close attention to the installation instructions provided.
IMPORTANT - To do BEFORE you start modding (part 1 of 2, downloads and installs)
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First of all, tools are needed to mod properly. Follow these instructions in order, download and install the tools prior to modding.
Install The Elder Scrolls Skyrim Special Edition: Of course, you need to have installed the game, that's pretty much crucial.
Launch the game launcher "SkyrimSELauncher.exe" once before installing the next tools because some files are created during the first launch of the game that are required for the tools to detect Skyrim properly. No need to start a new game, just launch the game launcher and exit after.
Optional but STRONGLY recommended, BethINI: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4875. This app will change the settings in your main Skyrim INI files. It actually gives a better startup config than Bethesda's game launcher settings.
If you create mods or intend on creating some, I suggest you install Creation Kit before continuing with your modding process. To install the Creation Kit, follow the instructions provided here: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/articles/1039 Note: Check the "End notes" section at the end of this guide for simple instructions and text to copy/paste instead of typing it yourself if ever you follow the instructions from the NexusMods guide I just linked.
IMPORTANT - To do BEFORE you start modding (part 2 of 2, cleaning) (AE)
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There has been some debates into the benificial factors of cleaning the main game's files using the AutoClean function of SSEEdit. Please refer to this comment from the Steam community.
I still left the instruction below but if you want to skip the cleaning process to follow what the Steam comment suggests, you may do so. I personally have not had any errors or missing anything from the game. I will update this section once I have full confirmation and certainty that cleaning is indeed NOT necessary or if it is. I will be doing some searches. But, if ever a cleaning is necessary, you can always do it later in your modding process. If you go down that path of not cleaning, I cannot guarantee that the game may not crash because your save used information of an uncleaned version of your file that is now missing in your cleaned file. All I can suggest is for you to save in safe spots such as outside Riverwood or inside the Riverwood Trader or at the Entrance inside Whiterun. But again, I cannot guarantee anything. My tests and gameplays were done with cleaned master files.
Cleaning instructions below
Clean the main ESM files because some mods can come in conflict with some of the mess inside these major files. For this, we need to use SSEEdit also refered to as xEdit. Clean the ESMs in this order and exactly as written below.
AE: For now, there has been no details on the cleaning of the "cc" ESM and ESL files. LOOT mentions a lot of warnings for most files added from the Creation Club contents. I do not know if it is safe to clean these files yet. But for now, you can clean the normal master files as usual, this portion has not changed so you can follow the instructions below.
Run "SSEEditQuickAutoClean.exe"
When prompted with the list of esm files, just check "Update.esm"
This process will take some time, YES, a pretty long time. Wait until it says "Quick Clean mode finished" and "Background Loader: finished".
Now close SSEEdit and open it again
Repeat steps 1 to 4 for "Hearthfires.esm", "Dragonborn.esm" and "Dawnguard.esm"
Now, we need to manually clean some entries in "Dawnguard.esm".
Run "SSEEdit.exe"
Check "Dawnguard.esm" and wait for "Background Loader: Finished"
Expand "Cell" > "Block 5" > "Sub-Block 3"
Click on "00016BCF"
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On the right side, scroll down until you see "XEZN - Encounter Zone"
In the "Dawnguard.esm" column, right click on "RiftenRatwayZone [ECZN:0009FBB9]" and choose "Remove". You may need to wait a second or 2 for the "Yes" button to be enabled in the message that pops up. This is just to make sure that you know what you are doing.
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Expand "Cell" > "Block 2" > "Sub-Block 1"
Right click on "0001FA4C" and choose "Remove"
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Expand "Cell" > "Block 8"
Right click on "Sub-Block 1" and choose "Remove". This Sub-Block contains "0006C3B6" only so you can remove the whole sub-block.
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Close SSEEdit
It will ask you to save with the possibility of creating a backup which is automatically checked at the bottom of the window. Simply click "OK" and wait for SSEEdit to close completely.
Anniversary Edition Files to AutoClean:
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There is a BIG list of mods which LOOT suggests to clean for the paid Anniversary Edition. I myself did the cleaning but some others say that cleaning should not be done. If you clean, make sur to keep the backup copies of these CC content files just in case you need the originals at some point. I personally ran the game without cleaning those and did not see any issues but it does not mean you won't get any. I also ran the game with all cleaned files and did not run into any issues either. I suggest you take the time to clean those but there are no substantial sources that prove the huge necessity of cleaning those. I did it to remove the annoying warnings from LOOT to better spot the mods that actually really needed cleaning.
This list is the exact same list that LOOT will give you so you can run LOOT and follow the list from LOOT.
The cleaning is finaly done. This is by far the most boring part of the installation process but crucial to prevent further complications and good for your own mental health and the health of you game.
Final IMPORTANT step before modding
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Although the modded game loaded fine on my end while going through the cinematics and the initial dragon escape from the execution block, I suggest you play through the initial cinematics and initial dragon escape until you are unbound free and save your game immediately after being freed. Alternatively, you can use my saved Vanilla game that puts you right there without you doing it. A vanilla save (without any mods installed) is always a good idea to prevent possible CTDs and other unplanned issues. Some mods break the game intro but are safe once the intro is over.
Install notes: If no installation notes are supplied, download the mod's Main file and use your mod manager for the installation. All installation or special configuration procedures will be inside an "Installation" spoiler.
Overwriting files/Load order: With Vortex, overwriting files became a loading "before" or "after" option. When precised in the installation to "overwrite if asked to do so", this means that the mod needs to load AFTER all the previous mods. It's important to read carefully and apply the correct load order. Another important note to understand. I do not clarify every single time in which order to load a mod. Most of the times, you can simply follow my list as an installation order, but please pay close attention to the mods listed by the mod manager and use your common sense to judge on the install order if I did not mention anything about it.
VERY important for Vortex mod installations: In vortex, mods are listed in the "Mods" tab and the main ESP files are inside the "Plugins" tab. When you install a mod through vortex, MAKE SURE that the plugin, if present in the list, is ENABLED in the "Plugins" tab because sometimes, they may not be enabled for some unknown reason.
This guide's CBM-Red file You can safely install the mods from the FOMOD installer of this guide's files tab at the end of your modding and ignore the individual downloads mentionned in this guide. I conveniently added my personal mods I convered in this guide in one installer package.
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PART 1-A (RED SECTION)
This list in the following spoiler contains the required mods for a good healthy mod-ready game.
• IMPORTANT: Download the Skyrim SE build • Manually install into the game's EXECUTABLE folder • Only copy the DLL, EXE files and Data folder • From now on, run "skse64_loader.exe" to run Skyrim •I suggest you create a tool shortcut in Vortex and set it as your primary if its not done automatically.
• Manually download the main file and unzip in a temporary location.
In your game's EXECUTABLE folder - Rename the file "binkw64.dll" to "binkw64_.dll"
• Copy the mod's file "binkw64.dll" and paste it in your game's EXECUTABLE folder
ENB Series http://enbdev.com/download_mod_tesskyrimse.html A very big lighting and graphics tweak mod that improves greatly how Skyrim looks like. One of the most complicated to install but once it's done, the effects are beautiful and well worth it. Installation:
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• Download the latest ENB Series from the website: Click on the highest number in the list and scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the "Download" button which has a little down arrow icon. • Extract and paste the contents of the "WrapperVersion" folder inside the game's EXECUTABLE folder.
NOTE: I suggest you backup your entire Skyrim Special Edition game folder which should now contain the basics to mod on which are. - Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE) - Installed - ENB Series (latest version) - Installed - Update.esm - SSEEdit Cleaned - Dawnguard.esm - SSEEdit Cleaned - Dragonborn.esm - SSEEdit Cleaned - Hearthfires.esm - SSEEdit Cleaned - If you installed Creation Kit, it should automatically be in this backup because it's installed inside Skyrim's executable folder as well.
• Install the following patch and helper mod
ENB PATCHES: Particles, fern glitch/mesh corrections http://enbseries.enbdev.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=1499 Corrects many light glitches for ENB Series. The Google Drive and Fern Mesh are listed in the thread of the forum, please pay attention to download the correct one for Skyrim SE in the install instructions below. Installation: Download and install through your mod manager the "ALL-IN-ONE - LATEST VERSION (GOOGLE DRIVE)" file under the SPECIAL EDITION section.
NOTE: The ENB website suggests to install a ENB Preset because the basic ENB Series installation may not make Skyrim that much beautiful. Download and install one of the recommended ENB presets below.
Recommended ENB Presets: NOTE: Be advised that installations are hard to follow for presets on the NexusMods website. Some presets even include their own version of ENB within their ZIP files. Others are made to work with certain weather mods which I do not cover here. Please read install instructions carefully here AND on the presets page if you are willing to install another one than those suggested here. The reason I recommend these is because they propose Vanilla options WITHOUT a weather mod.
Note: Screenshots show Natural View Tamriel (NVT) ENB Preset Downloaded file: H. Natural View Tamriel (NVT) ENB for Vanilla V#.#x
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• Manually download the Vanilla presets from the file section • Once extracted, open the "1. Main file (Install)" folder • Open "1. Full Quality" or "Ultimate Edition (Best Image)" folder • Manually install the folder's contents in your game's EXECUTABLE folder and overwrite when prompted to do so. • If you feel like customizing a bit more, these presets come with instructions and additional configuration files that you can use like optional rain textures. Simply open the "Install & Read Me.txt" file for more details and instructions.
OPTIONAL: Disable ENB Depth of Field, Sun glare and Sun rays effects ENB presets mentioned above have Depth Of Field (DOF) enabled by default. This blurs the area around the camera when you focus on something and I personally do not like it so I disable it. To do so, follow the instructions in the spoiler below: Instructions:
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• In the game's EXECUTABLE folder open in a text editor, like notepad, the file "enbseries.ini" • In the "[EFFECT]" section, set the following lines to "false" - EnableDepthOfField=false - EnableBloom=false - EnableSunGlare=false
• Save the file and close.
