SkyrimSE:2.0.0: Difference between revisions
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{{GuideTitle|releasedate= | {{GuideTitle|releasedate=March 13, 2022}} | ||
{{VersionHeader}} | {{VersionHeader}} | ||
<div class="nonumtoc">{{TOC|limit=4}}</div> | <div class="nonumtoc">{{TOC|limit=4}}</div> | ||
==This Release== | ==This Release== | ||
This is our next major release of the Step | This is our next major release of the Step Skyrim Special Edition guide for Skyrim Anniversary Edition. This is a 'major' release due to some significant changes/enhancements as described in the [[STEP:Versioning|Step Versioning Documentation]]: | ||
* {{fc|instruction|''Being a major release, a new game is '''required''' with this version!''}} | |||
* Adoption of the latest DynDOLOD 3 alpha version, which brings several very useful enhancements, including grass LOD generation and several handy features with respect to LOD creation for mod authors. | |||
* Significant, vanilla-friendly modifications to Skyrim's magic system and magic-related perks. | |||
* We've created the optional Step ENB preset with weather-enhancement for Cathedral Weathers. This comes via a new 'optional' ''21-Post-Processing'' ModGroup. | |||
{{fc|#ddd|''' | {{fc|#ddd|'''See the [{{canonicalurl:{{NAMESPACE}}:{{PAGENAME}}/changelog}} Changelog] for details.'''}} | ||
* Visit the [https://stepmodifications.org/forum/ forums] to learn more or contribute. | |||
* Visit the [https://stepmodifications.org/forum/ forums] | * Follow Step Modifications on [https://www.facebook.com/pages/STEP-Skyrim-Total-Enhancement-Project/175289219235392?sk=info Facebook]. | ||
* | * [https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=N5TLCEMXY7KQU Donate] to support hosting and maintenance of the Step website. | ||
* | |||
<br> | <br> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
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= About Step = | = About Step = | ||
<div>A Foreword</div> | <div>A Foreword</div> | ||
Created by [https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/User:TheCompiler TheCompiler] (Daniele Ferraro), Step is a collaborative project with input from the modding community, technical volunteers, and project administrators. The goal is to provide tested and validated methods for establishing and maintaining an enhanced | Created by [https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/User:TheCompiler TheCompiler] (Daniele Ferraro), Step is a collaborative project with input from the modding community, technical volunteers, and project administrators. The goal is to provide tested and validated methods for establishing and maintaining an enhanced {{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}} mod build. Our guides provide detailed, well-tested build instructions for a very stable game with an enhanced, vanilla experience. | ||
The Step team collects information from the modding community through extensive mod testing, detailed reviews, feedback, and suggestions exchanged on the [https://stepmodifications.org/forum/ | The Step team collects information from the modding community through extensive mod testing, detailed reviews, feedback, and suggestions exchanged on the [https://stepmodifications.org/forum/ Forums]. Posting [https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/Guide:STEP_Community_Citizenship rules] apply, so be sure to read and follow them. | ||
===New to Modding?=== | ===New to Modding?=== | ||
We recommend that you ... | We recommend that you ... | ||
* | * review this entire guide before attempting installation, especially if this is your first exposure to a Step mod-build guide. | ||
We and the community, have consolidated a lot of information into our guides for use as a free resource for all. New and experienced modders alike will find many answers within these guides and linked resources. This guide is written in such a way that it expects users to know the basics of modding and related tools (e.g. mod managers, LOD optimizers, configuration utilities, etc.). However our support forums are always available for Q&A. | |||
==Nomenclature== | ==Nomenclature== | ||
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*{{Fc|salmon|'tick' means 'check'}}: Frequently, the word 'check' or 'checked' can mean 'ensure' in addition to "check mark", so 'check' is not used where it is synonymous with 'tick' to avoid any mistakes that can (and have) happened from this conflation. | *{{Fc|salmon|'tick' means 'check'}}: Frequently, the word 'check' or 'checked' can mean 'ensure' in addition to "check mark", so 'check' is not used where it is synonymous with 'tick' to avoid any mistakes that can (and have) happened from this conflation. | ||
*{{Fc|salmon|Baseline}}: | *{{Fc|salmon|Baseline}}: The recommended install option is shown within the '''Baseline''' column of the mod tables below. | ||
*{{Fc|salmon|Step Patches}}: A "patch" is a plugin that | *{{Fc|salmon|Step Patches}}: A "patch" is a plugin that ''sanely'' resolves conflicts among mods. | ||
== | == System Requirements == | ||
{{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}} should be run on a relatively modern '''Windows 10/11 64-bit''' desktop or laptop. While CPU specs and performance are important factors, they matter only to a point beyond which is diminishing return on investment. Smooth gameplay, LODGen-related tools, and ENBSeries post processing are most limited by the GPU specs and performance coupled to the resolution at which the game is run. | |||
* The ''minimum'' specs assume that the recommended 'baseline' mod options will be installed, which are biased towards 'performance' options when available. | |||
* The ''recommended'' specs assume a bias favoring 'quality' mod options will be installed when available. | |||
* CPU/GPU hardware listed below are "performance-class examples", and many alternatives lie within or outside of these classes. | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="width:65%; float:left;" | {| class="wikitable" style="width:65%; float:left;" | ||
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! Recommended | ! Recommended | ||
|- | |- | ||
! style="color:#ccc; text-align:left;"| | ! style="color:#ccc; text-align:left;"| CPU | ||
| style="text-align:left;"| | | style="text-align:left;"| Intel Core i5-3470 or<br>AMD FX-8350 | ||
| style="text-align:left;"| | | style="text-align:left;"| Intel Core i5-8400 or<br>AMD Ryzen 5 3400G | ||
|- | |- | ||
! style="color:#ccc; text-align:left;"| CPU | ! style="color:#ccc; text-align:left;"| [https://www.cpubenchmark.net/CPU_mega_page.html CPU Mark] Range | ||
| style="text-align:left;"| | | style="text-align:left;"| 4,000 - 7,000 | ||
| style="text-align:left;"| | | style="text-align:left;"| > 7,000 | ||
|- | |- | ||
! style="color:#ccc; text-align:left;"| System RAM | ! style="color:#ccc; text-align:left;"| System RAM | ||
| style="text-align:left;"| | | style="text-align:left;"| 8Gb | ||
| style="text-align:left;"| | | style="text-align:left;"| 16Gb | ||
|- | |||
! style="color:#ccc; text-align:left;"| GPU / VRAM | |||
| style="text-align:left;"| Nvidia GeForce GTX 780 / 6Gb or<br>AMD Radeon RX 470 / 4Gb | |||
| style="text-align:left;"| Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 / 8Gb or<br>AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT / 8Gb | |||
|- | |- | ||
! style="color:#ccc; text-align:left;"| | ! style="color:#ccc; text-align:left;"| [https://www.videocardbenchmark.net/GPU_mega_page.html G3D Mark] Range | ||
| style="text-align:left;"| | | style="text-align:left;"| 8,000 - 10,000 | ||
| style="text-align:left;"| | | style="text-align:left;"| > 10,000 | ||
|- | |- | ||
! style="color:#ccc; text-align:left;"| Drive | ! style="color:#ccc; text-align:left;"| Game Drive | ||
| style="text-align:left;"| | | style="text-align:left;"| HDD | ||
| style="text-align:left;"| | | style="text-align:left;"| SSD | ||
|- | |- | ||
! style="color:#ccc; text-align:left;"| | ! style="color:#ccc; text-align:left;"| Resolution | ||
| style="text-align:left;"| | | style="text-align:left;"| 1080p (HD) | ||
| style="text-align:left;"| | | style="text-align:left;"| 1440p (QHD) | ||
|} | |} | ||
{{clear|left}} | {{clear|left}} | ||
== Time | == Time Commitment == | ||
Be aware that it will usually take anywhere from several hours to a several days to complete this build from start to finish. Following are cumulative time estimates (upwards of 24 hours for a novice user, first-time build): | |||
: ''' | : '''6 hours''' : Steps 1 - 3 (modding-environment setup) | ||
: ''' | : '''12 hours''' : Step 4 (mod download, installation) | ||
: '''8 hours''' : Steps 5 - 7 (LODGen, post-build configuration, and fine-tuning the build){{clear}} | |||
: ''' | |||
<br> | <br> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
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== Follow the [[Guide:SystemSetupGuide|{{Fc|blue|System Setup Guide}}]]! == | == Follow the [[Guide:SystemSetupGuide|{{Fc|blue|System Setup Guide}}]]! == | ||
Those who have not completed the '''[[Guide:SystemSetupGuide|System Setup Guide]]''' should {{Fc| | Those who have not completed the '''[[Guide:SystemSetupGuide|System Setup Guide]]''' should {{Fc|instruction|STOP and do so now BEFORE beginning Step 2!}} This is a perquisite for completing this guide. | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
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<div>Tool Configuration</div> | <div>Tool Configuration</div> | ||
== Mod Organizer - | == Mod Organizer - {{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}} Initialization == | ||
FIRST, follow the [[Guide:SystemSetupGuide|System Setup Guide]]. The below instructions describe how to initialize a | FIRST, follow the [[Guide:SystemSetupGuide|System Setup Guide]]. The below instructions describe how to initialize a {{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}} instance in Mod Organizer (MO). If MO was installed as a Portable application, the instructions below will need to be interpreted accordingly. If a Skyrim Special Edition instance was created in Step 1 or otherwise, simply select the instance and skip the following: | ||
{{Spoiler|shown={{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}} Initialization Steps|hidden=<br/> | |||
{{Spoiler|shown=Initialization | |||
# Launch MO by running its executable (e.g. <code>..Modding/Tools/Mod Organizer/ModOrganizer.exe</code>) | # Launch MO by running its executable (e.g. <code>..Modding/Tools/Mod Organizer/ModOrganizer.exe</code>) | ||
# Upon load, click the Instance Manager button | # Upon load, click the Instance Manager button {{icon|type=moinstance}}. | ||
# Click {{ui|Create new instance}} | # Click on {{ui|Create new instance}}. | ||
# Select '''Skyrim Special Edition''' and click {{ui|Next}}. | # Select '''Skyrim Special Edition''' and click {{ui|Next}}. | ||
#: If | #: If the game wasn't found, manually browse to the game's location. | ||
# Name the instance something like <code> | # Name the instance something like <code>{{GameAbbrevTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}}</code> or keep the default. Click {{ui|Next}}. | ||
# (optional) change the location of data stored. Step recommends the default location, unless space restraints prevent this. Click {{ui|Next}}. | # (optional) change the location of data stored. Step recommends the default location, unless space restraints prevent this. Click {{ui|Next}}. | ||
# A confirmation window will display with the installation information. Click {{ui|Finish}}. | # A confirmation window will display with the installation information. Click {{ui|Finish}}. | ||
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=== Profile Setup === | === Profile Setup === | ||
MO's profile feature allows the creation of multiple mod builds that rely on the ''same mod list and mod-level configurations''. In other words, if a mod was installed with option 'A', then that mod is only available in this configuration for ''all profiles'' under an instance. Profiles can have different mods enabled, separate save games, and game INIs, but the mod configuration is identical among each profile. Different MO-game instances must be used for different mod configurations. For the purpose of this guide, a single mod configuration is all that's needed, so profiles are sufficient. Begin by creating/editing two profiles: | |||
{{Spoiler|shown=Profile Creation Steps|hidden= | |||
{{Spoiler|shown=Profile | # Launch MO, choosing the applicable {{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}} Instance. | ||
# Launch MO, choosing the | |||
# On the ''Default'' profile, arrange the mods in the left pane in the following order: | # On the ''Default'' profile, arrange the mods in the left pane in the following order: | ||
## DLC: Dawnguard | ## DLC: Dawnguard | ||
## DLC: HearthFires | ## DLC: HearthFires | ||
## DLC: Dragonborn | ## DLC: Dragonborn | ||
# Click the {{icon|type=moprofile| | ## Creation Club Plugins (order will be addressed later in the Guide) | ||
# Click the {{icon|type=moprofile|}} button on the menu bar. | |||
# Select the '''Default''' profile. | # Select the '''Default''' profile. | ||
# Ensure the '''Use profile-specific Game INI Files''' box is ticked and click {{ui|Copy}}. | # Ensure the '''Use profile-specific Game INI Files''' box is ticked and click {{ui|Copy}}. | ||
# Name the new profile <code>Step | # Name the new profile <code>Step {{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}}</code>, or similar. | ||
# Ensure the '''Use profile-specific Game INI Files''' box is ticked. | # Ensure the '''Use profile-specific Game INI Files''' box is ticked. | ||
# Close the window by clicking {{ui|Close}}. | # Close the window by clicking {{ui|Close}}. | ||
# Select the ''Step | # Select the ''Step {{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}}'' profile from the profile selection down-drop. | ||
#* It is normal to get a notice saying some INI files were missing and will be copied. | #* It is normal to get a notice saying some INI files were missing and will be copied. | ||
#* If an error is displayed about missing "modlist.txt" files, restart MO (or do a system reboot if | #* If an error is displayed about missing "modlist.txt" files, restart MO (or do a system reboot if that doesn't resolve). | ||
# Click the {{icon|type=molistoptions| | # Click the {{icon|type=molistoptions|30}} button and select {{ui|Create empty mod}}. | ||
# Name it '''xEdit Output'''.}} | # Name it '''xEdit Output'''. | ||
# Click the {{icon|type=molistoptions|30}} button and select {{ui|Create empty mod}}, again. | |||
# Name it '''Cleaned Vanilla Masters'''.}} | |||
=== Tool Setup === | === Tool Setup === | ||
All tools installed | All tools needed should already be installed according to the [[Guide:SystemSetupGuide#Tools_Installation_and_Setup|System Setup Guide]]. Some tools will have been auto-detected and added; nevertheless, ensure the settings are correct for ''all'' tools. xEdit is used in this example: | ||
{{Spoiler|shown=Tool Setup Steps|hidden=<br/> | |||
{{Spoiler|shown=Tool Setup | # For xEdit, it is useful to create a mod into which all xEdit ouput can be directed in order to keep it all together: | ||
# Click the {{icon|type=moexe | ## Click {{icon|type=molistoptions|30}} at the top of the left pane in MO, and select "Create empty mod". | ||
# | ## Type <code>xEdit Output</code>, and select {{Ui|OK}}. | ||
# | ## Place this mod at the top of the mod list just below the vanilla game files. | ||
# Click {{icon|type=moexe}} at the top of the main Mod Organizer window. | |||
# In the left pane of the executables config, click the {{ui|'''+'''}} to add a new executable, and then {{ui|Add from file...}}. | |||
# Browse to the '''SSEEdit.exe''' file (e.g. <code>..Modding/Tools/xEdit/SSEEdit.exe</code>). | |||
#* This should auto-fill most of the fields. | #* This should auto-fill most of the fields. | ||
# Change the title to '''xEdit'''. | # Change the title to '''xEdit'''. | ||
# Input the following in the '''Arguments''' field separated by a single space: | # Input the following in the '''Arguments''' field separated by a single space: | ||
#* e.g. <code>-IKnowWhatImDoing - | #* e.g. <code>-IKnowWhatImDoing -{{AbbreviationTagged|{{NAMESPACE}} }} -AllowMasterFilesEdit</code> | ||
#* "-IKnowWhatImDoing": This turns off a warning presented when users make edits. | #* "-IKnowWhatImDoing": This turns off a warning presented when users make edits. | ||
#* "-AllowMasterFilesEdit": By default xEdit will not allow master file editing. This | #* "-AllowMasterFilesEdit": By default xEdit will not allow master file editing. This enables that. | ||
# Tick the '''Create files in mod instead of overwrite''' box. Select the ''xEdit Output'' mod from the drop-down. | # Tick the '''Create files in mod instead of overwrite''' box. Select the ''xEdit Output'' mod from the drop-down, and enable this mod. | ||
# Tick the '''Use applications icon for desktop shortcuts''' box. | # Tick the '''Use applications icon for desktop shortcuts''' box. | ||
# Click {{ui|Apply}}. | # Click {{ui|Apply}}. | ||
# Repeat these steps to add the remaining executables as indicated in the table below | # Repeat these steps to add the remaining executables as indicated in the table following. | ||
#: Arrange the tools in any order using the up and down buttons above the list. This will dictate the order that tools are listed in the MO "Run" dropdown menu. Close the window by clicking the {{ui|OK}} button.}} | |||
{{Alert|type=notice|text=For tools previously installed, adjust the arguments below for use with {{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}}.}} | |||
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; float:left;" | {| class="wikitable" style="width:100%; float:left;" | ||
! Application Title | ! Application Title | ||
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! style="color:#999; text-align:left;" | xEdit | ! style="color:#999; text-align:left;" | xEdit | ||
| style="text-align:left;"| xEdit.exe | | style="text-align:left;"| xEdit.exe | ||
| style="text-align:left;"| <code>- | | style="text-align:left;"| <code>-{{XEditSwitch|{{NAMESPACE}} }} -IKnowWhatImDoing -AllowMasterFilesEdit</code><br>Tick the '''Create files in mod instead of overwrite''' box and select the ''xEdit Output'' mod from the drop-down. | ||
|- | |- | ||
! style="color:#999; text-align:left;" | xEditQuickAutoClean | ! style="color:#999; text-align:left;" | xEditQuickAutoClean | ||
| style="text-align:left;"| xEditQuickAutoClean.exe | | style="text-align:left;"| xEditQuickAutoClean.exe | ||
| style="text-align:left;"| <code>- | | style="text-align:left;"| <code>-{{XEditSwitch|{{NAMESPACE}} }}</code><br>Tick the '''Create files in mod instead of overwrite''' box and select the ''xEdit Output'' mod from the drop-down. | ||
|- | |- | ||
! style="color:#999; text-align:left;" | LOOT | ! style="color:#999; text-align:left;" | LOOT | ||
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! style="color:#999; text-align:left;" | xLODGen | ! style="color:#999; text-align:left;" | xLODGen | ||
| style="text-align:left;"| xLODGenx64.exe | | style="text-align:left;"| xLODGenx64.exe | ||
| style="text-align:left;"| <code>-lodgen - | | style="text-align:left;"| <code>-lodgen -{{XEditSwitch|{{NAMESPACE}} }} -o:"DriveLetter:\Modding\Tools\xLODGen\xLODGen_Output"</code><br>{{Fc|salmon|''Replace '''DriveLetter:''' with the drive letter of the 'Modding' folder.''}} | ||
|} | |} | ||
{{clear|left}} | {{clear|left}} | ||
Tools can be arranged in any order using the up and down buttons above the list. This will dictate the order they are listed in the MO "Run" dropdown menu. When complete, close the window by clicking the {{ui|OK}} button. | |||
== BethINI Setup == | == BethINI Setup == | ||
BethINI needs to be run for the current MO profile to establish the configuration files before beginning mod installation. This ensures that all users share a common configuration during the modding process. ''As such, please do not deviate from the instructions below.'' Once the guide is complete and things are confirmed to be working, | BethINI needs to be run for the current MO profile to establish the configuration files before beginning mod installation. This ensures that all users share a common configuration during the modding process. ''As such, please do not deviate from the instructions below.'' Once the guide is complete and things are confirmed to be working, {{Fc|instruction|BethINI will be revisited towards the end of this guide to finalize the optimal configuration.}} | ||
=== BethINI Initialization === | === BethINI Initialization === | ||
{{Spoiler|shown= | {{Spoiler|shown=BethINI Initialization Steps|hidden=<br/> | ||
# Close MO and run BethINI (e.g. <code>..Modding/Tools/BethINI/BethINI.exe</code>). | # Close MO, and run BethINI (e.g. <code>..Modding/Tools/BethINI/BethINI.exe</code>). | ||
#: If prompted by Windows protection, click '''More Info''' and then {{ui|Run anyway}}. | #: If prompted by Windows protection, click '''More Info''' and then {{ui|Run anyway}}. | ||
# When BethINI launches, select "Skyrim Special Edition" from the game selection box. | # When BethINI launches, select "Skyrim Special Edition" from the game selection box. | ||
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#* Ensure the ''Game'' path is correct (e.g. <code>..\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition</code>). | #* Ensure the ''Game'' path is correct (e.g. <code>..\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition</code>). | ||
#* Ensure the ''Mod Organizer'' path is correct (e.g. <code>..\Modding\Tools\Mod Organizer</code>). | #* Ensure the ''Mod Organizer'' path is correct (e.g. <code>..\Modding\Tools\Mod Organizer</code>). | ||
#* The ''INI Path'' name depends on the MO [[ | #* The ''INI Path'' name depends on the MO [[{{NAMESPACE}}:{{PAGENAME}}#Profile_Setup|Profile Setup]]'' | ||
#** If BethINI does not automatically display the profile | #** If BethINI does not automatically display the profile created previously in step 5 of the [[Guide:System_Setup_Guide#Mod_Organizer_Initialization|MO initialization instructions]], browse to and set that profile (e.g., <code>%LOCALAPPDATA%\ModOrganizer\{instanceName}\profiles\STEP {{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}}</code>). | ||
#** Select the ''Step | #** Select the ''Step {{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}}'' profile folder, and click {{ui|Open}}. | ||
#** Click {{ui|OK}} at the prompts to restart BethINI with the desired profile configured. Allow BethINI to handle custom INIs, if prompted. | #** Click {{ui|OK}} at the prompts to restart BethINI with the desired profile configured. Allow BethINI to handle custom INIs, if prompted. | ||
# Return to the '''Setup''' tab. | # Return to the '''Setup''' tab. | ||
Line 200: | Line 208: | ||
{{clear}}}} | {{clear}}}} | ||
=== BethINI | === BethINI Baseline Configuration === | ||
Configure BethINI as | Configure BethINI as described in the steps below, which are reflected in the images where applicable. Please do no deviate from these instructions at this time: | ||
<div class="container-fluid wikitable"> | <div class="container-fluid wikitable"> | ||
<div class="row w-100 align-items-center"> | <div class="row w-100 align-items-center"> | ||
<div class="col my-2"> | <div class="col my-2"> | ||
{{Spoiler|shown=Basic|hidden= | {{Spoiler|shown=Basic|hidden= | ||
# Click the {{ui|Default}} button. | # Click the {{ui|Default}} button and wait until the '''"Your INI files have been successfully reset to default values."''' message is displayed. | ||
# Click the {{ui|High}} preset | # Click the {{ui|High}} preset and wait until the '''"Video settings have been set for BethINI high quality."''' message is displayed. | ||
#: Please avoid the temptation to click 'Ultra' for now, even if the PC is high-end. | #: Please avoid the temptation to click 'Ultra' for now, even if the PC is high-end. | ||
