- Visit the forums and provide feedback related to STEP.
- Also visit the STEP Facebook page maintained by TheCompiler (Daniel) and TechAngel85 (Jeremy).
- To support hosting and maintenance of the STEP Community Project, contributions are welcome.
STEP 2.10.0 Highlights
With this version of STEP comes a change in our versioning scheme. We realized from the last few releases the Guide needed a different solution for the versioning scheme. Up until now, we have included the underbelly of STEP as the first digit in our scheme. This meant major changes to software (like forum software and wiki upgrades) would count as STEP 1.x.x, STEP 2.x.x, and so on. This was not the best standard for us to use. Therefore, from this release and beyond, the versioning of STEP will go as: Major.Minor.Hotfix.
- Major - Introduce fundamental new functionality, tools, or methods. (e.g., Official Pack implementation [i.e., STEP Extended, STEP Lighting, STEP-sponsored Packs], BOSS to LOOT, Wrye Bash to MO).
- Minor - changes to mod lineup.
- Hotfix - Change/fix Guide instructions that require amendment to the changelog (however large or small) and any other 'hotfixes' (e.g., changes to mod install order).
For more information about the versioning scheme, see the link posted above.
Until now, we had been working up to STEP 2.3.0 as our next major release. With the change in the versioning scheme, we'll now be working towards STEP 3.0.0! From this release and beyond, each release will be a step towards bridging our move to the new paradigm. What does this mean for this release? This means that while there are no drastic changes to the Guide's structure, we have again fine-tuned the STEP setup to bring you a fluid mod list to enhance the beauty and feel of Skyrim.
A few of the larger changes in this release are:
- We have replaced Skyrim HD with Skyrim Realistic Overhaul has our baseline for all textures.
- Gone are several of the old character mods including: XCE, XCE - Dawnguard, Better Beast Races, and Better Freckles. These mods have been replaced by alternative selections.
- The entire Characters & Creatures section of the Guide has seen significant refinement.
- Many of the older mods in the Guide have been removed and replaced with more recent solutions.
- The entire INI section has been replaced with BethINI.
- There has been so many changes that we highly recommend users reviewing the changelog, for all the fine details.
About STEP
A Foreword
Created by TheCompiler, 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 modded Skyrim. Thus, the Guide provides detailed, well-tested build instructions for a solid modding template. New modders can follow STEP explicitly to achieve an enhanced, vanilla experience, or more experienced modders may use it as general guide to build a foundation from.
The STEP team collects information from the modding community through extensive mod testing, detailed reviews, feedback, and suggestions exchanged on the STEP Community Forums. Posting rules apply, so be sure to read and follow them. Engage and enjoy a warm welcome and plenty of high-quality support from a large community of experienced STEP-ers.
Nomenclature
The following nomenclature is used throughout this guide and should be understood before proceeding.
- Core mods: Mods that are Core to the STEP Guide collectively known as STEP:Core. STEP:Core is an installation of ONLY Core mods listed in the mod tables within STEP 2 of this Guide.
- Extended mods: Mods that are not Core mods in the STEP Guide collectively known as STEP:Extended. STEP:Extended is an installation of ALL mods listed in the mod tables within STEP 2 of this Guide.
- Baseline: An installation of a mod using the recommend baseline option listed within the Baseline column of the mod tables.
- STEP Patches: A "patch" is a plugin which allows two or more mods to work together without conflict. The "STEP Patches" are the same thing but allow for all of the mods in the STEP Guide to work harmoniously together. All users should use the STEP Patches unless a custom patch will be made; even then the STEP Patches can be used as a base to make a custom patch for STEP + other mods. The STEP Patches are installed with the STEP Compilation in Section N of this Guide. Users should determine whether or not they will be using a STEP Patch before starting STEP 2 due to select mods having alternative installation steps for users not installing a one of the Patches.
Minimum System Requirements for STEP:Core
We recommend the following hardware configuration for running a Baseline installation. The minimum requirements will allow most users to install and run the STEP Baseline recommendations, which provide a good performance/quality trade-off. The recommended requirements will allow most users to install and run a modded setup beyond that of Baseline with higher quality options. For those wishing to use the highest quality options available with higher resolutions than 1920x1080, be advised that a more powerful system will likely be required.
Hardware
|
Minimum
|
Recommended
|
Windows OS
|
Windows 7 32-bit
|
Windows 7 64-bit or later
|
CPU
|
Intel Core i3/equivalent (dual core)
|
Intel Core i5/equivalent or higher
|
System RAM
|
8 GB
|
8 GB or higher
|
GPU
|
Nvidia GTX 660 2GB VRAM / AMD Radeon HD 7850 2GB
|
Nvidia GTX 660 2GB VRAM / AMD Radeon HD 7850 2GB / or better
|
Monitor Resolution
|
1366x768
|
1920x1080
|
NOTE
Start Out Clean!
It is particularly important for new users begin with clean installations of both Steam and Skyrim in order to be successful with the setup of this Guide the first time through.
PLEASE READ EACH SECTION BELOW CAREFULLY, as no information included in this Guide is irrelevant!
Mod Table Reference
Below is the legend and reference for the mod tables used in this Guide. Users should refer back to it when confused about a mod listing.
Mod Table Legend
The following is an example of the mod tables, found in Step 2 below, followed by the legend for reading the table. Users should familiarize themselves with this information.
Mod Table Legend
|
|
Patch Requirement
|
A green vertical bar indicates that the mod is required by the Step Conflict Resolution Patch, and a red bar indicates that the LW patch is required.
|
|
|
Mod Name
|
Nexus mod name presented as a link to Nexus for download.
|
|
|
|
Link to the mod's wiki page, which includes various information about the mod.
|
|
|
Baseline
|
This notes the STEP Baseline version or option of the corresponding mod that should be installed, and usually refers to options affecting performance/quality. General suggestions are located in the "Notes" column; see below.
|
|
|
Instructions
|
Brief notes that apply to the mod or installation. In some cases, mods with several options will include a suggested option. These suggestions will take the form of: "STEP recommends 'Option A'." In other cases, there may only be one appropriate option, which fits the STEP Mandate. These instructions will take the form of: "Download and install 'Option A'." Users will also see links displayed as: Detailed instructions available. Users should follow these links to find detailed instructions for installing the mod.
|
NOTE
Chapter Heading Layout
A link to more detailed information related to each section, for users wishing to have more in-depth information, is provided directly below the section heading and looks as follows:
Detailed Information --> Link
Brief, quick setup instructions follow the heading for users wishing to get through the guide AFAP (as fast as possible).
STEP 1
Pre-Installation Setup
1.A. Install Steam & Skyrim
Detailed Information --> Setup Guide Skyrim Installation Guide
System Setup Guide (SSG)
A Mandatory Prerequisite for Following Step Game Guides
by: The Step Team | Forum Topic
This guide describes the expected configuration of the Windows 10/11 PC environment in order to follow mod-build guides on this wiki. This standard configuration prevents some common modding issues and facilitates support and resolution of many others.
After completing the SSG, return to the Game Guide using the top navigation bar.
Modding Folders
Create modding-related folders (aka, directory locations or 'paths'). Before doing so, consider the space requirements. A good rule of thumb for drive space requirements is ~100GB per game; however, this will vary from game to game. This space accounts for the game (e.g., Skyrim LE requires ~13GB, Fallout 4 requires ~30GB), installed mods, temporary files, modding tools, etc. Also remember that no PC drive should be filled to more than 90% of its capacity.
