Project:Skyrim Special Edition

WARNING

THIS IS NOT A GUIDE!

This is not a guide. It is only a storehouse for information. It may or may not be outdated!

Intro

This will be the storehouse for information regarding STEP and Skyrim:Special Edition (SSE).

Staff Discussion Forum | User Discussion Forum

Do NOT use the included archiving tools that come with the new CK! They do not work properly. Follow these procedures for properly archiving mods for use with SSE: via Nexus Forums.

Tools

Mod Organizer 2 is the recommended mod manager to use for this guide.

Wrye Bash is used for Bashed Patching.

Bethesda Archive Extractor is used to extract SSE archives.

NifModify is a tool which will fix missing tangent and bitangent data in meshes. This can be valuable to modders porting meshes over to SSE, but also to users who may experience rendering issues with meshes from mods they port for their personal use. It's only available in command line.

SSE NIF Optimizer is a tool which will convert meshes to the new SE format while cleaning and fixing various issues found on the mesh.

WARNING:

Using NIF Optimizer is a one way trip for the meshes. This means the new meshes from using the tool can no longer be used in Skyrim LE. They will only work in SE. Authors maintaining two versions of their mods for each platform, may want to try NifModify before using NIF Optimizer. If NifModify allows the meshes to render properly in SSE, then some maintenance work can be saved as the SE version of the mod will work in Skyrim LE. If not, then the author will have to maintain two separate versions of files for their mods. After converting many mods to SE, there's been very little reason to use NIF Optimizer.

LOOT is now available for Skyrim SE.

BethINI - just use it and save yourself some headache.

Known Issues

Certain older texture formats will cause CTD with the DirectX 11 version included with Windows 7: https://forums.nexusmods.com/index.php?/topic/5077930-skyrim-se-texture-formats-question/?p=44708080

Converted STEP Mods

Below is a list of mods from the STEP Guide which have been converted to SSE or their current status for a port.

2.C. Extenders

ENBoost: ENBSeries has been ported (limited) to SSE; however, ENBoost is not needed with SSE and will be dropped from the SSE Guide. Maybe someone needs Skyrim particle patch for ENB.

Template:SSE - Third party replacement.

Skyrim Script Extender 64: Has been released for SSE as a open alpha, a stable is eventually expected.

Template:SSE - Author's port.

2.D Fixes

Template:SSE

STEP Optimized Vanilla Textures: Temporary replacement: Template:SSE, Template:SSE.
Appropriately Attired Jarls: Currently not ported. Author will port when he/she has time.

Template:SSE - Author's replacement. Requires Template:SSE.

Clothing and Clutter Fixes: Combined with Weapons and Armor Fixes.

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - New replacement. The first port of Template:SSE has been removed.

Weapons and Armor Fixes: Combined with Clothing and Clutter Fixes.

Template:SSE - Author's replacement. Not included in the STEP Patch yet!
Template:SSE - New replacement.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - New replacement.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Third party port.
Template:SSE - Third party port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Third party port.

Smart Souls: Currently not ported. Requires SKSE.

Template:SSE - Author's port. Requires SKSE.
Template:SSE - Author's port. - should be tested and included as a fix for the vanilla bookshelves.

Wiseman303's Flora Fixes: Currently not ported. Possible replacement: Template:SSE
Complete Crafting Overhaul Remade: Currently not ported. Requires SKSE. Can be ported manually: Template:SSE

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

2.E Interface

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

Disease Descriptions for the Immersive Adventurer: Currently not ported. Unknown if works in SSE. William will be porting the mod. Included in the STEP Compilation.
EASIER LOCKPICKING - Without Cheating - Nordic Retexture: Currently not ported. Gamwich will be porting.
High Quality 3D Map: Currently not ported. Author isn't active much so no word on a port or not.

Template:SSE - Author's port.

KenMOD - Time on loading screen: Currently not ported. No word if there will be one or not.

Template:SSE - Author's port.

Main Font Replacement: Be ported below. Has been reported to work fine with SSE. Template:SSE is a very nice font overhaul and has the default font that STEP currently recommends for the UI. This could be a replacement.

Template:SSE - Third party port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

RaceMenu: Need vanilla and skse64plugins.

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

Smaller Cursor: Be ported below. Works in SSE (confirmed by Tech). No word from the author. Included in the STEP Compilation.

~~Template:SSE - Third party port.~~ Deleted. Template:SSE is a possible replacement.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

2.F Conflicting Graphics

Ultimate HD Fire Effects (included in the STEP Compilation)

Template:SSE Reported to work. Author has given someone else permission to port.