# Tick '''''Recommended Tweaks''''' and wait until the '''"Recommended tweaks have been automatically applied."''' message is displayed. | |||
# '''''Window Resolution''''' should match the system resolution. | # '''''Window Resolution''''' should match the system resolution. | ||
# Tick '''''Borderless''''' | # Tick '''''Borderless''''' and '''''64-Bit Render Targets'''''. | ||
# '''''Un'''''tick '''''VSync''''' and '''''Lock Frame Rate'''''}} | |||
# | <div class= text-center>{{GallerySimple|id=BethINISetup|width=25.0|img=File:BethINI-{{Abbreviation|{{NAMESPACE}} }}-Basic-v2.png|caption=Basic Tab}}</div> | ||
<div class= text-center>{{GallerySimple|id=BethINISetup|width= | |||
</div> | </div> | ||
<div class="col my-2"> | <div class="col my-2"> | ||
{{Spoiler|shown=General|hidden= | {{Spoiler|shown=General|hidden= | ||
: | : '''''Screenshots directory''''', '''''Filename''''', and '''''Index''''' can be set as desired. Screenshots are taken by pressing {{Ui|Print Screen}} on the keyboard.}} | ||
<div class= text-center>{{GallerySimple|id=BethINISetup|width=250|img=File:BethINI- | <div class= text-center>{{GallerySimple|id=BethINISetup|width=250|img=File:BethINI-{{Abbreviation|{{NAMESPACE}} }}-General.png|caption=General Tab}}</div> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
<div class="col my-2"> | <div class="col my-2"> | ||
{{Spoiler|shown=Gameplay|hidden= | {{Spoiler|shown=Gameplay|hidden= | ||
# Set '''''Over-Encumbered Reminder''''' to '''300''' (5 mins) or '''3600''' (1 hour) | # Set '''''Over-Encumbered Reminder''''' to '''300''' (5 mins) or '''3600''' (1 hour) | ||
# '''''NPC Use Ammo''''' is optional, but recommended.}} | # '''''NPC Use Ammo''''' is optional, but recommended.}} | ||
<div class= text-center>{{GallerySimple|id=BethINISetup|width=250|img=File:BethINI- | <div class= text-center>{{GallerySimple|id=BethINISetup|width=250|img=File:BethINI-{{Abbreviation|{{NAMESPACE}} }}-Gameplay.png|caption=Gameplay Tab}}</div> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
<div class="row w-100 align-items-center"> | <div class="row w-100 align-items-center"> | ||
<div class="col my-2"> | <div class="col my-2"> | ||
{{Spoiler|shown=Interface|hidden= | {{Spoiler|shown=Interface|hidden= | ||
# Subtitles may be enabled here if desired. | |||
<div class= text-center>{{GallerySimple|id=BethINISetup|width=250|img=File:BethINI- | # '''''Un'''''tick '''''Mod Manager Menu''''' }} | ||
<div class= text-center>{{GallerySimple|id=BethINISetup|width=250|img=File:BethINI-{{Abbreviation|{{NAMESPACE}} }}-Interface-v2.png|caption=Interface Tab}}</div> | |||
</div> | </div> | ||
<div class="col my-2"> | <div class="col my-2"> | ||
{{Spoiler|shown=Detail|hidden= | {{Spoiler|shown=Detail|hidden= | ||
# | # '''''Un'''''tick '''''Reflect Sky''''' and '''''Anamorphic Lens Flare'''''. | ||
# | # The following can be ticked, but if ENB is used, remember to '''''un'''''tick the following: | ||
<div class= text-center>{{GallerySimple|id=BethINISetup|width=250|img=File:BethINI- | #* '''''Lens Flare''''' | ||
#* '''''Ambient Occlusion'''''}} | |||
<div class= text-center>{{GallerySimple|id=BethINISetup|width=250|img=File:BethINI-{{Abbreviation|{{NAMESPACE}} }}-Detail-v2.png|caption=Detail Tab}}</div> | |||
</div> | </div> | ||
<div class="col my-2"> | <div class="col my-2"> | ||
{{Spoiler|shown=View Distance|hidden= | {{Spoiler|shown=View Distance|hidden= | ||
: View distance settings can be left unchanged.}} | |||
<div class= text-center>{{GallerySimple|id=BethINISetup|width=250|img=File:BethINI-{{Abbreviation|{{NAMESPACE}} }}-ViewDistance-v2.png|caption=View Distance Tab}}</div> | |||
<div class= text-center>{{GallerySimple|id=BethINISetup|width=250|img=File:BethINI- | |||
</div> | </div> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
<div class="row w-100 align-items-center"> | <div class="row w-100 align-items-center"> | ||
<div class="col my-2"> | <div class="col my-2"> | ||
{{Spoiler|shown=Visuals|hidden= | {{Spoiler|shown=Visuals|hidden= | ||
# ''Un''tick '''''Fade-In''''' | # '''''Un'''''tick '''''Fade-In''''' | ||
# Set '''''Far-off Tree Distance''''' to '''0'''. The far-off trees will be rendered in object LOD via DynDOLOD instead. | # Set '''''Far-off Tree Distance''''' to '''0'''. The far-off trees will be rendered in object LOD via DynDOLOD instead. | ||
# Set '''''Grass Density''''' to | # Set '''''Grass Density''''' to 60 and '''''Grass Diversity''''' to 15.}} | ||
<div class= text-center>{{GallerySimple|id=BethINISetup|width=250|img=File:BethINI-{{Abbreviation|{{NAMESPACE}} }}-Visuals-v2.png|caption=Visuals Tab}}</div> | |||
<div class= text-center>{{GallerySimple|id=BethINISetup|width=250|img=File:BethINI- | |||
</div> | </div> | ||
<div class="col my-2"> | <div class="col my-2"> | ||
{{Spoiler|shown=Custom|hidden= | {{Spoiler|shown=Custom|hidden= | ||
: (optional) Consider the following to reduce the sun size if using ENB: | |||
# In the '''Section''' drop-down, select ''Weather''. | |||
#* In the '''Setting''' drop-down, select ''fSunBaseSize''. | |||
#*: Change the value to '''200''' and click {{ui|Save}}. | |||
#* In the '''Setting''' drop-down, select ''fSunGlareSize''. | |||
#*: Change the value to '''282''' and click {{ui|Save}}. | |||
# Return to '''Basic''' tab, and click {{ui|Save and Exit}} | |||
}} | |||
<div class= text-center>{{GallerySimple|id=BethINISetup|width=250|img=File:BethINI-{{Abbreviation|{{NAMESPACE}} }}-Custom-v2.png|caption=Custom Tab}}</div> | |||
<div class= text-center>{{GallerySimple|id=BethINISetup|width=250|img=File:BethINI- | |||
</div> | </div> | ||
</div> | </div> | ||
Line 294: | Line 283: | ||
= STEP 3 = | = STEP 3 = | ||
<div> | <div>Plugins & Considerations</div> | ||
{{ | == Sorting Plugins With LOOT == | ||
At any time during the mod installation process, LOOT should be used to sort plugins ''before'' running the game. This is necessary to ensure proper plugin priority (load order), which can have a dramatic impact on the game: | |||
{{Spoiler|shown=Steps to Sort Plugins|hidden= | |||
# Relaunch Mod Organizer, if it isn't already running. | |||
# Launch LOOT via MO from the executables drop-down menu at the top of the right pane. | |||
#* If LOOT fails to start, try adding the following argument as described in [[{{NAMESPACE}}:{{PAGENAME}}#Tool_Setup|Tools Setup]]: <code>--single-process</code>. If LOOT cannot find the game directory, add the path to <code>../Skyrim Special Edition</code> folder to '''Install Path''' under LOOT settings. | |||
# Click the {{ui|Sort Plugins}} waffle icon at the top of the LOOT window next to the game name. | |||
# Several plugins will show warnings in yellow. The next section describes how to clean them up. | |||
# Click the {{ui|Apply Sorted Load Order}} checkmark button at the top of the LOOT window next to the game name. | |||
# Close LOOT.}} | |||
Up to this point, | Up to this point, only the following plugins should be listed in the MO right pane in the order listed. (If not, run LOOT again): | ||
# Skyrim.esm | # Skyrim.esm | ||
# Update.esm | # Update.esm | ||
Line 313: | Line 302: | ||
# HearthFires.esm | # HearthFires.esm | ||
# Dragonborn.esm | # Dragonborn.esm | ||
# Creation Club Plugins | |||
If the plugins are not in the order listed, run LOOT now. | If the plugins are not in the order listed, run LOOT now. | ||
== Cleaning Vanilla Master | == Cleaning Vanilla Master Plugins == | ||
Step | To resolve potential issues later, the vanilla plugin masters should be cleaned with xEdit. Step is aware of the debate regarding whether or not it's necessary to clean vanilla masters. While it may or may not matter for general references, that is not the case regarding large references. Any large reference that is deleted, "initially disabled", or overwritten triggers large reference bugs. ''See the [https://stepmodifications.org/forum/topic/16796--/page/215/?tab=comments#comment-256654 relevant posts] for details and further reading.'' | ||
Prior to getting started, create an empty mod entitled '''''Cleaned Vanilla Masters''''' in the MO left pane by clicking on {{Icon|molistoptions|30}} in the header above the mod list. Enable this mod. | |||
=== Standard Cleaning Procedures === | === Standard Cleaning Procedures === | ||
{{Spoiler|shown=Cleaning | {{Spoiler|shown=Plugin Cleaning Steps|hidden=<br/> | ||
# Run '''LOOT''' from the drop-down executable list in MO. | |||
# Note that any 'dirty' plugins plugins will have yellow 'warning' blocks. These are the plugins that should be cleaned. After taking note of one such plugin, LOOT can be closed. | |||
# Run '''xEditQuickAutoClean''' from the drop-down executable list in MO. | # Run '''xEditQuickAutoClean''' from the drop-down executable list in MO. | ||
# On the plugin selection window, double-click on the | # On the plugin selection window, double-click on the plugin being cleaned. | ||
# Once xEdit is finished, click {{ui|X}} at upper right to close. A backup of the original plugin will automatically be saved into (e.g., <code>.. | # Once xEdit is finished, click {{ui|X}} at upper right to close. A backup of the original plugin will automatically be saved into (e.g., <code>..\xEdit Output\SSEEdit Backups\PluginName.es*.DateTime</code>) inside of '''''xEdit Output''''' mod (or in ''Overwrite'' at the bottom of the MO mod list (left) pane if previous instructions were NOT followed!). | ||
# To verify the plugin has been cleaned, LOOT can be run again, and no warnings should be apparent.}} | # To verify the plugin has been cleaned, LOOT can be run again, and no warnings should be apparent.}} | ||
== | === Clean the Masters === | ||
Vanilla masters should be cleaned in the following order using the following procedures: | |||
{{Spoiler|shown=Plugin cleaning procedures...|hidden=<br/> | |||
# Run '''LOOT''' from the drop-down executable list in MO, sort the plugins, and apply the changes. Do not close LOOT. | |||
# Note that any 'dirty' plugins plugins will have yellow 'warning' blocks. These are the plugins that should be cleaned. | |||
# Leaving the LOOT window open, click on the MO window and note the "Mod Organizer is locked ...." message in the center of the MO window. Click {{Ui|Unlock}}. | |||
#: This allows the LOOT window to remain open as a reference while running the xEditQuickAutoClean process for the mods that should be cleaned. Begin cleaning the plugins from the top, and work down the list. | |||
# Follow the standard cleaning procedures to clean '''Update.esm''' and then '''Dawnguard.esm'''. | |||
# Then make changes to '''Dawnguard.esm''' using the following procedure: | |||
## Run '''''xEdit''''' from MO. | |||
## At the prompt, double-click on Dawnguard.esm. | |||
## Once loaded, type in <code>00016BCF</code> in the FormID field (above the mod list) and hit {{ui|Enter/Return}}. | |||
## In the right pane, find the "XEZN - Encounter Zone" record. | |||
## In the Dawnguard.esm column, right-click on the "RiftenRatwayZone [ECZN:0009FBB9]" entry and select {{ui|Remove}}. | |||
##* If a prompt appears select Yes for each of these removals. | |||
## In the FormID field again, type in <code>0001FA4C</code> and hit {{ui|Enter/Return}}. | |||
## On the Dawnguard.esm column, right-lick on the "Dawnguard.esm" header and select {{ui|Remove}}. | |||
## In the FormID field again, type in <code>0006C3B6</code> and hit {{ui|Enter/Return}}. | |||
## On the Dawnguard.esm column, right-lick on the "Dawnguard.esm" header and select {{ui|Remove}} as in step 3.7. | |||
## Now close xEdit. | |||
## In the window popup, ensure Dawnguard.esm is ticked and that '''Backup plugins''' is ticked at the bottom of the window ({{Fc|salmon|DO NOT untick '''Backup plugins'''!}}) and click {{ui|OK}}. | |||
# Once Dawnguard's manual cleaning is complete, follow the standard cleaning procedures to clean '''Hearthfires.esm''', '''Dragonborn.esm''', and then all of the other Creation Club mods with LOOT warnings. | |||
{{GallerySimple|id=MasterCleaning|width=150|img=File:DGCleaning01.png|caption=Step 3.3-4}}{{GallerySimple|id=MasterCleaning|width=150|img=File:DGCleaning02.png|caption=Step 3.5}}{{GallerySimple|id=MasterCleaning|width=150|img=File:DGCleaning03.png|caption=Step 3.6-7}} | |||
{{clear}} | |||
}} | |||
{{Spoiler|shown=Vanilla Masters Cleaning List...|hidden=<br/> | |||
# Update.esm | |||
# Dawnguard.esm | |||
# Hearthfires.esm | |||
# Dragonborn.esm | |||
# Creation Club Mods | |||
## cc...almsivi.esm | |||
## cc...Fish.esm | |||
## cc...zombies.esl | |||
## cc...ruinsedge.esl | |||
## cc...goldbrand.esl | |||
## cc...SurvivalMode.esl | |||
## cc...puzzledungeon.esm | |||
## cc...hstead.esm | |||
## cc...shadowrend.esl | |||
## cc...norjewel.esl | |||
## cc...pets.esl | |||
## cc...mntuni.esl | |||
## cc...hasedoki.esl | |||
## cc...wraithguard.esl | |||
## cc...imperialdragon.esl | |||
## cc...ve.esl | |||
## cc...crosselv.esl | |||
## cc...umbra.esm | |||
## cc...advcyrus.esm | |||
## cc...bowofshadows.esl | |||
## cc...advobgobs.esl | |||
## cc...ba_daedric.esl | |||
## cc...ba_dragonplate.esl | |||
## cc...ba_dwarven.esl | |||
## cc...armsofchaos.esl | |||
## cc...netchleather.esl | |||
## cc...splkntset.esl | |||
## cc...ba_dwarvenmail.esl | |||
## cc...ba_dragonscale.esl | |||
## cc...ba_daedricmail.esl | |||
## cc...ba_stalhrim.esl | |||
## cc...ba_daedinv.esm | |||
## cc...necroarts.esl | |||
## cc...beafarmer.esl | |||
## cc...AdvDSGS.esm | |||
## cc...necrohouse.esl | |||
## cc...redguard.esl | |||
## cc...hall.esl | |||
## cc...cave.esm | |||
## cc...altar.esl | |||
## cc...gaunt.esl}} | |||
=== Moving the Cleaned Files === | |||
After the vanilla master files are cleaned, they should be moved into the "Cleaned Vanilla Masters" mod in MO, and the original files should be restored into the 'real' "Data" directory in the game folder. This makes Steam happy when "validating" files so that it remains unaware of changes. To move the new files and restore the original files, complete the following: | |||
==== Cleaned Vanilla Masters ==== | |||
{{Spoiler|shown=Toggle instructions|hidden= | |||
# In MO, open the '''Cleaned Vanilla Masters''' mod in Windows Explorer (right-click '''Cleaned Vanilla Masters''', then click '''Open in Explorer'''). | |||
# Click the {{icon|type=moopenfolders|size=30}} button above the MO mod list (left) pane, and select '''Open Game Folder''' to open the game folder in Windows Explorer (e.g. <code>..\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition</code> | |||
# Open <code>..\Data</code> folder, and '''{{Fc|highlight|move}}''' all the cleaned master files from <code>..\Data</code> into <code>..\Cleaned Vanilla Masters</code> folder. | |||
#: '''Tip:''' Set the folder to ''Details'' view and sort by the ''Date modified'' column. This will sort all the recently modified files to the top of the file list. ([[:File:MoveMastersRef01.png|reference image]]) | |||
# Close the ''Cleaned Vanilla Masters'' folder, and tick the box to '''''enable''''' it in the MO left pane if it isn't enabled. | |||
# Close MO for the next steps and continue below}} | |||
==== Restore Original Masters ==== | |||
To quickly and easily restore the original masters, follow the instructions for ''[https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/Guide:System_Setup_Guide#Verify_Integrity_of_Game_Files Verify integrity of game cache]''. Once that is complete, '''''use Steam to launch the game''''' to allow it to download any missing Creation Club content. This must also be done to reinitialize the game with Steam and allow MO to run configured executables without complaint (Any time Steam 'updates' the game files and actually downloads new files, the Steam manifest (or other Steam config) for the game resets and requires a Steam launch). | |||
The | For those that don't want to do this for whatever reason, the manual process is described below. | ||
: {{Fc|salmon|'''''NOTE:''' The manual process is more tedious and requires both moving '''AND''' renaming the backed-up versions.}} | |||
{{Spoiler|shown=Toggle instructions|hidden= | |||
# In MO, open the '''xEdit Output''' mod in Windows Explorer (right-click '''xEdit Output''', then click '''Open in Explorer'''). | |||
# Inside the "SSEEdit Backups" folder, rename the files to "''MasterName''.esm" (i.e. "''Update''.esm"). | |||
#* If there are multiple copies of any of the files, use the one with the ''earliest'' timestamp (the original). | |||
#* {{Fc|salmon|text='''''NOTE:''' If the backed-up vanilla plugins are not present, then backups were disabled by unticking '''Backup plugins''' in a previous xEdit session, contrary to previous instructions. In that case, the vanilla files MUST either be restored using the instructions for [https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/Guide:System_Setup_Guide#Verify_Integrity_of_Game_Files Verify integrity of game cache], OR the <code>DontBackup=1</code> setting must be changed back to <code>DontBackup=0</code> in <code>%LOCALAPPDATA%\Skyrim Special Edition\Plugins.sseviewsettings</code>''.}} | |||
# Move or copy the renamed files into the 'real' game '''Data''' directory (<code>..\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition\Data</code>), choosing to overwrite/replace, if asked. | |||
# Close all Explorer windows.}} | |||
{{alert|type=mo|text=Any time Bethesda updates these master files, they will likely need to be cleaned again and replaced in MO. Any previously cleaned versions of these same files that exist in the MO mod list must be either disabled or deleted first, because xEdit will see only the cleaned versions otherwise.}} | |||
At this point, the Bethesda masters should be cleaned and the mod list order in the left pane should reflect (Note that the plugin order may be different): | |||
<ol><li>DLC: Dawnguard</li> | |||
<li>DLC: HearthFires</li> | |||
<li>DLC: Dragonborn</li> | |||
<li>...Creation Club Mods...</li></ol> | |||
<ol start=77><li>Cleaned Vanilla Masters</li> | |||
<li>xEdit Output</li></ol> | |||
{{Fc|salmon|'''''NOTE:''' To verify the vanilla mods have been cleaned, LOOT can be run again, and no warnings should be apparent.''}} | |||
<br> | <br> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
Line 344: | Line 433: | ||
= STEP 4 = | = STEP 4 = | ||
<div>Step {{NAMESPACE}} Mod List</div> | <div>Step {{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}} Mod List</div><br> | ||
At this point, the PC modding environment should be fully set up and ready for mod installation. | At this point, the PC modding environment should be fully set up and ready for mod installation.<br> | ||
* | {{fc|instruction|'''IMPORTANT:''' Please read ALL of the following carefully BEFORE requesting support on the forums!}} | ||
* | * This guide can be installed in one of '''three''' (3) ways: | ||
* If no ''Notes'' or ''Step recommendations'' are provided for a particular mod, all options are | *# {{fc|instruction|All mods from all ModGroups (mod tables) installed.}} This is recommended, due to the coordination of this build in terms of lighting, weather, and ENB. These are usually the most difficult aspects of a build to get right, given vanilla Skyrim's rather wonky lighting 'incoherence'. | ||
* Mods should be arranged in MO {{fc| | *# {{fc|instruction|All mods from all ModGroups EXCEPT for the optional ModGroup, ''21-Post-Processing''.}} Like the default recommended option, this is most useful for those that cannot afford the performance cost of running with post-processing mods like ENBSeries. For those that want to use a custom ENB setup, we obviously cannot support that, but feel free to try any ENBs that are compatible with the 18-Lighting and Weather ModGroup. | ||
*# {{fc|instruction|All mods from all ModGroups EXCEPT for the optional ModGroups, ''18-Lighting and Weather'' and ''21-Post-Processing''.}} Use this approach if a custom lighting/weather/post-processing solution will be applied, which will obviously not be supported. | |||
* Always install plugins (ESLs/ESMs/ESPs), unless otherwise noted. When there is a choice | ==== General Mod List Notes ==== | ||
* Do '''not''' extract BSAs unless specifically instructed to do so. | |||
* If no ''Notes'' or ''Step recommendations'' are provided for a particular mod, all options are valid. | |||
* After installing a mod, ALWAYS ''enable'' the mod and any related plugins in MO unless otherwise instructed. | |||
* Mods are listed in alphabetical order within each ModGroup and any deviations from this ''are purposeful'' to achieve the desired outcome. | |||
* Mods should be arranged in MO {{fc|instruction|''in the order that they are listed''}} to ensure other mods further down the list overwrite/override those occurring before them. | |||
* Always install plugins (ESLs/ESMs/ESPs), unless otherwise noted. When there is a choice to use an ESL, always choose that ''UNLESS'' continuing a playthrough using a previously-existing savegame (ESL-flagged plugins can 'break' a save that relies on a ESP or ESM version of the same plugin!). | |||
* Always follow LOOT's advice in regards to mod cleaning and sorting unless otherwise noted. | * Always follow LOOT's advice in regards to mod cleaning and sorting unless otherwise noted. | ||
====ModGroup Separators==== | |||
# Click | Mod Organizer features the ability to create ''separators'' within the mod list to group mods for easier visual reference. Step recommends using these separators for each ModGroup below: | ||
# Select {{ui|Create Separator}} and give the separator a name. Step recommends using the Mod Group names (i.e., Extensions, Resources, Lighting | {{Spoiler|shown=Steps to Create MO Separators|hidden= | ||
# Click {{icon|type=molistoptions|30}} at the top of the mod list pane. | |||
# Select {{ui|Create Separator}}, and give the separator a name. Step recommends using the Mod Group names (i.e., Extensions, Resources, Lighting and Weather, etc.). | |||
#* Create a new separator for each new Mod Group while working through the Guide. | #* Create a new separator for each new Mod Group while working through the Guide. | ||
#* Separator colors can be customized by right-clicking on any separator and selecting '''Select Color'''.}} | #* Separator colors can be customized by right-clicking on any separator and selecting '''Select Color'''.}} | ||
== Understanding the Step Patches == | |||
A “conflict resolution” patch, or CR Patch, is a plugin that resolves conflicts between various active plugins. They allow using various mods together without any major issues while still achieving the desired outcome from the mods. The Step Patches are built exclusively for the Step mod build. They are required and are dependent on specific mods as noted by indicators in the mod tables in Step 4. They will not resolve conflicts with any applicable mods that are not in this guide. | |||
=== Step Patches === | |||
# '''Step {{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}} - Conflict Resolution Patch''' (Step Patch - Conflict Resolution) | |||
#* Patches all conflicting plugins <u>except</u> for mods in the optional ''18-Lighting and Weather'' and ''21-Post-Processing'' ModGroups | |||
#* '''''Required''''' | |||
# '''Step {{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}} - Lighting and Weather Patch''' (Step Patch - Lighting and Weather) | |||
#* Required for those that are installing the optional ''18-Lighting and Weather'' ModGroup. | |||
# '''Step {{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}} - Post-Processing Patch''' (Step Patch - Post-Processing) | |||
#* Required for those that are installing BOTH ''18-Lighting and Weather'' AND ''21-Post-Processing'' ModGroups. | |||
== Mod Table Reference == | == Mod Table Reference == | ||
Below is the legend and reference for the mod tables used in this | Below is the legend and reference for the mod tables used in this guide. | ||
{| class="steptable" | | {| class="steptable" | | ||
! class="first" | | ! class="first" | | ||
Line 393: | Line 501: | ||
! class="bluebg" style="width: 0.25rem; border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71; border-top: 1px solid #666C71; padding: 0;" | | ! class="bluebg" style="width: 0.25rem; border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71; border-top: 1px solid #666C71; padding: 0;" | | ||