To avoid potential Windows Security / User Account Control (UAC) pemissions issues, avoid installing moddable games and modding resources under existing paths created by Windows or third-party programs. Install locations to avoid include but are not limited to...
C:\Program Files\
C:\Program Files (x86)\
C:\Users\
C:\Windows\
Instead, create the following folders on any drive root (e.g., C:\
, D:\
, E:\
, etc.) to keep paths shallow. Installing games and modding tools onto a large, fast drive is beneficial:
C:\Modding
C:\Modding\Tools
C:\Games
In creating these directories, the 'Owner' is the Windows user who created them and who has full permissions under these locations by default, thus avoiding any potential Windows Security issues in the future.
File Extensions
It's recommended to unhide file-type extensions to simplify asset identification.
➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Steps - Show Windows File Extensions
- Click on the Windows button.
- Type in the search, File Explorer Options.
- Click on the File Explorer Options listing.
- Click the View tab on the window that opens.
- In the Advanced settings pane, remove the checkbox next to Hide extensions for known file types.
Steam Installation
As is mentioned throughout this guide, Step only supports Steam games at this time. Steam is a digital distribution platform by Valve Corp. used for purchasing, downloading, installing, and launching PC games.
- Download the program from their website
- Install Steam under the 'Games' folder created previously (e.g.,
C:\Games\Steam\
)
- This location is outside of UAC control (by virtue of being owned by the user) and ensures path depth is shallow and simple.
- Steam installs its games in the
..\steamapps\common\
sub-folder.
Steam can be installed to any drive and any location, regardless of the paths used for this Guide. However, all Step guides reference these default paths, so any deviations must be taken into account. When installing Steam to an alternative path...
- Avoid installing to existing paths created by Windows or third-party installations (see Modding Folders).
- Keep in mind the space requirements for the games that will be installed.
➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Steps - Steam Installation
Steam can be installed one of two ways:
- Using a physical copy of the Steam-hosted game purchased from a retailer:
- Insert the game disk into your disk drive.
- If the installer doesn't run automatically, open the disk from Explorer and run Setup.exe.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to install Steam (see video link below)
- Download Steam from their website and install it:
- Navigate to the Steam website
- Download the Steam installer
- Navigate to your downloads location and launch SteamSetup.exe (see video link below).
Game Installation & Maintenance Via Steam
The basics relating to the Step guides follow. Visit Steam Support for the more lengthy official documentation.
Consider Moving Steam and Installed Games
Since Steam is installed under a user-created folder like C:\Games\Steam
Windows Security is not an issue; however, if Steam was previously installed into its default location, or if space for installed games is running low, it's simple (and recommended) to move Steam games or Steam itself into a custom location.
Installing a Steam Game
Games are downloaded and installed under the Steam directory location ..\Steam\steamapps\common\
using the Steam application.
➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Steps - Game Download & Install
- Open the Steam application.
- From the top menu, click [Library].
- If the game is not listed in the left menu, click [Store] from the top menu, and use the search bar to find and purchase the game.
- Grayed out listings in the left menu of the Steam library are not installed. Click on the game listing to install it, choosing the default 'Apps' location.
Initialize the Game
Once the game is installed, it needs to be loaded with the default launcher to register it with Windows and create necessary files. For games with DLC, it's mandatory to purchase and install all DLC prior to following the corresponding guide. Furthermore, it's mandatory to be running the latest version of said game(s), because the Step guides are only compatible with the latest game versions + all available DLC:
- Launch Steam, and click the [Library] from the top menu.
- Click on the game of choice in the left menu.
- Click [Play] button on the game page at right.
- This will invoke one-time initialization scripts for required software.
- For Bethesda games, video settings will be autodetected, game INIs will be created, and keys/values will be written to the Windows registry.
- SkyrimSE ONLY (skip to #5 for other games) - This ensures all CC content are the latest versions available.
- Click [Play] within the launcher.
- Click [Download] to download the Creation Club data files.
- Click [OK] to reset the game files.
- Exit/quit the launcher/game.
Restoring the Default (Vanilla) Game Folder
If the game has been previously installed and modded, there are likely third-party files under the Steam game directory location. Depending on the methods and tools used, some of these files could cause problems later. Additionally, Step guides always expect the most current Steam game release. Restoring the default Steam (vanilla) game installation is highly recommended and ensures there are no hangups later.
If an archived backup of the vanilla game was not created, the default game content can be restored fresh from Steam. This is a two part process.
Delete Game Files and User Data
➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Steps - Part 1: Remove Installed Content
- If mods from the Steam Workshop are installed, navigate to the Workshop and unsubscribe from ALL mods.
- Browse to the game directory:
.\Steam\SteamApps\common\<gameFolder>
- Delete all files and subdirectories.
- Launch Steam, and click on [Library] from the top menu.
- In the left menu, right click on the game, and click [Manage >] [Uninstall].
- Browse to:
%USERPROFILE%\My Documents\My Games\<gameName>
, and delete all files and subdirectories.
Verify Integrity of Game Files
➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Steps - Part 2: Reacquire Game Files
- Close any open mod managers.
- In the Steam app Library, right-click the game and select Properties.
- Under the Installed Files menu, click [Verify integrity of game files...]
- This will reset all game data, and the game will need to be reinitialized.
Disabling Steam Automatic Updates(optional)
Step guides expect the latest version of supported games with all available official DLC, so disabling automatic updates is not advised; however, certain updates can break the respective guide on occasion until the guide is updated likewise. To stop Steam from automatically updating a game, right click on a game title in the Library, and select Properties > Updates > "Only update this game when I launch it".
Game Backup(optional)
Some mod management applications manipulate the physical game files in the Steam game directory location: ..\Steam\steamapps\common\
. MO instead uses a virtual game directory location, preserving all of the vanilla game files. Even so, some engine-level runtime mods (e.g., post-processors, script extenders, etc.) require their EXE and DLL files to be installed in the physical game directory location. Some may wish to create a backup of the vanilla game before any changes under the game location take place. For this, Step recommends using 7-Zip to archive the following directories:
- Replace 'GameFolder' with the name of the folder being archived.
..\Steam\steamapps\common\<gameFolder>
%USERPROFILE%\My Documents\My Games\<gameFolder>
%LOCALAPPDATA%\<gameFolder>
(e.g. C:\Users\<UserName>\AppData\Local\<gameFolder>
)
Tools Installation and Setup
Step recommends the tools for modding be installed and setup as “standalone” applications whenever possible. This means a tool is installed once and used for all games.
Miscellaneous
There are some programs that are commonly used during modding that aren't necessarily "modding tools". These are general applications used for more than just modding and should NOT be installed under the ..\Modding\Tools\
location:
- 7-zip
-
- This is a popular file archiver. All mods are archived before uploading and may need to be extracted. Most mods have the custom format from 7-zip (.7z).
- Notepad++
-
- This is a popular text editor that supports many coding languages and has syntax highlighting, plugins (including Papyrus), and many more features useful for modding.
NOTE
Install all of the following modding tools to the
..\Modding\Tools\
location created previously.
Mod Organizer(Forum)
Mod Organizer 2 (MO) is the required mod manager for all Step Guides, since mod installation instructions are written specifically for MO. Other mod managers can be used, but they are NOT supported. Vortex users can easily switch to MO without losing downloaded or installed mods by moving some files around using Windows Explorer. Then each download/mod's metadata can be synced,
- Log in to Nexus and Download the MO Main File.
