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Essentials

Welcome to the essential guide for Skyrim Special Edition. This guide is currently maintained by Snakestone and Baloney Pony with previous work done by "New Guy".

Use this tutorial on how to convert mods from LE to SE while I procrastinate on making a video tutorial on how to do it >>>Click Here<<<
NOTE: IF YOU RUN WRYE BASH AND IT COMPLAINS ABOUT "OLD/OUTDATED" FILES, AND SHOWS YOU A MOD ".ESP/.ESM", THAT MEANS THAT MOD HASN'T BEEN PORTED PROPERLY, OR IS A LEGENDARY EDITION MOD, IF SO, YOU NEED TO UPDATE THAT SHIT YOURSELF, AND GIVE THE MOD AUTHOR A STERN TALKING-TO.

Just follow the tutorial mentioned above to update the mod yourself, skip everything, and just re-save the ".esp" on the Creation Kit.

In this section, we will discuss:
-Mod Organizing
-Essential Mods
-Tools and Utilities

updated December 24th, 2022

Quick Questions

Q: Is is time to start playing SE yet?
A: Depends on your priorities, check the main Special Edition page for a detailed breakdown.
Q: I heard that VR uses the same mods as SE, is it true? Can I follow this guide?
A: It is true that VR is built on top of SE, but as I don't have a VR headset, I wouldn't be able to tell you if the mods on this list won't crash and burn your game or your device. Check the SSE information page for a list of mods tested on VR.
Q: I don't like this guide, are their any other guides that are similar to this one?
A: We have a list of various other modding sites with their own guides and mod lists. Click on the Skyrim Guide section to check them out! And while I wouldn't normally indicate a modding guide, I have to give a shoutout to the YASHed Guide, it is incredibly well organized, up-to-date and in-depth, I highly recommend anyone to check out their guide even if just for mod recommendations.
 
Q: I don't like guides like these, are there any overhauls that are quick and easy?
A: There's an automated modpack installer on the Nexus, never used it, don't think I ever will, check it out if you really don't want to mod the game yourself.
Q: I don't like you, is there anything?
A: No.
Q: I-is there  anything, seriously?
A: No.
Q: I don't like that, this game sucks!
A: Then go mod something else, like Kingdom Come Deliverance, I heard its a Skyrim-killer.

Mod Organizing

Mod Organizer 2

Nothing has really changed from Legendary Edition, with a few exeptions.
 

Mod Organizer is now under new management and is being constantly updated, with some new features and a few missing, it is the best Mod Manager right now, everything mentioned on the Skyrim LE page still holds up, better organized interface, tons of options, conflict warnings, LOOT integration.

It also has features that are pretty much necessary if you want to make your own mod conversions if you want to delve into that, such as the built in BSA extractor.

Major missing feature: automatic .bsa management


 

Nexus Mod Manager

If you want to torture yourself, feel free to use Nexus Mod Manager.

Again, everything said on the LE page still holds up, as the manager hasn't been updated since then, heck, even the Nexus people think the NMM isn't good, as they hired the original Mod Organizer programmer to work on a new Manager called Vortex.

NOTE: If you plan on porting mods for yourself, using NMM is just pure torture.

The Bethesda.net

It's something, I guess...

The only option available for console players, the Bethesda.net is built into the game, one could say a pro is easy access, but the cons are too numerous, it's basically the equivalent of Legendary Editions Steam Workshop, but with prettier interface.

NOTE: A thing to keep in mind is the fact that there may be some mods that are on Bethesda.net and NOT on the Nexus. If you're looking for a mod and can't find on the Nexus, check Bethesda.net as there might be a slim chance of it being there.

Vortex

Vortex is the new manager developed by the Nexus people, who hired the original MO dev to do it. It has an Alpha release open to the public.

Now, I'll be very sincere here, I was disappointed when I first saw and used Vortex.

It being developed by the same person as the original Mod Organizer gave me hope that we would be getting something equal if not better than Mod Organizer, but when I first used it, I realized that Vortex is just a re-skin of the Nexus Mod Manager.