| style="width: 9%; border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71; border-top: 1px solid #666C71; padding: 0 0.5rem;" | '''Table Flags''' | | style="width: 9%; border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71; border-top: 1px solid #666C71; padding: 0 0.5rem;" | '''Table Flags''' | ||
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71; border-top: 1px solid #666C71;" | A red vertical bar indicates that the mod is required by the Step | | style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71; border-top: 1px solid #666C71;" | A red vertical bar indicates that the mod is required by the Step Patch - Conflict Resolution.<br>A yellow bar indicates that the mod is required by the Step Patch - Lighting and Weather.<br>A blue bar indicates the mod supports or otherwise relates to mods in the 21-Post-Processing ModGroup. | ||
|- | |- | ||
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71;" | | | style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71;" | | ||
Line 417: | Line 525: | ||
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71;" | | | style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71;" | | ||
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71;" | '''Instructions''' | | style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71;" | '''Instructions''' | ||
| style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71;" | Brief | | style="border-bottom: 1px solid #666C71;" | Brief note specifying a recommended install option.<br>In some cases, mods will have several options. In such cases, click [{{fc|blue|Expand}}] to expand the mod row to reveal detailed instructions. | ||
|} | |} | ||
Line 434: | Line 542: | ||
}} | }} | ||
}} | }} | ||
<br> | |||
=== Game Launch Test === | |||
At this stage, the preliminary build should be tested to confirm that there are no issues with the modding environment or engine-level mod configurations: | |||
# Start the game by running the SKSE launcher from Mod Organizer. The game should load to the main menu without issue. | |||
# Open the console (~), type in '''coc riverwood''', and press Enter/Return. The game should load at Riverwood without issue. | |||
# Exit the game using the <code>qqq</code> console command or the standard menu options. | |||
If the game launched and loaded as expected, continue forward. {{Fc|salmon|''Otherwise, all instructions were not followed, and something was missed.''}} Revisit the installation steps above starting with the System Setup Guide in Step 1. If a careful review of the previous instructions does not resolve the issue, [https://stepmodifications.org/forum/forum/{{#var:forumid}}-- post on the guide support forums] for help. | |||
{{Alert|type=warning|text='''''Beyond this point, DO NOT launch the game again until instructed to do so.'''''<br>Many of the following mods are interdependent, and launching the game prematurely will most likely result in issues or failures. Please DO NOT post on the forums for support of non-issues relating to a failure to RTFM.}} | |||
<br> | <br> | ||
Line 468: | Line 586: | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== {{#show:Category:ModGroup_05-Animation | == {{#show:Category:ModGroup_05-Animation and Physics|?ModGroupName}} == | ||
:{{fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModGroup_05-Animation | :{{fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModGroup_05-Animation and Physics|?ModGroupDescription}} }} | ||
{{ModTable|ModTableRow= | {{ModTable|ModTableRow= | ||
{{#ask:[[Game::{{NAMESPACE}}]][[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[ModGroup::05-Animation | {{#ask:[[Game::{{NAMESPACE}}]][[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[ModGroup::05-Animation and Physics]] | ||
|?ModName | |?ModName | ||
|?Version | |?Version | ||
Line 484: | Line 602: | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== {{#show:Category:ModGroup_06-Models | == {{#show:Category:ModGroup_06-Models and Textures|?ModGroupName}} == | ||
:{{fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModGroup_06-Models | :{{fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModGroup_06-Models and Textures|?ModGroupDescription}} }} | ||
{{ModTable|ModTableRow= | {{ModTable|ModTableRow= | ||
{{#ask:[[Game::{{NAMESPACE}}]][[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[ModGroup::06-Models | {{#ask:[[Game::{{NAMESPACE}}]][[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[ModGroup::06-Models and Textures]] | ||
|?ModName | |?ModName | ||
|?Version | |?Version | ||
Line 501: | Line 619: | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== {{#show:Category:ModGroup_07-Sounds | == {{#show:Category:ModGroup_07-Sounds and Music|?ModGroupName}} == | ||
:{{fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModGroup_07-Sounds | :{{fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModGroup_07-Sounds and Music|?ModGroupDescription}} }} | ||
{{ModTable|ModTableRow= | {{ModTable|ModTableRow= | ||
{{#ask:[[Game::{{NAMESPACE}}]][[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[ModGroup::07-Sounds | {{#ask:[[Game::{{NAMESPACE}}]][[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[ModGroup::07-Sounds and Music]] | ||
|?ModName | |?ModName | ||
|?Version | |?Version | ||
Line 565: | Line 683: | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== {{#show:Category:ModGroup_11-Gameplay-AI | == {{#show:Category:ModGroup_11-Gameplay-AI and Combat|?ModGroupName}} == | ||
:{{fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModGroup_11-Gameplay-AI | :{{fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModGroup_11-Gameplay-AI and Combat|?ModGroupDescription}} }} | ||
{{ModTable|ModTableRow= | {{ModTable|ModTableRow= | ||
{{#ask:[[Game::{{NAMESPACE}}]][[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[ModGroup::11-Gameplay-AI | {{#ask:[[Game::{{NAMESPACE}}]][[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[ModGroup::11-Gameplay-AI and Combat]] | ||
|?ModName | |?ModName | ||
|?Version | |?Version | ||
Line 629: | Line 747: | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== {{#show:Category:ModGroup_15-Gameplay-Skills | == {{#show:Category:ModGroup_15-Gameplay-Skills and Perks|?ModGroupName}} == | ||
:{{fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModGroup_15-Gameplay-Skills | :{{fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModGroup_15-Gameplay-Skills and Perks|?ModGroupDescription}} }} | ||
{{ModTable|ModTableRow= | {{ModTable|ModTableRow= | ||
{{#ask:[[Game::{{NAMESPACE}}]][[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[ModGroup::15-Gameplay-Skills | {{#ask:[[Game::{{NAMESPACE}}]][[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[ModGroup::15-Gameplay-Skills and Perks]] | ||
|?ModName | |?ModName | ||
|?Version | |?Version | ||
Line 677: | Line 795: | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
== {{#show:Category:ModGroup_18-Lighting | == {{#show:Category:ModGroup_18-Lighting and Weather|?ModGroupName}} == | ||
:{{fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModGroup_18-Lighting | :{{fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModGroup_18-Lighting and Weather|?ModGroupDescription}} }} | ||
{{ModTable|ModTableRow= | {{ModTable|ModTableRow= | ||
{{#ask:[[Game::{{NAMESPACE}}]][[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[ModGroup::18-Lighting | {{#ask:[[Game::{{NAMESPACE}}]][[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]][[ModGroup::18-Lighting and Weather]] | ||
|?ModName | |?ModName | ||
|?Version | |?Version | ||
Line 723: | Line 841: | ||
}} | }} | ||
}}<br> | }}<br> | ||
== Mod List Cleanup & Performance Check == | == Mod List Cleanup & Performance Check == | ||
=== Final Sorting and Cleaning === | === Final Sorting and Cleaning === | ||
If plugins have not been sorted this session, run LOOT again. Examine the plugins in LOOT for errrors or warnings (ignoring the game's default masters at the top of the list). {{fc|instructions|Ignore any reported missing compatibility patches or other warnings.}} These are either handled by the Step Patches or not of any concern. Perform the [[{{FULLPAGENAME}}#Standard_Cleaning_Procedures|standard cleaning procedures]] on any mods requiring cleaning (except for the game's default masters). | |||
Be aware the Step Patches are designed to work with a default, LOOT-sorted plugin order. This eliminates the need to set rules on the load order. From this point on: | Be aware that the Step Patches are designed to work with a default, LOOT-sorted plugin order. This eliminates the need to set rules on the load order. From this point on: | ||
* Ensure all applicable mods are ticked in the left pane of MO. | * Ensure all applicable mods are ticked in the left pane of MO. | ||
* Ensure all plugins are ticked in the right pane of MO. | * Ensure all plugins are ticked in the right pane of MO. | ||
Line 745: | Line 853: | ||
=== Performance Tuning === | === Performance Tuning === | ||
It's necessary to determine how much performance headroom is available before generating LOD or setting up post processing like ENB, because the full LODGen setup can cost upwards of 10 FPS on average in exteriors, and ENB can cost upwards of an additional 40 FPS. {{Fc|instruction|The goal at this point is to have at least 95 FPS in the Rift on average. Keep in mind that decreasing game resolution can drastically improve performance.}} | |||
{{Alert|text=For guidance on additional display settings (e.g., ultra widescreen, FreeSync, G-SYNC, etc.), refer to the [[SkyrimSE:Display_Settings|SSE Display Settings Guide]] before continuing.}} | |||
{{Spoiler|shown=Benchmarking | {{Spoiler|shown=Benchmarking Steps|hidden= | ||
# | # Temporarily disable [[{{NAMESPACE}}:A Clear Map of Skyrim and Other Worlds|A Clear Map of Skyrim and Other Worlds]]. Keep this mod disabled while performance benchmarks and tuning are performed. | ||
# Launch | # Uncap frame rates if they are capped (ignore any stuttering, screen tearing, etc. for the time being): | ||
## Double click [[{{NAMESPACE}}:SSE_Display_Tweaks|SSE Display Tweaks]] in the MO left pane, select the INI Files tab, and adjust the following settings under the [Render] section: | |||
##*<code>EnableVSync=false</code> | |||
##*<code>EnableTearing=true</code> | |||
##*<code>FramerateLimit=300</code> | |||
## If applicable, ensure that G-SYNC or Freesync are properly ''disabled'' via NVIDIA Inspector or AMD Adrenalin. | |||
## If applicable, ensure that NVIDIA ultra low latency mode (ULLM) or AMD anti-lag are properly ''disabled'' via NVIDIA Inspector or AMD Adrenalin. | |||
# Launch {{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}}, and start a '''NEW''' game to verify that Skyrim loads without issue. Skyrim should successfully load into the Alternate Start character generation interface. | |||
# At the Statue of Mara, select "I own property in one of the holds". | # At the Statue of Mara, select "I own property in one of the holds". | ||
# Select "Breezehome". | # Select "Breezehome". | ||
# Rest, and | # Rest for 3 hours, and save the game when the Breezehome interior loads. This will be the ''clean save'' to use for testing performance before and after LODGen. | ||
# Exit | # Exit Breezehome and exit the Whiterun gate. | ||
# | # Once outside of Whiterun, open the console and type <code>cow tamriel 40 -24</code>, and assess frame rates by moving around the Rift. | ||
# Use the <kbd>Shift</kbd> + <kbd>INS</kbd> keyboard combo to bring up the [[{{NAMESPACE}}:SSE_Display_Tweaks|SSE Display Tweaks]] OSD. | |||
#: Other third-party applications like [https://fraps.com/ FRAPS], [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3826 Skyrim Performance Monitor] (SPM) can also provide OSD. | |||
Once testing is complete, revert the changes and reapply frame caps: | |||
# Re-enable [[{{NAMESPACE}}:A Clear Map of Skyrim and Other Worlds|A Clear Map of Skyrim and Other Worlds]]. | |||
# Double click [[{{NAMESPACE}}:SSE_Display_Tweaks|SSE Display Tweaks]] in the MO left pane, select the INI Files tab, and adjust the following settings under the [Render] section: | |||
#*<code>EnableVSync=true</code> | |||
#*<code>EnableTearing=false</code> | |||
#*<code>FramerateLimit=<previousValue></code> | |||
# If applicable, ensure that G-SYNC or Freesync are properly ''enabled'' via NVIDIA Inspector or AMD Adrenalin. | |||
# If applicable, ensure that NVIDIA ultra low latency mode (ULLM) or AMD anti-lag are properly ''enabled'' via NVIDIA Inspector or AMD Adrenalin. | |||
}} | |||
==== Performance/Quality Optimization ==== | ==== Performance/Quality Optimization ==== | ||
This process will optimize the performance-quality trade off prior to configuration of ENB and LOD. | |||
# | * If the average FPS is 90 - 100 FPS, stop here and continue to [[#21-Post-Processing|21-Post-Processing]] or [[#STEP_5|Step 5 - LOD]]. | ||
* If the average FPS is lower or higher than 90 - 100 FPS continue below to optimize performance/quality to get closer to this range. | |||
# Right click and select "open in new window" on [[{{FULLPAGENAME}}#BethINI_Setup|this link]] to revisit the BethINI setup instructions that ''should'' be in effect if the BethINI instructions were followed. | |||
# Close MO, and run BethINI (e.g. <code>..Modding\Tools\BethINI\BethINI.exe</code>). | |||
#* '''If the average FPS was lower than 95 FPS:''' | |||
#*# Set the {{Ui|Medium}} preset | |||
#*# {{Fc|salmon|''Selecting a preset in BethINI makes changes to many settings, so ensure all BethINI settings match those in the instructions, particularly for {{Fc|important|Basic}}, {{Fc|important|Detail}}, and {{Fc|important|Visuals}} tabs.''}} | |||
#*# Rerun the benchmark. | |||
#*# If average FPS is still not ≥ 95, repeat these steps selecting the {{Ui|Low}} preset. | |||
#* '''If the average FPS was higher than 105 FPS:''' | |||
#*# Set the {{Ui|Ultra}} preset | |||
#*# {{Fc|salmon|''Selecting a preset in BethINI makes changes to many settings, so ensure all BethINI settings match those in the instructions, particularly for {{Fc|important|Basic}}, {{Fc|important|Detail}}, and {{Fc|important|Visuals}} tabs.''}} | |||
#*# Rerun the benchmark. | |||
#*# If average FPS is not ≥ 95, revert to the default {{Ui|High}} preset. | |||
:{{Fc|salmon|'''''NOTE:''' Once finished, don't forget to re-enable graphics settings as described at the bottom of the Benchmarking Steps to reap the benefits of those disabled settings if supported.''}} | |||
== Performance Examples == | |||
Following are performance results using the approach described previously. This serves as a preview to help in making decisions about ENB/DynDOLOD configurations. Note that with Step's recommended configurations, ENB is more costly than DynDOLOD in terms of performance ([[User:Z929669/SystemSpecs|reference system]]): | |||
<pre>Step 2.0.0 - All optional ModGroups installed | |||
Resolution: 2560x1440 | |||
Weather: clear (81a) | |||
PERFORMANCE TUNING | |||
Initial performance check: 100-112 FPS | |||
Revised BethINI (Ultra): 94-107 FPS | |||
Re-enable Freesync/Anti-Lag: 94-104 FPS | |||
Enable ENB 'heavy' preset: 55-62 FPS (Whiterun tundra but similar in Riften) | |||
Enable DynDOLOD (default): 47-51 FPS (Whiterun tundra but similar in Riften) | |||
</pre> | |||
: ''The following gallery shows visual compares and performance snapshots for the cost of DynDOLOD and ENB using a number of Step's supported configurations. Different PCs and game resolutions will yield varying FPS results, but the proportional and relative differences between these presets should be similar: | |||
<gallery mode="slideshow">File:ENB (heavy), DynDOLOD Default.jpg|'''Step Heavy ENB, Default DynDOLOD''' | |||
File:ENB (light) DynDOLOD Default.jpg|'''Step Light ENB, Default DynDOLOD''' | |||
File:ENB (milk drinker), DynDOLOD Default.jpg|'''Step Milk Drinker ENB, Default DynDOLOD''' | |||
File:ENB (milk drinker), Billboard4 trees.jpg|'''Step Milk Drinker ENB, DynDOLOD w/Billboard4 LOD4 trees''' | |||
File:No ENB, DynDOLOD Default.jpg|'''No ENB, Default DynDOLOD'''</gallery> | |||
== {{#show:Category:ModGroup_21-Post-Processing|?ModGroupName}} == | == {{#show:Category:ModGroup_21-Post-Processing|?ModGroupName}} == | ||
Decide whether or not to install the Post-Processing ModGroup (and use ENB). {{fc|salmon|Keep in mind that LOD generation is more fundamentally important to visual enhancement than ENB}}, so if average frame rate from the previous benchmark is consistently below approx. 90 FPS at this point, consider skipping Post-Processing, and continuing on to [[#Step_5|Step 5]]. | |||
{{Alert|text=If ENB will be used, revisit the [https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/SkyrimSE:{{#show:STEP:Main/GuideVersioning|?SkyrimLECurrentRelease#}} BethINI Setup] to disable: '''Display''' > '''''Lens Flare''''', '''''Anamorphic Lens Flare''''', and '''''Ambient Occlusion''''' before installing the following ModGroup. Also consider modifying the sun size as instructed under '''Custom'''. Otherwise, skip to [[#Step_5|Step 5]].}} | |||
=== Post-Processing Mod Table === | |||
:{{fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModGroup_21-Post-Processing|?ModGroupDescription}} }} | :{{fc|#E6B69E|{{#show:Category:ModGroup_21-Post-Processing|?ModGroupDescription}} }} | ||
{{ModTable|ModTableRow= | {{ModTable|ModTableRow= | ||
Line 787: | Line 942: | ||
|sort=OrderID | |sort=OrderID | ||
}} | }} | ||
}} | }}<br> | ||
=== Post-Processing Mod Options === | |||
Beginning at [[#04-Foundation|04-Foundation]], confirm that all mod rows prefixed with a <u>blue vertical bar</u> are installed with the Post-Processing options. | |||
=== Step {{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}} ENB Preset === | |||
Three versions of the Step ENB preset are available, depending on performance requirements: | |||
# '''Heavy''' includes all of the significant effects and is recommended for systems that can withstand the performance cost of approx. 30-40 FPS in exteriors. | |||
# '''light''' includes some of the significant effects and all essentials but at slightly lower quality than Heavy. This is will cost approx. 20-30 FPS in exteriors. | |||
# '''Milk Drinker''' includes only the essential effects and at the lowest quality, costing 15-25 FPS in exteriors. | |||
==== ENB Preset Installation ==== | |||
# Download the '''''Step {{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}} ENB Preset''''' from the [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/31054 Step {{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}} Nexus page] | |||
# Open the archive and extract the contents (folder and INI) to the {{GameAbbrTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}} root directory (e.g., <code>..Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition</code>) | |||
# Close the archive and root directory | |||
# Consider rerunning the [[#Performance_Tuning|performance benchmark]] before continuing on. | |||
#: {{fc|important|The shaders will be cached the first launch of the game after ENBSeries installation, so game load may take a minute or two.}} | |||
# If average frame rate from the new benchmark was below '''65''', consider using a more performance-friendly preset or disabling ENB entirely. | |||
<!--== Generate Grass Cache == | |||
Since all mods are now installed, grass can be pre-cached using the following process: | |||
=== Get Worldspaces With Grass === | |||
[[{{NAMESPACE}}:Worldspaces with Grass SSEEdit Script|Worldspaces with Grass SSEEdit Script]] will be used to reduce the amount of worldspaces traversed by NGIO in precaching grass. This will significantly reduce grass cache generation time. | |||
# Ensure all plugins are activated, and sort with LOOT. | |||
# Open xEdit with all plugins ticked. | |||
# Once the "''Background Loader: Finished''" message appears, right click anywhere in the left pane and select <span class=hltx>[Apply Script...]</span>. | |||
# Select ''List worldspaces with grass'' from the '''''Script''''' drop-down, and click <span class=hltx>[OK]</span>. | |||
# After a minute or two, when the "''Worldspaces with grass''" window appears, right-click the highlighted text and select <span class=hltx>[Copy]</span>. | |||
# Click OK and exit SSEdit. | |||
# In the MO left pane, search for and double click on [[{{NAMESPACE}}:No Grass In Objects|No Grass In Objects]] mod. | |||
# Click the <span class=hltx>[Text Files]</span> tab in the mod information window. | |||
# Click on '''''GrassControl.config.txt''''', and paste the clipboard content between the quotation marks of the <code>OnlyPregenerateWorldSpaces</code> setting. | |||
=== Pre-Cache Grass === | |||
This process will take about 20-40 minutes to complete, depending on the system. The game will typically crash during grass generation, but MO will restart the process automatically. There is no need to monitor or click <span class=hltx>[OK]</span> when restarts occur. | |||
# Click the {{Icon|type=motools}} button in MO, and select <span class=hltx>[Precache Grass]</span>. | |||
# When the game displays the ''error message'' stating "''Grass generation finished successfully!''", click <span class=hltx>[OK]</span>. | |||
#: Unless SKSE output has been configured specifically (not applicable if this guide's instructions were followed), the grass cache will be generated in ''Overwrite''. | |||
# Right-click ''Overwrite'', select <span class=hltx>[Create Mod...]</span>, name it <code>Grass Cache</code>, and click <span class=hltx>[OK]</span>. | |||
# Place this mod just after [[{{NAMESPACE}}:No Grass In Objects|No Grass In Objects]] mod in the MO left pane. | |||
--> | |||
<br> | <br> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
<br> | <br> | ||
= STEP | = STEP 5 = | ||
<div>Level of Detail (LOD)</div><br> | <div>Level of Detail (LOD)</div><br> | ||
Now that all | Now that all mods and patches have been installed/sorted and performance margins are acceptable, the next step is to generate custom LOD data for the mod list. Recommended settings correspond to rendered game resolutions that will benefit from those settings. | ||
=== LOD Setup === | |||
Before moving on, create three empty mods for the LOD output: | Before moving on, create three empty mods for the LOD output: | ||
# Click on the {{icon|type=molistoptions|size=30}} button and select, {{ui|Create empty mod}}. | # Click on the {{icon|type=molistoptions|size=30}} button and select, {{ui|Create empty mod}}. | ||
# Name it <code> | # Name it <code>xLODGen Output</code>. | ||
# | #: This places a new, empty mod at the bottom of the mod list. However if it's not, place it last in the mod list. | ||
# Repeat these steps to create two more | # Repeat these steps to create two more mods named: <code>TexGen Output</code>, and <code>DynDOLOD Output</code>. | ||
# Place these new mods directly after ''''' | # Place these new mods directly after '''''xLODGen Output'''''. | ||
# Find the '''''(TEMP) | # Find the '''''(TEMP) Cathedral Landscapes - xLODGen''''' mod from the [[#04-Foundation|04-Foundation]] mod group and enable it, if necessary. | ||
# Find the '''''(TEMP) Terrain - xLODGen''''' mod from the [[#03-Resources|03-Resources]] mod group and enable it, if necessary. | |||
#: These mods '''''only''''' need to be enabled for terrain LOD generation. If they are not disabled before actually playing the game, they will cause visual glitches. | |||
# Sort with LOOT. | |||
<br> | |||
The last few mods in the mod list should now reflect the following (numbering is approximate and reflects the number of mods installed without extra mods or mod-list separators): | The last few mods in the mod list should now reflect the following (numbering is approximate and reflects the number of mods installed without extra mods or mod-list separators): | ||
Line 809: | Line 1,009: | ||
<li> DLC: Hearthfires</li></ol> | <li> DLC: Hearthfires</li></ol> | ||
<ol start={{#ask:[[Category:{{NAMESPACE}} Mods]][[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]] | mainlabel=- | format=count}}> | <ol start={{#ask:[[Category:{{NAMESPACE}} Mods]][[Version::{{PAGENAME}}]] | mainlabel=- | format=count}}> | ||
<li> ... | <li> ... </li> | ||
<li> (TEMP) | <li> (TEMP) Cathedral Landscapes - xLODGen {{Fc|instruction|'''''NOTE:''' This mod can be here or under ''04-Foundation'' with Cathedral Landscapes main mod, but it must be DISABLED later as instructed!''}}</li> | ||