- Install MO into
..\Modding\Tools\Mod Organizer\
- Download BethINI:
- Double-click the archive to open it in 7z, and double-click into the top folder to expose all of the BethINI files/folders to be installed.
- Create the
..\Modding\Tools\BethINI
folder, and drag all files/folders into this folder.
- When upgrading BethINI, merge the updated archive content into existing files/folders with overwrite.
- Download the 7z archive of the latest 64-bit version of LOOT (e.g.,
loot_#.#.#-win64.7z
).
- Double-click the archive to open it in 7z, and double-click into the top folder to expose all of the LOOT files/folders to be installed.
- Create the
..\Modding\Tools\LOOT
folder, and drag all files/folders into this folder.
- When upgrading LOOT, remove all existing files/folders, and replace them with those from the latest archive.
'xEdit' is the generic name that applies to all applicable game variants (e.g., SSEEdit, TES5Edit, FO4Edit, etc.). For example, SSEEdit is the same application as FO4Edit, and the only difference is the name of the EXE files in the downloads. The application's game-specific behavior is triggered by the file name but can be overridden by command-line argument. In keeping with all modding tools being installed as standalone applications, Step will use the command-line argument via MO to invoke the applicable game mode rather than installing each variant (more on that later in the Guide).
- Download SSEEdit (i.e., xEdit) from Nexus. 'SSEEdit' is 'xEdit', and applies to all Bethesda games!
- Double-click the archive to open it in 7z, and double-click into the top folder to expose all of the xEdit files/folders to be installed.
- Create the
..\Modding\Tools\xEdit
folder, and drag all files/folders into this folder.
- When upgrading xEdit, remove all existing files/folders, and replace them with those from the latest archive.
- Read the OP carefully before downloading and using xLODGen.
- Double-click the archive to open it in 7z, and drag the xLODGen folder directly into
..\Modding\Tools\
.
- Create a folder inside the xLODGen folder for the application output:
..\Modding\Tools\xLODGen\xLODGen_Output
- When upgrading xLODGen, remove all existing files/folders except
xLODGen_Output
, and replace them with those from the latest archive.
The "Modding" folder structure should now reflect:
..\Modding\Tools
..\Modding\Tools\BethINI
..\Modding\Tools\LOOT
..\Modding\Tools\Mod Organizer
..\Modding\Tools\xEdit
..\Modding\Tools\xLODGen
MO First-Launch Setup
WARNING
For many instructions to make sense, this guide expects mods to be downloaded from Nexus using the "Mod Manager Download" button when it's available. This requires a Nexus user account to be associated with MO to leverage the API. Step doesn't support issues related to either 1) manual mod metadata maintenance or 2) obtaining mods from Nexus anonymously. Both add layers of complexity and potential issues that are out of scope.
As mentioned previously, Step recommends installing all applications as standalone programs. For MO, this behavior is configured at first launch of the program and creating a "Global Instance". For more detailed information about the MO configuration at first launch, see the Mod Organizer Guide.
First, launch MO by running its executable (e.g. ..\Modding\Tools\Mod Organizer\ModOrganizer.exe
). If this is the first time MO is started after installation, the "Creating a new instance" wizard will be presented. If this is NOT the first time launching MO, click on the icon, and then click [+ Create new instance] in the upper left of the instances windows to start the wizard.
Create a global instance Click to show/hide
|
Click [Next], and select "Create a global instance", and click [Next] again.
|
Select the game Click to show/hide
|
MO will detect games that are installed. Select any one of the games listed and click [Next]. If the game wasn't auto-detected, manually browse to the game directory.
- Select the Steam game edition if prompted. Step guides only support Steam games. Other editions can be used but aren't supported by Step guide curators.
|
Name the instance Click to show/hide
|
Type a name, or use the default, and click [Next].
- Step recommends using the guide name and version number as the instance name (e.g.
Step SkyrimSE v#.# ), which makes it possible to completely partition game-specific builds. MO profiles do not allow this degree of separation. See Instances vs Profiles for more information.
- If prompted to "Configure profile settings", tick all boxes before clicking [Next].
|
Set the instance location Click to show/hide
|
Use the default path (recommended), or choose a custom path, and click [Next].
|
Connect to Nexus (only appears on first launch) Click to show/hide
|
Click the [Connect to Nexus] button. This is necessary to leverage the Nexus API for mod data integrations between Nexus and MO!
- If this fails, wait a moment and try again.
|
Authorize Nexus Click to show/hide
|
If successful, a browser window will open Nexus Mods. Log in, and click the [Authorise] button to allow the connection.
- The browser page should present a 'success' message. Close the window, and click [Next]
|
Create the instance Click to show/hide
|
Click [Finish] after the confirmation message appears.
- A tutorial prompt may appear, which is recommended for those new to MO.
- Another prompt will appear if MO is not set up to handle .NXM links. Select [Yes].
|
MO is now ready to use. By default, the MO profile will be created under %LOCALAPPDATA%\ModOrganizer\<instanceName>\profiles\<profileName>
.
MO2
Note on MO version tracking
To maximize efficiency of Nexus mod version tracking, Step now recommends that files not under "Main Files" be installed as separate mods to allow independent version tracking apart from the Main Files and global mod version. This will flag outdated versions of mods that have been updated. Because some mod authors don't understand or how this works (or just don't care), certain mods will perpetually be flagged as being outdated. To fix this, modify the
meta.ini file MO creates in every mod such that the
version and
newestVersion values match the actual version of interest. When the mod is updated, this will trigger the flag again.
Update Drivers
Most drivers are updated fairly frequently, especially if hardware is relatively new. Driver updates often fix bugs, expand functionality, increase compatibility, and provide performance improvements. As such, it is important to keep drivers up to date, particularly chipset drivers.
Pre-built PCs often bundle driver-update applications that can be used to download and install official driver updates specific to the PC. Drivers for custom-built PCs will be on the component manufacturer's websites. BIOS and firmware updates are often available as well but can be trickier and more risky to 'flash'.
Display drivers can often be upgraded without issue, particularly if done so using the video card's software; however, a bad installation or corruption is possible. In such situations, it is necessary to perform a "clean upgrade" as described below:
➕ [Click to show]➖ [Click to hide] Steps - "Clean Upgrade" Display Drivers
- Download the latest stable AMD drivers / Nvidia drivers.
- Download DDU and install it (DDU forums).
- Restart Windows, and boot into safe mode.
- Launch DDU, and select the appropriate driver from the dropdown.
- Note the recommendations in DDU, and initialize the cleanup.
- Reboot normally, and install the latest drivers downloaded from step 1.
- Reboot normally again.
Display Configuration
Keep in mind that hardware and software vary wildly by end user, and there are many configuration possibilities that work for any given subset, but results will still vary.
Important Considerations:
- It's recommended that driver software enhancements (e.g., anitialiasing, image sharpening, multisampling, etc.) be disabled or "off, unless application specifies". Otherwise, the relevant driver software options will be addressed later in the guide.
- TES games don't natively support HDR, so disabling monitor HDR and Windows HDR is recommended.
- The monitor's on-board configuration settings can impact the game. A warm or color-neutral standard preset is recommended.
Monitor Calibration
Color calibration is critical to photographers and graphic artists who work across media types, but it's also equally important for gaming. Nevertheless, all monitors vary in terms of color range/accuracy and brightness/contrast quality.