Gopher has a video series where he explores all the features in Vortex.

Essential Mods

This is a list of mods that are a MUST HAVE for anyone. These mods don't go too in-depth and work with any kind of rig. You'll see some major and significant changes in your game because these mods fix a lot of things that Bethesda STILL left out or were too lazy to properly fix.

Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch

 

The Unofficial Patches are a MUST HAVE, no exceptions. This mod fixes plenty of bugs and conflicts in the game that will make you say to yourself, "How have I been playing Skyrim without these? And how the fuck do the PS4 and Switch owners do it?"

SkyUI

BONUS MODS TO GO WITH SKYUI
These mods fix a couple of issues that SkyUI has on SE:
Flashing Savegames Fix
Stay at the System page
A complete overhaul of the UI in Skyrim. This changes the console like user interface into a clean and PC friendly one. This also overhauls the favorites and hotkeys with outfits and lists you can swap on the fly! It even includes MCM which many mods use now. MCM is a short for Mod Configuration Menu, this allows you to customize mods even more with an in-game menu that automatically changes your settings in an instant.
SkyUI SE has a bug on the save menu where is constantly selects and deselects your saves, it is known, just deal with it for now.
Another thing, if you try to install SkyUI with MO2, it might not work, if you don't see the MCM in-game, install it manually. Newer versions of MO2 should've fixed this tho, check to see if your MO2 installation is up-to-date.
If you don't use this mod, then I suggest you question your existence on this kalpa.
Mfg Fix.jpg

Mfg Fix

This mod fixes ModifyFaceGen(mfg) console command and adds some more fixes.

Main Font Replacement

Gives you a various amount of options to change your games font.
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More Informative Console

Adds a lot of information to the Console, very useful if you know what you're looking for.
Note: It does not have mfg functionality and does not work with opparco mfg mod linked above.

SSE Engine Fixes

Basically SE's version of Crash Fixes
This fixes multiple problems that other plugins fixed, making the others obsolete, install this and remove SSE Fixes and Double Perk Apply Fix, and for fucks sake READ THE MOD PAGE.

Tools and Utilities

These are programs that are not mod managers or anything of the sort, but required tools that are needed for some mods.
Now not all of these tools are "required" for the user, such as the save game cleaner, but we recommend you look at all of these.
Papyrus Tweaks

Papyrus Tweaks

Makes papyrus run better so your game gets less clogged by a million scripts trying to run at once!

Recursion Monitor

Recursion Monitor

Detects broken papyrus scripts and will shut them down and let you know which ones are breaking. Very handy for script heavy loadorders!

Payload Interpreter

Payload Interpreter

Yet another framework mod used to build off of. No clue what this one does or why it's special but I forget to install it sometimes and it breaks my animations

Simple Dual Sheath

Simple Dual Sheath

Makes equipped left hand weapons and both staves visible on the player or NPCs. Works with any weapon. Lightweight SKSE64 plugin. No scripts, ESPs or additional meshes required. Includes shield on back option.

Doodlezoid

Doodlezoid

Modder who makes really useful mods that help fix or improve the game.

Disable Fast Travel SKSE

Disable Fast Travel SKSE

Disables fast travel on a base level. Helpful for people with no impulse control.

Jaxonz Renamer

Jaxonz Renamer

Rename any object or NPC to anything. Helpful for creating custom artifacts or renaming your horse!

Jaxonz Map Markers

Jaxonz Map Markers

Create quest markers for any object or NPC! Very useful with followers.

Jaxonz Positioner

Jaxonz Positioner

The best mod for adjusting objects in the world. Very useful if hearthfire is your thing

Vanilla Scripting Enhancements

Vanilla Scripting Enhancements

Enhances Vanilla scripts using PO3's Script Extender further reducing script lag!