<li> | <li> (TEMP) Terrain - xLODGen</li> | ||
<li> | <li> xLODGen Output</li> | ||
<li> | <li> TexGen Output</li> | ||
{{ | <li> DynDOLOD Output</li></ol> | ||
{{Alert|text= Complete the following in order, and ensure that all mods and plugins are enabled and sorted before doing so.}} | |||
{{Alert|type=warn|text=Using higher resolutions than recommended for any of the following LOD applications will result in a waste of PC resources with NO BENEFIT. It makes ZERO sense to impulsively increase the resolutions beyond the specifications indicated.}} | |||
== xLODGen == | == xLODGen == | ||
xLODGen is run first to generate updated LOD terrain textures and meshes so that landscape LOD is updated with mod changes: | xLODGen is run first to generate updated LOD terrain textures and meshes so that landscape LOD is updated with mod changes: | ||
=== | === Generate terrain LOD === | ||
# Ensure [[#LOD_Setup|LOD Setup]] was completed. | |||
# Ensure | |||
# | |||
# Run xLODGen from the MO executable drop-down list. | # Run xLODGen from the MO executable drop-down list. | ||
# Select all worldspaces. | # Select all worldspaces. | ||
# Ensure that ONLY the '''''Terrain LOD''''' box is ticked in the right pane. | # Ensure that ONLY the '''''Terrain LOD''''' box is ticked in the right pane. | ||
# Use the following settings, which have been verified in extensive [https://stepmodifications.org/forum/topic/15184-xlodgen-terrain-settings-compare/page-3#entry242523 testing]: | # Use the following settings, which have been verified in extensive [https://stepmodifications.org/forum/topic/15184-xlodgen-terrain-settings-compare/page-3#entry242523 testing]: | ||
#: {{ | #: {{Fc|salmon|'''''NOTE:''' Unless you are running {{AbbreviationTagged|{{NAMESPACE}}}} at ≥ 4k resolution, resist the urge to wastefully increase the texture resolutions shown, which will only reduce FPS with NO BENEFIT. Those running ≥ 4k resolution WILL benefit by doubling the resolution for LOD4, LOD8, and LOD16 from 256 to 512.''}} | ||
#: {{GallerySimple|id=xLODGenTerrain|width=150|img=File:XLODGen1.jpg|caption=LOD4}}{{GallerySimple|id=xLODGenTerrain|width=150|img=File:XLODGen2.jpg|caption=LOD8}}{{GallerySimple|id=xLODGenTerrain|width=150|img=File:XLODGen3.jpg|caption=LOD16}}{{GallerySimple|id=xLODGenTerrain|width=150|img=File: | #: {{GallerySimple|id=xLODGenTerrain|width=150|img=File:XLODGen1.jpg|caption=LOD4}}{{GallerySimple|id=xLODGenTerrain|width=150|img=File:XLODGen2.jpg|caption=LOD8}}{{GallerySimple|id=xLODGenTerrain|width=150|img=File:XLODGen3.jpg|caption=LOD16}}{{GallerySimple|id=xLODGenTerrain|width=150|img=File:xLODGen LOD32.png|caption=LOD32}}{{clear}} | ||
# Click {{ui|Generate}} to run the process, which will require upwards of | # Click {{ui|Generate}} to run the process, which will require upwards of 20 minutes, depending on the PC. | ||
# Once the "LOD generation complete" message has appeared, close xLODGen.}} | # Once the "LOD generation complete" message has appeared, close xLODGen. | ||
#: {{Fc|salmon|'''''NOTE:''' If the xLODGen window closes itself, [https://stepmodifications.org/forum/topic/13451-xlodgen-terrain-lod-beta-84-for-fnv-fo3-fo4-fo4vr-tes5-{{Abbreviation|{{NAMESPACE}}}}-tes5vr-enderal-enderalse/ post in the xLODGen topic] and include <code>../Modding/GameName/Tools/xLODGen/bugreport.txt</code> and any logs created.''}} | |||
=== Paint roads on terrain LOD === | |||
# Run '''''ACMOS Road Generator''''' which was installed as part of [[{{NAMESPACE}}:A Clear Map of Skyrim and Other Worlds|A Clear Map of Skyrim and Other Worlds]]. | |||
# For "Path to LOD," browse to the xLODGen output folder (e.g. <code>..Modding/GameName/Tools/xLODGen/xLODGen_Output</code>). | |||
# Click Generate. | |||
# At the prompt to "Overwrite LOD Textures," choose '''Yes'''. | |||
# When prompted to "Zip?", choose '''No'''. | |||
# Wait until it says "All Done!" and then click '''OK''' and close. | |||
=== Wrap Up === | === Terrain LOD Wrap-Up === | ||
# Browse to the xLODGen output folder (e.g. <code>..Modding/GameName/Tools/xLODGen/xLODGen_Output</code>). | |||
# | # In MO, open the '''xLODGen Output''' mod in Windows Explorer (Ctrl + double-click). | ||
# | # Cut and paste the files from <code>../xLODGen_Output</code> into the '''{{GameAbbrevTag|{{NAMESPACE}}}} - xLODGen Output''' folder, then close both folders. | ||
# Cut and paste the files from | # Enable '''xLODGen Output''' mod. | ||
# Enable ''' | # Disable '''(TEMP) Terrain - xLODGen''' and '''(TEMP) Cathedral Landscapes - xLODGen''' mods (only needed as xLODGen resources for terrain generation only). | ||
# Disable '''(TEMP) | |||
== DynDOLOD == | == DynDOLOD == | ||
Object LOD will be created using Dynamic Distant Objects LOD (DynDOLOD). At a significant performance cost (upwards of 10 FPS) for a subtle improvement to LOD, DynDOLOD v3+ supports generation of grass billboard LOD. | Object LOD will be created using Dynamic Distant Objects LOD (DynDOLOD). At a significant performance cost (upwards of 10 FPS) for a subtle improvement to LOD, DynDOLOD v3+ supports generation of grass billboard LOD. {{Fc|salmon|''Generate grass LOD ONLY if performance headroom is available per [[{{NAMESPACE}}:2.0.0#Performance_Tuning|Performance Tuning instructions]]''.}} | ||
{{Alert|type=warn|text=These instructions are a WIP and may change slightly until we have all of the facts and testing results.}} | {{Alert|type=warn|text=These instructions are a WIP and may change slightly until we have all of the facts and testing results.}} | ||
=== Run TexGen === | === Run TexGen === | ||
TexGen 3, shipped with DynDOLOD 3, will generate custom object LOD textures based on enabled mods. TexGen 3 will also generate grass billboards for LOD. | TexGen 3, shipped with DynDOLOD 3, will generate custom object LOD textures based on enabled mods. TexGen 3 will also generate grass billboards for LOD. | ||
# Run TexGen from the MO executable drop-down list. | # Run TexGen from the MO executable drop-down list. | ||
# | # Use the setting corresponding to rendered game [https://www.windowscentral.com/1080p-vs-1440p-vs-4k-which-should-gamers-go resolution]: 1080p = HD, 1440p = QHD, 2160p = 4k | ||
#: {{Fc|salmon|''NOTE: If generating grass LOD, be sure to tick'' "Grass" ''when replecating the following examples.''}} | #: {{Fc|salmon|''NOTE: If generating grass LOD, be sure to tick'' "Grass" ''when replecating the following examples.''}} | ||
#: {{GallerySimple|id=TexGen|width=150|img=File:TexGenHD.jpg|caption=HD}}{{GallerySimple|id=TexGen|width=150|img=File:TexGenQHD.jpg|caption=QHD}}{{GallerySimple|id=TexGen|width=150|img=File:TexGen4k.jpg|caption=4k}}{{clear}} | #: {{GallerySimple|id=TexGen|width=150|img=File:TexGenHD.jpg|caption=HD}}{{GallerySimple|id=TexGen|width=150|img=File:TexGenQHD.jpg|caption=QHD}}{{GallerySimple|id=TexGen|width=150|img=File:TexGen4k.jpg|caption=4k}}{{clear}} | ||
# Click {{ui|Start}}. | # Click {{ui|Start}}. | ||
# Once the completed message has appeared ( | # Once the completed message has appeared (1-5 minutes, depending on the PC), click {{ui|Exit}}. | ||
# Navigate to the DynDOLOD ''TexGen_Output'' folder location (e.g. <code>../Modding/Tools/DynDOLOD/TexGen_Output</code>). | # Navigate to the DynDOLOD ''TexGen_Output'' folder location (e.g. <code>../Modding/Tools/DynDOLOD/TexGen_Output</code>). | ||
# Move the files from the ''TexGen_Output'' folder into the ''' | # Move the files from the ''TexGen_Output'' folder into the '''TexGen Output''' mod: | ||
#: In MO, hold down the '''Ctrl''' key and double-click the ''' | #: In MO, hold down the '''Ctrl''' key and double-click the '''TexGen Output''' mod. Alternatively, right click the mod to open it in an Explorer window. | ||
# Enable the ''' | # Enable the '''TexGen Output''' mod in MO. | ||
=== Run DynDOLOD === | === Run DynDOLOD === | ||
DynDOLOD will generate the object LOD. | DynDOLOD will generate the object LOD. {{Fc|salmon|IF grass LOD is being generated, also modify grass tint and brightness as follows}}: | ||
{{Spoiler|shown=Modify Grass Tint/Brightness|hidden=<br/> | |||
{{Fc|salmon|While these settings should work for most people, the result is specific to display hardware and settings as well as monitor, etc.}} | |||
Browse to <code>..\Modding\Tools\DynDOLOD\Edit Scripts\DynDOLOD\DynDOLOD_SSE.ini</code>, and modify the following, which optimize grass LOD brightness/hue for Cathedral Landscapes:<br> | |||
====== ENB ====== | |||
<pre>; grass LOD brightness multipliers | |||
GrassBrightnessTopR=0.295 | |||
GrassBrightnessTopG=0.315 | |||
GrassBrightnessTopB=0.300 | |||
; make bottom darker to fake shadowing | |||
GrassBrightnessBottomR=0.170 | |||
GrassBrightnessBottomG=0.175 | |||
GrassBrightnessBottomB=0.180</pre> | |||
====== No ENB ====== | |||
<pre>; grass LOD brightness multipliers | |||
GrassBrightnessTopR=0.345 | |||
GrassBrightnessTopG=0.365 | |||
GrassBrightnessTopB=0.350 | |||
; make bottom darker to fake shadowing | |||
GrassBrightnessBottomR=0.220 | |||
GrassBrightnessBottomG=0.225 | |||
GrassBrightnessBottomB=0.230</pre> | |||
Note the distant grass color. It's subtle in these images but more apparent in game. | |||
{{GallerySimple|id=DynDOLODgrass|width=600|img=File:Step DynDOLOD grass tint default.jpg|caption=Default Tint}}{{GallerySimple|id=DynDOLODgrass|width=600|img=File:Step DynDOLOD grass tint CL.jpg|caption=Step CL Tint}} | |||
}} | |||
==== Configure and Generate ==== | ==== Configure and Generate ==== | ||
# Run DynDOLOD from the MO executable drop-down list to open the GUI configuration in 'expert' mode (if the DynDOLOD INI modification was set as described previously). | # Run DynDOLOD from the MO executable drop-down list to open the GUI configuration in 'expert' mode (if the DynDOLOD INI modification was set as described previously). | ||
# Select all worldspaces. | # Select all worldspaces. | ||
# Configure as follows, or make performance modifications as instructed further below: | # Tick '''''Candles''''' and '''''FXGlow'''''. | ||
#: {{GallerySimple|id=DynDOLODsettings|width=150|img=File: | # IMPORTANT - Click the 'High' button to bring in mesh rules for [[{{NAMESPACE}}:A Clear Map of Skyrim and Other Worlds|A Clear Map of Skyrim]] mod and the [[{{NAMESPACE}}:Step Patch - Conflict Resolution|Step Patch - Conflict Resolution]]. For slightly better performance with some quality loss, consider clicking on 'Medium' or 'Low' instead. | ||
{{ | # Configure as follows, {{Fc|salmon|or make performance modifications as instructed further below before continuing to the next step}}: | ||
#* {{Fc|orange|ONLY generate Occlusion data on the first run. If DynDOLOD is run again for some reason, leave Occlusion '''UN'''ticked to speed up generation.}} | |||
}} | #* {{Fc|red|Tick ''Grass LOD'' to generate grass LOD. Otherwise, leave this '''UN'''ticked.}} | ||
# | #* {{Fc|highlight|'''Recommended rules for trees and [[{{NAMESPACE}}:A Clear Map of Skyrim and Other Worlds|A Clear Map of Skyrim]] mod (LOD32).'''}} | ||
#** To increase performance with minimal quality loss, consider changing the <u>tree</u> rule's <u>LOD4</u> to '''Billboard4'''. | |||
#:: {{GallerySimple|id=DynDOLODsettings|width=150|img=File:DynDOLOD-HD-QHD-2.0.0.png|caption=HD / QHD}}{{GallerySimple|id=DynDOLODsettings|width=150|img=File:DynDOLOD-4K-2.0.0.png|caption=4K}} | |||
# Click {{Ui|OK}}. | |||
# Once the completed message has appeared (15-30 minutes {{Fc|salmon|[25-50 minutes with Occlusion ticked]}}, depending on the PC), click {{ui|Save & Exit}}. | |||
# Navigate to the DynDOLOD ''DynDOLOD_Output'' folder location (e.g. <code>..\Modding\Tools\DynDOLOD\DynDOLOD_Output</code>). | |||
# Move the files the ''DynDOLOD_Output'' folder into the '''DynDOLOD Output''' mod: | |||
#: In MO, hold down the '''Ctrl''' key and double-click the '''DynDOLOD Output''' mod. Alternatively, right click the mod to open it in an Explorer window. | |||
# Enable the '''DynDOLOD Output''' mod in MO. | |||
# Ensure the ''DynDOLOD.esm'' and ''DynDOLOD.esp'' plugins are ticked in the right pane. | |||
# Sort with LOOT. | |||
{{Alert|text=Multiple DynDOLOD outputs at varying quality settings can be created and stored in different mods. If this is done, generate occlusion only on the first run and copy this into a separate mod (e.g., 'DynDOLOD Occlusion') to reduce the generation time of subsequent outputs. Likewise, consider generating only for the Tamriel worldspace before settling on the chosen output and generating for all worldspaces.}} | |||
{{ | |||
== When to Regenerate LOD == | == When to Regenerate LOD == | ||
Line 974: | Line 1,125: | ||
: Whenever there are changes to the mod list that affect the underlying landscape: height, shape, textures, etc. This does not include grass, mountains or other objects on the landscape. | : Whenever there are changes to the mod list that affect the underlying landscape: height, shape, textures, etc. This does not include grass, mountains or other objects on the landscape. | ||
; Re-caching Grass | <!--; Re-caching Grass | ||
: Whenever there is a change in the mod list that affects grass rendering: grass diversity, grass density, <code>DynDOLODGrassMode</code> setting, grass mods, any mods affecting grass placement, etc. {{Fc|instruction|Change to grass distance and fade settings do not require re-caching.}} | : Whenever there is a change in the mod list that affects grass rendering: grass diversity, grass density, <code>DynDOLODGrassMode</code> setting, grass mods, any mods affecting grass placement, etc. {{Fc|instruction|Change to grass distance and fade settings do not require re-caching.}} | ||
--> | |||
; TexGen | ; TexGen | ||
: Whenever there are changes to the mod list that affect objects with LOD: new objects, moved structures or objects, removed structures or objects, changes to grass (only when using grass LOD), changes to trees and/or landscape height, when its master plugins order is changed (out of order masters), etc. {{Fc|instruction|When grass is re-cached, TexGen should also be run again to update grass billboards.}} | : Whenever there are changes to the mod list that affect objects with LOD: new objects, moved structures or objects, removed structures or objects, changes to grass (only when using grass LOD), changes to trees and/or landscape height, when its master plugins order is changed (out of order masters), etc. {{Fc|instruction|When grass is re-cached, TexGen should also be run again to update grass billboards.}} | ||
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; Occlusion | ; Occlusion | ||
: Only with noticeable changes to geography of Tamriel and/or Solstheim. For Step, this should only need to be run once. | : Only with noticeable changes to geography of Tamriel and/or Solstheim. For Step, this should only need to be run once. | ||
= STEP 6 = | = STEP 6 = | ||
<div>Mod Configuration (MCM)</div><br> | <div>Mod Configuration (MCM)</div><br> | ||
The game is now ready to be loaded to configure mods in the Mod Configuration Menu (MCM). The MCM is a feature of SkyUI that allows mod authors to provide custom, game-accessible settings for their mods. Recommendations are provided below for select mods. The remainder are user preference. | The game is now ready to be loaded to configure mods in the Mod Configuration Menu (MCM). The MCM is a feature of SkyUI that allows mod authors to provide custom, game-accessible settings for their mods. Recommendations are provided below for select mods. The remainder are user preference. | ||
Line 1,003: | Line 1,144: | ||
{{AlertSmall|type=notice|text= The MCM menu item may juxtapose the 'Exit' menu item, so be sure to scroll down to exit if it is 'missing'. Alternatively, use the 'qqq' console command.}} | {{AlertSmall|type=notice|text= The MCM menu item may juxtapose the 'Exit' menu item, so be sure to scroll down to exit if it is 'missing'. Alternatively, use the 'qqq' console command.}} | ||
To run the game, select the '''SKSE | To run the game, select the '''SKSE''' executable from the drop-down list and click the '''Run''' button. Keep the following in mind when first launching from a fresh Guide installation: | ||
* {{fc|highlight|'''A new game is required!'''}} | * {{fc|highlight|'''A new game is required!'''}} | ||
*: In other words, don't load from a save | *: In other words, don't load from a save after a fresh Guide install to avoid issues. {{fc|salmon|''Review the changelog before upgrading from a previous version of this Guide to determine whether or not a new game is advisable.''}} | ||
* When launching the game for the first time after a Guide install, the load could take significantly longer than normal. This will only be a one-time wait as all the installed mods are being initialized. Subsequent load times should be shorter. | * When launching the game for the first time after a Guide install, the load could take significantly longer than normal. This will only be a one-time wait as all the installed mods are being initialized. Subsequent load times should be shorter. | ||
* Finally, INI files may appear in the '''''Overwrite''''' folder after closing the game (e.g. <code>../SKSE/Plugins/SkyrimUncapper.ini</code>). {{fc|salmon|''These files should be moved to their respective mod folders, respecting their folder structure during the move.''}} | * Finally, INI files may appear in the '''''Overwrite''''' folder after closing the game (e.g. <code>../SKSE/Plugins/SkyrimUncapper.ini</code>). {{fc|salmon|''These files should be moved to their respective mod folders, respecting their folder structure during the move.''}} | ||
==== Alternate Start ==== | ==== Alternate Start ==== | ||
Upon starting a new game, the [[ | Upon starting a new game, the [[{{NAMESPACE}}:Alternate_Start_-_Live_Another_Life_-_SSE|Alternate Start - Live Another Life]] is the first mod in play. Lets face it, Skyrim is old and the vanilla start quest is the last thing many want to play through. Alternate Start provides a variety of ways to start the game. Once a new game is started, a locked cell is loaded. Simply talk to the statue in the room, choose a preference for starting the game (the vanilla start is provided as an option), and then sleep in the bed to start your new life. When using an alternate start location, the main quest line can be initialized by simply visiting Helgen. | ||
== Mod Configuration Menu Settings == | == Mod Configuration Menu Settings == | ||
=== Atlas Map Markers === | |||
Configure as desired, but a good starting point is to load both the Map Marker and Compass Presets under '''''Extra Options.''''' | |||
=== Cathedral Weathers === | === Cathedral Weathers === | ||
If the ''18-Lighting and Weather'' ModGroup was installed, it is user preference on whether or not to set '''''Interior Vision''''' to '''''Darker.''''' The Step ENB was designed for '''''Normal'''''. | |||
=== Complete Crafting === | === Complete Crafting === | ||
The following screenshots display the recommended settings for the mod's MCM: | The following screenshots display the recommended settings for the mod's MCM: | ||
{{GallerySimple|id=CCORMCM|width=250|img= | {{GallerySimple|id=CCORMCM|width=250|img=File:CCORMCM01.png|caption=Learning & XP}} | ||
{{GallerySimple|id=CCORMCM|width=250|img=File:CCORMCM02.png|caption=Mining & Materials}} | |||
{{GallerySimple|id=CCORMCM|width=250|img= | {{GallerySimple|id=CCORMCM|width=250|img=File:CCORMCM03.png|caption=Miscellaneous}} | ||
{{GallerySimple|id=CCORMCM|width=250|img= | |||
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
=== Farmhouse Chimneys SE === | === Farmhouse Chimneys SE === | ||
Vanilla villages should all be ticked on the first page. The following screenshot displays the recommended settings for the | Vanilla villages should all be ticked on the first page. The following screenshot displays the recommended settings for the New Locations page: | ||
{{GallerySimple|id=FarmhouseChimneysMCM|width=250|img= | {{GallerySimple|id=FarmhouseChimneysMCM|width=250|img=File:FarmhouseChimneyMCM01.png|caption=New Locations}} | ||
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
Line 1,035: | Line 1,178: | ||
=== Storm Lightning === | === Storm Lightning === | ||
The ''' | The '''''Minimum''''' preset in the MCM is recommended. | ||
=== Timing is Everything === | === Timing is Everything === | ||
Timing is Everything is set up in a way that integrates DLC content and balances the game's quests. Vampires and werewolves will show up early in the game because they are a part of the world. Dragonborn will not start until the news of your deeds has time to reach the island, and the player becomes something that must be dealt with. Attack chances are lowered from 100% so there will be less of a chance to ''predict'' an attack. Other things are active that make sense, such as not being able to do the Break of Dawn quest if the player is a vampire, Thalmor won't attack until after engaging their quest line, etc. The following screenshots display the recommended settings for the mod's MCM: | Timing is Everything is set up in a way that integrates DLC content and balances the game's quests. Vampires and werewolves will show up early in the game because they are a part of the world. Dragonborn will not start until the news of your deeds has time to reach the island, and the player becomes something that must be dealt with. Attack chances are lowered from 100% so there will be less of a chance to ''predict'' an attack. Other things are active that make sense, such as not being able to do the Break of Dawn quest if the player is a vampire, Thalmor won't attack until after engaging their quest line, etc. The following screenshots display the recommended settings for the mod's MCM: | ||
{{GallerySimple|id=TIEMCM|width=250|img= | {{GallerySimple|id=TIEMCM|width=250|img=File:TimingIsEverythingMCM01.png|caption=DLC Quests}} | ||
{{GallerySimple|id=TIEMCM|width=250|img= | {{GallerySimple|id=TIEMCM|width=250|img=File:TimingIsEverythingMCM02.png|caption=Other Quests}} | ||
{{GallerySimple|id=TIEMCM|width=250|img= | {{GallerySimple|id=TIEMCM|width=250|img=File:TimingIsEverythingMCM03.png|caption=Extra Options}} | ||
{{clear}} | {{clear}} | ||
Line 1,073: | Line 1,216: | ||
* The core Community for feedback, suggestions and input | * The core Community for feedback, suggestions and input | ||
* The Beta and Mod Testers for their good humor and rigorous analyses | * The Beta and Mod Testers for their good humor and rigorous analyses | ||
* sheson for DynDOLOD and all things LODGen | |||
* The Nexus community | * The Nexus community | ||
* Bethesda Softworks for their games | * Bethesda Softworks for their games | ||
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* All the developers that kept MO going | * All the developers that kept MO going | ||
== Step | == Personnel == | ||
=== Administrators === | ==== Testers ==== | ||
* D1Z4STR | |||
* Mercury71 | |||
* Mousetick | |||
* Step Administrators | |||
==== [https://stepmodifications.org/forum/forum/223-dyndolod-xlodgen/ LODGen Support] ==== | |||
* sheson | |||
* Step Administrators | |||
==== [https://stepmodifications.org/forum/forum/198-mod-organizer/ MO Support] ==== | |||
* GSDfan | |||
* Step Administrators | |||
==== Step Administrators ==== | |||
* {{fc|orange|DoubleYou}} | * {{fc|orange|DoubleYou}} | ||
* {{fc|orange|Greg}} | * {{fc|orange|Greg}} | ||
Line 1,085: | Line 1,243: | ||
* {{fc|orange|z929669}} | * {{fc|orange|z929669}} | ||
=== | ==== Retired Staff ==== | ||
* Aiyen | * Aiyen | ||
* Bealdwine | * Bealdwine | ||
Line 1,094: | Line 1,251: | ||
* Farlo | * Farlo | ||
* frihyland | * frihyland | ||
* GrantSP | * GrantSP | ||
* hishutup | * hishutup | ||
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<!--{{DonorCredits}}--> | <!--{{DonorCredits}}--> | ||
__NOTITLE__ | __NOTITLE__ | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:{{NAMESPACE}} Mod-Build Guides]][[Category:Official Mod-Build Guides]] |
Latest revision as of 01:51, March 27, 2024
WARNING
This guide is out of date and is NOT supported! It may contain information that is incorrect or not in line with the current state of the game.Go to the latest supported SkyrimSE Guide.