There are three places to configure color saturation, temperature, brightness, contrast, gamma, etc.:
- The monitor's on-board configuration
- Windows Display Settings and Color Management
- The graphics software configuration utility
The value of one setting can affect the appearance of other settings, and depending on the quality of the monitor, #1 above could be very good or just 'okay'. The #2 and #3 options should be standard though, since they are made to work across various monitors. The fact of the matter is, each monitor's calibration process is going to be slightly different. So much so that Step can not reliably provide one set of instructions for everyone. As such, we recommend following RTINGS's guide for monitor calibration. It's well written by professionals and easy to understand.
Additionally, RTINGS has a large list of monitors they have professionally reviewed and calibrated. Many of these listings have ICC profiles available for downloaded and use, which provides their professional calibration for free. If using one of these ICC profiles, be sure the model matches the model of the monitor in use! Be aware there can be small differences even between monitors of the same models. Therefore, if an ICC profile is available it may not have the exact same results as RTINGS's review, but should be relatively close.
Additional calibration images can be found here: http://www.lagom.nl/lcd-test/
Disabling Overlays
Certain programs (e.g., ENBSeries) don't work properly when other program overlays are active. Consider disabling all conflicting or unnecessary overlays commonly found on modern Windows PCs.
Disable Overlays
Disable the Discord Overlay Click to show/hide
|
- Run Discord and open Settings (gear icon next to username).
- In the left navigation under Activity Settings, tick [Game Overlay].
- Untick [Enable in-game overlay].
- To enable in some games but not others, leave this setting ticked, and ...
- Still under Activity Settings, click [Activity Status].
- Ensure the monitor icon is toggled off (red) for each game for which the overlay should be disabled.
- Close the window.
- Also see Discord's official documentation.
|
Disable the GeForce Experience Overlay Click to show/hide
|
- Open the GeForce Experience application.
- Click the Settings icon (gear) at the top.
- Midway down the page, Untoggle IN-GAME OVERLAY.
- Close the window.
|
Disable the Steam Overlay Click to show/hide
|
- Open Steam, and click on the LIBRARY tab at top.
- In the game list, right-click on The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
- Select Properties.
- Untick [Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game]
- Close the window.
To disable the Steam overlay for ALL games:
- Open Steam, and click on Steam in the toolbar.
- On the dropdown menu click Settings.
- In the pop-up, Untick [Enabled the Steam overlay while in-game], and click [OK].
|
1.B. Initialize the Game
Detailed Information --> Skyrim Launcher Guide
As a prerequisite to installing the remainder of this Guide:
- Launch Skyrim from Steam to initialize the auto-detection process and accept the preset provided. Users will customize these settings below.
- Launch the game to the main menu and then exit to desktop. This completes the required game initialization steps.
1.C. Install Utilities
- Standalone applications that aid in the management of the modding process
A mod-management utility is REQUIRED in order to easily keep track of a complex mod setup like STEP. These utilities also make it far simpler to deconstruct a STEP install in order to update to a new STEP version and to update to newer versions of the mods. This is impossible to do simply or efficiently without a mod manager.
There are a two mod managers that can be used to manage the STEP setup; however, to simplify Guide maintenance/support for staff and mod management for users, the STEP Guide only officially supports Mod Organizer. Although Wrye Bash is also mod manager, STEP recommends that it only be used for the functionality of creating the Bashed Patch. The reason for the limited support of Wrye Bash is, again, due to simplifying this Guide. Users who wish to use Wrye Bash may do so to install and maintain STEP, however, unless these users are experienced in modding, these users may find it difficult to install this Guide. Wrye Bash users can use the Wrye Bash Guide for detailed instructions on setting it up as a modding utility package. Wrye Bash users should also be aware that support may be limited when seeking help on the forums due to Wrye Bash not being the officially supported mod manager.
|
|
|
|
Mod Name
|
Baseline
|
Instructions
|
|
|
|
|
DDSopt
|
DDSopt - pre-release - update 4
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
For users who do not want to do a custom run with DDSopt, STEP now provides the STEP Optimized Vanilla Textures which is installed during in the Fixes section of the STEP Guide. There is no need to run DDSopt if choosing to install this new mod from STEP.
Do NOT run through Mod Organizer!
See DDSopt Guide for usage details. The Quick-Start Guide is a good place to start.
|
|
|
|
|
LOOT
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
LOOT installation instructions have been moved to the SSG. Follow guides for usage instructions.
- Download the latest version of LOOT from their GitHub page (LOOT.Install.exe).
- Install LOOT by running the installer and changing the path to the Tools folder (e.g.
../Modding/Tools/ )
Users should now have a LOOT folder (e.g. ../Modding/Tools/LOOT ).
|
|
|
|
|
Mod Organizer
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
Mod Organizer 2 installation instructions have been moved to the SSG. Follow guides for usage instructions.
- Download Main File from Nexus Mods and run the EXE.
- Windows may issue a warning. If so, click more information and then click [Run Anyway].
- Install MO into the Tools using the name: Mod Organizer.
Do not run MO yet! It will be run for the first time later in the guide.
|
|
|
|
|
BethINI
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
- Download BethINI from Nexus Mods.
- Extract the archive to the *Tools* folders (e.g.
../Modding/Tools/ )
User's should now have a new BethINI folder (e.g. ../Modding/Tools/BethINI ).
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Skyrim Performance Monitor
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Detailed Instructions available
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Installing Skyrim Performance Monitor
- Download and install the Microsoft .NET Framework.
- Download the mod from the mod page using the download manually link and extract the zip archive.
- Install the SlimDX Runtime .NET 2.0 (January 2012).msi included in the archive. (If you're upgrading to a new version of SPM and already have SlimDX installed, there's no need to uninstall/reinstall SlimDX. You can simply skip this step)
- Install Skyrim Performance Monitor by running the setup.exe included in the archive.
- The default install location is in Documents. You may change this according to your preference.
Please remember to completely uninstall any previous versions of SPM prior to upgrading.
Initial Setup of Skyrim Performance Monitor
- Launch Skyrim Performance Monitor and click the Setup... button at bottom right.
- Select your Primary Gaming Video Card from the drop-down in the Primary Video Card tab.
- Go to the Miscellaneous Settings tab.
- ENBoost and ENB users should check the Attempt Support for Custom D3D9.dll and Combine TESV and ENBHost System RAM settings.
- Click Save
Configuring Skyrim Performance Monitor for Use with Mod Organizer
- Launch Skyrim Performance Monitor and click the "Setup..." button at bottom right.
- Go to the File Paths tab and point the Skyrim Launcher File Path to your ModOrganizer.exe. Here is an example for Mod Organizer and other launchers.
- Click Save.
- Click the Launch Skyrim button at bottom right, which will start Mod Organizer (make certain that Mod Organizer is not already running first!). From there you can select your desired profile and run SKSE (or other launcher) to play Skyrim and monitor its performance.
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TES5Edit
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Detailed Instructions available
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- Download TES5Edit from Nexus Mods.
- Extract the archive to the xEdit folder:
..Modding/Tools/xEdit
To clean any mods that require it, run "Quick Auto Clean". It will allow users to select the mod to clean and automatically clean it.
Reference videos
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Wrye Bash
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Installer version
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Detailed Instructions available
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If updating to 306, you need to uninstall your previous version.
MO users - Install and be certain to tick the stand-alone executable version when prompted for the path to the Steam/Skyrim directory. Wrye Bash users - see the Wrye Bash Guide.
Since you must launch Wrye Bash through Mod Organizer in order for it to recognize your mods, add Wrye Bash to the list of executables by doing the following:
- Click the gears icon . This opens the Modify Executables window.