STOP #1 (AE) - Please note that if you did not install SKSE, simply run the game normally and ignore the "skse64_loader.exe" instruction below. I suggest you run your game here to make sure it runs well. You should run your game by executing "skse64_loader.exe" situated in your game's "EXECUTABLE" folder. If the game runs and loads, you installed the above mods properly.
Cleaned Skyrim SE Textures
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/38775 Fixes some very blocky artifacts in almost all textures of the game. Note 1: This is NOT a HD texture set, it just resolves many blocky artifacts. Note 2: HUGE file size. Installation:
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Note: There should be no danger to download the non-LATEST version in the main files but you can end up with some possible purple objects or other missing textures.
Install through your mod manager the main file: "Kart_CSSET_Overwrite_LATEST"
Main Menu Spinning Skyrim Emblem
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/725 Replaces the game's main menu logo with a 3D spinning one. AE: If you installed the NON-LATEST version of the Cleaned Skyrim SE Textures mod above, you will probably end up with a purple main menu logo. This mod should resolve the issue. But I do suggest you download the "LATEST" version of the above mod instead unless you really want a spinning menu logo. Installation: FOMOD Option, I chose the very slow spinning speed.
Skyrim Realistic Overhaul https://www.moddb.com/mods/skyrim-realistic-overhaul/downloads A very big HD texture replacer for almost all of Skyrim. Keeps the original Vanilla style but in nice HD. WARNING: Huge file size. long download time for this mod. NOTE: This was placed early in the mod list because some mods below will replace files from this mod Installation:
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• Download "Skyrim Realistic Overhaul Part 1", "2" and "3". Their descriptions mention 1.7. • Download "Skyrim Realistic Overhaul 1.8 Update" • Extract parts 1, 2 and 3 overwriting if asked to do so and manually install the "data" folder inside the game's EXECUTABLE folder overwriting if asked to do so • Extract the 1.8 Update and open the "Skyrim Realistic Overhaul 1.8 Update" folder • Manually install the "data" folder inside the game's EXECUTABLE folder overwriting if asked to do so
Tech Tip: You can unzip all the files in a temporary folder merging all of the "Data" folders together. Then, you can RE-zip the Data folder and Install this new file in your mod manager. This will help you in resolving possible conflicts and issues when replacing textures. It also will permit you to manage this entire mod through your mod manager instead of 4 separate manual files.
STOP #2 I suggest you re-run the game to make sure it loads the HD textures properly. If the game does not crash, the above mods we installed properly. You should also see a net difference in the game's graphics compared to your previous run.
PapyrusUtil SE - Modders Scripting Utility Functions
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/22854 Extends the Papyrus script functionality with over 220 additional functions. AE: Author added an AE version. Installation: Make sure to download and install the SSE main file.
You will need to launch the game once (no need to load a save) then quit the game. This action will create the INI file we will be editing below.
In a text editor, edit the following file located in your game's "Data" folder: SKSE\Plugins\po3_Tweaks.ini Note: If the file does not exist, you probably did not start the game with the SKSE loader.
Each parameter is described on the mod's description page and also commented in the file.
I set the following parameters to "true" under the "[Tweaks]" settings:
Load Door Fade Out = true Dynamic Snow Material = true Screenshot Notification To Console = true Grabbing Is Stealing = true
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/16495 Extends Papyrus Scripts with JSON. No need to understand more. Some mods just need this. See the mod's page for more precise information. AE: Author uploaded an AE version. If the mod is not up to date on NexusMods, you can try it's GitHub releases page for a possible up to date version.
• Download "(Part 1) SSE Engine Fixes for 1.#.###" and install through your Mod Manager (Use version corresponding to your Skyrim version) • Download "(Part 2) Engine Fixes - skse64 Preloader and TBB Lib" and manually install in your game's EXECUTABLE folder
• Download and install both Main and Optional files
PrivateProfileRedirector SE - Faster game start (INI file cacher)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/18860 Corrects an INI config loading issue in the game engine. The effects won't show much but this mod speeds your game loading time a bit after having several mods installed.
Scaleform Translation Plus Plus (AE) https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/22603 Just install this. I cannot word out the purpose but at least a mod or 2 require this plugin. AE: Depends on SKSE. Post on mod's page suggests that mod author will not update for AE.
Scrambled Bugs (AE) https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/43532 Resolves several bugs in the game. Read the mod's page for more information. AE: Requires SKSE. Author suggests to downgrade to SE so better live without it if you are an AE player.
Quest Conflict Fixes https://www.afkmods.com/index.php?/files/file/2295-quest-conflict-fixes/ Fixes many quest conflict and prevents some quests from being unavailable if not done in Bethesda's proper order of things. Note: Unfortunately, this mod got removed from NexusMods. You will need to signup for a free account to download from this website. Thanks to chatthe for messeging me a new link.
STOP #3 I suggest you run your game here. This will make sure you have installed properly the mods above and that your game runs well.
BODY MODS
Nemesis Unlimited Behavior Engine https://github.com/ShikyoKira/Project-New-Reign---Nemesis-Main/releases Permits the use of pretty much all possible animation mods you will find. This mod replaces FNIS (Forbes New Idles) which was a very important mod but this engine is opensource and many FNIS dependent mods work with this engine, all you have to do is install the dependent mods the same way you would with FNIS. A very important mod for the great modders out here. Installation:
NOTE: Some comments suggest that installing Nemesis through Vortex can cause some conflicts and suggest to install this manually inside your game's "Data" folder.
• Simply install through your mod manager • You will need to execute "Nemesis Unlimited Behavior Engine.exe" located in the folder "Nemesis_Engine" in your game's "Data" folder • A few messages will maybe appear on your first time, simply click the "Ok" buttons. • If you followed this guide, no boxes should be checked in the list • Once you have ran the EXE, click on the "Update Engine" button • Once the update is finished, Close Nemesis
STOP #4 I suggest you run the game again here to make sure that the Nemesis Engine has installed properly as it will be crucial for some later mods.
https://www.loverslab.com/files/file/3705-schlongs-of-skyrim-light-se/ A very popular nude male mode. No more underwear when undressing or taking off the armor of males. AE: Light version works without any issues, full version requires DLL which is not kept up to date fast enough. NOTE: This is not a sex mod, it just makes males fully nude when undressed. Pre-installation note: You will require a free account on LoversLab to download any mods pertaining to SOS in this guide. Installation:
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• Install file through your mod manager FOMOD options: - Body Type: Select "Default Body" - Skin Texture: Select "Hairy" - Schlong Addons: Select "Regular Schlong Addon"
Unique Region Names Unavailable now because author is updating, cannot be installed - Use Unique Region Names SE below! Only install one of the 2. https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/11750 Defines the outside regions to be more identifyable instead of just Skyrim. Example, if you are in Riverwood, it will be Riverwood and not Skyrim. Installation:
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• Download and install main file: "Unique Region Names (ESP-FE)" • Download and install main file: "Unique Region Names - Cutting Room Floor Patch (ESP-FE)"
Regional Save Names This mod depends on one of the previous mods "Unique Region Names" or "Unique Region Names SE". https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/49698 Corrects a bug where outdoor saves are all named Skyrim. This will use the proper name of the place. Installation: Download main file SSE version
Caliente's Beautiful Bodies Enhancer -CBBE- https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/198 One of the most popular female body replacers. Undressing females makes them nude. NOTE: This is not a sex mod, it just makes females fully nude when undressed. Installation:
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• Download and install the main file.
FOMOD options I chose: All default options are left as is besides the following • Body Shape: Curvy • Eyebrow Options: Trimmed Brows
• Download and install the optional file "CBBE ESL-Flagged .esp" • Download and install the optional file "Normal Map Options - v#.#"
NOTE (highly suggested): After installing all of the mods in this section, I REALLY suggest to install a skin texture mod for women. Please check the "Skin, Body and hair" sub section in "Part 2 (green section)" below.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/57339 Adds physics to body parts, hair, capes and more. Less performance friendly than CBPC but with much more collisions. Note: Replaces HDT-SMP (Skinned Mesh Physics) AE: Please pay carefull attention to the version of your game that you are using in the FOMOD installer. NOTE: You can use this one or CBPC below or both.
CBPC - Physics with Collisions for SSE and VR
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/21224 Alternate engine that also adds physics to body parts. Just the basic collisions compared to HDT-SMP but much more performance friendly. NOTE: You can use this one or HDT-SMP above or both. Installation:
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FOMOD Options: • Make sure to select "CBBE Curvy" when asked or the same body shape you chose in your CBBE installation. • Select the "Install Gravity Config" if you chose a non-saggy breast shape (Curvy is supported)
CBBE 3BA (3BBB)
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/30174 Adds physics to the woman body parts: Breasts, Butt, Belly, Vagina, Thighs, Calves. NOTE: This mod will support both HDT-SMP and CBPC installed separately or together. If both are used, this mod will decide which physics to use depending on the situation. Please check mod's page for more details and some good explanation on the differences between the 2 physics engines along with detailed installation instructions. Installation:
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• Download and install main file only.
FOMOD Options Step 1: CBBE 3Ba Base [x] Base Install [x] Pre-Built Body Mesh Step 2: CBPC ini File --- Not install Step 3: Physics Select --- Full SMP Step 4: Select Type --- New Type Step 5: Boobs Physics Presets (CBBE 3BBB) --- Real Bounce Boobs Collision Select --- Small~Big Boobs Step 6: Belly Physics Preset --- Muscular Butt Physics Preset --- Muscular Leg Physics Preset --- Muscular Vagina Physics --- [x] Install Step 7: Boobs Physics Preset --- Small movement Step 8: SOS Physics --- CBPC - RegularSOS Step 9: Vagina Textures --- Deep Pink 2K Vagina - SSS --- SSS Black Step 10: Racemenu --- Replace CBBE v#.#.x Morph Sliders
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/35785 Enables the use of facial morphs for better facial expressions. A requirement for some mods. AE: You can use it ONLY if you disable in Vortex the Plugin: "Expressive Facegen Morphs.esl". Otherwise, it depends on Racemenu which depends on SKSE.