This Release
This is our next major release of the Step Skyrim Special Edition guide for Skyrim Anniversary Edition. This is a 'major' release due to some significant changes/enhancements as described in the Step Versioning Documentation:
- Being a major release, a new game is required with this version!
- Adoption of the latest DynDOLOD 3 alpha version, which brings several very useful enhancements, including grass LOD generation and several handy features with respect to LOD creation for mod authors.
- Significant, vanilla-friendly modifications to Skyrim's magic system and magic-related perks.
- We've created the optional Step ENB preset with weather-enhancement for Cathedral Weathers. This comes via a new 'optional' 21-Post-Processing ModGroup.
See the Changelog for details.
- Visit the forums to learn more or contribute.
- Follow Step Modifications on Facebook.
- Donate to support hosting and maintenance of the Step website.
About Step
Created by TheCompiler (Daniele Ferraro), Step is a collaborative project with input from the modding community, technical volunteers, and project administrators. The goal is to provide tested and validated methods for establishing and maintaining an enhanced SkyrimSE mod build. Our guides provide detailed, well-tested build instructions for a very stable game with an enhanced, vanilla experience.
The Step team collects information from the modding community through extensive mod testing, detailed reviews, feedback, and suggestions exchanged on the Forums. Posting rules apply, so be sure to read and follow them.
New to Modding?
We recommend that you ...
- review this entire guide before attempting installation, especially if this is your first exposure to a Step mod-build guide.
We and the community, have consolidated a lot of information into our guides for use as a free resource for all. New and experienced modders alike will find many answers within these guides and linked resources. This guide is written in such a way that it expects users to know the basics of modding and related tools (e.g. mod managers, LOD optimizers, configuration utilities, etc.). However our support forums are always available for Q&A.
Nomenclature
The following nomenclature is used throughout this guide and should be understood before proceeding.
- 'tick' means 'check': Frequently, the word 'check' or 'checked' can mean 'ensure' in addition to "check mark", so 'check' is not used where it is synonymous with 'tick' to avoid any mistakes that can (and have) happened from this conflation.
- Baseline: The recommended install option is shown within the Baseline column of the mod tables below.
- Step Patches: A "patch" is a plugin that sanely resolves conflicts among mods.
System Requirements
SkyrimSE should be run on a relatively modern Windows 10/11 64-bit desktop or laptop. While CPU specs and performance are important factors, they matter only to a point beyond which is diminishing return on investment. Smooth gameplay, LODGen-related tools, and ENBSeries post processing are most limited by the GPU specs and performance coupled to the resolution at which the game is run.
- The minimum specs assume that the recommended 'baseline' mod options will be installed, which are biased towards 'performance' options when available.
- The recommended specs assume a bias favoring 'quality' mod options will be installed when available.
- CPU/GPU hardware listed below are "performance-class examples", and many alternatives lie within or outside of these classes.
Hardware | Minimum | Recommended |
---|---|---|
CPU | Intel Core i5-3470 or AMD FX-8350 |
Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3400G |
CPU Mark Range | 4,000 - 7,000 | > 7,000 |
System RAM | 8Gb | 16Gb |
GPU / VRAM | Nvidia GeForce GTX 780 / 6Gb or AMD Radeon RX 470 / 4Gb |
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 / 8Gb or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT / 8Gb |
G3D Mark Range | 8,000 - 10,000 | > 10,000 |
Game Drive | HDD | SSD |
Resolution | 1080p (HD) | 1440p (QHD) |
Time Commitment
Be aware that it will usually take anywhere from several hours to a several days to complete this build from start to finish. Following are cumulative time estimates (upwards of 24 hours for a novice user, first-time build):
- 6 hours : Steps 1 - 3 (modding-environment setup)
- 12 hours : Step 4 (mod download, installation)
- 8 hours : Steps 5 - 7 (LODGen, post-build configuration, and fine-tuning the build)
STEP 1
Follow the System Setup Guide!
Those who have not completed the System Setup Guide should STOP and do so now BEFORE beginning Step 2! This is a perquisite for completing this guide.
STEP 2
Mod Organizer - SkyrimSE Initialization
FIRST, follow the System Setup Guide. The below instructions describe how to initialize a SkyrimSE instance in Mod Organizer (MO). If MO was installed as a Portable application, the instructions below will need to be interpreted accordingly. If a Skyrim Special Edition instance was created in Step 1 or otherwise, simply select the instance and skip the following:
- Launch MO by running its executable (e.g.
..Modding/Tools/Mod Organizer/ModOrganizer.exe
) - Upon load, click the Instance Manager button .
- Click on [Create new instance].
- Select Skyrim Special Edition and click [Next].
- If the game wasn't found, manually browse to the game's location.
- Name the instance something like
Template:GameAbbrevTag
or keep the default. Click [Next]. - (optional) change the location of data stored. Step recommends the default location, unless space restraints prevent this. Click [Next].
- A confirmation window will display with the installation information. Click [Finish].
- MO is now ready to use with this guide.
Profile Setup
MO's profile feature allows the creation of multiple mod builds that rely on the same mod list and mod-level configurations. In other words, if a mod was installed with option 'A', then that mod is only available in this configuration for all profiles under an instance. Profiles can have different mods enabled, separate save games, and game INIs, but the mod configuration is identical among each profile. Different MO-game instances must be used for different mod configurations. For the purpose of this guide, a single mod configuration is all that's needed, so profiles are sufficient. Begin by creating/editing two profiles:
- Launch MO, choosing the applicable SkyrimSE Instance.
- On the Default profile, arrange the mods in the left pane in the following order:
- DLC: Dawnguard
- DLC: HearthFires
- DLC: Dragonborn
- Creation Club Plugins (order will be addressed later in the Guide)
- Click the button on the menu bar.
- Select the Default profile.
- Ensure the Use profile-specific Game INI Files box is ticked and click [Copy].
- Name the new profile
Step SkyrimSE
, or similar. - Ensure the Use profile-specific Game INI Files box is ticked.
- Close the window by clicking [Close].
- Select the Step SkyrimSE profile from the profile selection down-drop.
- It is normal to get a notice saying some INI files were missing and will be copied.
- If an error is displayed about missing "modlist.txt" files, restart MO (or do a system reboot if that doesn't resolve).
- Click the button and select [Create empty mod].
- Name it xEdit Output.
- Click the button and select [Create empty mod], again.
- Name it Cleaned Vanilla Masters.
Tool Setup
All tools needed should already be installed according to the System Setup Guide. Some tools will have been auto-detected and added; nevertheless, ensure the settings are correct for all tools. xEdit is used in this example:
- For xEdit, it is useful to create a mod into which all xEdit ouput can be directed in order to keep it all together:
- Click at the top of the main Mod Organizer window.
- In the left pane of the executables config, click the [+] to add a new executable, and then [Add from file...].
- Browse to the SSEEdit.exe file (e.g.
..Modding/Tools/xEdit/SSEEdit.exe
).- This should auto-fill most of the fields.
- Change the title to xEdit.
- Input the following in the Arguments field separated by a single space:
- e.g.
-IKnowWhatImDoing -SSE -AllowMasterFilesEdit
- "-IKnowWhatImDoing": This turns off a warning presented when users make edits.
- "-AllowMasterFilesEdit": By default xEdit will not allow master file editing. This enables that.
- e.g.
- Tick the Create files in mod instead of overwrite box. Select the xEdit Output mod from the drop-down, and enable this mod.
- Tick the Use applications icon for desktop shortcuts box.
- Click [Apply].
- Repeat these steps to add the remaining executables as indicated in the table following.
- Arrange the tools in any order using the up and down buttons above the list. This will dictate the order that tools are listed in the MO "Run" dropdown menu. Close the window by clicking the [OK] button.
Application Title | Executable | Argument(s) |
---|---|---|
xEdit | xEdit.exe | -SSE -IKnowWhatImDoing -AllowMasterFilesEdit Tick the Create files in mod instead of overwrite box and select the xEdit Output mod from the drop-down. |
xEditQuickAutoClean | xEditQuickAutoClean.exe | -SSE Tick the Create files in mod instead of overwrite box and select the xEdit Output mod from the drop-down. |
LOOT | LOOT.exe | --game="Skyrim Special Edition"
|
xLODGen | xLODGenx64.exe | -lodgen -SSE -o:"DriveLetter:\Modding\Tools\xLODGen\xLODGen_Output" Replace DriveLetter: with the drive letter of the 'Modding' folder. |
Tools can be arranged in any order using the up and down buttons above the list. This will dictate the order they are listed in the MO "Run" dropdown menu. When complete, close the window by clicking the [OK] button.
BethINI Setup
BethINI needs to be run for the current MO profile to establish the configuration files before beginning mod installation. This ensures that all users share a common configuration during the modding process. As such, please do not deviate from the instructions below. Once the guide is complete and things are confirmed to be working, BethINI will be revisited towards the end of this guide to finalize the optimal configuration.
BethINI Initialization
- Close MO, and run BethINI (e.g.
..Modding/Tools/BethINI/BethINI.exe
).- If prompted by Windows protection, click More Info and then [Run anyway].
- When BethINI launches, select "Skyrim Special Edition" from the game selection box.
- Allow BethINI to handle custom INIs, if prompted.
- Go to the Setup tab and ensure the
- Ensure the Game path is correct (e.g.
..\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition
). - Ensure the Mod Organizer path is correct (e.g.
..\Modding\Tools\Mod Organizer
). - The INI Path name depends on the MO Profile Setup
- If BethINI does not automatically display the profile created previously in step 5 of the MO initialization instructions, browse to and set that profile (e.g.,
%LOCALAPPDATA%\ModOrganizer\{instanceName}\profiles\STEP SkyrimSE
). - Select the Step SkyrimSE profile folder, and click [Open].
- Click [OK] at the prompts to restart BethINI with the desired profile configured. Allow BethINI to handle custom INIs, if prompted.
- If BethINI does not automatically display the profile created previously in step 5 of the MO initialization instructions, browse to and set that profile (e.g.,
- Ensure the Game path is correct (e.g.
- Return to the Setup tab.
- The “Automatically Check for Updates”, “Auto-detect Invalid Settings”, “Always Select Game”, and “Modify Custom INIs” boxes should be ticked.
- Keep BethINI open.
BethINI Baseline Configuration
Configure BethINI as described in the steps below, which are reflected in the images where applicable. Please do no deviate from these instructions at this time:
- Click the [Default] button and wait until the "Your INI files have been successfully reset to default values." message is displayed.
- Click the [High] preset and wait until the "Video settings have been set for BethINI high quality." message is displayed.
- Please avoid the temptation to click 'Ultra' for now, even if the PC is high-end.
- Tick Recommended Tweaks and wait until the "Recommended tweaks have been automatically applied." message is displayed.
- Window Resolution should match the system resolution.
- Tick Borderless and 64-Bit Render Targets.
- Untick VSync and Lock Frame Rate
- Screenshots directory, Filename, and Index can be set as desired. Screenshots are taken by pressing [Print Screen] on the keyboard.
- Subtitles may be enabled here if desired.
- Untick Mod Manager Menu
- Untick Reflect Sky and Anamorphic Lens Flare.
- The following can be ticked, but if ENB is used, remember to untick the following:
- Lens Flare
- Ambient Occlusion
- Untick Fade-In
- Set Far-off Tree Distance to 0. The far-off trees will be rendered in object LOD via DynDOLOD instead.
- Set Grass Density to 60 and Grass Diversity to 15.
- (optional) Consider the following to reduce the sun size if using ENB:
- In the Section drop-down, select Weather.
- In the Setting drop-down, select fSunBaseSize.
- Change the value to 200 and click [Save].
- In the Setting drop-down, select fSunGlareSize.
- Change the value to 282 and click [Save].
- In the Setting drop-down, select fSunBaseSize.
- Return to Basic tab, and click [Save and Exit]
STEP 3
Sorting Plugins With LOOT
At any time during the mod installation process, LOOT should be used to sort plugins before running the game. This is necessary to ensure proper plugin priority (load order), which can have a dramatic impact on the game:
- Relaunch Mod Organizer, if it isn't already running.
- Launch LOOT via MO from the executables drop-down menu at the top of the right pane.
- If LOOT fails to start, try adding the following argument as described in Tools Setup:
--single-process
. If LOOT cannot find the game directory, add the path to../Skyrim Special Edition
folder to Install Path under LOOT settings.
- If LOOT fails to start, try adding the following argument as described in Tools Setup:
- Click the [Sort Plugins] waffle icon at the top of the LOOT window next to the game name.
- Several plugins will show warnings in yellow. The next section describes how to clean them up.
- Click the [Apply Sorted Load Order] checkmark button at the top of the LOOT window next to the game name.
- Close LOOT.
Up to this point, only the following plugins should be listed in the MO right pane in the order listed. (If not, run LOOT again):
- Skyrim.esm
- Update.esm
- Dawnguard.esm
- HearthFires.esm
- Dragonborn.esm
- Creation Club Plugins
If the plugins are not in the order listed, run LOOT now.
Cleaning Vanilla Master Plugins
To resolve potential issues later, the vanilla plugin masters should be cleaned with xEdit. Step is aware of the debate regarding whether or not it's necessary to clean vanilla masters. While it may or may not matter for general references, that is not the case regarding large references. Any large reference that is deleted, "initially disabled", or overwritten triggers large reference bugs. See the relevant posts for details and further reading.
Prior to getting started, create an empty mod entitled Cleaned Vanilla Masters in the MO left pane by clicking on in the header above the mod list. Enable this mod.
Standard Cleaning Procedures
- Run LOOT from the drop-down executable list in MO.
- Note that any 'dirty' plugins plugins will have yellow 'warning' blocks. These are the plugins that should be cleaned. After taking note of one such plugin, LOOT can be closed.
- Run xEditQuickAutoClean from the drop-down executable list in MO.
- On the plugin selection window, double-click on the plugin being cleaned.
- Once xEdit is finished, click [X] at upper right to close. A backup of the original plugin will automatically be saved into (e.g.,
..\xEdit Output\SSEEdit Backups\PluginName.es*.DateTime
) inside of xEdit Output mod (or in Overwrite at the bottom of the MO mod list (left) pane if previous instructions were NOT followed!). - To verify the plugin has been cleaned, LOOT can be run again, and no warnings should be apparent.
Clean the Masters
Vanilla masters should be cleaned in the following order using the following procedures:
- Run LOOT from the drop-down executable list in MO, sort the plugins, and apply the changes. Do not close LOOT.
- Note that any 'dirty' plugins plugins will have yellow 'warning' blocks. These are the plugins that should be cleaned.
- Leaving the LOOT window open, click on the MO window and note the "Mod Organizer is locked ...." message in the center of the MO window. Click [Unlock].
- This allows the LOOT window to remain open as a reference while running the xEditQuickAutoClean process for the mods that should be cleaned. Begin cleaning the plugins from the top, and work down the list.
- Follow the standard cleaning procedures to clean Update.esm and then Dawnguard.esm.
- Then make changes to Dawnguard.esm using the following procedure:
- Run xEdit from MO.
- At the prompt, double-click on Dawnguard.esm.
- Once loaded, type in
00016BCF
in the FormID field (above the mod list) and hit [Enter/Return]. - In the right pane, find the "XEZN - Encounter Zone" record.
- In the Dawnguard.esm column, right-click on the "RiftenRatwayZone [ECZN:0009FBB9]" entry and select [Remove].
- If a prompt appears select Yes for each of these removals.
- In the FormID field again, type in
0001FA4C
and hit [Enter/Return]. - On the Dawnguard.esm column, right-lick on the "Dawnguard.esm" header and select [Remove].
- In the FormID field again, type in
0006C3B6
and hit [Enter/Return]. - On the Dawnguard.esm column, right-lick on the "Dawnguard.esm" header and select [Remove] as in step 3.7.
- Now close xEdit.
- In the window popup, ensure Dawnguard.esm is ticked and that Backup plugins is ticked at the bottom of the window (DO NOT untick Backup plugins!) and click [OK].
- Once Dawnguard's manual cleaning is complete, follow the standard cleaning procedures to clean Hearthfires.esm, Dragonborn.esm, and then all of the other Creation Club mods with LOOT warnings.