- In the Title field, type Wrye Bash.
- For the Binary field, browse to your Wrye Bash installation and select the Wrye Bash.exe application.
- Uncheck Close MO when started if necessary.
- Click the Add button. This will add Wrye Bash to your executables list.
- Click Close.
Now each time you want to run Wrye Bash, simply select it from the drop-down menu at top right and click Run.
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1.D. INI Tweaks
Detailed Information --> Skyrim Configuration Settings Guide
The INI tweaks from previous versions of the Guide have been replaced with the BethINI utility listed in section "1.C Install Utilities". If you did not set up BethINI per the mod page instructions, please return there and so so now. For more advanced information about INI settings, please see the "Detailed Information" link below the header above.
1.E. Display & Video Card Settings
Often under-appreciated, display and driver settings have a huge potential impact on the graphic quality of games and anything else displayed on the monitor in 2D or 3D, so it is important to get these settings done correctly. Below are listed only the essential settings. No further tweaking is necessary beyond them. It is highly recommended that only the bare minimal tweaking be done here until after the Guide is installed and configured according to the Baselines provided.
Update Video Drivers
If there is any reason to believe that the latest drivers installed are not installed correctly and are causing issues, then complete the following instructions. Else, simply install the latest drivers as normal.
- Download the latest stable AMD drivers / Nvidia drivers.
- Download DDU and install it (DDU forum Page).
- Restart the system and boot into safe mode by repeatedly pressing F8 once the boot check initializes and before the OS begins loading (no need to uninstall the current drivers, but it will not hurt at all).
- If using UEFI while using Windows 8 or later, go to to your power options and while holding down the Shift key, press restart. This will open the advanced menu where you can select to boot into safe mode.
- Launch DDU, and select the appropriate driver from the drop-down combobox.
- Note the recommendations in DDU and initialize the cleanup.
- Reboot normally and install the latest drivers.
1.E.1. Configure Driver Settings
STEP has more detailed information in both the AMD-CCC guide as well as the Nvidia Inspector guide, and other AMD-CCC and Nvidia Inspector / Control Center guides exist for the inquisitive user. The following information is minimalistic, sound advice, and users are encouraged to add their own 2 cents for consideration via the AMD-CCC Talk and Nvidia Inspector Talk pages.
In Short - The graphics software should only be forcing max Anisotropic Filtering (AF). All other settings should be left to the Skyrim configuration (see above) and ENBoost configurations (see below).
1.E.1.1. AMD Users
Detailed Information --> Catalyst Control Center Guide (for old driver versions)
Detailed Information --> Radeon Settings
AMD users should read one of the above guides to correctly configure their driver graphics settings.
1.E.1.2. Nvidia Users
Detailed Information --> Nvidia Inspector Guide: Editing Skyrim Settings
Make the following changes via Nvidia Inspector, otherwise leave the defaults (they can be tweaked later if absolutely necessary).
- Download Nvidia Inspector. This is a portable program and requires no installation. Simply place in a convenient location and create a shortcut to the executable.
- Launch nvidiaProfileInspector.exe.
- In the "Profiles" bar, select the "Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim" profile and keep all of the default settings except for the following changes:
- Ensure Antialiasing - Mode is set to [Application-controlled]. If set to [Override], AA will be turned off in Skyrim, regardless of the Skyrim INI setting!
- Force Anisotropic filtering:
- Set Anisotropic filtering mode to [User-defined / Off]
- Set Anisotropic filtering setting to [16x]
- Click [Apply changes] at the top of the windows twice and then close.
1.E.2. Display Calibration
Color calibration is critical to photographers and graphic artists who work across media types, but it is also equally important for gamers. This is because there is a lot of screenshot sharing and qualitative discussion about in-game visuals. It is ideal if all users' systems are somewhat 'standardized' for comparative purposes alone. However, with that said, all monitors will be slightly different in their accuracy of displaying colors.
The gist: Calibrate the monitor's display settings based on the video driver configuration utility with all other configuration baselines set to something akin to "mid level".
There are three places to configure color saturation, temperature, brightness, contrast, gamma, etc:
- The monitor's built-in configuration menu
- Windows color management
- The driver configuration utility (see "Configure Driver Settings" above)
The value of one setting can affect the appearance of other settings, and depending on the quality of the monitor, #1 above could be very good or just 'OK'. The #2 and #3 objects should be standard though, since they are made to work across various monitors.
- Ensure that #1 above is set to "the middle ground" with respect to all settings. Having extreme settings in the monitor configuration could potentially constrain the other configurations. For some, setting all #1 values to mid levels will be best, but for the other options the 'auto-config' will be best (auto-config may not set all #1 values to mid settings). Depending on the monitor, there may be other auto-config options based on various presets. Whatever seems most "middle of the road" is probably best for option #1 above.
- Optionally, also run option #2 (Control Panel > Display > Calibrate Color) and set to 'vanilla' mid-levels with respect to all attributes. If this was never run previously, then it should already be at mid-levels.
- Calibrate using option #3 (see below) using a this reference image and in a room with no direct lighting that could affect what the monitor shows (not-too-bright, diffuse-lighted room). The main calibration should be done using option #3 once a mid baseline 'canvas' has been established for options #1 and #2.
- AMD-CCC: |Desktop Management| > |Desktop Color| (click "Reactivate AMD color controls").
- Nvidia Control Panel: Access from the Windows Control Panel. |Display| > |Adjust desktop color settings|
Final Pre-Installation Notes
A Final Consideration
- A STEP:Core installation is an installation of all, and only, the STEP:Core mods indicated in the tables below by a green bar to the left of the mod's name.
- Remember that STEP:Core can be used as a base for ANY modded setup. It is a universal build and will not spoil any downstream setup or Packs, although there may be a few minor redundancies whereby a STEP:Core mod is later installed again with some added or subtracted options.
- A STEP:Extended installation is an installation of all the mods listed below.
- Whether installing STEP:Core or STEP:Extended, install mods in the order that they are presented in the mod tables to achieve the correct result.
- Read the ReadMe files and other mod-related documentation that comes packaged with most mods. This also includes the mod description on Nexus. If the mod author has seen fit and taken time to create these reference materials, then they are relevant and important in the eyes of the mod author. This means that they are relevant and important to you!
STEP Patches
The STEP Patches are patches provided by STEP for the STEP:Core and STEP:Extended mod lists below. These patches resolve any conflicts between these mods which could cause issues if left unpatched. Users should decide now, before installing any mods, whether they will be installing STEP:Core or STEP:Extended and whether or not they will be using the STEP Patches. These two decisions now will be referenced later during mod installations. Deciding now will allow users to know which instruction sets to follow and will alleviate any confusion when these decisions arise. Users who decide to install the STEP Patches will do so at the end of the Guide during the STEP Compilation install.
All users should use one of the STEP Patches unless a custom patch will be made!
We recommend the use of the STEP Patches, even if users will be installing mods on top of a STEP build which require further patching. Using the STEP Patches will give these users a head start as most of the mods will already be patched for them. New users who are unfamiliar with the mod patching process are highly recommended to use the Patches.
- STEP Patches Requirements - It is recommended to keep the STEP Compilation topic open for reference to this list of required mods.
- Users who decide they will not use the STEP Patches will need to install all relevant patches for mods listed on that topic. Take note of those plugins since they are not listed throughout the Guide.