• DO NOT download and install main file for Vanilla • Download and install the optional file "EFA Vertex Patch SSE" using your mod manager overwriting files if asked to do so
- Download and install Main file only. FOMOD installer - Selected options: • Main Patches --- Only check USSEP • Check all the boxes in the final step which include: [x] 2K Aventus and Wanderer Outfit [x] Bigger Heads [x] Facial Animations
• Install the mod using your mod manager • Navigate in Vortex's Mod installation folder and search for the folder named "Immersive Children SE - FOMOD Installer-#####-#-##" • IMPORTANT patch: Copy the "Edit Scripts" folder and paste it inside your SSEEdit's executable folder. There should already be a "Edit Scripts" folder. Overwrite if prompted to do so. • Run LOOT and Sort your mods list in LOOT then close LOOT • Open SSEEdit • Click the "OK" button and wait until you see "Background Loader: finished" • If a window appears, simply click on OK • In the left side of the window where all the esp files are do the following for these esp files: "Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch.esp" "RSChildren.esp" - Right click on the ESP file - Click on "Apply Script" - In the dropdown box "Script" choose "MXPF - One ImCh Patcher" - Click the "OK" button - When prompted for a file name, give it the name you want, I suggest "MXPF - One ImCh Patcher" so you know where it comes from. - Wait until you see "Done: Applying script" - Repeat for other ESP files adding NPCs • We will now create a Merged Patch as suggested by the mod author. Keep SSEEdit opened and follow these steps: - Right click on any file on the left - Click on "Other" - Click on "Create Merged Patch" - Click on "Yes" in the warning message that will appear. - IMPORTANT: When prompted for a filename, name it "SSEMerged" - Click on "OK" and wait until SSEEdit unlocks - In the left side, expand "SSEMerged.esp" by clicking on the little "+" sign - If you see any item starting with the word "Leveled", right click on the "Leveled" item and select "Remove". If a warning window appears, select "Yes". • Close SSEEdit using the "X" on the top right hand corner of the window. • Click on the "OK" button in the window that will popup and wait for SSEEdit to close.
Children of Skyrim - Warriors in Training SE Enhanced https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/17491 Permits children to actually fight. Very immersive and the author made logical changes where some children still won't fight because of their personality. Installation:
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• Download and install this main file "Children of Skyrim- Warriors in Training_No extra children" • Download and install the optional file: "CoS - WiT RS Children functional Patch"
RS Children Overhaul Patch Database https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/8835 A RS Children patch for Cutting Room Floor and other mods you may install. Installation: Options will be automatically checked for you. Just leave as-is.
• Install Main file: "RSC FOMOD Beta" FOMOD options: Leave default selected options as is.
FOLLOWER AND GENERAL ACTOR/NPC MODS
Minimalistic Follower Framework https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/47549 A very simple mod that allows to have up to 4 followers. Nothing more than that. No additional menus and complicated things, a simple more folowers mod. Installation: FOMOD Option - Choose "Vanila" Alternative: You may also want to use an alternative also giving you the option to make your followers learn spells. Multi-Follower Spell Tome Learning does exactly this. Setup instructions can be found in the Followers section on my CBM Guide X which features this alternative follower mod.
• Install through your mod manage the Main file: "Relationship Dialogue Overhaul - RDO Final" • Install through your mod manager the optional: "RDO - CRF and USSEP Patches Final"
I'm Walkin' Here
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/27742 Disables collision with followers. Ever get a follower in a doorway making it unable to escape? This resolves that issue. AE: This replaces the Disable Follower Collision mod which is still not compatible with AE. Note: This is not a mandatory fix since it just resolves a collision issue with followers. If you do not mind the collisions with your followers, you can skip this mod.
Actor Limit Fix (AE) https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/32349 This prevent a bug where NPCs or any other actors stop reacting and have weird effect if there is more than 128 of them in a place. Normally, you would not get this problem, but it never hurts to have a fix to be prepared for unsuspected circumstances. AE: Depends on .NET Script Framework which in turn depends on DLL Plugin Loader where the binkw64.dll file is now bink2w64.dll. Please check DLL Plugin Loader page for details and follow this mod's page for updates. No further information on AE compatibility.
ENVIRONEMENT AND LIGHTING MODS
GIST - Genuinely Intelligent Soul Trap SE https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/15755/ Solves a soul trap problem in Skyrim where Soul Gems are not managed properly and you can lose souls because of this problem. This mod resolves the issue by managing souls and soul gems so your gems can always be filled properly. Installation:
• Download and install Main file: "Blacksmith Forge Water Fix SE - USSEP" • Download and install Optional file: "BFWF - Cutting Room Floor Patch"
Torch Remover
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/33381 This mod resolves a possible issue when many NPCs gather all with torches. This mod will make sure that if there is already a torch nearby, the other NPCs will not equipe a torch for nothing.
Lightened Skyrim https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/50755 This mod boasts being able to reduce FPS loss by deleting objects that are never seen onscreen thus removing the need for the game to manage their drawing. Installation: Check all boxes in FOMOD options window.
• Download and install Main file: "RUSTIC CLOTHING - Special Edition - 2K" • Overwrite when asked to do so.
Armor and Clothing Extension https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/19002 This will permit some diversity and more recognizable people from what they wear. Adds many different colors and styles to many outfits. Installation: Download and install main file only.
Dynamic Outfits (Basic Version) - NPCs Change Clothes Based on the Situation
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/20748 Dynamically changes people's outfits depending on certain situations. AE: No CTDs in game. No responses from author in the posts but file was updated without any mentions concerning AE. Installation: Download and install the main file only. This mod depends on Armor and Clothing Extension and it's dependencies. If you followed this guide, you should not need to worry about the dependencies and this mod will work without further issues.
https://vectorplexus.com/files/file/283-high-poly-head/ This mod will change the shape of your character's head to look much more smooth and less blocky. AE: User states on Racemenu's posts page that this mod works with the premilinary version of Racemenu available on it's patreon page. Installation:
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FOMOD options: • Core: Select "Special Edition" • Face Morphs: Select "Expressive Facegen Morphs" • Facial Animation: Check all • Fixes: Check all • Hair: Check all • Setup: Select "BSA Only"
IMPORTANT (to do BEFORE changing character body or face options in character creation): To prevent weird face and hair issues:
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You NEED to select the proper High Poly Head "Face Part". To do so, 3 simple steps: 1. Go in the "Head" section 2. Change the "Face Part" slider
3. Change the slider until you see, on the bottom right corner that a "High Poly Head" option is used. In my case, it's slider options #3 and #4
IMPORTANT NOTE: I suggest you install Enhanced Blood Textures which I listed in the GREEN section, and then install this miscellaneous file. • Download and install Miscellaneous file: "Conflict Resolution for Enhanced Blood Textures"
No Looped Restoration Sheath Chime Sound https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/58025 Silences the annoying chiming sound you continuously hear when you have a healing spell readied in your hand. Note: Mod available in the FOMOD options of this guide's files page
• You will need a FREE account to download this mod. • Download and install "Loose" file
SkyTEST - Realistic Animals and Predators SE https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1104 Adds much more life and variety in the animals of sSkyrim with a better more animalistic instict. Animals will fight each other and drink. Basically, animals will act like animals and not be one whole ennemy mob waiting to attack you and you only no matter their species. Installation:
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For AE: Download and install "SkyTEST - RealisticAnimals and Predators v1_65_02 - (Anniversay Edition CCSM)" • Download and install main file: "SkyTEST - Realistic Animals and Predators 1_65 NOSM (No SurvivalMode)"
Mortal Enemies SE https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4881 This mod greatly enhances combat and adds realism to the combat without affecting attack values. Affects mostly ennemy movements to be less instant-aim bots. Installation:
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• Download and install miscellaneous file: "Mortal Enemies SE - Rival Remix - No Run Walk Changes"
Critters Ain't Snitches - Animal and Monster Crime Reporting Fix https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/15134 SkyTEST resolves part of this issue, this mod closes the loop. No more crime reporting from animals or beasts. You can now break in a place without having a chicken report your crime to a guard. Installation:
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• Download and install main file • Download and install optional file: "Critters Aint Snitches v1.0 SSE-SkyTEST RAandP Patch"
Unleveled Leveled Lists and Maxed-out NPCs https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/14359 Removes the player centered leveling system. You can meet high level ennemies early and also loot high level items. Installation:
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• Download and install main file • Download and install optional file.
MEZF - Missing Encounter Zones FIXED https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/23609 Fixes the fact that outside badits are easier than their same area inside co-bandits. Adds encounter zones where there is normally none in the vanilla game. Installation:
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• Download and install main file: "Missing Encounter Zones FIXED - All Exteriors Zoned - v2.2"
No BS AI Projectile Dodge (Magic and Arrows) - Immersive Projectiles Nondetection of Enemies https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1763 Ennemies will no longer have super power projectile detections and sidestep to avoid your perfect aimed shot while in the shadows.
Whose Quest Is It Anyway (AE) https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/23581 Objects you cannot remove from your inventory will have a small description to know which quest they belong to. AE: Author does not seem to want to update his mod. No further information available.
2335 Extra Enemies https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/39961 This mod DOES NOT add ennemies. Instead of having a possibility of 9 different possible ennemy character variants, it will be one of over 30 possible variants.
Diverse Guards Skyrim 5.2b https://www.afkmods.com/index.php?/files/file/2302-diverse-guards-skyrim/ This mod is similar to the above mod which adds diversity to guards and it also permits guards to be female instead of only males. Note: You will need a free account to download this mod from the website.
• Download and install optional file only: "Butterflies Land True - ESPFE Alternate Version" Note: Installing this optional file instead of the main one will not make this mod count in your mods limit
Rude Imperial Soldiers Escort Prisoner fix https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/894 A very small subtle change but adds immersion. Imperial soldiers will no longer be rude to you all the time under certain circumstances and depending on what you wear.