Vanilla Script (micro) Optimizations

Vanilla Script (micro) Optimizations

Optimizes vanilla scripts to bring down script lag

Navigator - Navmesh Fixes

Navigator - Navmesh Fixes

Fixes issues with the navmesh in certains areas of the game.

Unofficial Skyrim Modder's Patch - USMP SE

Unofficial Skyrim Modder's Patch - USMP SE

An unofficial patch for inconsistencies that effect mods mostly.

EVG Animated Traversal

EVG Animated Traversal

A newer framework, intended for use for dungeon mods to allow for new interactions with the environment! Like ladders!

Landscape Fixes For Grass Mods

Landscape Fixes For Grass Mods

Fixes a lot of grass clipping with a lot of grass mods.

JContainers

JContainers

Another framework many mods use

MCM Helper

MCM Helper

Required mod for some MCMs that adds several new features to SkyUI's MCM.

Address Library for SKSE Plugins

Address Library for SKSE Plugins

A framework to allow some plugins for SKSE to work on various versions. Results may vary however this mod is required for most SKSE mods anyways.

PapyrusUtil SE - Modders Scripting Utility Functions

PapyrusUtil SE - Modders Scripting Utility Functions

A framework used by several mods

Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Downgrade Patcher

Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Downgrade Patcher

Whenever SE updates and you don't want to deal with all you SKSE mods breaking, this tool will downgrade you to whatever version you were using. Works on the CK too!

Bug Fixes SSE

Bug Fixes SSE

Fixes some bugs with game code

ENB Grass Collisions

ENB Grass Collisions

Holy crap, moving grass!

CritterSpawn Congestion Fix

CritterSpawn Congestion Fix

A fix for the bug spawner, clogging your script engine, causing stacks to be dumped and bugs to be spawned.

Hearthfires Houses Building Fix

Hearthfires Houses Building Fix

Restores proper models of some building parts and furniture in crafting menu.

Dragon Stalking Fix

Dragon Stalking Fix

Dragon corpses will no longer follow you or fall out of the sky.

Actor Limit Fix

Actor Limit Fix

Fixes a bug where if you have more than 128 actors in the same place they start floating around weirdly. Also fixes bug where NPC lips stop moving when a lot of them are nearby.

NPC AI Process Position Fix

NPC AI Process Position Fix

A DLL plugin that fixes the vanilla game engine bug that NPCs AI process positions could not be updated after you waiting/ sleeping/ fast travel.

powerofthree's Papyrus Extender

powerofthree's Papyrus Extender

SKSE64/VR plugin that extends Papyrus script functionality, with over 220 new Papyrus functions, and 25 events

Skyrim Priority SE - skse plugin

Skyrim Priority SE - skse plugin

Makes Skyrim always take most of CPU usage

Nemesis

Nemesis

Nemesis is the open-source successor to FNIS, also allows better custom animations and such.

Dynamic Animation Replacer

Dynamic Animation Replacer

This mod dynamically replaces the actors' animations depending on various conditions. Supports most actors, including creatures. Actors and animations added by mods are also supported. No ESP file.

Mator Smash

Mator Smash

Mator Smash is a tool that generates conflict resolution patches, similar to Wrye Bash's Bashed Patch. Smash is capable of handling conflicts in all record types.

Skyrim Script Extender 64- SKSE64

Skyrim Script Extender 64- SKSE64

This is a handy little modder's resource that expands the scripting capabilities of Skyrim. It does so without modifying the executable files on disk, so there are no permanent side effects. Many complex mods use this and require it. Read the Readme for a step by step installation tutorial.

LOOT

LOOT

LOOT is designed to assist mod users in avoiding detrimental conflicts, by setting the correct load order for the plugins they have installed. Always run LOOT after you install new mods to make sure everything is in order and compatible.

Cathedral Assets Optimizer

Cathedral Assets Optimizer

Absolute must-have tool for porting mods from LE to SE. An automated BSA extractor, mesh and texture cleaner and animation fixer. Simply point it to a mod you want to port and hit the run button, and you're done! Just don't try to port companions using it.