- Update.esm
- Dawnguard.esm
- Hearthfires.esm
- Dragonborn.esm
- Creation Club Mods
- cc...almsivi.esm
- cc...Fish.esm
- cc...zombies.esl
- cc...ruinsedge.esl
- cc...goldbrand.esl
- cc...SurvivalMode.esl
- cc...puzzledungeon.esm
- cc...hstead.esm
- cc...shadowrend.esl
- cc...norjewel.esl
- cc...pets.esl
- cc...mntuni.esl
- cc...hasedoki.esl
- cc...wraithguard.esl
- cc...imperialdragon.esl
- cc...ve.esl
- cc...crosselv.esl
- cc...umbra.esm
- cc...advcyrus.esm
- cc...bowofshadows.esl
- cc...advobgobs.esl
- cc...ba_daedric.esl
- cc...ba_dragonplate.esl
- cc...ba_dwarven.esl
- cc...armsofchaos.esl
- cc...netchleather.esl
- cc...splkntset.esl
- cc...ba_dwarvenmail.esl
- cc...ba_dragonscale.esl
- cc...ba_daedricmail.esl
- cc...ba_stalhrim.esl
- cc...ba_daedinv.esm
- cc...necroarts.esl
- cc...beafarmer.esl
- cc...AdvDSGS.esm
- cc...necrohouse.esl
- cc...redguard.esl
- cc...hall.esl
- cc...cave.esm
- cc...altar.esl
- cc...gaunt.esl
Moving the Cleaned Files
After the vanilla master files are cleaned, they should be moved into the "Cleaned Vanilla Masters" mod in MO, and the original files should be restored into the 'real' "Data" directory in the game folder. This makes Steam happy when "validating" files so that it remains unaware of changes. To move the new files and restore the original files, complete the following:
Cleaned Vanilla Masters
- In MO, open the Cleaned Vanilla Masters mod in Windows Explorer (right-click Cleaned Vanilla Masters, then click Open in Explorer).
- Click the button above the MO mod list (left) pane, and select Open Game Folder to open the game folder in Windows Explorer (e.g.
..\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition
- Open
..\Data
folder, and move all the cleaned master files from..\Data
into..\Cleaned Vanilla Masters
folder.- Tip: Set the folder to Details view and sort by the Date modified column. This will sort all the recently modified files to the top of the file list. (reference image)
- Close the Cleaned Vanilla Masters folder, and tick the box to enable it in the MO left pane if it isn't enabled.
- Close MO for the next steps and continue below
Restore Original Masters
To quickly and easily restore the original masters, follow the instructions for Verify integrity of game cache. Once that is complete, use Steam to launch the game to allow it to download any missing Creation Club content. This must also be done to reinitialize the game with Steam and allow MO to run configured executables without complaint (Any time Steam 'updates' the game files and actually downloads new files, the Steam manifest (or other Steam config) for the game resets and requires a Steam launch).
For those that don't want to do this for whatever reason, the manual process is described below.
- NOTE: The manual process is more tedious and requires both moving AND renaming the backed-up versions.
- In MO, open the xEdit Output mod in Windows Explorer (right-click xEdit Output, then click Open in Explorer).
- Inside the "SSEEdit Backups" folder, rename the files to "MasterName.esm" (i.e. "Update.esm").
- If there are multiple copies of any of the files, use the one with the earliest timestamp (the original).
- NOTE: If the backed-up vanilla plugins are not present, then backups were disabled by unticking Backup plugins in a previous xEdit session, contrary to previous instructions. In that case, the vanilla files MUST either be restored using the instructions for Verify integrity of game cache, OR the
DontBackup=1
setting must be changed back toDontBackup=0
in%LOCALAPPDATA%\Skyrim Special Edition\Plugins.sseviewsettings
.
- Move or copy the renamed files into the 'real' game Data directory (
..\Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition\Data
), choosing to overwrite/replace, if asked. - Close all Explorer windows.
MO2
Any time Bethesda updates these master files, they will likely need to be cleaned again and replaced in MO. Any previously cleaned versions of these same files that exist in the MO mod list must be either disabled or deleted first, because xEdit will see only the cleaned versions otherwise.At this point, the Bethesda masters should be cleaned and the mod list order in the left pane should reflect (Note that the plugin order may be different):
- DLC: Dawnguard
- DLC: HearthFires
- DLC: Dragonborn
- ...Creation Club Mods...
- Cleaned Vanilla Masters
- xEdit Output
NOTE: To verify the vanilla mods have been cleaned, LOOT can be run again, and no warnings should be apparent.
STEP 4
At this point, the PC modding environment should be fully set up and ready for mod installation.
IMPORTANT: Please read ALL of the following carefully BEFORE requesting support on the forums!
- This guide can be installed in one of three (3) ways:
- All mods from all ModGroups (mod tables) installed. This is recommended, due to the coordination of this build in terms of lighting, weather, and ENB. These are usually the most difficult aspects of a build to get right, given vanilla Skyrim's rather wonky lighting 'incoherence'.
- All mods from all ModGroups EXCEPT for the optional ModGroup, 21-Post-Processing. Like the default recommended option, this is most useful for those that cannot afford the performance cost of running with post-processing mods like ENBSeries. For those that want to use a custom ENB setup, we obviously cannot support that, but feel free to try any ENBs that are compatible with the 18-Lighting and Weather ModGroup.
- All mods from all ModGroups EXCEPT for the optional ModGroups, 18-Lighting and Weather and 21-Post-Processing. Use this approach if a custom lighting/weather/post-processing solution will be applied, which will obviously not be supported.
General Mod List Notes
- Do not extract BSAs unless specifically instructed to do so.
- If no Notes or Step recommendations are provided for a particular mod, all options are valid.
- After installing a mod, ALWAYS enable the mod and any related plugins in MO unless otherwise instructed.
- Mods are listed in alphabetical order within each ModGroup and any deviations from this are purposeful to achieve the desired outcome.
- Mods should be arranged in MO in the order that they are listed to ensure other mods further down the list overwrite/override those occurring before them.
- Always install plugins (ESLs/ESMs/ESPs), unless otherwise noted. When there is a choice to use an ESL, always choose that UNLESS continuing a playthrough using a previously-existing savegame (ESL-flagged plugins can 'break' a save that relies on a ESP or ESM version of the same plugin!).
- Always follow LOOT's advice in regards to mod cleaning and sorting unless otherwise noted.
ModGroup Separators
Mod Organizer features the ability to create separators within the mod list to group mods for easier visual reference. Step recommends using these separators for each ModGroup below:
- Click at the top of the mod list pane.
- Select [Create Separator], and give the separator a name. Step recommends using the Mod Group names (i.e., Extensions, Resources, Lighting and Weather, etc.).
- Create a new separator for each new Mod Group while working through the Guide.
- Separator colors can be customized by right-clicking on any separator and selecting Select Color.
Understanding the Step Patches
A “conflict resolution” patch, or CR Patch, is a plugin that resolves conflicts between various active plugins. They allow using various mods together without any major issues while still achieving the desired outcome from the mods. The Step Patches are built exclusively for the Step mod build. They are required and are dependent on specific mods as noted by indicators in the mod tables in Step 4. They will not resolve conflicts with any applicable mods that are not in this guide.
Step Patches
- Step SkyrimSE - Conflict Resolution Patch (Step Patch - Conflict Resolution)
- Patches all conflicting plugins except for mods in the optional 18-Lighting and Weather and 21-Post-Processing ModGroups
- Required
- Step SkyrimSE - Lighting and Weather Patch (Step Patch - Lighting and Weather)
- Required for those that are installing the optional 18-Lighting and Weather ModGroup.
- Step SkyrimSE - Post-Processing Patch (Step Patch - Post-Processing)
- Required for those that are installing BOTH 18-Lighting and Weather AND 21-Post-Processing ModGroups.
Mod Table Reference
Below is the legend and reference for the mod tables used in this guide.
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mod (patch/enb-independent) | Baseline | Notes | |||
Mod (patch/enb-dependent) | Baseline | Notes |
Mod Table Legend
02-Extenders
- Mods that expand on the inherent functionality of a game or another mod without themselves affecting content
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Address Library for SKSE Plugins | Install the All in one (Anniversary Edition) main file. |
Crash Logger | Crash logs are located in ..\Documents\My Games\Skyrim Special Edition\SKSE
|
FileAccess Interface for Skyrim SE Scripts | Install FileAccess Interface for Skyrim SE Scripts - FISSES (Anniversary Edition) main file. |
PapyrusUtil SE | Install PapyrusUtil AE - Scripting Utility Functions main file. |
SKSE64 | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Root Files Installation
Data Files Installation
INI File
[Display] iTintTextureResolution=2048 [General] ClearInvalidRegistrations=1 Scripts
Once complete, the SKSE64 mod's folder structure should be:
Launcher Configuration
Normally, MO should auto-detect that SKSE is installed upon a restart of the program, and it will auto-generate the SKSE game launcher. This should be used for launching Skyrim going forward. Below are some recommendations for further configuration of the SKSE launcher ... or, if for some reason MO fails to configure this. Please ensure the following is correct for SKSE:
|
SSE Display Tweaks | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
As stated in the mod's Description, this mod will stabilize the display of rendered content for smooth gameplay without limiting frame rates, and this should be the case for almost all modern PCs running SSE.
[Render] FramerateLimit=?? UIFramerateLimit=?? [OSD] Enable=true InitiallyOn=false
For more general information, see the SSE Display Settings guide. Advanced Configuration
As with any mod with an INI configuration, Step recommends creating an 'empty' mod to contain a customizable configuration that will not be overwritten when the mod is updated. The INI file will not be generated until the game is launched, and it should appear in Overwrite. Once that is done later in the guide, revisit this mod and complete the following if it will be customized:
Example Custom Configuration Override
[Render] ; EnableVSync=false ; Uncomment to disable Vsync from this mod. Useful for those with G-SYNC/Freesync-compatible hardware ; EnableTearing=true ; Uncomment to disable Vsync/frame limits in bordered windowed mode FramerateLimit=141 ; Uncomment to set a specific in-game frame limit UIFramerateLimit=141 ; Uncomment to set a specific UI frame limit (i.e., in-game menus) ; LoadingScreenFramerateLimit=60 ; Uncomment to set a specific loading-screen frame limit [HAVOK] MinimumFramerate=50 ; Uncomment to set a specific loading-screen frame limit MaximumFramerate=141 ; Uncomment to set a havok frame limit (should be equal to FramerateLimit) OSDStatsEnabled=true ; uncomment to enable havok stats in the in-game screen display [Papyrus] DynamicUpdateBudget=true BudgetMaxFPS=141 ; Uncomment to set a papyrus budget frame limit (should be equal to FramerateLimit) OSDStatsEnabled=true ; Uncomment to enable papyrus budget stats in the in-game screen display [OSD] Enable=true ; Uncomment to enable the in-game screen display using the default toggle (Left Shift + Insert by default) InitiallyOn=false ; uncomment to enable the in-game screen display on by default |
SSE Engine Fixes | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Once installed, double-click on the mod to open up the information window, and ensure the following settings in EngineFixes.toml ("Text Files" tab): [Patches] WaterflowAnimation = true WaterflowSpeed = 16.0 Leave the remainder of the settings at their defaults. (reference image) |
Unique Map Weather Framework |
Game Launch Test
At this stage, the preliminary build should be tested to confirm that there are no issues with the modding environment or engine-level mod configurations:
- Start the game by running the SKSE launcher from Mod Organizer. The game should load to the main menu without issue.
- Open the console (~), type in coc riverwood, and press Enter/Return. The game should load at Riverwood without issue.
- Exit the game using the
qqq
console command or the standard menu options.
If the game launched and loaded as expected, continue forward. Otherwise, all instructions were not followed, and something was missed. Revisit the installation steps above starting with the System Setup Guide in Step 1. If a careful review of the previous instructions does not resolve the issue, post on the guide support forums for help.
WARNING
Beyond this point, DO NOT launch the game again until instructed to do so.Many of the following mods are interdependent, and launching the game prematurely will most likely result in issues or failures. Please DO NOT post on the forums for support of non-issues relating to a failure to RTFM.
03-Resources
- Mods solely providing assets intended specifically for use by other mods without themselves affecting content
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Grass Cache Fixes |
MCM Helper | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Main File.
|
Spell Perk Item Distributor | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
XLODGen Resource - SSE Terrain Tamriel | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
NOTE: This file is only used for generation of terrain LOD using xLODGen and should be disabled afterward.
Download and install SSE Terrain Tamriel Extend. Rename the mod to |
04-Foundation
- Baseline mods that should be overridden by other mods AND/OR that make widely-accepted programmatic changes expected by other mods
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Unofficial High Definition Audio Project | Download and install all Main Files. Merge when asked. |
Skyrim Landscape and Water Fixes | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch |
Cathedral - Plants |
Skyrim SE particle patch for ENB | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
21 Post-Processing
For "Light Shafts" option, select 'Yes' if using ENB.
Particle patch for ENB.esp |
DynDOLOD Resources SE 3 | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
Static Mesh Improvement Mod | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
Skyrim Realistic Overhaul | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Hide the following files/folders (instructions for hiding files/folders): Textures\architecture\whiterun\wrfieldgrass01_n.dds |
Enhanced Lights and FX | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Only the meshes from this mod will be used.
EnhancedLightsandFX.esp ELFX - Exteriors.esp |
ELFX Fixes | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
ELFX Fixes.esp ELFX Fixes Ragged Flagon Fix.esp |
ELFX - Exteriors Fixes | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Choose only 'one' Main File.
ELFX - Exteriors.esp 21-Post-Processing
Those installing this ModGroup should choose the ENB version. |
Static Mesh improvement Mod - SMIM - Quality Addon |
Static Mesh Improvement Mod Improvement Mod | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
Assorted mesh fixes |
Unofficial Material Fix | Install the Unofficial Material Fix main file. |
Flickering Meshes Fix | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
Majestic Mountains | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||||
Step Recommends: Lightside
Main File
Update File
Install the Update File by choosing to [Merge] when prompted Optional File
Install the Optional File by choosing to [Merge] when prompted
|
Cathedral Landscapes | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Please be aware this mod deviates to a degree from the vanilla style with respect to some landscape textures. However, we feel the benefits the mod brings far outweigh this drawback.
|
Mesh Patch for Various Mods | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the following Main Files, in the order listed, and merge when asked:
|
RUSTIC CLOTHING - Special Edition | 2K |
05-Animation and Physics
- Mods that affect animations or physics
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
D13 Faster GET UP STAND UP Animation | Loose |
Dual Wield Improved Animation SSE |
Realistic Boat Bobbing SE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
|
Run Sprint and Jump SE |
Stronger Swimming Animation SE | Install version 1.0 from Old Files. |
XP32 Maximum Skeleton Special Extended | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Main File:
NSFW link: Download the mod directly!
|
06-Models and Textures
- Mods that replace existing models or textures
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
3D Junipers - Trees and Berries |
3D Snowberries |
3D Snowberries HD Texture Option |
8K Night Skies - Stars and Galaxies | Step recommends: Night Skies - Vanilla Blue (8K) - CP |
AMidianBorn Book of Silence | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||||||||
Download the following files:
Step recommends: Merge all files into single mod listing named aMidianBorn Book of Silence SE The instructions below are for the most vanilla-like replacements.
aMidianborn_Skyforge_Weapons.esp
textures/clothes |
AMidianBorn imperial light and studded | 2K | This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored. |
AMidianBorn stormcloak officer armour | 2K | This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored. |
Arctic - Frost Effects Redux | Lite | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
|
Armor and Clothing Extension | 2K | Install the Main File and Armor and Clothing Extension - Spell Perk Item Distributor (SPID) Patch optional file. |
Armor Mesh Fixes SE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Installing additional files not under Nexus' "Main Files" section as separate mods preserves their version tracking to keep pace with updates. |
Barenziahs Glory SE | 1k | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
|
Bellyaches Animal and Creature Pack SSE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
Better Dynamic Ash SE |
Better Dynamic Snow SE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Main File.
|
Better Dyndolod Red Mountain Plume |
Better Falmer Cave Ceiling Glow | STEP Recommends: BetterFalmerCaveCeilingGlow_Cyan |
Blackreach Tentacle Mesh Fix |
Blended Roads | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Main File.
meshes\architecture\solitude\sbridge01.nif |
Book Covers Skyrim | STEP Recommends: Book Covers Skyrim SE - Desaturated |
Book Covers Skyrim - Lost Library | STEP Recommends: Book Covers Skyrim SE - Lost Library - Desaturated |
Dark Brotherhood Tenets Restored | 1K | This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored. |
Deadly Spell Impacts | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
Deathbell HD | 1K |
Detailed Rugs |
Detailing the Eldrich - Higher-Res Riekling Architecture |
Dragon Masks Retextured SE | 2K |
DRAGON PRIEST | 2K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
|
Frankly HD Dragonbone and Dragonscale | 2K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||
Install the Main File, and merge the Update File. Merging should be fine for this one, since it will almost certainly never be updated again. |
Dragonbone Mastery | 2k/1k | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
Step recommends: Dragonbone Mastery - WITHOUT Engravings This recommendation is for the vanilla experience. Users can install whichever version they desire and adjust the instructions below to suit their preferences.
NOTE: The archive is missing is an empty "99 None" folder so click Install Anyway when prompted. |
DRAUGR | 2K |
DROPS | 512 | Detailed Instructions available | ||||
Step recommends: Version 3
Hide the following files/folders (instructions for hiding files/folders): meshes\effects\fxdrips01.nif meshes\effects\fxdrips01_more.nif meshes\effects\fxdrips01_more_wider.nif meshes\effects\fxdrips01tall.nif |
Dust Effects |
EASIER LOCKPICKING | This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored. |
Elemental Staffs SE | 2K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||
Install the Main File, and merge the Elemental Staffs SE Basic Optional File, since it will almost certainly never be updated. |
ElSopa HD - Ants SE | 1K |
ElSopa HD - Briar Heart | 1K | Step recommends: ElSopa HD - Briarheart Red 1k |
ElSopa HD - Dirt Blast SE | 2K | Step recommends: 2K ElSopa HD - Dirt Blast |
ElSopa - HD Keys SE | 1K |
Embers XD | Optimized | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
Install Embers XD - Lite main file.
|
Enhanced Blood Textures SE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
|
Enhanced Vanilla Textures Shrines |
Enhanced Vanilla Trees SE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install one Main File of choice.
|
Aspens Ablaze | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Main File. The selections below are the most vanilla-like options, however, users can select options according to preferences:
|
Aspens Ablaze Add-On - DynDOLOD 3 | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
If the instructions from Aspen Ablaze were followed as recommended, then install using the instructions below. Otherwise, install the version that matches the version and options selected when installing Aspen Ablaze.
|
ETHEREAL CLOUDS - Special Edition | 1K |
FALMER | 2K |
Fire Halo Remover |
Fixed Mesh Lighting | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
Footprints | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the Main File.
21-Post-processing
Those installing this ModGroup should also install the Footprints - ENB optional file. Merge when prompted. |
Frankly HD Thieves Guild Armors | 2K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
|
Gemling Queen Jewelry SE | 1K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
GQJ_DG_vampireamuletfix.esp |
GIANT | 2K |
HAGRAVEN | 2K |
Hardy Hares |
HD Dark brotherhood door | Step recommends: No glowing eyes version. This is a SkyrimLE mod, so ignore any MO warnings. |
HD Executioners Block SE | Step recommends: Darker Dried Blood version |
HD Misc | This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored. |
HD Pondfish |
HD Reworked Horses | 2K-1K |
HD Road Signs | 2K | Install one Main File, and merge both Optional Files. |
HD Stone Quarry and Clay Deposit | 2K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||
|
High-Res Dartwing Texture |
High Quality Food and Ingredients SE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
HORNCANDLES | 2K-1K |
Hybrids HD Plants and Herbs Retexture | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Hide the following files (instructions for hiding files/folders):
Textures/Plants/FloraNirnroot01.dds Textures/Plants/MountainFloweringPurple.dds Textures/Plants/MountainFloweringPurple_n.dds Textures/Plants/Snowberry01.dds Textures/Plants/SnowberrySnow01.dds Textures/Plants/TundraCotton01.dds |
Iconics Real Hay | 2K Alt |
Iconic's Remastered Paragon Gems | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
meshes\dlc01\clutter\animated\portalgem01\portalgemstand01.nif |
Immersive Dragons |
Immersive Smilodons |
Improved closefaced helmets |
Improved Sparks | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Step recommends: Grindstones - Vanilla Sparks and Impact Effects - Vanilla Sparks.
Install as a separate mods to preserve their version tracking to keep pace with updates. Consider renaming the files to match the mod name. |
Improved Weapon Impact EFFECTS Correct Metal SE |
Just Ice | 2K |
LeanWolfs Better-Shaped Weapons SE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the LeanWolfs Better-Shaped Weapons Installer v2.1.03 SE main file.
21-Post-Processing
Ignore the ENB options. They will be provided by ENB Light for those installing the 21-Post-Processing ModGroup.
|
LeanWolfs Improved Enchanter Candle Meshes SE |
MAMMOTH | 2K |
Markarth - A Reflective Experience |
Masque of Argonian Vile SSE |
Metallurgy - Ingots and Ore HD | 1K | Step recommends: Metallurgy - Ingots Ore and Veins HD 1K (LOOSE) main file. |
Nightingale Prime HD | Leather | This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored. |
Northfires Skidmarks SE 2K-4K | 2K | Install the Main File of choice, and also install the Optional File. |
N-R HD Display Case | Clear Glass |
Obsidian Mountain Fogs |
Pilgrims Delight |
Quality CubeMaps - HD Cube Maps | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Download the main file. Hide the following files/folders (instructions for hiding files/folders):
textures/armor/ebonymail/f/chitin_e_ebony.dds textures/armor/ebonymail/m/chitin_e_ebony.dds textures/cubemaps/chitin_e_ebony.dds textures/cubemaps/ore_obsidian_e.dds |
Rallys Hanging Moss | Desaturated |
Rallys Hooks and Saws | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Only Install the Rallys Hooks and Saws file.
|
Rallys Instruments | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Main File.
|
Real Wood Textures - Farmhouses | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored.
Hide the following files/folders (instructions for hiding files/folders): textures/architecture/farmhouse/StoneWall01.dds textures/architecture/farmhouse/StoneWall01_n.dds |
Realistic HD Baskets Remastered |
Realistic HD Pickaxe Remastered |
Realistic HD Woodcutters Axe Remastered |
Realistic Water Two SE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
Remove Small Rocks | Install the Remove Small Rocks v1.1 - High Compatibility main file. |
Retexture for Bread - Hearthfire |
Retexture for Soup | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored.