Auto Hide Ammo
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1882 When in 3rd person view and unequiping your bow, the arrows are still kept equiped. This mod changes that to unequipe the arrows and bow at the same time. AE: Works with latest SKSE.
Simplicity of Snow https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/56235 Solves many snow issues in the game. Replaces No Snow Under the Roof (NSUTR) and Better Dynamic Snow (BDS) mods. This mod is made to be more compatible with many mods.
STOP #5 Run the Nemesis Engine following the instructions I wrote after the mod list below in this guide then run the game and see if it runs properly and loads. Your game should be entirely patched and you should see a big graphical difference or at least, a nice modded game. I also suggest you run the Batch build of BodySlide Studio.
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PART 1-B (RED-GOLD SECTION)
This section, in the spoiler below, covers specific Anniversary Edition (AE) related mods, covers Creation Club Content mods refered to CCC or CC Content.
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Unofficial Skyrim Creation Club Content Patches https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/18975 This is a bundle of patches to fix the bugs in the Skyrim Creation Club content as well as resolve conflicts between Creation Club mods and the Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch (USSEP) Submitted by:Amadeus61 Installation:
Anniversary Edition Armor Smithing Quest Requirement Patch https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/59140 Fixes a few issues with the Creation Club Content (CCC) armors as well as adds missing armor pieces. This mod also makes all CCC armors obtainable through a questline because some armors could be immediately forged at the beginning. Submitted by:Amadeus61
Anniversary Edition Level Requirements https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/60761 Makes the Creation Club Content available at specific levels instead of all at the beginning. This gives a much better feeling of accomplishement when you finally have the required level to receive a true high leveled Dragonbone Armor. Submitted by:Amadeus61
CBBE Creation Club Outfits Bodyslides https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/29947 Adds the necessary files to BodySlide Studio to create the CBBE bodies for the Creation Club Contents armors. Note: I strongly suggest you follow the instructions I provided at the end of this guide to batch build your bodyslides after you've installed this mod. Submitted by:Amadeus61
CBBE Creation Club Outfits BodySlides - Everything Else https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/59635 Complete's of the above mentionned mod. Adds other BodySlide files to cover all other CBBE clothes. Note: I strongly suggest you follow the instructions I provided at the end of this guide to batch build your bodyslides after you've installed this mod. Submitted by:Amadeus61 Installation:
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• Download and install both main and optional files. • Overwrite/Load after when asked to do so.
Creation Club Integration - Armours https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/29020 Makes the Creation Club Content Armors integrate in the game is if they were part of the Vanilla experience. This also permits you to craft and forge armors when progressing. Installation:
FOMOD options: If you have the paid AE version or own all of the CC content, select this option. [x] All CC Mods
If you own the free AE version, you will need to select the mods you already have installed in the "Custom install" section.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure to load this mod AFTER all of your terrain and grass mods. I strongly suggest you install this mod after installing all of your nature and city/building mods.
Mods in the lists below, in each section's spoilers, are totally optional. PLEASE read carefully!!! Red and blue mods, from here on, are associated with previous green mods and provide critical fixes, patches or are requirements for your game to run properly with a previously installed green mod or one of the mods in part 1 (red section) above.
No Camera Collision (..no Fade out any more) https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/19310 Resolves the annoying closeup fading face issue when too close to your character. It also avoids having some facial details dissapear when spinning your camera arround your character.
Combat Gameplay Overhaul SE
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/33767 This mod drastically changes the player's attack animations and more. Immersive and well designed. AE: Works with new version of SKSE. Note: This mod causes weird leaning back issues when you stop walking or running. So I do not use this mod anymore but if you do not mind this odd behavior, this is a very good combat overhaul mod.
Skin, body and hair
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Grayscale Hair https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/42609 This WILL NOT make every character's hair greyscale. It simply provides a better base than blond for hair colors. NOTE: May change some vanilla game characters hair colors. I also find that hair with this mod look less plasticky. Combined with the mods below, I find it adds good quality without overwhelming the game with overpopulated hair styles such as Apachii or KS. This also prevent a lot of needed patches for those popular big hair mods.
Realistic Hair Colors https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/10783 Slightly changes the hair colors to look more realistic and close to what they should really be. Combined with the Greyscale Hair mod above, it makes for a very good vanilla overhaul without all the complex patches needed by other popular hair mods.
• Download and install optional file: "The Eyes Of Beauty - Vampire Eyes - HN66s Long Eye Lashes" • Overwrite when asked to do so
Tempered Skins for Males - Vanilla and SOS versions
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/7902 Male HD skin texture with full SOS compatibility. Note: You will need a FREE account on LoversLab to download the additional files for SOS Light. AE: Switched to Light version for better compatibility. Installation:
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• Download and install main file: "Tempered Skins for Males - SOS Light Version - part 1 of 2" FOMOD Options: • D - Face difuse options: Select "D2 - Elder" • E - Face normal options: Select "E2 - Harsh" • F - Facemarks, scars: - Scare: Select "F1 - Male scars by Xenius" - Male tintmasks: Select "F2 - Male tintmasks by Xenius in 2K" - Beast tintmasks: Select "F3 - Beast tintmasks by Xenius in 2K"
Download and install the file: "Tempered_Skins_for_Males_-_SOS_Light_Version_-_part_2_of_2_v2.xxx.7z" FOMOD options: • B - Body difsuse options: Select "B3 - Clean Hairy" • C - Body normal options: Select "C2 - Natural" • G - Body shape: Select "G1 - Athlete" • H - Schlong type: Select "H1 - Average"
ALT1_CBBE https://www.ddsworkshop.net/alt1_cbbe A fairly unknown very good HD skin plugin which opens up very nice horizons for other textures, why not use it? Note: Free version does not cover HD dirt and pubic hairs. Installation:
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• Download and install through your mod manager the free BASIC version. • Overwrite when asked to do so.
Sapphire's Overhauled Skin https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/50690 A very beautiful and out of the standard grounds darker version of the female body. With very distinct nipples and pubic area. Very well made HD texture with nice detailed textured skin. Note: Dependant on ALT1 mod above. Installation:
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FOMOD Options: • Head: Select "2K" • Body Replacer: Select "CBBE" • Base Skin Texture: Select "ALT1" • Body Hair: Select "Shaved"
• Download and install main file: "Masculine Chameleon and Lizard (SOS-LITE)" FOMOD options: • Variations: Select "Lizard" • Chest texture: Select "Standard scales"
Presets for CBBE: I suggest one of the 2 following settings/presets for body physics.
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Firm HDT-SMP Settings CBBE (AE) https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/42107 Belly Breasts and Butt physics preset that will make the feminine body physics less Jello-y. AE: Does not work since SMP is not functional yet with AE.
3BA 3BBB CBPC Realistic Firm Breasts Butt and Thighs (3BA RFBBT) https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/59123 My personal taste on what firm physics should be. Note: Works with CBPC physics only from 3BA. Mod available in the FOMOD options of this guide's files page
Clothes, armors and weapons
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NOTE: I have listed an extra armor mod available when following the installation of the follower "MXT's Mion" in the followers section of this guide. The reason I did not include the armor here is because it adds an extra Black Dye ingredient/poison and an extra non-vanilla armor.
• Download main file: "Girl's Heavy Armors (CBBE)" • Use your mod manager to install the file (even if it mentions otherwise, you can use your mod manager, tested with Vortex)
Ancient Nord Chainmail SE - CBBE 3BBB Bodyslide - Physics
Frankly HD Thieves Guild Armors https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/19953 A very complete and nice retexture of all the Thieves Guild armors including Karliah. Installation: I chose the 2K version in the FOMOD options.
Mara's Thief Armor (TMB CBBE BodySlide) https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/22987 The author states that it replaces the Thief Armor which I think means that it replaces the Thieves Guild Armor. Installation: Install the main file: "Mara Thief Armor - CBBE BodySlide"
• Download and install optional file first: "Apophysis Dragon Priest Masks Loose" • Overwrite when asked to do so. • Download and install main extra file: "Extra Apophysis Dragon Priest Masks" • Overwrite when asked to do so.
Kanjs - Vanilla Staff - Glow Map and Particle Lights https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/51090 OPTIONAL: A nice ENB effect that adds some very nice immerssive glow effects on vanilla staffs. Note: This mod can cause the staff to flicker on the loading screen when it appears there.
• Download and install Main file: "IWBA All In One SE" • Overwrite when asked to do so.
Followers, NPCs and People
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Bijin skin texture note: If you want to use your own CBBE skin textures and meshes, please ignore the High-res optional downloads and install the mod after all the original Bijin mods.
Install the main file FOMOD options: - Select "ALL IN ONE" - Select "No wrinkles" - Select "CBBE Body" - optionaly, to use Bijin's skin textures, install the optional file "High-res skin textures for CBBE" - Follow the additional Bijin installation in Bijin Wives SE installation below
Install the main file FOMOD options: - Select "ALL IN ONE" - Select "CBBE Body" - optionaly, to use Bijin's skin textures, install the optional file "High-resolution skin textures for CBBE" - Follow the additional Bijin installation in Bijin NPCs SE installation below
Install the main file FOMOD options: - Select "ALL IN ONE" - Select "Hi Babe" - Rikke: Select "Non wrinkles" - Hulda: Select "Non wrinkles" - Maven: Select "Non wrinkles" - Select "CBBE Body" - optionaly, to use Bijin's skin textures, install the optional file "High-Res skin for CBBE"
ADDITIONAL Bijin Installation
Before continuing, make sure you have installed all previous Bijin mods if you want the Warmaidens and the Wives. If you want them and have not installed them yet, please install them first and come back here once you have installed them. The AIO file includes all 3 mods. If you chose just 1 or 2 of the 3 Bijin mods, then ignore this section.