Skyrim Community Uncapper

Skyrim Community Uncapper

A little utility that\s required for many gameplay mods. The default settings of this plugin will unlock the skill level caps of 100 and push them to 10000. This allows you character to be able to level up almost forever. You will also get benefits from skills above level 100, up to level 199 including enchantment bonuses.

XP32 Maximum Skeleton Special Extend

XP32 Maximum Skeleton Special Extend

A multi purpose skeleton for animation in Skyrim. Include new skeleton structure that many character editor mods use such as ECE and Racemenu and other animation mods.

SSEEdit

SSEEdit

SSEEdit is a great tool for those who strive for a game without crashes and for those who like their mods clean and without conflicts. What this tool does is clean esp and esm files of any "dirty edits". These are edits that are not supposed to be there and were probably left by the mod author by mistake. If you want to learn more, please check out the tutorial video for TES5Edit in the tutorial section as nothing has changed. A word of warning, do NOT clean the Unofficial patch.

SSELODGen

SSELODGen

Simply put, it generates LOD textures of your game to be used along with DynDOLOD.

DynDOLOD (BETA)

DynDOLOD (BETA)

Starting with version 2.22 DynDOLOD supports Skyrim SE - as a beta for experienced users.

FallrimTools - Script cleaner and mo

FallrimTools - Script cleaner and mo

A nifty little program that cleans up scripts in your saved games.

ENB

ENB

Makes your game look really pretty. Click on the link to learn more!

ENB Organizer

ENB Organizer

Are you unsure of your ENB and like to see what the Grass is like on the other side without having the hassle of deleting files all the time? This is a neat tool that works like Mod Organizer where you can change ENB's at a whim without having to deal with the hassle.

Multiple Floors Sandboxing

Multiple Floors Sandboxing

This is a little tweak to change the global game settings GMST fSandboxCylinderTop from 150 to 576, and fSandboxCylinderBottom from -100 to -576. As a result, the NPC can detect things (markers for various actions) roughly 2 floors above and below during their sandboxing behavior within their sandbox radius, so they will go up or down the floors to use those things (furnitures, markers, etc.). *Note: Multiple Floors Sandboxing is rolled into NFF

Mutagen-Modding

Mutagen-Modding

Newest alternative to old UPF based patches.

Extra UI

SkyUI not enough for you? Try out these UI mods.

Conclusion

Use Mod Organizer 2, don't even think about using NMM, Vortex is bad and Bethesda.net is for consoles. Use Wrye bash to organize mods and make bashed patches, but doing things manually is the best way to learn faster. Manually install graphics mods and ENB. Download all of the essential mods and run them in LOOT. Run FNIS anytime you add a new animation mod. Always use SKSE to run and play your game. Use TES5Edit to fix dirty edits and clean old mods. Use DyndoLOD when you want to make your LODs look better.  DO NOT INSTALL DOZENS OF MODS AT ONCE AND ASSUME THEY WILL ALL WORK TOGETHER. Install mods in small groups so you can test for any conflicts, requirements, or incompatibilities. 
 
And that's all your basic needs for Skyrim Modding. Be sure to follow the rest of the guide or check out each individual section for something that interests you!
Horse Stamina HUD

Horse Stamina HUD

Adds a stamina bar to your honse

Casting Bar

Casting Bar

Adds a bar indicating how long it takes to cast a spell

Where Are You?

Where Are You?

Did you forget to put a tracker on your waifu and now have no clue where she is? Well this mod can help!

A Matter of Time

A Matter of Time

HUD now displays the in game time and date in game. Helpful for Seasonal mods and Fertility Mode period tracking... or so I've been told...

Compas Navigation Overhaul

Compas Navigation Overhaul

An overhaul of the compass to add distance indicators and quest displays. Very customizable too!

TESG Menu Replacer

TESG Menu Replacer

A replacer for the main menu I created for Skyrim's 10th Anniversary! Comes with a bunch of new menu sounds from Zelda and a Navi the Fairy cursor replacer!