Install SMIM Mesh - Poor Version. |
Ruins Clutter Improved | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Hide the following files/folders (instructions for hiding files/folders): meshes/furniture/workbenches meshes/furniture/enchantingworkbench.nif meshes/furniture/enchantingworkstation.nif meshes/loadscreenart/loadscreenenchantingworkbench.nif textures/clutter/candles |
RUSTIC AMULETS - Special Edition |
RUSTIC ANIMATED POTIONS and POISONS | 1K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||
Install a Main File.
Also install SSE Meshes Update File, merging when asked. Merging is fine, since all files use the global version, and it simplifies the following procedure. Hide the following files/folders (instructions for hiding files/folders):
|
RUSTIC ARMOR and WEAPONS SE | 2K |
RUSTIC AZURAS STAR - Special Edition | 2K |
RUSTIC COOKING - Special Edition | 1K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||
Hide the following file (instructions for hiding files/folders):
meshes/_byoh/furniture/ovenmarker.nif |
RUSTIC DAEDRA - Special Edition | 2K | Step recommends: RUSTIC DAEDRA SSE - VANILLA - 2K optional file. |
RUSTIC DEATH HOUND and GARGOYLE - Special Edition | 2K | Step recommends: RUSTIC DEATH HOUND AND GARGOYLE SSE - DARK - 2K main file. |
RUSTIC DRAGON CORPSE - Special Edition | 2K |
RUSTIC DRAGONS - Special Edition | Reduced | Step recommends: RUSTIC DRAGONS SE - Reduced main file. |
RUSTIC ELDERSCROLL - Special Edition | 2K |
RUSTIC FROSTBITE SPIDER - Special Edition | 2K |
RUSTIC RELIEFS | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Hide the following files/folders (instructions for hiding files/folders):
textures/architecture/windhelm/500wall.dds textures/architecture/windhelm/500wall_n.dds textures/clutter/birthsign*.dds (disable all of these, 39 files) textures/dungeons/nordic (entire folder) textures/dungeons/mossdirtpile01.dds textures/dungeons/mossdirtpile01_n.dds textures/dungeons/ridgedstone*.dds (disable all of these, 6 files) textures/dungeons/scrollworktrim01.dds textures/dungeons/scrollworktrim01_n.dds |
RUSTIC SOULGEMS - Special Edition | 1K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
Install the RUSTIC SOULGEMS - Special Edition - FOMOD - English Only main file.
|
RUSTIC SPRIGGAN - Special Edition | 2K | Install one Main File of choice, and merge the Optional File, since versioning is consistent. |
RUSTIC WINDOWS - Special Edition | 2K |
SABRECAT | 2K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
|
SKELETON | 2K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
|
Skygazer Moons SSE | No Glow |
Skyrim - A Mountainous Experience | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Hide the following files/folders (instructions for hiding files/folders):
meshes\architecture\solitude\smuseleum.nif meshes\Landscape\unique\markarthcliff02.nif meshes\Landscape\unique\markarthcliff03.nif meshes\Landscape\unique\markarthcliff04.nif |
Skyrim Redesigned WIP | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored.
|
Skyrim SE Improved Puddles | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Skyrim SE Improved Puddles FOMOD for Non-ENB users miscellaneous file.
21-Post-Processing
Install the Skyrim SE Improved Puddles FOMOD vXX for ENB users main file using the same FOMOD instructions above. |
Skyrim SE Skill Interface Re-Texture | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
The instructions below are for the most vanilla-like experience. Users may customize their installations to their preference.
|
Smooth Sky Mesh - SSE | Only install this mod if 18-Lighting and Weather ModGroup will NOT be installed! |
Stalhrim Source | 2K |
Superior Chaurus - 4k Retexture | 2K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
Install the Main File.
|
Superior Mudcrab - 4k Retexture | 2K/1K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
Install the Main File:
|
Sweet Mother | Step recommends: Sweet Mother HD. This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning can be ignored. |
The Elder Scrolls V Rewritten - Arvak SE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Main File.
|
TROLL | 2K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
|
Vivid Landscapes - Tundra Moss Revised | 1K Yellow | Detailed Instructions available | ||||
This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored.
STEP Recommends:
To install the Optional File:
|
WEBS S.E. | 2K |
White Phial Replacer SE | Install White Phial Replacer SE main file. Step recommends: White Phial Replacer 0.5x size optional file. |
Whiterun Mesh Fixes |
Whiterun Skyforge - Reforged | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the Whiterun Skyforge - Reforged - No ENB Lights or Glow main file.
21-Post-Processing
Consider installing the 'Whiterun Skyforge - Reforged main file, which adds glowing eyes and ENBSeries Complex Particle Lights. |
Whiterun Trellis Redesigned SE | 2K |
WISPMOTHER | 2K-1K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
|
07-Sounds and Music
- Mods that affect sounds or music
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Audio Overhaul for Skyrim SE | Install Audio Overhaul Skyrim (x.x.x) main file, without any of the optional patches. |
Better Animal Footsteps | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored.
|
Better Horse Pain Sounds | This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored. |
Dragons Shout with Voice | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored.
Install the Dragons Shout with Voice - LOOSE main file. |
Guard Dialogue Overhaul - UHDAP Patch |
Heart of the Beast | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored.
Step recommends: Feral Werewolf sounds - HIGH AGGRESSION |
IHSS - Improved Horse Step Sounds |
Lower Sounding Thieves Guild Door | This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored. |
Realistic wolf howls | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored.
Step recommends: Realistic Wolf Howls more barks than howls |
Sound Hammering Sounds |
Thundering Shouts | Step Recommends: Thundering Shouts main file |
Ultra Realistic Bow Shoot Sounds | This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored. |
Ultra Realistic Crossbow Shoot Sounds | This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored. |
08-Character Appearance
- Mods that affect the appearance of the player character or NPCs
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Beards | 1K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
|
Brows | 512 | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
|
Consistent Older People | Step recommends: Consistent Older People XX Loose optional file |
Coverkhajiits | 2K | Step Recommends: CoverKhajiits 2K main file |
FAR - Forgotten Argonian Roots | 2K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
Install the 2K Main File if possible, but if it's still corrupt, use the 4K version.
|
Female Vampires Have Fangs |
Lore Corrected Races |
Lucien Lachance AE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
More Realistic Hair | This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored. |
Natural Eyes SSE | Low Res | Detailed Instructions available | ||||
The SSE version of this mod was hidden, so the LE version is linked instead. There is no difference, since these are only textures. |
Northborn Scars |
Simple Children | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Main File using the instructions below. Merge the Update File, selecting the textures of choice.
NOTE: This mod relies on meshes from TK Children, which will be installed later.
This mod's plugin should be cleaned, as it contains an old USSEP forward that will result in the game freezing otherwise.
|
Superior Lore-Friendly Hair | 1K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||
This is a SkyrimLE mod, and the MO warning indicator in the left pane can be ignored.
Step recommends: SLF Hair - Rough Hair - Lite 1K |
Tempered Skins for Females - UNP | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
This is a Not Safe For Work (NSFW) mod page and installer! The instructions below are for the most vanilla-like options. Users are free to customize the options to according to their preferences.
|
Tempered Skins for Males | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
This is a Not Safe For Work (NSFW) mod page and installer! Step recommends: Tempered Skins for Males - Dressed Version Main File. The instructions below are for the most vanilla-like options. Users are free to customize the options to according to their preferences.
textures/actors/character/argonianmale (entire folder) textures/actors/character/khajiitmale/khajiitmalehead_s.dds textures/actors/character/male/maleunderwear.dds textures/actors/character/male/maleunderwear_n.dds textures/armor/briarheart/briarheart.dds textures/armor/briarheart/briarheart_n.dds |
TK Children SE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the Main File. When installing the FOMOD, use the default options, since all but the TRI meshes will be disabled as indicated below.
Disable the following plugins (instructions for disabling plugins): TKChildren.esm TKChildren.esp Hide the following folders (instructions for hiding files/folders): Textures Meshes/Actors/character/facegendata Meshes/Actors/character/TKChildren |
Vanilla Makeup HD | 2K | Step recommends: VMHD - All Races - 2K main file. Merge Update File matching the quality chosen for the Main File. |
Vanilla Warpaints Absolution | 2K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
|
09-Fixes
- Mods have a programmatic component that fixes various bugs and/or inconsistencies
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Archery Quick Shot Perk Bug Fix |
Battle-Ready Candlelight Fixes |
Butterflies Land True | Step recommends: Butterflies Land True - ESPFE Alternate Version optional file |
Critters Aint Snitches |
Eye Normal Map Fix SSE | Step recommends: Eye Normal Map Fix SSE BC7 optional file |
Fix Note Icon for SkyUI (SKSE64 plugin) | Install the FixNotesForSkyUI Skyrim AE main file. |
Fuz Ro D-oh - Silent Voice | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the Main File. Merge the Optional File.
As with any mod with an INI configuration, Step recommends creating an 'empty' mod to contain a customizable configuration (INI or similar file) that will not be overwritten when the mod is updated. The INI file will not be generated until the game is launched, and it should appear in Overwrite. Rather than moving the content into the original mod, create a custom mod to contain only the INI configuration file:
|
Hearthfires Houses Building Fix |
Hunters Not Bandits |
Invisibility and Eyes Mesh Fix | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Invisibility and Eyes Mesh Fix Main File.
|
Labyrinthian Shalidor's Maze Fixes |
Powerofthrees Tweaks | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the powerofthree's Tweaks main file, choosing "SSE v1.6.629+ (*Anniversary Edition*)" in the FOMOD.
As with any mod with an INI configuration, Step recommends creating an 'empty' mod to contain a customizable configuration that will not be overwritten when the mod is updated. The INI file will not be generated until the game is launched, and it should appear in Overwrite. Once that is done later in the guide, revisit this mod and complete the following if it will be customized:
|
Shadows Of Sunlight - In Small Exterior World Spaces |
Skyrim Project Optimization SE | Install the Skyrim SE - Project Optimization - ESL VERSION. |
SPID for Footprints |
Unlimited Bookshelves |
Unnecessarily Fixed Fixed Dragon Stalking Fix |
Waterbreathing Breathless Emerge SSE | Install Waterbreathing Breathless Emerge USSEP optional file. |
XP32 Maximum Skeleton SE - Fixed Scripts |
XPMSSE - Nemesis - Papyrus Stack Fix |
10-Gameplay-General
- Mods that affect general or multiple gameplay mechanics
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Complete Alchemy and Cooking Overhaul | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
This mod makes large changes the alchemy and cooking systems! Since the changes of this mod are so widespread and may not always be vanilla-friendly, its installation has been made optional. Step recommends its installation and for those that do a separate patch is provided within the Step Patches mod. Installation
The file has a misnamed texture. Rename |
Complete Crafting Overhaul Remastered | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
This mod makes large, non-vanilla changes to armor, item, and weapon stats! A minor subset of these changes are forwarded into the Step patches for consistency. To keep it simple for the user, this mod is optional and is not required by the Step patches; nevertheless, Step recommends that these changes be removed from the Step patches by experienced users if this mod isn't installed, because a minor subset of this mod's changes are forced by the Step patches. Installation
Install the main file. |
GIST - Genuinely Intelligent Soul Trap SE | Install the Main File only. |
Weapons Armor Clothing and Clutter Fixes | 2K-1K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
This mod makes large, non-vanilla changes to armor, item, and weapon stats! A minor subset of these changes are forwarded into the Step patches for consistency. To keep it simple for the user, this mod is optional and is not required by the Step patches; nevertheless, Step recommends that these changes be removed from the Step patches by experienced users if this mod isn't installed, because a minor subset of this mod's changes are forced by the Step patches. Installation
Install the Main File.
|
11-Gameplay-AI and Combat
- Mods that affect AI, stats, or combat mechanics of NPCs
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
AI Overhaul SSE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
Better Stealth AI for Followers |
Faction Fixes SE | Install the Main File only. |
Follower Trap Safety |
Realistic AI Detection SE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the main file, Realistic AI Detection 3 - Medium Interior Medium Exterior. This is recommended for more realistic gameplay with Ambiance.
The Step Patches include changes equivalent to the 'Lite' version for exteriors, so this mod balances well with Cathedral Weathers |
Run For Your Lives |
Simple Offence Suppression | Install the Simple Offence Suppression AE main file. |
Tavern AI fix |
Unequip Quiver SE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
12-Gameplay-Economy
- Mods that affect currency, rewards, values, rates, or any other economy-related mechanics
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Trade and Barter |
13-Gameplay-Immersion
- Mods that help to improve game immersion and role-playing scenarios
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Butterflies Unchained | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the Butterflies Unchained (ESL Version) main file. If CACO will be used, also install the Butterflies Unchained (ESL Version) - Complete Alchemy and Cooking Overhaul Patch from Optional Files. |
Disease Descriptions for the Immersive Adventurer SE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
Get Snowy | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the Main File.
Disable the following plugins (instructions for disabling plugins): getSnowy_ObsidianWeathers_Patch.esp getSnowy_WnC-Ashes Patch.esp 21-Post-Processing
Ignore the Main File, and install the Optional File instead. Disable the plugins as instructed above. |
Go On Ahead |
Guard Dialogue Overhaul SE |
Improved Traps | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the Improved Traps main file. Merge the Improved Traps - Follower Safety Patch miscellaneous file. Do not install Mining Makes Noise file! |
No Lockpick Activate (SKSE) - Updated |
Point The Way |
Reasonable Movement Speed |
Relationship Dialogue Overhaul Lite |
Simple Drop Lit Torches SE |
Simplest Horses |
Torches Ignite Oil | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the Torches Ignite Oil - Shock Edition Arcane Archer Pack Compatibility main file.
Disable the following plugins (instructions for disabling plugins): Torches Ignite Oil - Shock Edition and Arcane Archer Pack Compatibility.esp |
14-Gameplay-Quests
- Mods that alter aspects of quests and/or related lore
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Alternate Start - Live Another Life - SSE | The latest version is on AFK Mods. Nexus page does not receive updates. |
Even Better Quest Objectives SE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Main File.
|
Gildergreen Regrown |
Here We Go Again - World Interactions | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
Not So Fast - Mage Guild |
Not So Fast - Main Quest |
The Choice is Yours | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
This mod causes some vanilla quests to not start pending player interaction or until specific conditions are met. Since these changes can confuse some users and may not always be vanilla-friendly, its installation has been made optional. Step recommends its installation and for those that do a separate patch is provided within the Step Patches mod. Installation
Install the main file. |
The Paarthurnax Dilemma | The latest version is on AFK Mods. Nexus page does not receive updates. |
Thieves Guild Requirements SE | Install the Main File. A new game is required, if upgrading from v4 to v5 |
Timing is Everything SE |
15-Gameplay-Skills and Perks
- Mods that affect the player character's or NPC skills and perks or related leveling
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Enemy REvolution of Skyrim | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
FIZZLE | This is a 'realism' mod that departs slightly from vanilla. Spells will FAIL if PC/NPC is not skilled enough. |
Lock Overhaul | Install the Lock Overhaul main file. |
Odin - Skyrim Magic Overhaul |
ODIN spells for NPCS | Install the ODIN Spells For Spell Casters main file. |
Vokrii - Minimalistic Perks of Skyrim | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the Main File.
Also install as a separate mod the Odin - Vokrii Compatibility Patch from Optional Files. Installing additional files not under Nexus' "Main Files" section as separate mods preserves their version tracking to keep pace with updates. |
Vokrii Perks For NPCS | Install the Vokrii Perks For NPCS 50 main file. |
16-Interface
- Mods that affect any aspect of the user interface
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
A Clear Map of Skyrim and Other Worlds | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Also download the ACMOS Road Generator Tool - PART 2 and extract it to the Tools folder (e.g. |
Atlas Map Markers SE - Updated with MCM |
Better Container Controls for SkyUI | Install the BCC-SkyUI-ESL-v31 optional file. |
Better Dialogue Controls |
Better MessageBox Controls |
CoMAP - Common Marker Addon Project | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
This mod has several "Undiscovered Marker" options, and all are valid. For more immersive/mysterious gameplay,
Step recommends: Obscured Undiscovered HUD Markers (Diamond or Question Mark) and either of the Author's Cut Options The most enhanced, vanilla-friendly options are as follows:
Configuration
As with any mod with an INI configuration, Step recommends creating an 'empty' mod to contain a customizable configuration that will not be overwritten when the mod is updated. The INI file will not be generated until the game is launched, and it should appear in Overwrite. Once that is done later in the guide, revisit this mod and complete the following if it will be customized:
Make the following changes to the custom configuration file:
[Map] bObscuredUndiscovered=0 ; Set to '1' if a Obscured Undiscovered Option other than "None" was chosen fMarkerScale=0.75 [HUD] bObscuredUndiscovered=0 ; Set to '1' if a Obscured Undiscovered Option other than "None" was chosen |
Convenient Reading UI - SE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the Main File. Merge the Font Overhaul Compatibility Patch optional file. Configure INI
Step recommends using the default for the INI with a change to the 'Steal' font color if the book is not owned or free for the taking, but all INI settings should be adjusted according to user preference.
sBookStealTextColor=0xFF0000 |
Font Overhaul - Natural Typefaces for Skyrim | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Main File.
|
Horse Stamina HUD - Script-Free | Install Horse Stamina HUD SE main file for 1.6.x. |
Immersive HUD - iHUD Special Edition |
Lore-Based Loading Screens |
More Informative Console | Install the More Informative Console 1.x.x AE (1.6.640 plus) main file. |
MoreHUD Inventory Edition | Install moreHUD Inventory Edition Loose Version - AE main file. |
MoreHUD SE | Install the moreHUD SE Light Master - AE master file. |
RaceMenu |
SkyUI | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the Main File.
As a temporary measure to fix an issue introduced with game runtime update 1.6.1130, also install SkyUI SE - Difficulty Persistence Fix as a separate mod at one higher priority than SkyUI. |
SkyUI SE - Flashing Savegames Fix | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
This fix works for all versions of Skyrim SE and AE before v1.6.1130. The "Creations" update (v1.6.1130 and later) introduced new changes to the menu.
With the v1.6.1130-v1.6.1170 runtime, use SkyUI SE - Difficulty Persistence Fix, which includes this Flashing Savegames Fix. |
SkyUI - Ghost Item Bug Fix |
Smaller Vanilla Cursors SE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
Viewable Faction Ranks | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the Viewable Faction Ranks ESL main file.
NOTE: This mod has a reporting issue with respect to making the PC a member of the respective thane faction upon discovering the corresponding settlement/town, even if the respective quests are not completed. See the forum link for more details. |
Wider MCM Menu for SkyUI | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install one Main File of choice. Step Recommends: Opt. 3 or Opt. 4.
Compares: LINK NOTE: Some display configurations may require a different option if top/bottom of menus are cut off. |
Yes Im Sure |
17-Locations
- Mods that programmatically add new or alter vanilla locations
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Bring Out Your Dead |
Cutting Room Floor - SSE |
Farmhouse Chimneys SE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Main File:
Also install the USSEP patch from Optional Files. |
Hearthfire Extended | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the Main File. Merge the Hearthfire Extended - Cutting Room Floor Patch optional file. |
Helarchen Creek |
Landscape Fixes For Grass Mods | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Main File. Install Patches for Arthmoor's Town add-ons FOMOD under Optional Files as a separate mod for independent version tracking:
|
Oakwood |
Oblivion Gates Remade | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Main File.
|
Smooth Shores |
Snowy Landscapes in Snowy Regions | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
18-Lighting and Weather
- Mods that affect lighting and/or weather systems **installation is optional**
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Cathedral Weathers MCM |
Cathedral Weathers and Seasons | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the Main File.
21-Post-Processing
Merge the Update File if installing the post-processing ModGroup. |
Enhanced Volumetric Lighting and Shadows |
Lanterns of Skyrim SE - MCM version | Install the Lanterns of Skyrim SE - MCM Version - 1 Original MannyGT main file. |
Luminosity Lighting Overhaul | Install the Cathedral - Luminosity main file. |
Relighting Skyrim - SSE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Main File only.
|
Storm Lightning for SSE | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Main File.
|
Wonders of Weather | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
WoW Dragon Mounds CTD Fix | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
19-Utilities
- Mods that generate derived mod output from load-order-specific assets
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
DynDOLOD 3 Alpha | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||||||||||
Configure MO Executable
Configure as follows (If necessary, revisit the Tool Setup in the guide.):
Modify INI
The guide disables grass LOD by default. Instructions for enabling grass LODGen are also provided and may be enabled at a later time as instructed by the guide if adequate performance headroom is available. Navigate to Expert=1
Level32=1 DoubleSidedTextureMask=mountain,mtn DoubleSidedMeshMask=mountain,mtnNavigate to TreeMSAlphaThreshold=127
|
Nemesis Unlimited Behavior Engine | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the Main File.
Add to Mod Organizer Executables
Nemesis is run through Mod Organizer like most other tools. Add Nemesis to the list of executables by doing the following:
Create Mod for Output
It is recommended to create a mod to store output files from Nemesis by doing the following:
Run Nemesis
Nemesis must be run whenever animation/skeleton mods are added/updated. To do so:
|
20-Patches
- Mods that programmatically resolve load-order conflicts
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
AI Overhaul SSE Official Patch Hub | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install AI Overhaul - Cutting Room Floor Patch. Merge AI Overhaul - Relationship Dialogue Overhaul Patch. |
Circlet USSEP Fixes | Install the Gemling Queen Jewelry SE USSEP Circlet Fix main file. |
Kryptopyrs Patch Hub | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Since the FOMOD is not updated as regularly as the individual patches, do not install it. Instead, install the following individual patches under Miscellaneous Files.
|
Majestic Mountains Creation Club Landscape Patch |
Realistic Boat Bobbing Patch Hub | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the following (merge if asked):
|
Smooth Shores Patches | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install all files EXCEPT Smooth Shores Patches - Worldspace Transition Tweaks Patch #.#.#.
The files can be merged into a single mod if prompted. |
Umgak's Vokrii Compatibility Patch Compendium | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
Unofficial Skyrim Creation Club Content Patches | Install the Main File. |
Step Patch - Conflict Resolution | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
|
Step Patch - Lighting and Weather | Install the Step Patch - Lighting and Weather optional file ONLY if the 18-Lighting and Weather ModGroup is installed. |
Mod List Cleanup & Performance Check
Final Sorting and Cleaning
If plugins have not been sorted this session, run LOOT again. Examine the plugins in LOOT for errrors or warnings (ignoring the game's default masters at the top of the list). Ignore any reported missing compatibility patches or other warnings. These are either handled by the Step Patches or not of any concern. Perform the standard cleaning procedures on any mods requiring cleaning (except for the game's default masters).