Finally, we offer the following options in regards to the STEP Patches:
- Full STEP:Core Patch
- Full STEP:Extended Patch
- STEP:Core Patch without Enhanced Lighting for ENB (ELE) and/or Immersive Citizens AI Overhaul
- STEP:Extended Patch without Enhanced Lighting for ENB (ELE) and/or Immersive Citizens AI Overhaul
That is a total of eight (8) Patch options to choose from.
STEP 2
Mod Installation
NOTE
Consider the following while installing mods
- Mods should be installed in the order that they are listed to ensure that mods further down the list overwrite those occurring before them. This is necessary to ensure the desired in-game effect.
- Mods are listed in alphabetical order within each section, and any deviations from this are purposeful to achieve the desired outcome.
- Always install plugins (ESPs/ESMs) unless otherwise noted. If there are not any notes associated with a particular mod, then all options fit the STEP mandate and it is the user's decision. The notes only provide instructions where necessary; otherwise, STEP encourages user customization.
- Unless otherwise stated, follow LOOT's advice with regards to mod cleaning and sorting.
2.A. LOOT Sorting
At any time during the mod installation process LOOT should be used to sort plugin load order before running the game. This is necessary to ensure proper plugin priority order (load order), which can have a dramatic impact on the game (or at worst cause a CTD). To sort with LOOT:
- Launch LOOT via Mod Organizer from the executables drop-down menu.
- Click the [Sort] button at the top.
- Examine the resulting order carefully and look for any alerts or warnings and address each.
- Click the [Apply] button which has replaced the Sort button at the top.
- Close LOOT.
NOTE:
LOOT must be run prior to launching the game every time a mod is installed which adds one or more plugins.
2.B. Cleaning Vanilla Master Files
To remove errors in the Bethesda master files, it is recommended they be cleaned with xEdit before modding begins. This ensures maximum stability and compatibility within the modding experience.
Standard Cleaning Procedures
- Run xEditQC from the drop-down executable list in MO.
- On the plugin selection window, double-click on the mod being cleaned (i.ee, Update.esm, Dawnguard.esm, etc).
- xEdit will now automatically clean up the "Identical to master" and "deleted" records from the selected mod.
- Once xEdit is done cleaning, click the X at upper right of the program window.
- At the prompt, check the box next to the mod that was cleaned and the Backup Plugins box. Click OK to close the tool.
After the vanilla master files are cleaned, users should create separate mods for them in MO and restore the original. This prevents users from having to re-clean the file after verifying their files in Steam. To do this, complete the following:
- Right-click the Overwrite folder in MO and select Create Mod..., name it “MasterName.esm - Cleaned” (i.e., Update.esm - Cleaned), and click OK.
- On the new mod listing that appears, right-click and select Open in explorer. Leave this folder opened.
- Open the Skyrim Special Edition Data directory (i.e., C:/Modding/Steam/steamapps/common/Skyrim Special Edition/Data)
- Drag and drop the just cleaned master file from Data to the "MasterName.esm - Cleaned" folder from step 2.
- Open the TES5Edit Backups folder found in Overwrite in MO and rename the file to “MasterName.esm”.
- Drag and drop the renamed file from the TES5Edit Backups folder to the Data directory and choose to overwrite it.
- Close the explorer windows.
- Drag and drop the new MasterName.esm - Cleaned mod listing in MO directly below its vanilla master mod listing.
Update.esm, Hearthfires.esm, Dragonborn.esm
Follow the standard cleaning procedures to clean these master files, one at a time. Place the “MasterName.esm - Cleaned” mod listing for each below it's vanilla master mod listing. Update.esm will not be listed in MO and Update.esm - Cleaned is placed at the top of the modlist.
Dawnguard.esm
Follow the standard cleaning procedures to clean Dawnguard.esm; however, it is a special case and must be cleaned twice. Therefore, once the first cleaning is complete, repeat the process a second time before continuing to the manual cleaning below.
Dawnguard also has some manual cleaning required. To do this, visit this topic on AFKMods and complete the section under “Dawnguard.esm needs manual cleaning as well as automatic cleaning”. Return here when those three (3) steps are completed: https://www.afkmods.com/index.php?/topic/4110-manual-cleaning-skyrim-and-skyrim-se-master-files/
After the manual cleaning is complete, create the mod listing as directed above and place the “Dawnguard.esm - Cleaned” mod listing directly below Dawnguard.esm.
02-Extenders
- Mods that expand on the inherent functionality of a game or another mod without themselves affecting content
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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ENBoost
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Detailed Instructions available
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ENBoost is required! Due to Skyrim LE's 32-bit memory limit, ENBoost must be used by everyone.
The following instructions pertain only to ENBoost; the memory manager of ENBSeries. Do not install a full ENB Preset during the Step Guide setup! This can be done later, after the installation of the Guide is confirmed to be working.
Install
- Download and install the DirectX 9 Runtimes.
- This is for good measure to prevent some commonly reported issues on the forums. Be sure to install it and not just extract it!
- Visit ENBSeries website to download the latest archive.
- Do not use the Skyrim Nexus version of ENBoost due to incorrect settings for Step Guides.
- Click the link for the latest archive (usually the one on the top of the list)
- On the next page click the button to download the archive.
- Open the archive and go to the "WrapperVersion" folder, then extract only the following files into the root Skyrim directory (do NOT copy into the 'Data' directory!):
- d3d9.dll
- enbhost.exe
- enblocal.ini
Alternatively, if the "WrapperVersion" does not function as advertised, try the "InjectorVersion". Remove any existing remnants of the Wrapper version, and extract only the enbhost.exe, ENBInjector.exe, enbinjector.ini, enblocal.ini, and enbseries.dll files from the "InjectorVersion" folder into ./skyrim/ . Users must run ENBInjector.exe before running the game for the injector version to work properly.
Configure enblocal.ini
The following are important changes that are either required or highly recommended. Advanced users see the detailed INI configuration settings for more information:
[PROXY]
EnableProxyLibrary=true
InitProxyFunctions=false
ProxyLibrary=d3dx9_42.dll
[GLOBAL]
UsePatchSpeedhackWithoutGraphics=true
UseDefferedRendering=false
[MEMORY]
ExpandSystemMemoryX64=false
ReservedMemorySizeMb=128 ; This value should be set to lowest possible value without experiencing stutter. Increase this value until stuttering is either gone or minimal. See advanced guide above for more information.
VideoMemorySizeMb={integer in MB} ; Download and run Boris's tool: VRamSizeTest. Run VRamSizeDX9.exe. Windows users subtract 350 from the value provided and use that value.
AutodetectVideoMemorySize=false
[ENGINE]
EnableVSync=true
VSyncSkipNumFrames=0
; Be sure the parameters in the [THREADS] section match what is below! These are for special case use only. You are 99% not likely one of those special cases! The section should remain as follows:
[THREADS]
DataSyncMode=0
PriorityMode=0
; This may be a necessary performance enhancement for some users. If experiencing stuttering and the [MEMORY] section is verified to be set up properly, enabling or disabling these parameters could help resolve some stuttering.
[WINDOW]
ForceBorderless=true
ForceBorderlessFullscreen=true
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SKSE
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Detailed Instructions available
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Download and install the latest archive:
- Place all *.exe and *.dll files into
<skyrim>/ (not the data directory!). Should be three files (i.e., skse_1_9_32.dll, skse_loader.exe, and skse_steam_loader.dll).
- Click the Archive button.
- Browse to and select the downloaded skse archive.