- Install the optional file: "Bijin AIO SE for USSEP" - You will need to MANUALLY delete the follwoing files from your game's "DATA" folder: • Bijin Warmaidens.esp • Bijin Wives.esp • Bijin NPCs.esp - DO NOT disable these mods in your mod manager, this will cause weird female skin issues such as invisible women and possibly other weird glitches.
Bijin - Your Bodyslide Mesh and Texture https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/16399 OPTIONAL: If you did not install any High-res skin textures, this mod will use your current CBBE skin texture and meshes. Installation:
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• If you installed the AIO package, download and install Main file: "AIO - YBMT (For Original AIO)" • If you installed only 1 or 2 of the 3 Bijin mods, you will need to download the corresponding optional file(s) of this mod that covers the single packages.
Bijin AIO and AI Overhaul Synergy Patch https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/42134 Patch for the AI Overhaul Mod in combination with the Bijin AIO mod. Important note: Only if you installed the AIO file. If you installed just 1 or 2 of the Bijin files, please find available patches on NexusMods. I am covering only the AIO installation procedure.
I use version 1.8 of Seranaholic. If you choose a different version to your taste, please make sure to download the proper versions of the mods depending on Seranaholic. The instructions below are for version 1.8. - Download and install Main file: "Seranaholic SSE 1.8"
Seranaholic - Use your custom skin texture (Serana and Valerica) https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/60375 This mod will make Serana use your own custom skin mesh and textures. Installation: Select the same FOMOD options you chose in the original mod's FOMOD options
Freya (Nord): Whiterun Daytime - Skyforge Evening - Bannered mare Night - House Gray-Mane Ferwen (Wood elf): Kynesgrove - Braidwood Inn Zusha (Orc / Dark elf): Outside of Narzulbur Ma'Rija (Khajiit): Old Hroldan Inn Kathryn (Imperial): Solitude - Blue Palace Orchid (Dark elf): Riften - Ragged Flagon Siona (Redguard): Ivarstead - Vilemyr Inn Miniel (Wood elf): College of WInterhold - Hall of Countenance
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Download and install both Main and Optional files in your mod manager.
MXT's Mion - Remastered - High Poly Standalone Assassin Follower https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/51556 A very clean and beautiful female follower. Includes a very nice additional leather armor. Location: Alchemist's Shack Installation:
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• Download and install Main file: "MXT Mion Remastered - CBBE"
Mod is standalone and uses Vanilla Dark Brotherhood armor. If you want the armor presented in the screenshots (which I suggest), Install the following:
RaceMenu High Heels
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/18045 Adds the possibility of using High Heels in the game. AE: Comments on Racemenu's posts page suggests that this mod now works with Racemenu preliminary version available on Patreon. Note: MANY mods may require patches or fixes with this mod installed.
DX Celes Rogue Armor - UNP
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/27929 A very sexy and skimpy but well designed leather light armor. AE: Depends on the High Heels mod above. User comment on Racemenu's posts page says that High Heels works with Racemenu preliminary version available on Patreon. Note: UNP version is necessary to install the texture files for the CBBE version below Installation:
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• Download and install Main file in your Mod Manager • In your game's "DATA" folder, delete file: "Celes Rogue Armor UNP.esp"
This armor needs special ingredients to be able to craft. You will need the following:
• Crafting Manual: In the Ragged Flaggon, on the small table LEFT of the bar tender's bar, the manual is sitting on it. Crafting Manual is needed in your inventory to be able to craft the armor. If you do not have the crafting manual, you won't be able to craft your armor. • Canis Roots • Snowberries • Void Salts • Black Dye: You need to mix the above 3 ingredients at a cooking station to produce black dye. • Leather • Black Leather: You need Black Dye and Leather to produce black leather for your armor.
DX Celes Rogue Armor - Alt. Colors and Optional No armor perks
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/57512 OPTIONAL: Removes the armor perks AND permits you to choose alternate colors for the armor. AE: See UNP notes above. Installation: Download and install CBBE main file and the optional color file of your choice if desired.
Black Face Solution
Check my YouTube video on this subject:
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Note: This solution may not be THE single and universal solution. But most black face issues happen because of a bad load order.
LOOT will put some patches way down the sorting order which will cause possible black face issues. This is a notable issue with AI Overhaul and it's direct patches. Fortunately for us, Vortex has a nice way of automatically helping us with this in the Plugins section.
• In Vortex, go into the Plugins tab. • Filter the list by "AI Overhaul" • Double click on "AI Overhaul.esp" • in the right section that will appear, scroll to the "Group" field. • Select in the drop down menu: "Early Loaders" • Do the same with "AI Overhaul - Cutting Room Floor Patch.esp" • Then, for all NPC changing mods and their patches, Bijin, Pandorable, Kalilies, you will select the group "Late Loaders"
Doing so will make sure that our NPC mods overwrite previous patches and not be overwritten. In our case, Pandorable NPCs comes in conflict with AIO-CRF Patch which reverts some value back to Vanilla, hence, the black face issues.
If you want to debug your game yourself for black face issues, simply load all your mods in SSEEdit. Expand your mod's tree. Expand "Non Playable Characters (Actors)" and spot all the red entries. If you loaded all of them, you may have quite a few. In which case, spot the character which has a black face issue and click on it. On the right side, you should see a list of all the mods affecting this character. Every column on the right is a mod (an esp file) that changes some of this character's entries. This should tell you which mod changes what and also permit you to detect which mod should be loaded before or after.
In our case, AI Overhault Cutting Room Floor Patch was reverting back entries to Vanilla which is not what we want so we want this patch to load before our character mods.
• Download and install both Main and Optional files • Optional file is a patch for previous mod (Rudy HQ Moths) so load main and optional files AFTER all previous mods
LH’s Wisp Mother 4K https://lhmods.com/mods/lhs-wisp-mother-4k/ A very nice Wisp mother alternative texture. A bit greedy on the HD side, but still, beautiful and since there are not a lot of these creatures, a 4K texture is acceptable. Installation:
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When you download files from LH's website, you will be redirected to a DropBox page.
• Click on the "Download" icon located at the top right of the page and select "Direct Download" in the drop down menu that will appear. • Download and install through your mod manager.
RUSTIC DRAGON CORPSE - Special Edition https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/17639 Replaces the dragon skeletons with one that changes over time between freshly killed and long time laying skeleton. Installation: Download and install the main file 2K version.
• Download and install main and optional file. Note: Optional file will delevel dragons and make it possible to meet a very high leveled dragon at the beginning of the game. If you do not want that, then only install the main file.
FOMOD Options: • Restoration Speed: Select "Normal" • Color: Select the one you prefer. I chose "Blue" • Degree of Restoration: Select "Full Restore" • Patches: DO NOT check any
Lakeview Manor Staff Enchanter for SSE https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/14319 Adds the possibility of crafting a Staff Enchanter. You first need to get the materials for it but once you have it, you can create your staffs from home.
Nature, weather and environement effects
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WARNING: The first mods of this list, mainly, the grass overhauls and vegetation mods, ar by far, the hardest and trickiest to install and work properly. I would consider this section as the Boss battle in the modding world. If you do not follow the installation order as instructed below and try to run your game in between mod installation, you WILL get some odd looking visuals or even weird glitches. This section took pretty much half of the time of creating this mod list, honestly, I have closed and re-opened Skyrim soooooo many times trying to figure out THE perfect and WORKING grass match. So follow the instructions as I mentionned them.
Depths of Skyrim - An Underwater Overhaul SSE https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/26913 The only mod I know that covers all the seafloors and adds life to Skyrim's waters. Note: Although I am not too keen on it, this mods also adds a few additional treasures here and there.
Folkvangr - Grass and Landscape Overhaul https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/44899 An excellent grass mod which adds variety and lushfullness to your world. Please check game INI settings at the end of this guide to prevent issues. This mod also adds very nice 3D grass and leaves in pine forests.
FOMOD Options: - Mod Manager: Select the one you are using - Vegetation Quality: Select "High Quality" - Style: Select "Dense Landscape" - Grass Desity: Select "Dense"
• Download and install Main file: "Cathedral - 3D Pine Grass - Full 3D Coverage"
QW's Grass Patch - Veydosebrom Regions - Folkvangr - Cathedral - Depths of Skyrim https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/48689 This mod makes some real magic by combining the landscape mods above and taking the best out of all of them. Installation:
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IMPORTANT: You must use SSEEdit to ESL'ify the following 3 mods: - Folkvangr - Veydosebrom - Cathedral - 3D Pine Grass.
The author suggests, but I tell you that you MUST do it. Please refer to the section "Make ESL" at the bottom of this page in the "End notes". If you do not do this, you will most probably have an infinit loading screen. Thanks to Egemaster for supplying precisions on this issue and the fix.
• Download and install Main file: "QW's Grass Patch"
• Download and install Optional file only: "Tamrielic Dirtcliff Moss 2K - No Tundra"
SUGGESTED TEST RUN: At this point, you can load your game and check if all of the previous grass mods installed properly and work. You should have a nice lushfull ground cover with lots of 3D grass and a nice pine forest 3D ground cover. The best place to test all of these mods is near Riverwood. Just before entering the village of Riverwood where there is a stone wall before the archway, cross the river there and head to Anise's Cabin. You should see all of these mods in action. If you head over to Whiterun, you should also see that the tundra region is not just flat but also covered in 3D grass. This means that you have well installed the mods above.
When you download files from LH's website, you will be redirected to a DropBox page.
• Click on the "Download" icon located at the top right of the page and select "Direct Download" in the drop down menu that will appear.
NOTE: If you install Better Dirt Cliffs and Alphas, you only need to downoad and install the DLC2 file. • Download and install the main file "LH's HD DirtCliff Remaster HD 2K" • Download and install the Dragonborn patch "LH's HD DirtCliff Remaster - DLC2 - 2K" • Download and install the SMIM patch "LH's HD DirtCliff Remaster - SMIM - 2K"
• Overwrite when asked to do so.