Be aware that the Step Patches are designed to work with a default, LOOT-sorted plugin order. This eliminates the need to set rules on the load order. From this point on:
- Ensure all applicable mods are ticked in the left pane of MO.
- Ensure all plugins are ticked in the right pane of MO.
- Sort the load order using LOOT whenever plugins are added/removed.
- Update LOOT (the program and masterlist) whenever updates are available.
Performance Tuning
It's necessary to determine how much performance headroom is available before generating LOD or setting up post processing like ENB, because the full LODGen setup can cost upwards of 10 FPS on average in exteriors, and ENB can cost upwards of an additional 40 FPS. The goal at this point is to have at least 95 FPS in the Rift on average. Keep in mind that decreasing game resolution can drastically improve performance.
NOTE
For guidance on additional display settings (e.g., ultra widescreen, FreeSync, G-SYNC, etc.), refer to the SSE Display Settings Guide before continuing.- Temporarily disable A Clear Map of Skyrim and Other Worlds. Keep this mod disabled while performance benchmarks and tuning are performed.
- Uncap frame rates if they are capped (ignore any stuttering, screen tearing, etc. for the time being):
- Double click SSE Display Tweaks in the MO left pane, select the INI Files tab, and adjust the following settings under the [Render] section:
EnableVSync=false
EnableTearing=true
FramerateLimit=300
- If applicable, ensure that G-SYNC or Freesync are properly disabled via NVIDIA Inspector or AMD Adrenalin.
- If applicable, ensure that NVIDIA ultra low latency mode (ULLM) or AMD anti-lag are properly disabled via NVIDIA Inspector or AMD Adrenalin.
- Double click SSE Display Tweaks in the MO left pane, select the INI Files tab, and adjust the following settings under the [Render] section:
- Launch SkyrimSE, and start a NEW game to verify that Skyrim loads without issue. Skyrim should successfully load into the Alternate Start character generation interface.
- At the Statue of Mara, select "I own property in one of the holds".
- Select "Breezehome".
- Rest for 3 hours, and save the game when the Breezehome interior loads. This will be the clean save to use for testing performance before and after LODGen.
- Exit Breezehome and exit the Whiterun gate.
- Once outside of Whiterun, open the console and type
cow tamriel 40 -24
, and assess frame rates by moving around the Rift. - Use the Shift + INS keyboard combo to bring up the SSE Display Tweaks OSD.
- Other third-party applications like FRAPS, Skyrim Performance Monitor (SPM) can also provide OSD.
Once testing is complete, revert the changes and reapply frame caps:
- Re-enable A Clear Map of Skyrim and Other Worlds.
- Double click SSE Display Tweaks in the MO left pane, select the INI Files tab, and adjust the following settings under the [Render] section:
EnableVSync=true
EnableTearing=false
FramerateLimit=<previousValue>
- If applicable, ensure that G-SYNC or Freesync are properly enabled via NVIDIA Inspector or AMD Adrenalin.
- If applicable, ensure that NVIDIA ultra low latency mode (ULLM) or AMD anti-lag are properly enabled via NVIDIA Inspector or AMD Adrenalin.
Performance/Quality Optimization
This process will optimize the performance-quality trade off prior to configuration of ENB and LOD.
- If the average FPS is 90 - 100 FPS, stop here and continue to 21-Post-Processing or Step 5 - LOD.
- If the average FPS is lower or higher than 90 - 100 FPS continue below to optimize performance/quality to get closer to this range.
- Right click and select "open in new window" on this link to revisit the BethINI setup instructions that should be in effect if the BethINI instructions were followed.
- Close MO, and run BethINI (e.g.
..Modding\Tools\BethINI\BethINI.exe
).- If the average FPS was lower than 95 FPS:
- Set the [Medium] preset
- Selecting a preset in BethINI makes changes to many settings, so ensure all BethINI settings match those in the instructions, particularly for Basic, Detail, and Visuals tabs.
- Rerun the benchmark.
- If average FPS is still not ≥ 95, repeat these steps selecting the [Low] preset.
- If the average FPS was higher than 105 FPS:
- Set the [Ultra] preset
- Selecting a preset in BethINI makes changes to many settings, so ensure all BethINI settings match those in the instructions, particularly for Basic, Detail, and Visuals tabs.
- Rerun the benchmark.
- If average FPS is not ≥ 95, revert to the default [High] preset.
- If the average FPS was lower than 95 FPS:
- NOTE: Once finished, don't forget to re-enable graphics settings as described at the bottom of the Benchmarking Steps to reap the benefits of those disabled settings if supported.
Performance Examples
Following are performance results using the approach described previously. This serves as a preview to help in making decisions about ENB/DynDOLOD configurations. Note that with Step's recommended configurations, ENB is more costly than DynDOLOD in terms of performance (reference system):
Step 2.0.0 - All optional ModGroups installed Resolution: 2560x1440 Weather: clear (81a) PERFORMANCE TUNING Initial performance check: 100-112 FPS Revised BethINI (Ultra): 94-107 FPS Re-enable Freesync/Anti-Lag: 94-104 FPS Enable ENB 'heavy' preset: 55-62 FPS (Whiterun tundra but similar in Riften) Enable DynDOLOD (default): 47-51 FPS (Whiterun tundra but similar in Riften)
- The following gallery shows visual compares and performance snapshots for the cost of DynDOLOD and ENB using a number of Step's supported configurations. Different PCs and game resolutions will yield varying FPS results, but the proportional and relative differences between these presets should be similar:
21-Post-Processing
Decide whether or not to install the Post-Processing ModGroup (and use ENB). Keep in mind that LOD generation is more fundamentally important to visual enhancement than ENB, so if average frame rate from the previous benchmark is consistently below approx. 90 FPS at this point, consider skipping Post-Processing, and continuing on to Step 5.
NOTE
If ENB will be used, revisit the BethINI Setup to disable: Display > Lens Flare, Anamorphic Lens Flare, and Ambient Occlusion before installing the following ModGroup. Also consider modifying the sun size as instructed under Custom. Otherwise, skip to Step 5.Post-Processing Mod Table
- Mods that affect post-processing graphics **installation is optional**
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Deadly Spell Impacts Transparency Fix for ENB |
ENBSeries | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
For those unfamiliar with ENB, see the ENBSeries guide for information about ENBSeries post processing. Otherwise, download and install ENB as follows:
Install ENBSeries Binaries
Install the Step ENB
Three versions of the Step ENB preset are available, depending on performance requirements:
NOTE: The Step ENB comes with a recommended
|
ENB Helper SE | Install the ENB Helper SE for SSE 1.6.x main file. |
ENB Light | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the ENB Light 0.98 Alpha 2 update file using the instructions below. Merge the ENB Light SMIM Textures optional file.
|
ENB Lights for Aetherium Shards |
ENB Particle Lights Dwemer Lanterns |
Particle Lights For ENB SE - Paragon Gems | Install the Particle Lights For ENB SE - Paragon Gems - Iconic's Gems Patch main file. |
Particle Lights for ENB Wisps Witchlight |
Radiant - Candles | Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
Rudy HQ More Lights for ENB SE Bthardamz |
Rudy HQ More Lights for ENB SE Deathbells and Nirnroots |
Rudy HQ More Lights for ENB SE Glowing Mushrooms | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Hide the following file (instructions for hiding files/folders):
textures\plants\glowingmushrooms01.dds |
Rudy HQ More Lights for ENB SE Torchbugs and Moths |
Word Wall Transparency Fix for ENB |
Step Patch - Post-Processing | Detailed Instructions available | |||||
|
Post-Processing Mod Options
Beginning at 04-Foundation, confirm that all mod rows prefixed with a blue vertical bar are installed with the Post-Processing options.
Step SkyrimSE ENB Preset
Three versions of the Step ENB preset are available, depending on performance requirements:
- Heavy includes all of the significant effects and is recommended for systems that can withstand the performance cost of approx. 30-40 FPS in exteriors.
- light includes some of the significant effects and all essentials but at slightly lower quality than Heavy. This is will cost approx. 20-30 FPS in exteriors.
- Milk Drinker includes only the essential effects and at the lowest quality, costing 15-25 FPS in exteriors.
ENB Preset Installation
- Download the Step SkyrimSE ENB Preset from the Step SkyrimSE Nexus page
- Open the archive and extract the contents (folder and INI) to the SkyrimSE root directory (e.g.,
..Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition
) - Close the archive and root directory
- Consider rerunning the performance benchmark before continuing on.
- The shaders will be cached the first launch of the game after ENBSeries installation, so game load may take a minute or two.
- If average frame rate from the new benchmark was below 65, consider using a more performance-friendly preset or disabling ENB entirely.
STEP 5
Now that all mods and patches have been installed/sorted and performance margins are acceptable, the next step is to generate custom LOD data for the mod list. Recommended settings correspond to rendered game resolutions that will benefit from those settings.
LOD Setup
Before moving on, create three empty mods for the LOD output:
- Click on the button and select, [Create empty mod].
- Name it
xLODGen Output
.- This places a new, empty mod at the bottom of the mod list. However if it's not, place it last in the mod list.
- Repeat these steps to create two more mods named:
TexGen Output
, andDynDOLOD Output
. - Place these new mods directly after xLODGen Output.
- Find the (TEMP) Cathedral Landscapes - xLODGen mod from the 04-Foundation mod group and enable it, if necessary.
- Find the (TEMP) Terrain - xLODGen mod from the 03-Resources mod group and enable it, if necessary.
- These mods only need to be enabled for terrain LOD generation. If they are not disabled before actually playing the game, they will cause visual glitches.
- Sort with LOOT.
The last few mods in the mod list should now reflect the following (numbering is approximate and reflects the number of mods installed without extra mods or mod-list separators):
- DLC: Hearthfires
- ...
- (TEMP) Cathedral Landscapes - xLODGen NOTE: This mod can be here or under 04-Foundation with Cathedral Landscapes main mod, but it must be DISABLED later as instructed!
- (TEMP) Terrain - xLODGen
- xLODGen Output
- TexGen Output
- DynDOLOD Output
NOTE
Complete the following in order, and ensure that all mods and plugins are enabled and sorted before doing so.WARNING
Using higher resolutions than recommended for any of the following LOD applications will result in a waste of PC resources with NO BENEFIT. It makes ZERO sense to impulsively increase the resolutions beyond the specifications indicated.xLODGen
xLODGen is run first to generate updated LOD terrain textures and meshes so that landscape LOD is updated with mod changes:
Generate terrain LOD
- Ensure LOD Setup was completed.
- Run xLODGen from the MO executable drop-down list.
- Select all worldspaces.
- Ensure that ONLY the Terrain LOD box is ticked in the right pane.
- Use the following settings, which have been verified in extensive testing:
- NOTE: Unless you are running SSE at ≥ 4k resolution, resist the urge to wastefully increase the texture resolutions shown, which will only reduce FPS with NO BENEFIT. Those running ≥ 4k resolution WILL benefit by doubling the resolution for LOD4, LOD8, and LOD16 from 256 to 512.
- Click [Generate] to run the process, which will require upwards of 20 minutes, depending on the PC.
- Once the "LOD generation complete" message has appeared, close xLODGen.
- NOTE: If the xLODGen window closes itself, post in the xLODGen topic and include
../Modding/GameName/Tools/xLODGen/bugreport.txt
and any logs created.
- NOTE: If the xLODGen window closes itself, post in the xLODGen topic and include
Paint roads on terrain LOD
- Run ACMOS Road Generator which was installed as part of A Clear Map of Skyrim and Other Worlds.
- For "Path to LOD," browse to the xLODGen output folder (e.g.
..Modding/GameName/Tools/xLODGen/xLODGen_Output
). - Click Generate.
- At the prompt to "Overwrite LOD Textures," choose Yes.
- When prompted to "Zip?", choose No.
- Wait until it says "All Done!" and then click OK and close.
Terrain LOD Wrap-Up
- Browse to the xLODGen output folder (e.g.
..Modding/GameName/Tools/xLODGen/xLODGen_Output
). - In MO, open the xLODGen Output mod in Windows Explorer (Ctrl + double-click).
- Cut and paste the files from
../xLODGen_Output
into the Template:GameAbbrevTag - xLODGen Output folder, then close both folders. - Enable xLODGen Output mod.
- Disable (TEMP) Terrain - xLODGen and (TEMP) Cathedral Landscapes - xLODGen mods (only needed as xLODGen resources for terrain generation only).
DynDOLOD
Object LOD will be created using Dynamic Distant Objects LOD (DynDOLOD). At a significant performance cost (upwards of 10 FPS) for a subtle improvement to LOD, DynDOLOD v3+ supports generation of grass billboard LOD. Generate grass LOD ONLY if performance headroom is available per Performance Tuning instructions.
WARNING
These instructions are a WIP and may change slightly until we have all of the facts and testing results.
Run TexGen
TexGen 3, shipped with DynDOLOD 3, will generate custom object LOD textures based on enabled mods. TexGen 3 will also generate grass billboards for LOD.
- Run TexGen from the MO executable drop-down list.
- Use the setting corresponding to rendered game resolution: 1080p = HD, 1440p = QHD, 2160p = 4k
- NOTE: If generating grass LOD, be sure to tick "Grass" when replecating the following examples.
- Click [Start].
- Once the completed message has appeared (1-5 minutes, depending on the PC), click [Exit].
- Navigate to the DynDOLOD TexGen_Output folder location (e.g.
../Modding/Tools/DynDOLOD/TexGen_Output
). - Move the files from the TexGen_Output folder into the TexGen Output mod:
- In MO, hold down the Ctrl key and double-click the TexGen Output mod. Alternatively, right click the mod to open it in an Explorer window.
- Enable the TexGen Output mod in MO.
Run DynDOLOD
DynDOLOD will generate the object LOD. IF grass LOD is being generated, also modify grass tint and brightness as follows:
While these settings should work for most people, the result is specific to display hardware and settings as well as monitor, etc.
Browse to ..\Modding\Tools\DynDOLOD\Edit Scripts\DynDOLOD\DynDOLOD_SSE.ini
, and modify the following, which optimize grass LOD brightness/hue for Cathedral Landscapes:
ENB
; grass LOD brightness multipliers GrassBrightnessTopR=0.295 GrassBrightnessTopG=0.315 GrassBrightnessTopB=0.300 ; make bottom darker to fake shadowing GrassBrightnessBottomR=0.170 GrassBrightnessBottomG=0.175 GrassBrightnessBottomB=0.180
No ENB
; grass LOD brightness multipliers GrassBrightnessTopR=0.345 GrassBrightnessTopG=0.365 GrassBrightnessTopB=0.350 ; make bottom darker to fake shadowing GrassBrightnessBottomR=0.220 GrassBrightnessBottomG=0.225 GrassBrightnessBottomB=0.230
Note the distant grass color. It's subtle in these images but more apparent in game.
Configure and Generate
- Run DynDOLOD from the MO executable drop-down list to open the GUI configuration in 'expert' mode (if the DynDOLOD INI modification was set as described previously).
- Select all worldspaces.
- Tick Candles and FXGlow.
- IMPORTANT - Click the 'High' button to bring in mesh rules for A Clear Map of Skyrim mod and the Step Patch - Conflict Resolution. For slightly better performance with some quality loss, consider clicking on 'Medium' or 'Low' instead.
- Configure as follows, or make performance modifications as instructed further below before continuing to the next step:
- ONLY generate Occlusion data on the first run. If DynDOLOD is run again for some reason, leave Occlusion UNticked to speed up generation.
- Tick Grass LOD to generate grass LOD. Otherwise, leave this UNticked.
- Recommended rules for trees and A Clear Map of Skyrim mod (LOD32).
- To increase performance with minimal quality loss, consider changing the tree rule's LOD4 to Billboard4.
- Click [OK].
- Once the completed message has appeared (15-30 minutes [25-50 minutes with Occlusion ticked], depending on the PC), click [Save & Exit].
- Navigate to the DynDOLOD DynDOLOD_Output folder location (e.g.
..\Modding\Tools\DynDOLOD\DynDOLOD_Output
). - Move the files the DynDOLOD_Output folder into the DynDOLOD Output mod:
- In MO, hold down the Ctrl key and double-click the DynDOLOD Output mod. Alternatively, right click the mod to open it in an Explorer window.
- Enable the DynDOLOD Output mod in MO.
- Ensure the DynDOLOD.esm and DynDOLOD.esp plugins are ticked in the right pane.
- Sort with LOOT.
NOTE
Multiple DynDOLOD outputs at varying quality settings can be created and stored in different mods. If this is done, generate occlusion only on the first run and copy this into a separate mod (e.g., 'DynDOLOD Occlusion') to reduce the generation time of subsequent outputs. Likewise, consider generating only for the Tamriel worldspace before settling on the chosen output and generating for all worldspaces.When to Regenerate LOD
- xLODGen
- Whenever there are changes to the mod list that affect the underlying landscape: height, shape, textures, etc. This does not include grass, mountains or other objects on the landscape.
- TexGen
- Whenever there are changes to the mod list that affect objects with LOD: new objects, moved structures or objects, removed structures or objects, changes to grass (only when using grass LOD), changes to trees and/or landscape height, when its master plugins order is changed (out of order masters), etc. When grass is re-cached, TexGen should also be run again to update grass billboards.
- DynDOLOD
- Whenever there are changes to the mod list that affect objects with LOD: new objects, moved structures or objects, removed structures or objects, changes to grass (only when using grass LOD), changes to trees and/or landscape height, when its master plugins order is changed (out of order masters), etc. When LOD textures are updated with TexGen, DynDOLOD should also be run again to update all affected object LOD.
- Occlusion
- Only with noticeable changes to geography of Tamriel and/or Solstheim. For Step, this should only need to be run once.
STEP 6
The game is now ready to be loaded to configure mods in the Mod Configuration Menu (MCM). The MCM is a feature of SkyUI that allows mod authors to provide custom, game-accessible settings for their mods. Recommendations are provided below for select mods. The remainder are user preference.
First Launch
To run the game, select the SKSE executable from the drop-down list and click the Run button. Keep the following in mind when first launching from a fresh Guide installation:
- A new game is required!
- In other words, don't load from a save after a fresh Guide install to avoid issues. Review the changelog before upgrading from a previous version of this Guide to determine whether or not a new game is advisable.
- When launching the game for the first time after a Guide install, the load could take significantly longer than normal. This will only be a one-time wait as all the installed mods are being initialized. Subsequent load times should be shorter.
- Finally, INI files may appear in the Overwrite folder after closing the game (e.g.
../SKSE/Plugins/SkyrimUncapper.ini
). These files should be moved to their respective mod folders, respecting their folder structure during the move.
Alternate Start
Upon starting a new game, the Alternate Start - Live Another Life is the first mod in play. Lets face it, Skyrim is old and the vanilla start quest is the last thing many want to play through. Alternate Start provides a variety of ways to start the game. Once a new game is started, a locked cell is loaded. Simply talk to the statue in the room, choose a preference for starting the game (the vanilla start is provided as an option), and then sleep in the bed to start your new life. When using an alternate start location, the main quest line can be initialized by simply visiting Helgen.
Mod Configuration Menu Settings
Atlas Map Markers
Configure as desired, but a good starting point is to load both the Map Marker and Compass Presets under Extra Options.
Cathedral Weathers
If the 18-Lighting and Weather ModGroup was installed, it is user preference on whether or not to set Interior Vision to Darker. The Step ENB was designed for Normal.
Complete Crafting
The following screenshots display the recommended settings for the mod's MCM:
Farmhouse Chimneys SE
Vanilla villages should all be ticked on the first page. The following screenshot displays the recommended settings for the New Locations page:
Lock Overhaul
This mod must be activated to work. Once enabled, the settings are user preference.
Storm Lightning
The Minimum preset in the MCM is recommended.
Timing is Everything
Timing is Everything is set up in a way that integrates DLC content and balances the game's quests. Vampires and werewolves will show up early in the game because they are a part of the world. Dragonborn will not start until the news of your deeds has time to reach the island, and the player becomes something that must be dealt with. Attack chances are lowered from 100% so there will be less of a chance to predict an attack. Other things are active that make sense, such as not being able to do the Break of Dawn quest if the player is a vampire, Thalmor won't attack until after engaging their quest line, etc. The following screenshots display the recommended settings for the mod's MCM:
Remaining Mod Configurations
The remaining mod configurations are recommended to be left at their defaults for the most enhanced, vanilla experience. However, users may adjust the settings for these mods to their preference.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS
STEP can only get bigger and better with help from the community. It is very time consuming for the STEP team to ensure that the Guide is consistently maintained at the highest quality possible. We need people to help us identify mods that improve the vanilla game while adhering to our Mandate. We also need ongoing bug reports, reviews, and updates on mods that may cause problems or that stray from the Mandate.
In order to suggest a mod for inclusion, visit the Mods section of the Forums.
Call for Mod Testers
Community members interested in becoming Mod Testers, please contact TechAngel85 via PM on the forums. Once registered, Mod Testers will be given access to Staff forums that houses useful information. For more information about our mod testing process, read through the Mod Testing Guide to get a sense of what's involved.
Call for Forum Moderators
Regular community members interested in becoming moderators, please contact TechAngel85 via PM on the forums. Forum Moderators will be determined based upon level and quality of activity within our community.
Credits
The STEP administrators would sincerely like to thank (from the bottoms of our fuzzy little hearts):
- The authors of mods recommended within our guides
- The authors of mods who granted permission for their mods to be incorporated into the Step Patches
- The core Community for feedback, suggestions and input
- The Beta and Mod Testers for their good humor and rigorous analyses
- sheson for DynDOLOD and all things LODGen
- The Nexus community
- Bethesda Softworks for their games
- Tannin for the gift that is Mod Organizer
- All the developers that kept MO going
Personnel
Testers
- D1Z4STR
- Mercury71
- Mousetick
- Step Administrators
LODGen Support
- sheson
- Step Administrators
MO Support
- GSDfan
- Step Administrators
Step Administrators
- DoubleYou
- Greg
- TechAngel85
- z929669
Retired Staff
- Aiyen
- Bealdwine
- deathneko11
- EisDrache
- EssArrBee
- Farlo
- frihyland
- GrantSP
- hishutup
- Kelmych
- MontyMM
- Nebulous112
- oqhansoloqo
- phazer11
- rootsrat
- stoppingby4now
- TheCompiler
- torminater
- Uhuru
- WilliamImm
- wolverine2710