SkyFalls and SkyMills: Currently not ported. Author is working on a port. Not really needed anymore with DynDOLOD. However, larger windmill sails are possible (needs testing) with Template:SSE.

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Skyrim Realistic Overhaul - Author's port.

HD Misc: Currently not ported. Author is MIA. Has been reported to work in SSE. Template:SSE seems to be a possible replacement.
Tobes Highres Textures: Tobes Highres Textures. Currently not ported. Author claims that no port is needed and that they have tested it themselves in SSE for ~40 hours.

Template:SSE - Third party port.
Template:SSE - Third party port.

2.G. Landscape & Environment

aMidianBorn Caves and Mines: Currently not ported. Issues have been reported with SSE. No word from CaBaL whether a port will be made or not.
aMidianBorn Farmhouse: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from CaBaL whether a port will be made or not.
aMidianBorn Solstheim Landscape: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from CaBaL whether a port will be made or not.
aMidianBorn Whiterun: Currently not ported. Issues have been reported with SSE. No word from CaBaL whether a port will be made or not.

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port. - currently only supports the latest version of SFO and not a vanilla. Still needs a replacement.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Third party port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

HD Dark brotherhood door: Currently not ported. No word if it will be or not. At least 1 user has reported that it works in SSE as-is.
HD Enhanced Terrain: Currently not ported. Report says it doesn't work with SSE. Author said in November he will port it; 3 months, no port. Possible replacement is Template:SSE
HD Stone Quarry and Clay Deposit for Hearthfire: Currently not ported. Mainly works in SSE besides the clay mesh. No word from the author.
High Quality LODs: Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE, as is. No word from the author.
HQ Snow Texture: See Nordic Snow below.
Hybrids HD Plants and Herbs Retexture: Currently not ported. Supposedly works with SSE, as is. No word from the author.
Improved Vanilla Mountains HD: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word form the author.

Template:SSE - originally in The Ruffled Feather (Included in the STEP Compilation 2.10).
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - originally part of The Ruffled Feather (Included in the STEP Compilation 2.10).
Template:SSE - Author's port. - aka HQ Snow (its just been renamed)

Northfire's Skidmarks 1K-2K: Currently not ported. I (TechAngel85) have been given permission to port this. Currently in testing.

Template:SSE - Author's port.

Real Wood Textures - Farmhouses: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
Re-Defined Dungeons WIP: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - Author's port.

RUSTIC MONUMENTS and TOMBSTONES: MOUNTAINS has been ported below. Unknown if old one works with SSE. Author will likely port.

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - originally in The Ruffled Feather (Included in the STEP Compilation 2.10).

TreesHD_Skyrim_Variation: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
Vivid Clouds and Fogs: This mod is currently included in the Template:SSE mod below. Unknown if the author plans to do a separate release.

Template:SSE - Author's replacement.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

Whiterun Trellis Redesigned and HQ: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

2.H. Characters & Creatures

Template:SSE - Third party port. - included in Compilation
Template:SSE - Third party port. - included in Compilation
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Third party port.

Brows: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. Author is planning to port it.
Coverkhajiits: Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE. No word from the author. Possible replacement: Template:SSE, Template:SSE.

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port. - worth testing
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

High-Res Dartwing Texture: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - Author's port. - users can skip the patches included in the main file if they use the STEP SSE Patch.

Lepidoptera Of Skyrim: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - Author's port.

More Realistic Hair: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author. Permissions grant conversion.

Template:SSE - Author's port.

PAINTERLY: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
PondFish and Salmon Replacer - texture: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
RUSTIC CHILDREN: Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE. Author will likely port.
RUSTIC DEATH HOUND: Combined with GARGOYLE.
RUSTIC GARGOYLE: Combined with DEATH HOUND.

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

Superior Lore-Friendly Hair - HD textures: Currently not ported. Mixed bag if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - Third party port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

Wiseman303's Critter Fixes: Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's replacement. - Successor to WSCO; however, this version isn't a good "vanilla" replacement.

2.I. Clothing & Equipment

aMidianBorn Blade of Woe: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
aMidianBorn Book of Silence: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
aMidianBorn imperial light and studded: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
aMidianBorn stormcloak officer armour: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
Dawnguard Crossbow Explosive Bolts Visualized: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

Dragonborn Mages Robes Retexture Pack: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - New replacement. - worth testing
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Third party port.