Better Dirt Cliffs and Alphas https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/34035 Corrects many dirt cliff issues including blending and positioning. Optional: Will overwrite the main and SMIM files of LH's DirtCliff. Installation:
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• Download and install Miscellaneous file: "Better Dirt Cliffs and Alphas (2K)" • Overwrite when asked to do so.
• Download and install Main file: "Cathedral Landscape - Fixed Bridge Meshes - REALly Blended Roads for SMIM" • Overwrite/Load after when asked to do so
• Download and install main file: "2. Majestic Mountains Darkside"
FOMOD Options: • Snow Mountain Type: Select ESL version • Optionals: Check the following: [x] Moss Rocks ESL Version [x] Effect Meshes • Sun Direction: Select "None" • Overwrite when asked to do so.
White painted rocks glitch fix:
You will need to change a value in your SkyrimPrefs.ini file situated under this path:
C:\Users\{UserName}\Documents\My Games\Skyrim Special Edition\SkyrimPrefs.ini
TEST RUN: At this point, your game should look pretty good with greatly enhanced visuals now covering mountains, rocks and grass. I suggest you take a walk to a snowy region. Again, if you are in Riverwood, heading to Bleakfalls Barrow is the quickest and nearest path to start seeing snow textures. If you get any super white rock textures, you probably missed the Majestic Mountains SkyrimPrefs.ini edit since it corrects this issue.
Simply Bigger Trees SE - (formerly SkySight SBT) https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/5281 This mod increases the size of trees to make Skyrim look lushier and more gigantic in it's ancient forests. Installation:
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You have the option to use this mod's Pine textures of Premium Pine Upgrades' textures listed after the SBT Patch below.
• Download and Install Main file: "Simply Bigger Trees SE" • OPTIONAL: Download and Install Optional file: "Optional HD Textures by Vurt (of SFO fame)"
Premium Pine Upgrades https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/45564 OPTIONAL: A very beautiful high definition texture set for pine trees. Note: If you did not download the texture files from SBT above, I suggest you download these. Installation:
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• Download and install Main file: "PREMIUM PINE UPGRADES 4K Version #.#"
Origins Of Forest - Too Much Grass Patch (OoF TMGP) https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/56328 A patch to remove high plants arround Lakeview Manor and other locations where plants are too high. Note: Mod available in the FOMOD options of this guide's files page
• Download and install main file: "Mari's flora - High" FOMOD Options: • Deathbell color: Select "Red" • Deathbell Red Folliage: Select "Vanilla" • Juniper Type: Select "New meshes" • Mushrooms Type: Select "For ENB" • Color of mushroom: Select "Blue" • Color of jazbay: Select "Red" • Color of Nightshade: "Dark" • Color of Ivy: Select "Green" • Color of Spiky Grass: Select "Bright" • Color of Scathecraw: Select "Purple" • Canisroot Type: Select "Flowering"
• Install the 1024 main version unless you really want some 2k textures and eat up some VRAM for simple particles, I think 1k is more than enought for dust particles. • Overwrite when asked to do so
• Download and install latest update file: "Embers XD Lite" FOMOD options: - Customization: Select "Embers XD Flames (Yellow/Orange)" - Effects quality: Select "High Quality" - Plugin Format: Select "ESP" - Fire Magick Add-On: Check "Install Fire Magick Add-On" - Forges Add-On: Check "Install Forges Add-On" - Torches Add-On: Check "Install Torches Add-On" - Lava Craters Add-On: Check "Install Lava Craters Add-On" - Compatibility Patches: Do NOT check any • Overwrite/Load after when asked to do so
• In a text editor, modify SkyrimPrefs.ini located in: C:\Users\{UserName}\Documents\My Games\Skyrim Special Edition • Under the [Particles] section, set this line: iMaxDesired=1500
• In a text editor, modify enbseries.ini located in your game's EXECUTABLE folder • Under the [COMPLEXFIRELIGHTS] section, set this line: EnableBigRange=true
Lost Treasures (immersive more gold and other items) https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/14122 A mod I created that makes containers such as chests, wardrobes, coin purses and many more contain more gold and other riches. This also makes crates and some mammoth skulls lootable instead of simple static objects. Note: Mod available in the FOMOD options of this guide's files page Installation:
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Install main file. If you installed the Hyperborean Snow SE mod above, make sure to check the Hyperborean Snow Patch option in the FOMOD installer.
Download and install Main file: "Basic Dining Set Replacer 2k"
NeV-P_Extreme Materials - Crystals https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/46667 Another set of textures from Nev-P that makes gems and ores very nice. NOTE: Causes CTD - Waiting for dev to fix. Do not install. Installation:
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FOMOD Options: Optionals: Check the following: [x] Solo Gemme [x] No Addons ENG[
You MUST delete "NEV-P_ExtremeCrystals.esp" from your game's "DATA" folder or else you will have random CTDs in your game. Until the author finds a solution, all we need are the texture and mesh files.
Download and install recommended 1k texture. For the size of the keys, higher definition won't make a big difference unless you stick your nose on the key to study it's molecules.
• ONLY Download and install optional file: "Dragon Claws Auto-Unlock (Instant)"
Hearthfire - No Necromancer Altar https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/7354 Have you ever built your home right beside an ennemy? Well, this mod resolves this weird issue. Installation: Install a single main file, choose the option you prefer in the 3 proposed.
Arena - An Encounter Zone Overhaul https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/33487 This will drastically change how you play Skyrim and rethink entering a dungeon without the proper level. Makes the game more realistic, to say so, and makes fights a lot better, particularly when your character is at a high level.
MultiLayer Parallax Soulgems Azura's star realm and holders HD SE https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/46372 Changes many aspects arround the Azura and Black star quest including soul gems and the star realm. Note: Big file size! Installation:
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• Download and install main file: "MultiLayer Parallax Soulgems Azura's star realm and holders HD SE 2K"
FOMOD Options: - Main Options: Select only "With EnbLight" - Soul Gem Holders: Select only "Dark-Steel" - DLC01 Bowl: Check the option - Azura Statue: Select NONE - Azura's Star: Select "With EnbLight" - Azura's Star Realm: Select "Main version" - IdealMaster Crystals: Select the option - SameLayer Options: Select NONE - Patches: Select "GIST and ISC Patch"
• Overwrite when asked to do so.
• Download and install the update file: "MPSoulgems Enbl NoDecal Fix" • Overwrite when asked to do so.
• Download and install Main file: "#.# A Quality World Map - Classic with Main Roads Only" • Download and install Optional file: "A Quality World Map - Clear Map Skies"
ABT AE - Arrows and Bolts Tweaks Anniversary Edition
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4683 Archery is a popular playstyle. This mod aims to correct many irrelavences from the Vanilla stats and make archery upgrades more rewarding and less boring. AE: Provides an Anniversary Edition versione. Huge File size warning. Installation:
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If not using the Anniversary Edition of Skyrim, download and install optional file: "ABT SE - Arrows and Bolts Tweaks SE v1-0" FOMOD Options: - Select "Customize" - Arrows Progressive: Select "Renamed Arroes [No Increased Dmg]" - Deeper Bolts Impact: Select "+8 Units Deeper" - Increased Bolt Damages: Select "Renamed Bolts [+50% Increased Dmg]" - Faster Arrows: Select "+10% Faster" - Faster Bolts: Select "+25% Faster" - Recover Ammo: Select "None" - Loot Ammo: Select "None" - Merchant Arrows: Select "None"
AE: For the Anniversary edition, I suggest you to read the descriptions in the FOMOD installer. The author did a pretty good job in explaining very well what everything does. I personally chose all the new textures.
Proper Aiming https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1884 Makes projectiles go in the direction of the crosshair. Installation: Please make the changes proposed in skyrim.ini in the "[combat]" section mentionned at the bottom of this guide.
Better Skill and Quest Books Names SE https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/5260 Renames the books so you can identify which ones will give you perks and such. Prevents you from reading useless books because you don't know if they give you anything or not.
FOMOD Options: Step 1: Checked all options Available Patches: Leave the checkmarks as proposed, Make sure that "Better Skill and Quest Books Names SE" is checked.
Unread Books Glow SSE with MCM (AE) https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/20679 Adds a glow effect on books you have not read. AE: Works with AE. If you do not have SKSE, all previous read books will not be registered as read and you will need to reread them. So SKSE is not a hard requirement. And without the MCM Menu, this mod still works but you won't be able to customise anything. But this mod works on AE without those 2 mods installed. Installation:
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/47710 Adds numorous splash effects where normally there is none on several water surfaces. AE: An AE version is available. Installation: Download and install the NON-VR version.
Improved River Sound https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/35689 A very simple mod that replaces 1 single audio file for rivers making the looping sound a bit more realistic. Installation: I used the Softer Optional version
I will list here any suggested mods by other users that I may have missed that I find relavent to this guide. Please read the "User feedbacks, comments and suggestions" section at the bottom of this guide if you want to submit something here.
Honorable Mentions Mod List
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I wanted to add these mods in my mod lists above but I cannot suggest these mods below. I have added the reasons in "Problems" of why I did not use that perticular mod. I still find that these mods are worth mentionning and good to try for those that are curious or want a bit of extras. Please note that I do not supply any installation details so it is up to you to read the mod's descriptions and requirements.
A Rose in the Snow - Reborn https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/57661 An excellent Female NPC and characters overhaul. Very professionaly made and lots of time and effort has been put into this mod. This mod covers over 200 characters spreaded throughout each major DLC (Hearthfires, Dragonborn and Dawnguard). Characters have been made to look as natural as possible. Problem: Mod depends on it's own skin textures and mentions that there are some visible seams between the neck and body. Author warns abvout using your own skin texture. There is no description on how to make the characters use your own skin asside from a minor load order mention.
