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WIP:
This pack is a work-in-progress. This guide it is not complete, nor is it organized very well yet.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - SkyDIVE
SkyDIVE is the name I've given this build. DIVE didn't mean anything when I started, but now I'm calling it Deep Immersion Vicious Environment.
Why This Guide Exists
While I have never actually finished vanilla Skyrim (I know, I know), I have played long enough to recognize what I think are shortcomings in the vanilla game. A credit to Bethesda, the Creation engine is capable of supporting improved graphics assets and new functionality through modding.
Goals
- Produce a stable, playable game with no CTDs, an acceptable (30+) frame-rate, and stay within VRAM (<2GB) limits.
- Overhaul existing vanilla systems for balance, make multiple character builds viable, and encourage repeat play-through.
- Add new systems and game-play elements that add further depth and challenge to the vanilla game.
- Overhaul existing vanilla locations with additional elements for added realism and depth.
- Add new buildings, ruins and other elements around Skyrim to encourage exploration and discovery.
- Overhaul existing vanilla NPCs so they are more intelligent, capable, and more lively.
- Add new NPCs to interact with, and new interactions to give Skyrim a more lived-in feel.
- Track game progress through user interface, achievements, and in-game locations.
- Minimize or eliminate fast-travel with new transit methods.
- Modify the user interface for more immersive game-play.
- Design, build, and decorate player homes anywhere.
- New professions and money making opportunities.
- New followers and companions.
What I to avoid: (At least for now.)
- Adding completely new lands. Falskaar and Elsweyr will have to wait, shame I missed out on Wyrmstooth.
- Add completely new DLC-like quests; small quests added by a non-quest mods are fine.
Methodology
- Install STEP (Core Standard v2.2.9.2r3)
- Run some benchmarks
- Backup, always make a backup
Install STEP Core
Just like it says on the tin, install STEP (Core Standard v2.2.9.2r3). In my case, I installed with the low-quality options where available since VRAM usage is a concern.
Custom Mod Installation
Complete Alchemy and Cooking Overhaul
- Requires Wiseman303’s Flora Fixes
- CACO Patch for Audio Overhaul for Skyrim
- CACO Patch for Cutting Room Floor
- CACO Patch for Invisibility Glitch Eyes Fix
- CACO Patch for Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch
Complete Crafting Overhaul
- CCO Replacement for ‘Weapons & Armor_TrueWeaponsLvlLists.esp’
- This is a replacement for ‘Weapons & Armor_TrueWeaponsLvlLists.esp’ included in Weapons & Armor fixes.
- I moved the WAF ESP to it's own mod folder for STEP and disabled it for SkyDIVE.
- CACO Patch for Complete Crafting Overhaul Remade
Ordinator
- Uncapper for Ordinator - Custom
- CACO-Ordinatored Merge Patch
BENCHMARK
Realistic Needs and Diseases
- Install a new version of Realistic Water Two and select compatibility option for RND.
- CCF Patch for Realistic Needs and Diseases
- CACO Patch for Realistic Needs and Diseases
Skyrim Immersive Creatures
- NARC Patch for Skyrim Immersive Creatures
- WAF Patch for Skyrim Immersive Creatures
- CACO Patch for Skyrim Immersive Creatures
- CCO Patch for Skyrim Immersive Creatures
Interesting NPCs
- CCF Patch for Interesting NPCs
Inconsequential NPCs
- No notes at this time
BENCHMARK
Art of the Catch
- CCOR Patch for Art of the Catch
Campfire
- No notes at this time
Frostfall
- SkyUI Add-On for Frostfall
Hunterborn
- No notes at this time
Hunting in Skyrim - No Perks
- Turn off skinning system (when available), this conflicts with Hunterborn.
- Manually loot the goat in the “It All Starts With a Wolf” quest.
- Manually loot the deer in “There’s More Than One Way to Skin a..” quest.
BENCHMARK
Climates of Tamriel
- (Testing) Hazardous recommended.
- (Testing) Warm recommended.
- (Testing) Nights: Level 3 recommended.
BENCHMARK
STEP Extended Selections
Interface
Disease Descriptions
- Install the Realistic Needs and Diseases version.
Immersive HUD
- No notes at this time
Lore-Based Loading Screens
- No notes at this time
Main Menu Spinning Emblem
- Slow version recommended.
Landscape & Environment
AMidianBorn Caves and Mines
- 1k version
AMidianBorn Whiterun
- 1k version
Footprints
- No notes at this time
Lanterns Of Skyrim
- (Testing) Also install the CoT presets.
- Recommendation: (Testing)
Re-Defined Dungeons
- 1024 version
Characters & Creatures
Bird and Flocks
- Hearthfire Edition
- This mod conflicts with DynDOLOD generation, disable if generating new LODs.
Animations & Effects
Animated Weapon Enchants
- No notes at this time
Faster Get Up Stand Up Animation
- No notes at this time
Deadly Spell Impacts
- Medium, low-quality available.
Enhanced Blood Textures
- No notes at this time
Improved Weapon Impact Effects
- No notes at this time
Lightning During Thunder Storms
- Also install the CoT patch.