Skyrim Weapon De-LARP-ification Project: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author. It's probably just time to drop this mod. Currently there are only 54 meshes not covered by Better Shaped Weapons.

Template:SSE - Author's port.

Mage Outfit Texture Overhaul - Schools of Magic: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. Author seems to think it'll work, but plugins should be ran through the new CK.
New Thinner Torch: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
Nightingale Prime HD: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
Not Really HD Mask of Clavicus Vile: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - Author's port.

TDN Vampire Armor Retexture: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

2.J. Animations & Effects

Template:SSE - Third party port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

Better Turn Animation only One pose: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - Third party port. - included in the STEP Compilation.

Burn Freeze Shock Effects: Currently not ported. Some report it works (loose files) with SSE while others have issues. No word from the author. Template:SSE as a possible replacement.

Template:SSE - Author's port.

Dawnguard Rune Weapons FXS Replacer: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - Author's port.

DROPS: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
Dual Wield Blocking Animations: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE (aka Lightning during Thunder Storms) - Third party port.
Template:SSE - Author's port. - included in the STEP Compilation.

NoMaaM Breathing Idles BBB: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author. Template:SSE
Realistic Boat Bobbing: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
Running with your Bow Replacer: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
Skyrim - Enhanced Camera: Reworked below by the author. Requires SKSE. No word from the author. Will likely be dropped anyway.

Template:SSE - Author's replacement.

Smaller Ice Spike and Ice Spear: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - Author's port.

2.K. Clutter & Miscellaneous

The 418th Step: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - Third party port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

Dark Brotherhood Tenets Restored: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author. Possible replacement: Template:SSE
Detailing the Eldrich - Higher-Res Riekling Architecture: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
Gemling Queen Dragon Claws: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
HD Linens: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
HD Ore And Ingots: Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port. - but is likely to have some issues with bright textures and compatibility with Book Covers Skyrim.

N-R HD Display Case: Currently not ported. Works with SSE (confirmed by Tech). No word from the author.
Not Really HD Keys: Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE. No word from the author.
Not Really HD Leather Strips: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
Pilgrims Delight - High Hrothgar Shrine Retextures: There is a Template:SSE, but unknown if it's legit. No word from the original author.
Radiant and Unique Potions and Poisons HD: Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE. No word from the author.
Realistic Instruments - Flute Lute and Drum HQ: Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE. No word from the author. Possible replacement: Template:SSE

Template:SSE - Third party port.

Retexture for Bread - Hearthfire: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
Retexture for Soup: Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - Author's port. - included in STEP Compilation
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - New. Worth testing

RUSTIC DRAGON CORPSE: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author, but Gamwich is slowly porting his mods over.

Template:SSE - Author's port.

RUSTIC NORDIC MURALS: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author, but Gamwich is slowly porting his mods over.
RUSTIC POTIONS and POISONS: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author, but Gamwich is slowly porting his mods over. His animated version Template:SSE.

Template:SSE - Author's port.

Septim HD: Currently not ported. Some issues reported with SSE. No word from the author. ~~Template:SSE is a possible replacement.~~ Possible replacement: Template:SSE
Silly Level of Detail - Wine Cellar -- SLOD WC: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - Author's port.

Skyrim Redesigned WIP: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
Super Realistic Ore Textures: Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE. No word from the author.
Sweet Mother - the Night Mother Improvement: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - Author's port. - previously WEBS extended
Template:SSE - Third party port.

2.L. Sound

Only the linked mods below have been converted; however, all sounds should work as is in SSE. Be wary of using the mods listed below as needing some sort of conversion. The effects of using a non-converted plugin are still unknown. If a mod is not listed, then it's only loose files and can be used safely with SSE.

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Third party port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - New. - worth testing, though I don't even think it needs it...just accept it!

These mods have archives that require conversion:

Better Weapon Swing Sounds

These mods have plugins that should be converted:

Dragons Shout with Voice (loose version works, but he location optional needs converted)
Immersive Skyrim Thunder V6
Improved Combat Sounds
Smooth blade draw and Sheathe

2.M. Gameplay

Auto Unequip Ammo: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author. Possible replacement: Template:SSE

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

ClamsDropPearls: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.
Come together N Out of the way - Nausicaa-S Tweaker: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - Author's port.

Dual Wield Parrying: Currently not ported. Requires SKSE. No word from the author. Template:SSE is a possible replacement.
Enhanced Skyrim Factions - The Companions Guild: Currently not ported. Requires SKSE. Author will likely port when SKSE64 is available.