Lagertha the Shield Maiden https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/44682 A very beautiful and faithfull recreation of the TV show's Vikings popular and well known character, Lagertha - The Shield Maiden. Problem: Her voice is generic and pretty tiring to hear continuously. I found her more bothersome and too robot-like. She also has non-vanilla equipement which I try to avoid. But she does look very good and beautiful. The author did an excellent job and put a lot of effort which is why I chose to at least list it here. Location: Dragonsearch in Whiterun
Sofia - The Funny Fully Voiced Follower https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/2180 One of the most popular and lively follower to have. She will get you entertained everywhere you go. Problem: Unfortunately, with a minimal follower mod, she is hard to handle. She can have problems following you and I had some gear management problems with her. I really wanted to add her in this list because there are many mods to customize her including a CBBE body.
Lakeview Manor Upgrades https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/14369 This mod will add some more enhancements to your hard earned Lakeview Manor. Adds protective walls without looking like a castle and permits to hire a few guards to make your place safe. Immersive and seams like it was already in the base game. Problem: Even with the walls all arround the parameter, I encountered skeevers, wolves and even a giant within my walls and my soldiers were not very good at supervising the place and I had to manage these threats usually on my own. The idea is super good but there's a lot of flaws. I was hoping to have this nicely protected house but it turns out I had to live with a dead giant corps on my grounds.
PART 2-B (GREENER SECTION)
If you feel that modder in you craving for more mods, I highly suggest you head to my other mod guide, CBM Guide X, which contains another great list of mods that fill the gaps and add more life to your game.
IMPORTANT final steps before running your new modded game
The next IMPORTANT steps are crucial to prevent possible CTDs, weird bugs or glitches in the game. I also assume that you have installed the mods and tools I mentioned before starting to mod. If you are trying to find something that seems to be missing, you probably missed installing something previously, installed different files or chose different options.
IMPORTANT - ENABLE your ESP files in the "Plugins" tab of Vortex
I am repeating it here because you may wonder why mods are not working. Just make sure that all your mods' ESP files are enabled in Vortex's "Plugins" tab. AND, to be sure, re-deploy your mods.
If you followed my guide, the following plugins need to or should be DISABLED: • FNIS.esp
IMPORTANT - ESP files to clean with SSEEdit
Follow these instructions to clean the files listed below:
1. Open "SSEEditQuickAutoClean.exe" 2. When prompted with the list of files, make sure to check the file you want to clean. 3. Wait until it says "Quick Clean mode finished" and "Background Loader: finished". 4. Close SSEEdit
List of files to clean
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• 3BBB.esp • Beautiful Cities.esp • Blacksmith Forge Water Fix SE USSEP.esp • Luminosity Lighting Overhaul.esp • RelightingSkyrim_SSE.esp
Note: If your install is prior to v1.3.3 of this guide and you installed "No Snow Under the Roof" (NSUTR) then you will need to clean the following 2 files also. If you installed "Simplicity of Snow" now listed in v1.3.3, then there is no cleaning to be done for that mod and the following 2 files won't be present. • NSUTR_groundsnow_mesh_fixes.esp • NSUTR_improvements.esp
IMPORTANT - Files to delete
In the spoiler is a list of files you need to delete.
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• {Game's Data folder}\RDO - USSEP Patch.esp Removes the message from LOOT mentioning that "RDO - USSED Patch.esp" is a duplicate fix.
• {Game's Data folder}\Particle Patch for ENB SSE.esp You no longer need this ESP file as it is covered by the "ENB Helper SE" mod.
IMPORTANT - Additional file modifications
You will need to make specific changes in some of the game's files. Follow the instructions in the following spoiler.
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NOTE: Some of these may already be changed, if not, change them manually or add them if they are not present and save your modifications.
SkyrimPrefs.ini located in: C:\Users\{UserName}\Documents\My Games\Skyrim Special Edition
[Imagespace] bLensFlare=0 iRadialBlurLevel=0 ; DoDepthOfField will make your underwater blurry. ; If you set this to 0, underwater will be completely clear bDoDepthOfField=1 bDoRadialBlur=1
; These lines should be the ONLY ones existing under the Grass section. ; Comment out any other lines by adding a semi-colon ";" at the beginning of the line. [Grass] b30GrassVS=1 fGrassMaxStartFadeDistance=7000 fGrassMinStartFadeDistance=400 fGrassStartFadeDistance=7000
Skyrim.ini located in: C:\Users\{UserName}\Documents\My Games\Skyrim Special Edition
; This line makes sure the game stays active even when not in focus. [General] bAlwaysActive=1
; These lines disable the focus blur when talking to someone or looking at a close object. ; This should also enable underwater fog. [Display] fDDOFFocusCenterweightExt=0 fDOFMaxDepthParticipation=0 fDynamicDOFFarBlur=0 fDynamicDOFNearBlur=0
; These lines should be the ONLY ones existing under the Grass section. ; Comment out any other lines by adding a semi-colon ";" at the beginning of the line. [Grass] bAllowCreateGrass=1 bAllowLoadGrass=0 bDrawShaderGrass=1 iMaxGrassTypesPerTexure=15 iMinGrassSize=40
LOOT - Sorting the mods in their propper load order
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1 - Open LOOT 2 - Click the Sort button at the top represented by 3 small horizontal lines
3 - Close LOOT sorting is not long and nothing more needs to be done.
Possible misleading LOOT messages
Although LOOT does an excellent job in displaying critical information for you to take care of, some of them are not necessarely applicable. If you followed my guide properly, the following messages for the mods can be safely ignored:
• Landscape Fixes For Grass Mods.esp You seem to be using Cutting Room Floor, but you have not enabled a compatibility patch for this mod. A compatibility patch is provided on this plugin's mod page.
NOTE: The fix mentionned here seems to point to the Skyrim LE version of the fix. I have searched both Cutting Room Floor and Landscape Fixes page and have not found the patch that this message is relating to. Game works well by ignoring this message and no CTDs have been recorded. If a user found which file or mod this message pertains to, I will gladly insert it in the mod list with a thank you.
• PAN_NPCs.esp You seem to be using AI Overhaul, but you have not enabled a compatibility patch for this mod. A compatibility patch is provided on this plugin's mod page.
Note: This patch is covered but undetected by LOOT. You should see "PAN_NPCs - AI Overhaul SSE patch.esp" listed in Vortex's Plugins tab which covers this issue if you followed my install instruction for Pandorable's NPCs in the green section under Followers.
IMPORTANT - Nemesis - Animation Building
Many animation mods have been installed up to this point but non will work properly if we do not generate the behavior files which is pretty simple to do in Nemesis.Follow the steps in the following spoiler.
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• Open Nemesis Unlimited Behavior Engine usually located in your games "DATA" folder under this path: Nemesis_Engine\Nemesis Unlimited Behavior Engine.exe If you are more visual, click on the spoiler for basic steps, they are the same as described below but all condensed in 1 screenshot.
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1- Make sure the following are checked in the list: [x] 360 Movement Behavior SE
I also suggest to check this mod too in the list [x] Retimed Hit Frames
2 - Click on the "Update Engine" button • Once you have updated, you should see a "Engine update complete" message similar to this:
3 - Click on the "Launch Nemesis Behavior Engine" button • This may take a bit of time. You should see a "Behavior generation complete" message similar to this:
4 - Close Nemesis, we're done.
IMPORTANT - BodySlide Studio - Clothings and other Physics
AE: For now, only CBPC Physics are covered and working with the Anniversary Edition when you follow my guides.
To get those breasts and butt moving when wearing clothes, you need to BATCH BUILD using BodySlide Studio which is usually located in your games "DATA" folder under this path: "CalienteTools\BodySlide\BodySlide x64.exe". Batch building in BodySlide will also coreect some possible clipping clothes issues so this is a very important step to do for best visual. You game will NOT crash if you do not do this but you may fall on non working physics or clipping clothes. Follow the instructions in the spoiler below to Batch Build in BodySlide Studio.
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1. Choose a "Preset" in the Preset dropdown box. If you follow my guide, you should select "CBBE Curvy" 2. At the bottom left of the window, click on the "Batch Build..." button. 3. In the ,ist that will appear, make sure ALL ITEMS are CHECKED 4. Click on the "Build" button 5.Output set #1, make sure to choose "CBBE Body Physics" 6. I will not type all the entire list here but here are the guidelines to follow for each selection: - Make sure to ALWAYS select "CBBE 3BBB xxx" when proposed - Make sure to ALWAYS select the CBBE version if other are proposed. For example, a BHUNP may be available also, you must select the CBBE version because BHUNP is not supported in this guide. - Make sure that you always choose the options with "Physics" - If another option is available other than CBBE and CBBE 3BBB, SELECT it, it probably is for another mod that overwites the CBBE 3BBB installed. And be VERY attentive to those. If they have 2 options with one being physics, choose the physics version. If there are no physics option except for CBBE 3BBB, choose the NON-CBBE option as it will apply the CBBE to that mod. Example: • CBBE Vanilla - Body - Ancient Nord (Physics) • CBBE Vanilla - Body - Ancient Nord • CT77 Nord Replacer Armor You select the CT77, not the Physics version. 7. Once you have gone through the entire list, click on the "OK" button 8. Once the batch build is completed, you can close BodySlide. You have successfully converted all your compatible CBBE armors and clothes.
GAME IS READY TO BE PLAYED - Have fun!!!
Nothing more needs to be done. That was a long process but it is all worth it. Enjoy playing and enjoy adding more mods to have a richer Skyrim experience to your taste.
Additional notes on specific mods that are not covered
Additionnal popular hair mods such as KS Hairdos and Apachii Hair
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These mods are excellent mods on their own. I just encountered so many face issues and there were many different fixes and patches to assume so I deliberately chose to not add those mods in the list. These mods also add hundreds of hairs to choose from when creating your character which makes the character creation with a controller very long. If you install these mods, please check their requirements and make sure to cover all patches and fixes with the mods I listed in this guide.
Better Dynamic Snow SE (BDS)
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I was tempted to add this mod in the list. Unfortunately, After reading BDS' description, there was far too many requirements and touchups to do which could possibly break ingame graphics. There also seems to be a very incompatible latest version and most mods require version 2.11 to work. Along this, there seems to have many patches for this mod.