- In the manual installation prompt, right-click data and select [Set data directory]. It should say it Looks good, and not say No game data at top level.
- Click OK
- Create the SKSE ini file OR download and install it from here.
- Right-click the SKSE mod in Mod Organizer and select [Open in explorer].
- Open the SKSE folder or create one if one does not exist.
- In the SKSE folder, create skse.ini and paste inside it the following:
[Display]
iTintTextureResolution=2048
[General]
ClearInvalidRegistrations=1
The SKSE folder structure, including the skse.ini should look like the following:
Restart MO; if SKSE is installed correctly, MO will detect it and show in the executables drop down. Use the SKSE executable when launching Skyrim from MO from now on.
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03-Resources
- Mods solely providing assets intended specifically for use by other mods without themselves affecting content
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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Skyrim-Community-Uncapper
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Detailed Instructions available
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This mod is not packaged correctly. When installing this mod, right-click on the Data folder and choose [Set data directory]. Okay [OK] to install.
STEP recommends the defaul INI values. To customize Uncapper see this Guide: Skyrim Uncapper guide.
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04-Foundation
- Baseline mods that should be overridden by other mods AND/OR that make widely-accepted programmatic changes expected by other mods
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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Dynamic Distant Objects LOD
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Medium
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Detailed Instructions available
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Download and install the DynDOLOD Resources Main File, selecting the following options:
- Whiterun Exterior
- Solitude Exterior
- High Hrothgar Window Glow
- DLC2 Vvardenfell 3D Plume
- Desync Birds of Prey
As with all mods in this guide, this mod should be enabled in MO once it is installed. This mod in particular MUST be enabled for proper LOD generation later in this guide.
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Static Mesh Improvement Mod
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Detailed Instructions available
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FOMOD Instructions Static Mesh Improvement Mod
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- Options
- Main Installer Choice
- ◉ Original Skyrim 2011: Custom
- Original Skyrim Custom Install
- Barrels
- ◉ Modified Vanilla Barrels
- Bowl Ingredients
- ☑ Improved Bowl Ingredients
- Bridges
- Candelabras
- Carriage Seats and Fixes
- Chains 3D - Misc
- Chains 3D - Pull Levers
- ◉ Chains 3D - Pull Levers Small Rings (Recommended)
- Chains 3D - Signs
- Chains 3D - Whiterun
- Chandeliers
- ◉ Improved Chandeliers (Recommended)
- Clothing Fixes
- Dawnguard Soulcairn Bone Piles
- ◉ Bone Piles Yellow Bones (Recommended)
- Draugr Corpses
- Dungeons Cliffs Snow Skirts
- ◉ Snow Blending ESP (Recommended)
- Dwemer Animated Lifts
- Dwemer Clutter
- Farmhouse Woven Fence
- ◉ Woven Fence Less Flicker (Recommended)
- Food
- Food - Tomato Style
- Furniture Chests
- ☑ Improved Furniture Chests
- Furniture Common
- ◉ Improved Furniture SMIM Textures (Recommended)
- Furniture Noble
- ☑ Improved Furniture Noble
- Hanging Rings
- Hawk
- Hearthfires Stuff
- Human Skull Fixes
- Imperial Jail
- ◉ Improved Imperial Jail (Recommended)
- Jewelry Rings
- ◉ Jewelry Rings CCO Remade or Jewelcraft
- Lanterns
- Nordic Tables and Benches
- ☑ Nordic Tables and Benches
- Orc Longhouse
- Poor Coffin
- Rabbit
- Rocks - Blackreach
- Rocks - Generic
- Rocks - Mountains
- Ropes 3D - Dungeons
- Ropes 3D - Farmhouse
- ◉ Farmhouse 3D Ropes No Fade (Recommended)
- Ropes 3D - Raven Rock Docks
- ☑ Raven Rock Docks 3D Ropes
- Ropes 3D - Riften
- ◉ Riften 3D Ropes Default Ropes Style (Recommended)
- Ropes 3D - Solitude Docks
- ☑ Solitude Docks 3D Ropes
- Ropes 3D - Stockade
- Ruins Sarcophagus
- Shack Roofs
- ☑ Improved Shack Roofs with Dragonborn
- Skeletal Remains 3D
- Smelters
- Solitude Gate Doors
- Tankards
- ◉ Dark Brushed Metal Tankards
- Tree - Juniper Tree
- Tree - Tundra Tree
- Whiterun Castle Wood Carvings
- ◉ Wood Carvings Improved Vanilla
- Whiterun Doors
- Windmills
- ◉ DynDOLOD/SkyMills Compatibility
- Xtra Options - Half-Size Textures Addon
- ◉ None (NOTE: Low VRAM graphic card users can use the half-size textures.)
- Xtra Options - Ultra-Sized Textures Addon
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Skyrim Realistic Overhaul
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Detailed Instructions available
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SRO contains files larger than the normal baseline for STEP
Please be aware that SRO contains files that are typically 2-4K in resolution. The typical baseline for STEP is 1-2K (or the vanilla/HRDLC sizes), therefore, SRO is often double the baseline in most cases. Users who experience slowdowns after installing SRO, may wish to consider reducing the texture sizes, but process is not covered in this Guide.
Download and install:
- Skyrim Realistic Overhaul Part 1
- Skyrim Realistic Overhaul Part 2
- Skyrim Realistic Overhaul Part 3
- SRO 1.8. original Skyrim version update
- Overwrite any files, if extracting and combining before installation.
- If installing the individual files directly to MO either:
- Install the files separately and in the order listed above or,
- Install to a single "mod" using the Merge option.
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RUSTIC CLOTHING
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2K-1K
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Download and install the RUSTIC CLOTHING - COMPLETE - 2K-1K file.
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05-Animation and Physics
- Mods that affect animations or physics
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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Better Turn Animation
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Detailed Instructions available
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Install both the main file and the Fix Crossed Swords and Turn with Leg move update file.
Hide the following files:
- meshes/actors/character/animations/1hm_shout_exhale.hkx
- meshes/actors/character/animations/mt_shout_exhale.hkx
- meshes/actors/character/animations/mt_shout_inhale.hkx
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NoMaaM Breathing Idles
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non-BBB
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Download and install the Female without BBB and Male Breathing Idles V0_1 optional file.
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Realistic Boat Bobbing
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Detailed Instructions available
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FOMOD Instructions Realistic Boat Bobbing
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- Realistic Boat Bobbing
- Patches
- Merged Patches
- Extras
- SMIM
- Select Barrels
- ◉ Modified Vanilla Barrels - Animated
- Select Crates
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XPMS Extended
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Detailed Instructions available
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Download and install the XP32 Maximum Skeleton Extended main file.
FOMOD Instructions XP32 Maximum Skeleton Extended
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- Skeleton
- Character Creation
- Character Creation
- Animation Variants
- Belt-Fastened Quivers
- Dagger on Back
- Dagger on Hip
- Magic
- Sword on Back
- Sword on Hip
- First Person Animation
- Axe - Warning! Missing Sounds! Not compatible with Styles!
- Sword - Warning! Missing Sounds! Not compatible with Styles!
- Mounted Combat Animation
- Axe - Warning! Missing Sounds! Not compatible with Styles!
- Bow
- Sword - Warning! Missing Sounds! Not compatible with Styles!
- Compatibility Patches
- The Joy of Perspective
- Schlongs of Skyrim
- Compatibility Patches
- Compatibility Patches
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When updating this mod, remember to run FNIS. For new users, FNIS will be ran at the end of the Guide.
