Skyrim Mods and Tweaks
Posted: Thu Dec 26, 2013 12:56 pm
I currently play with over 250 mods
In ultra settings at 1080p 60fps Vsync.
And managed to get a more or less "stable" game. (as far as Skyrim can be stable )
I will make some Top Mod Must haves list later here and place some pics.
The Tools
1. Mod Manager
First you will need a mod manager. The Nexus manager is easy to use and also has some additional benefits.
You can install mods from Steam, but sometimes they will auto update and screw your setup. So if mods are also available from the nexus, grab them from there.
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
2. LOOT
With a lot of mods, a load order preset can be very useful. The LOOT list keeps your mods in order and makes the balance between maximum integration and compatibility more easy to manage.
LOOT also makes you aware of possible errors and cleaning suggestions for TES5Edit
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/6/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
3. Safe Game Script Cleaner
Removes orphan scripts
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/52363/?
4. TES5Edit
A very useful tool that allows you to clean up mods from false references and other instability causing behavior. It can even clean the official DLC
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/25859/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
5. Skyrim save cleaner
Skyrim Devs are just as lazy as the Nords of Skyrim. They never clean up their mess.
This tool lets you clean up your save game. Do this on a regular base to keep your save clean and your game stable.
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/31724/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
6. SKSE
Skyrim Script Extender
Used by many mods and a great tool for your game
http://skse.silverlock.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
7. SKYUI
Improved interface that also allows to adjust certain mods in-game
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/3863/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
8. Skyrim Unofficial Patches
There are patches for the main game and every DLC
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/19/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
9. Cutting Room Floor
This mod finishes a lot of quests and in game interactions that were left unfinished by the devs
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/47327/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
10. Texture Optimizer
Let's you correct, convert and resize textures for more consistency and smaller files.
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/12801/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
11. Texture Pack Combiner
Great tool if you want a complete overhaul of textures
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/20801/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
12. Cell Stabilizer
Another way to greatly improve distant visuals is to increase the number of cells that are loaded around the player.
For this to work you need a program. You need this, because otherwise the game won't load if you change it back again, lol.
You can find the Skyrim.ini in your MyGames/Skyrim folder, not in the steam or installation folder.
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/41592/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
13. SSME
Skyrim Startup Memory Editor
Does the same thing as Sheson's SKSE memory tweak.
A must have, if you use large grids (7x7 and up) or a heavily modded game.
PS. If you us this it will make Safety Load obsolete. Biggest advantage is the compatibility with SkyUI.
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/50305/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
EDIT Not needed anymore after SKSE 1.7+
Instead you can add these lines in SKSE.ini
[Display]
iTintTextureResolution=2048
[General]
ClearInvalidRegistrations=1
[Memory]
DefaultHeapInitialAllocMB=768
ScrapHeapSizeMB=256
The .ini file goes in your DATA/SKSE
without it, the memory tweak won't work.
In ultra settings at 1080p 60fps Vsync.
And managed to get a more or less "stable" game. (as far as Skyrim can be stable )
I will make some Top Mod Must haves list later here and place some pics.
The Tools
1. Mod Manager
First you will need a mod manager. The Nexus manager is easy to use and also has some additional benefits.
You can install mods from Steam, but sometimes they will auto update and screw your setup. So if mods are also available from the nexus, grab them from there.
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
2. LOOT
With a lot of mods, a load order preset can be very useful. The LOOT list keeps your mods in order and makes the balance between maximum integration and compatibility more easy to manage.
LOOT also makes you aware of possible errors and cleaning suggestions for TES5Edit
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/6/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
3. Safe Game Script Cleaner
Removes orphan scripts
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/52363/?
4. TES5Edit
A very useful tool that allows you to clean up mods from false references and other instability causing behavior. It can even clean the official DLC
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/25859/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
5. Skyrim save cleaner
Skyrim Devs are just as lazy as the Nords of Skyrim. They never clean up their mess.
This tool lets you clean up your save game. Do this on a regular base to keep your save clean and your game stable.
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/31724/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
6. SKSE
Skyrim Script Extender
Used by many mods and a great tool for your game
http://skse.silverlock.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
7. SKYUI
Improved interface that also allows to adjust certain mods in-game
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/3863/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
8. Skyrim Unofficial Patches
There are patches for the main game and every DLC
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/19/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
9. Cutting Room Floor
This mod finishes a lot of quests and in game interactions that were left unfinished by the devs
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/47327/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
10. Texture Optimizer
Let's you correct, convert and resize textures for more consistency and smaller files.
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/12801/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
11. Texture Pack Combiner
Great tool if you want a complete overhaul of textures
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/20801/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
12. Cell Stabilizer
Another way to greatly improve distant visuals is to increase the number of cells that are loaded around the player.
For this to work you need a program. You need this, because otherwise the game won't load if you change it back again, lol.
You can find the Skyrim.ini in your MyGames/Skyrim folder, not in the steam or installation folder.
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/41592/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
13. SSME
Skyrim Startup Memory Editor
Does the same thing as Sheson's SKSE memory tweak.
A must have, if you use large grids (7x7 and up) or a heavily modded game.
PS. If you us this it will make Safety Load obsolete. Biggest advantage is the compatibility with SkyUI.
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/50305/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;?
EDIT Not needed anymore after SKSE 1.7+
Instead you can add these lines in SKSE.ini
[Display]
iTintTextureResolution=2048
[General]
ClearInvalidRegistrations=1
[Memory]
DefaultHeapInitialAllocMB=768
ScrapHeapSizeMB=256
The .ini file goes in your DATA/SKSE
without it, the memory tweak won't work.