Also to be noted, the Simplicity of Snow mod, which I listed in the RED list, seems to be much better to resolve issues that THIS mod covers with much more compatibility. If you are ready to invest time and effort in making this mod work with my proposed list above, please DO share your experience. For those brave enough wanting to test and try to make this mod work, here is the link:
I tried Opened Cities once and I encountered MANY bugs and glitches. Mainly trying to follow quest objective markers that were misplaced or simply did not dissapear after reachng it. Many mods ALSO require patches for this mod. I loved the idea but it does not make it less lore friendly to me. If you choose to install this mod, please make sure to check it's requirements list and install all available patches for your installed mods.
Weather mods
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I was more than tempted to include a weather mod but seeing all the different patches and specific ENB presets available for specific weather mods, I thought it would be better if you chose to install your prefered weather mod. For me, the Vanilla style is perfect to my tastes and my ENB setting make my Skyrim beautiful. Weather mods should be installed AFTER the ENB installation BEFORE installing a preset.
Music mods
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I disable music in my play. I don't like game musics and I disable music in all my games. So it would not be a good idea for me to suggest music mods when I am not a music fan. I'm sorry for all of the music lovers out there. What I WILL do, if anyone suggests good music mods, I will add it to the "User suggested mods" section.
Additional Player Homes
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With Hearthfire AND the Anniversary Edition update adding more buildable player homes and having tried several homes myself, I came to the conclusion that Hearthfire's homes are more than enough and with the addition of the Anniversary Edition homes, I do not feel the need of having an extra custom home. Adding a player home that has all commodities straight off the bat with no efforts was breaking immerssion for me. So I did not include any player homes. I also have a small problem with the free home idea as if a home is just sitting there waiting for you to take while noone else takes it. I also found custom player homes to be somewhat of overpower for the gameplay removing some of the fun exploration and treasure hunting to pay for homes. That's also a reason why I created my Lost Treasures mod. For players like me who litterally spent hours modding and RE-modding Skyrim after beating it several times, going through the cinimatics over and over again and going to Riverwood and Whiterun to get that claw and Dragonstone just to give you a bit of pocket money, it was getting teadious and broke my will to play the game again. That's why, with Lost Treasures, you can get richer faster without doing a single storyline task and buy your homes early in the game and actually hunt for Moonstone and other required materials instead of doing the same boring tasks over and over again. That's why, additional player homes with all of the already available ones in the base game was quite useless so I did not add any.
Usefull links and other mod websites
NexusMods is, by far, the most popular and easy to go to mods website. I have listed here some other websites that offer mods that do not show up here on NexusMods.
LoversLab.com: This website will most definately suite to those seeking sexual oriented mods. Although it contains some other non-sexual mods, I think the name of the website pretty much sums up its orientation.
Modding.club (aka Krista): There is just so much quality in her mods. They are beautiful, astonishing and very professionally made. Most of it is for females and feminine clothing. I cannot add her mods to my list because it requires some pretty heavy modding that can show to be incompatible with many mods on NexusMods and make some things complicated. She also has many paid mods and, it's also in Russian, Google Translate to the rescue. But I really suggest you go take a look at her high quality mods. And if someone has been able to install her free mods alongside other mods here on NexusMods, please DO feel free to post a comment.
LHMods.com: LH has made some very nice mods here on NexusMods but removed them because of several user complaints so he decided to get away from the Nexus community and put his mods up on his own website. I listed a few of his mods in my guide already.
DDSWorkshop.net: Some very high quality textures and mods there. Some mods are paid, mostly for 4K textures and additional options.
Vobla's Creatures blog: Some very nice textures there, not many, but you do not need many if you have the beauty.
AFKMods.com: Another website containing mods for our game. Some mods that dissapear from Nexus can be available on this website.
Migal3D: Creator of the Bathing Beauties or Beefcake Luxury Suite, the mods are all transfered on it's website.
Schaken-Mods: Some other mods can be found on this website too. Website is a bit slow. Also has some kind of limited free account download limits and speeds and also offers some monthly subscriptions.
sforzmods: Some high quality content there inclusing some nice mods from the same author.
gamer-mods.ru: Yes, it's a russia website and you need a free account to download friles from there but this site does contain some mods that are not seen elsewhere.
eskrimmods blog: I found mostly clothing mods but many links point to other mod websites that are less known. They also have a nice filtered search with very precise filter categories including body types and skimpiness from modest and well covered to almost naked so you do not need to brows through different types. Note that some download links may redirect to websites in other languages and they may require free accounts.
Rektas Market: A website containing many skimpy clothes and armors for your deep fantasy desires. It contains several CBBE, UNP, 3BA and other compatible clothing sets. Well worth a look.
SunJeong Mods: Those with ANIME tastes will love the armors and clothes offered on this website.
Patreon Creators
Here is a small list of Patreon creators providing downloads for Skyrim SE mods.
Harry2135: I should put a "Sexy/Skimpy" badge here. Provides some nice armors many of which are pretty skimpy but texture wise, thelook very good and professional.
Who are you and why did you create THIS long guide?
I suggest you read about me on my profile here. My life has changed a lot since I first published this mod guide.
User feedbacks, suggestions and comments
Please DO feel free to comment and suggest anything. I said previously that if tools or files are missing, you probably missed something. Well, if I missed something myself, please post a comment, I'm not flawless and I do consider user feedbacks.
SUBMITTING YOUR SUGGESTED MOD I dedicated a section for this but I require you to follow the same format as my mod list which I explain inside this spoiler. I will also take a look at the mod and make sure that it follows the idea of this guide. Additional homes, weather mods or extra followers have fewer chances of making the list compared to fixes, patches or texture replacements.
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If you submit a mod, please supply me your suggestion in this format so I do not need to type the whole thing myself. For the colors, you can simply write the color down and I will manage the images myself.
Color Codes
Red - Game engine or mechanics, no moddifications inside the game
Blue - Mostly fixes/patches or base game enhancements (moddifies things inside the game)
Green - Normal mod (adds, changes or enhances anything inside the game)
Sub Color Codes Optional
Yellow - Mod requiring manual file manipulations or edits Optional
Pink - Nudity is present or sexy/skimpy contents or dependant on such a mod
FORMAT {Color_Code}
{Sub_Color_Code}
Mod Title (shortname if relevant) Title note: If you supply a NexusMods mod, please write the title exactly as shown on the page. You can add in (brackets) the mod's shortname if not already provided in the title and if it is relevant (DO NOT invent one). Example:
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YES: • Clear and Beautiful Mod Guide for Skyrim SE (CBM Guide SE)
NO: • CBM Guide SE • CBMG SE • Clear and Beautiful Mod Guide for Skyrim SE (CBM Guide SE) (CBMG SSE)
AVOID (if possible) all capitals: • CLEAR AND BEAUTIFUL MOD GUIDE FOR SKYRIM SE (CBM GUIDE SE)
Mod page direct link, no shortcuts of "Click Here" type of links, just the plain complete link. Link note: If you supply a NexusMods link, please make sure to EXCLUDE the "tab=" parameter from the link. Example:
Short/Brief description Submitted by: {Your_NexusMods_DisplayedName} Note: Optional special note such as file size warnings Installation:(inside a spoiler tag) The installation section is only required if: • more than 1 main files for Skyrim SE is available in the mod's files page (specify which one to install). I expect people to know that VR is not supported so no need to specify to download the SSE version if a VR version is available. • specific patches are required and available from the mod's files page (specify the one/s to install) • manual file manipulations/edits are required (specify what to do/edit) • different mod patches/fixes are required to work with another mod listed in one of the 2 parts (red or green) (specify which one/s to install) example: Fix for Cutting Room Floor, CBBE, etc...
End notes
Make ESL:
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It is very easy to flag a mod as ESL. ESL mods are popular because they free up spaces in Skyrim's limited mod load list permitting you to load more mods. The process of making an ESL doess not convert a file to ESL but FLAG's it as ESL.
IMPORTANT: Not all mods are compatible and can be flagged as ESL. Make sure that the mod can be safely flagged as ESL.
If you came here following this guide from QW's Grass Patch, you can safely flag as ESL the following 3 files freeing up 3 places in Skyrim's mod load list: • Cathedral - 3D Pine Grass.esp • Folkvangr - Grass and Landscape Overhaul.esp • Veydosebrom Regions.esp
Instructions on how to Flag a mod as ESL
1. Open SSEEdit.exe 2. Right click on any mod in the list that will appear and choose "Select None" to unselect the whole list of mods because we do not need to load ALL the mods. 3. Check all the mods you want to flag as ESL in the list 4. Wait until you see "Background Loader Finished" on the right side 5. On the LEFT side where the mods are listed, right click on 1 of the mods you wish to flag 6. Click on "Compact FormIDs for ESL" 7. Click on the "Yes" button in the message boxes that will appear. Note: You may need to wait a few seconds for the first "Yes" button to be enabled. 8. Wait until you see "Done Changing FormIDs" on the right side 9. Left click on you mod on the left side to select it. Note: You may need to select another ESP file and then left click on your mod again for the options to appear on the right side. 10. Right click on the empty field on the right of "Record flags" 11. Select "edit" 12. Check the box "ESL" in the list that will appear 13. Click on the "Ok" button.
14. Repeat steps 5 to 13 for all the mods you want to flag as ESL. 15. Close SSEEdit. You will be offered to back up the mods if you wish before closing.
That's it!
Your mod is now flagged as ESL and you have freed a place in your limited mod load order.
Creation Kit edits for those wanting to Copy/Paste instead of typing:
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Edit these files in a text editor such as notepad.
• In the game's EXECUTABLE folder where CreationKit.exe resides.
Red - Game engine mods
Blue - Base mods, patches and/or fixes
Green - Normal mods
Yellow - Manual Installation and/or file manipulation required
Pink - Nudity, explicit content or sexually oriented mods or depending on such mods
Golden - This tag is for those playing the Anniversary Edition (AE) of Skyrim. Mods with this color mean that it is compatible with AE.