Smaller Ice Spikes and Spear
- No notes at this time
Wonders of Weather
- No notes at this time
Clutter & Miscellaneous
The 418th Step
- No notes at this time
Dark Brotherhood Tenets Restored
- No notes at this time
Radiant and Unique Potions and Poisons HD
- Skipped for now.
Realistic Instruments
- No notes at this time
Rens HD Shrines
- No notes at this time
Sound
Immersive Thunder
- No notes at this time
BENCHMARK
STEP Extended Gameplay
Combat and Magic
Complimentary Mods
Combat and Magic
BENCHMARK
Fixes
| Mod Name | Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wiseman303's Flora Fixes | v2.01 | Merge in the WM Flora Fixes SMIM Patch optional |
Skills & Perks
| Mod Name | Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinator - Perks of Skyrim by Enai Siaion | v7.31 | Merge in the Ordinator - Dragonborn Respec optional |
| Custom Uncapper for Ordinator by Shruikan | v4.04 | Install the v4.04 main file. Custom settings recommended. |
Crafting
| Mod Name | Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Alchemy and Cooking Overhaul by kryptopyr | v1.2 | Guide |
| CACO-Ordinatored by Servant of Sin | v1.42 | Install CACO-Ordinatored - Merged optional |
| CACO - Patch for USLEEP | v0.0 | Compatibility for Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch |
| CACO - Patch for Invisibility Eyes Fix | v0.0 | Compatibility for Invisibility Eyes Fix |
| CACO - Patch for Audio Overhaul for Skyrim | v0.0 | Compatibility for Audio Overhaul for Skyrim |
| CACO - Patch for Complete Crafting Overhaul | v0.0 | Compatibility for Complete Crafting Overhaul |
| CACO - Patch for Cutting Room Floor | v0.0 | Compatibility for Cutting Room Floor |
| Complete Crafting Overhaul Remade by kryptopyr | v1.7 | Guide |
| Complete Crafting Overhaul - TrueWeaponsLvlLists.esp | v0.0 | This replaces the TrueWeaponsLvlLists ESP from Weapons and Armor Fixes |
Archery
| Mod Name | Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery Gameplay Overhaul | v0.0 | New archery animations, bleed effect, magic arrows and draw fatigue. |
| Nock to Tip | v0.0 | Craft arrows and upgrade (restring) bows. |
| Sneak Tools | v0.0 | Adds some unique arrow types and mechanics. |
| Sneak Tools Patch | v0.0 | Fixes some problems with the original mod. |
Combat
| Mod Name | Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ACE - Combat Skills | v0.0 | Install Magic, Realistic Combat, Synergies and BYOG |
| Action Combat | v0.0 | Adds weapon parrying, pain reaction, exhaustion, counter-strikes & vulnerability. |
| Combat Behavior Improved | v0.0 | Cancel attacks by blocking, timed blocking, speed fixes |
| Battle Fatigue and Injuries | v0.0 | Injuries and associated penalties during battles. |
| Enhanced Enemy AI | v0.0 | Script-free improvement on enemy combat styles. |
| NPC Knockout Overhaul | v0.0 | Stealth and combat knockouts are now possible. |
| Revenge of the Enemies | v0.0 | Enemies use skills, spells and perks during combat. |
| RotE - Patch for CCF | v0.0 | Compatibility for Clothing and Clutter Fixes |
| RotE - Patch for COP | v0.0 | Compatibility for Consistent Older People |
| RotE - Patch for USLEEP | v0.0 | Compatibility for Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch |
| RotE - Patch for WAF | v0.0 | Compatibility for Weapons and Armor Fixes |
| Yield | v0.0 | Enemies will yield and go non-hostile. |
Dragons
| Mod Name | Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dragon Combat Overhaul | v0.0 | Dragons are smarter and have more combat tactics. |
| Deadly Dragons | v0.0 | Dragons present a real challenge. |
Magic
| Mod Name | Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apocalypse Magic | v0.0 | Adds a huge number of new spells. |
| Apocalypse Magic - Patch for Ordinator | v0.0 | Compatibility for Ordinator |
| Forgotten Magic Redone | v0.0 | Adds unique spells that level with use. |
| Smart Cast | v0.0 | Streamlined, quick-fire casting. |
| Spell Chaining | v0.0 | Chain spells together for added effects. |
| Spell Charging | v0.0 | Charge spells before use, or absorb them for added effects. |
| Wrath of Nature | v0.0 | Nature magic and animal transformations. |
Interface
| Mod Name | Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Disease Descriptions | v0.0 | |
| Even Better Quest Objectives | v0.0 | |
| Hardcore Compass - No Found Places or Enemies | v0.0 | |
| Immersive HUD - iHUD | v0.0 | |
| Lore-Based Loading Screens | v0.0 | |
| Main Menu Spinning Emblem - Very Slow | v0.0 | |
| No Menu and Loading Smoke | v0.0 | |
| Non-Automatic Skill Books | v0.0 | |
| People are Strangers | v0.0 | |
| Real Names | v0.0 | |
| Unique Region Names | v0.0 |