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port. Hidden file. - users should still download the "Cutting Room Floor - Hearthfire Extended Patch" because it contains assets which would require STEP to have permission to incorporate the patch.
Template:SSE - Third party port.
Template:SSE - New replacement. - included in the STEP Compilation.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - New replacement. - author remade the mod from the original.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

Skyrim Coin Replacer Redux: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. Author is planning on porting.
Skyrim -Community- Uncapper: Currently not ported. Requires SKSE. Author has no plans to port the mod, but as opened permissions to allow someone to port it when SKSE64 is released.

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

Stealth Skills Rebalanced: Currently not ported. Requires SKSE. Author is planning on porting.

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

Thieves Guild Requirements: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. Author is planning on porting it.
Timing is Everything - Quest Delay and Timing Control: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. Author is planning on porting it.
Traps Make Noise - More Dangerous Traps: Reworked below by the author. Unknown if old one works with SSE. Author is planning on porting it.

Template:SSE - Author's replacement.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

Wiseman303's Trap Fixes: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Template:SSE - Author's port. - users can skip the patches if the use the STEP SSE Patch. Users should still download the "Dark Brotherhood Forever to Misc Quests - Addon" file.

2.N. Patches

Template:SSE - Author's port. - this mod is now included in EBT.

STEP Compilation: This will be available when the SSE Guide is available.

STEP SSE Patch - This patch can be used as long as the user follows the advice provided below.

Bashed Patch: WB works for SSE and this will be available when the SSE Guide is available. Template:SSE here.
Dual Sheath Redux: Currently not ported. Requires SKSE. Author is planning on porting. Possible replacement: Template:SSE

Template:SSE - Author's port.
Template:SSE - Author's port.

Dynamic Distant Objects LOD - DynDOLOD: Currently working in a limited fashion.

Using the STEP SSE Patch

First this patch has only been made for the current list of ported mods provided above. This means if the mod isn't linked to a SSE Nexus page above, then it hasn't been included within this SSE Patch. Users can skip all patches provided by the mods because they have been included in the STEP SSE Patch, unless otherwise stated within the list above. Mods in testing have NOT been included in the patch with the following exceptions. Users should have these mods installed, as well, if they are going to use the patch:

Template:SSE has been used because it is a straightforward mod that fixes bookshelves; thus, should have no issues being accepted into STEP.
Template:SSE has been used over Ultimate Fire Effects due to it actually being ported over and the other not, yet.
Template:SSE has been used over SFO, for now, to maintain STEP's mandate of staying as close to vanilla as possible.

I've made this setup as simple as possible. Simply load LOOT, add the following meta rule, and sort:

LOOT:

Books Cover Skyrim.esp

Load after:

UnlimitedBookshelves.esp

STEP Compilation Mods

Better Circlets
Better Shadowmarks: has been fixed in USLEEP so this mod is no longer needed.

Disease Descriptions: Currently not ported. Unknown if works in SSE. William will be porting the mod.
Distant Decal Fix
Dragon Glyphs-Fixed
Enchantment Effect Replacer
Finer Dust
Frost Atronach HD
HD Sacks
HiRes Legible Road Signs
Improved Foot Wraps for Females

Realistic Smoke and Embers
Realistic Wolf Howls

Ruins Clutter Improved

Serious HD: This is likely to be replaced by SRO.
Skyrim Performance Plus: This is really no longer needed. It'll likely be dropped.
Smaller Cursor: This works out of the box from classic Skyrim.
The Beauty of Skyrim-Dungeons: Currently not ported. Unknown if it works in SSE. Author is likely to port.
The Ruffled Feather: This will eventually be converted. Currently Moss Rocks is ported. Decrease Those Plants will not likely be ported. Just Ice and Stalhrim will be ported.
Visible Windows

Potential Mods

This is a list of mods that could have potential in a STEP:SSE.

Acquisitive Soul Gems Multithreaded - potential replacement for Smart Souls.
Blended Roads - looks really good!
ETHEREAL CLOUDS - Special Edition - vanilla-friendly, cloud replacer.
HD Road Signs - 2K and 4K - a nice HD, vanilla-friendly replacer.
Remove Small Rocks - removes the annoying pebbles that are set as a grass which are seen along the roads. We already have a mod that does this, but this one is for SSE.
Circlets or Masks with all Robes and Hoods - why? Because it just makes sense.
Tempered Skins for Males
HD Reworked Ores