Outlander UI

Outlander UI

A retexture of the UI focused on being visible while still fitting the fantasy theme. Very customizable.

Oblivion Interaction Icons

Oblivion Interaction Icons

Adds various interaction icons when you hover over objects.

TrueHUD

TrueHUD

A huge overhaul to the HUD for Skyrim. Basically the new version of SkyHUD.

moreHUD

moreHUD

Adds more HUD information when you hover over objects and look in your inventory.

Minimap

Minimap

Adds a minimap with a ton of customization options. Use the INI generator to customize your minimap: https://minimapinigen.glitch.me/

Forget Spell

Forget Spell

Adds a hotkey to forget a spell.

MCM Recorder

MCM Recorder

Record MCM configurations so you don't have to reset everything every time you make a new save.

UIExtensions

UIExtensions

Extends UI functions.

Use or Take SKSE

Use or Take SKSE

Allows you to use/eat an item with a simple hotkey instead of picking it up and going into your inventory to use/eat it.

Read Or Take SKSE

Read Or Take SKSE

Adds a hotkey to automatically take a book without reading it.

Menu Maid 2 - MCM manager

Menu Maid 2 - MCM manager

Disable MCMs you don't use to easily find what you need to configure.

Immersive HUD - iHUD Special Edition

Immersive HUD - iHUD Special Edition

Adds a button to toggle the HUD

Contextual Crosshair

Contextual Crosshair

Makes the crosshair fade in certain situations.

CoMAP - Common Marker Addon Project

CoMAP - Common Marker Addon Project

Custom integrated map markers for the overworld map.

Simple Activate SKSE

Simple Activate SKSE

Streamlines the activation prompts.

Sovngarde - A Nordic Font

Sovngarde - A Nordic Font

Adds a Nordic style font to the game instead of the base game font.

Jaxonz Named Save

Jaxonz Named Save

Name your saves. Somewhat wonky with the new save menu. Be sure to load your named saves at least once before quick saving.

Achievements Mods Enabler

Achievements Mods Enabler

A mod to allow modded saves to get achievements. Very easy to cheat if you want to.

AddItemMenu

AddItemMenu

Adds a menu for spawning in items without having to look up the item code.

Custom Skills Menu - A Custom Skills Framework Unified Menu

Custom Skills Menu - A Custom Skills Framework Unified Menu

A menu integration for Custom Skills Menu. Needs to be patched for Vicn's mods, check the sticky posts for details.

Detection Meter

Detection Meter

Adds the Ubisoft detection meter to Skyrim.

Quick Loot RE

Quick Loot RE

Adds the Fallout 4 quickloot menu to Skyrim.

FAQ

Q: Why isn't this or that mod in the guide?
 
A: Probably because it hasn't been ported to SE yet. If a mod has been ported to SE and isn't on this list, tell me on the general or send me a message (see contact page) and i'll see about adding it.
 
Q: Will you be adding more to these guides?
 
A: Of course!  We'll try to keep all the guides up to date and will notify everyone if something has changed or has been added on. We also accept submissions if the mod is good enough!
Q:Where is that tutorial on how to convert mods you said would be at the end of the page?
A: Here:
PS: I removed my old guide as new tools have come out that make porting mods easier, instead I'll link to the YASHed Guide tutorial on how to port mods
minor update: Well fuck, YASHed Guide went down for update and hasn't come back yet, changed the tutorial for now to Langeston Guide for Dummies
HUGE FUCKING NOTE: CONVERT THE MODS FOR YOUR OWN PERSONAL USE, DO NOT CONVERT THEM AND UPLOAD THEM SOMEWHERE ELSE WITHOUT THE ORIGINAL MODDER'S PERMISSION, THAT'S MOD THEFT, WHICH IS BAD HMMKAY?
Q: Can I make Sexlab mods work using this tutorial?
A: Yes, yes you can.

 

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