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06-Models and Textures
- Mods that replace existing models or textures
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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SkyFalls and SkyMills
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Detailed Instructions available
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Download and install the "SkyFalls and SkyMills FOMOD-BAIN Installer" main file.
FOMOD Instructions SkyFalls and SkyMills FOMOD-BAIN Installer
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- Installed DLC?
- Dawnguard (DG)
- Dragonborn (DB)
- Flaskaar (FS)
- Wyrmstooth (WT)
- Check your choices
- LOD mod compatibility
- Optionals
- Optional Small Waterfalls
- Optional Patches
- Windmill sail Size
- Select your water mod
- ◉ Realistic Water Two (Default)
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A Quality World Map
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Detailed Instructions available
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Download and install the A Quality World Map 9.0.1 - Vivid with Stone Roads main file.
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AMidianBorn Whiterun
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1K
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Detailed Instructions available
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STEP recommends removing the following files/folders:
Hide the following files:
- Textures/architecture/whiterun/wrcitywall01.dds
- Textures/architecture/whiterun/wrcitywall01_n.dds
- Textures/architecture/whiterun/wrcitywall01plaster.dds
- Textures/architecture/whiterun/wrcitywall01plaster_n.dds
- Textures/architecture/whiterun/wrcitywalltopcap01.dds
- Textures/architecture/whiterun/wrcitywalltopcap01_n.dds
- Textures/architecture/whiterun/wrcitywalltrims01.dds
- Textures/architecture/whiterun/wrcitywalltrims01_n.dds
- Textures/architecture/whiterun/wrslate02.dds
- Textures/architecture/whiterun/wrslate02_n.dds
- Textures/architecture/whiterun/wrslatefloor01.dds
- Textures/architecture/whiterun/wrslatefloor01_n.dds
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Better Shaped Weapons
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Detailed Instructions available
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FOMOD Instructions LeanWolf's Better-Shaped Weapons
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- Step 1
- All or Custom
- ◉ Install everything (default)
- Step 2A All
- Sheath Options
- ☑ Onehanded Sheaths
- ☑ Greatsword Sheaths
- Step 3 Variants and Patches
- Patches
- ☑ Keening with Refraction
- Step 4 Glass
- Glass Refraction Options
- ◉ Refractive Glass Weapons
- Step 5 Stalhrim
- Stalhrim Refraction Options
- ◉ Stalhrim with Refraction
- Step 6A Dawnbreaker Sheath
- Dawnbreaker
- ◉ Dawnbreaker Sheath Dwarf
- Step 6B Dawnbreaker ENB
- Step 7 Dragonbone
- Step 8 Dual Sheath
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Burn Freeze Shock Effects
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Loose
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Detailed Instructions available
|
This mod has been known to cause issues on some systems, therefore, it is highly recommended to use the memory patch included in SKSE.
Download and install the BFS Effects 3_6 - Loose main file. Also install the optional BFS Effects 3_6 - Dragonborn Dawnguard file. Select [Merge] when prompted.
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Deadly Spell Impacts
|
Medium
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Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions Deadly Spell Impacts
|
- Options
- Custom
- Fire Spell Dependent Feature
- ◉ One Fire Impact (Default)
- One
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If issues arise from this mod, try installing the low resolution version.
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DRAGON PRIEST
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2K
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Download and install the Dragon.Priest.2k optional file. Select the Full option in the installer.
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DRAUGR
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2K
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Download and install the Draugr.2k optional file.
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DROPS
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512
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Detailed Instructions available
|
Step recommends downloading only the Drops v1 Optional File (the fomod version) with the following options:
FOMOD Instructions Drops v1
|
- x
- x
- DROPS - Alternative Textures
- ◉ DROPS - Alternative Texture for x512
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Embers HD
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1024
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Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions Embers HD
|
- Embers HD
- Embers HD Add-Ons
- Select Add-Ons
- ☑ Fireplaces Add-On
- ☑ Forges Add-On
- ☑ Lava Crater Add-On
- Embers HD Patches
- Select Add-Ons
- ☑ Ultimate HD Fire Effects Patch
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Enhanced Blood Textures
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Detailed Instructions available
|
Download and install the Enhanced Blood Textures LITE Main File.
Optionally, download and merge the No Screen Blood Optional File. This will remove blood spatters from the screen.
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Burn Freeze Shock Effects
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Loose
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Detailed Instructions available
|
This mod has been known to cause issues on some systems, therefore, it is highly recommended to use the memory patch included in SKSE.
Download and install the BFS Effects 3_6 - Loose main file. Also install the optional BFS Effects 3_6 - Dragonborn Dawnguard file. Select [Merge] when prompted.
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Footprints
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Install the Footprints v1_00 - Legendary main file. Clean save required if updating from 0.99
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GIANT
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2K
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Download and install the Giant.2k optional file.
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HAGRAVEN
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2K
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Download and install the Hagraven.2k optional file.
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HD Enhanced Terrain
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1024
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Step recommends: Hd Enhanced Terrain and Map snow 1024x1024 Version Old File.
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High Quality LODs
|
Hi-Res Meshes
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Install the HQLODs - Meshes Hi-Res main file. Do not install the normals. For slightly better performance at slightly less quality, the medium-resolution meshes can be used.
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HQ Snow
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Download and install the main file.
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Improved Closefaced Helmets
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Detailed Instructions available
|
Download and install the "Improved Closefaced Helmets (Legendary Edition)" and the "Update - Male corundum Dragon Priest mask texture fix" update file. [Merge] when asked for installing the update file.
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Real Wood Textures-Farmhouses
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1K
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Detailed Instructions available
|
Download and Install the Real Wood Textures - Farmhouses No Green Moss Version Optional File.
Please ignore the "STEP" version of the mod available for download. It's for retired Guides. For SE, the 2K textures are desired.
Hide the following files/folders:
- textures/architecture/farmhouse/StoneWall01.dds
- textures/architecture/farmhouse/StoneWall01_n.dds
- textures/architecture/farmhouse/WovenFence01.dds
- textures/architecture/farmhouse/WovenFence01_n.dds
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Re-Defined Dungeons
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1024
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Detailed Instructions available
|
Download and install the Re-Defined Dungeons 1024x1024 optional file. This mod is not packaged correctly. When installing this mod, right-click on the Data folder and choose [Set data directory]. Okay [OK] to install.
If using the main file (2048x textures), hide or remove the candle textures as they conflict with SMIM. The recommended version (1024x textures) does not contain these textures and does not have this issue.
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Realistic Water Two
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Detailed Instructions available
|
Download and install the Main File.
Those using the ENB Preset may want to also install Realistic Water Two - ENB Textures optional file. This optional file is not used for the Step Guide.
FOMOD Instructions Realistic Water Two
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- Options
- 0. Core
- 1. Resolution
- 2. Compatibility
- Options
- 3. Combination
- 4. New Lands
- 5. Waves
- 6. Other
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RUSTIC DEATH HOUND
|
2K-1K
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Download and install the RUSTIC DEATH HOUND - 2K-1K - DARK VERSION main file.
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SABRECAT
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2K
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Install both options in the installer.
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RUSTIC MONUMENTS and TOMBSTONES
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions RUSTIC MONUMENTS AND TOMBSTONES
|
- Select Files
- Monument Textures
- Tomb Textures
- Meshes
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Skyrim Flora Overhaul
|
Basic
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Detailed Instructions available
|
Download and install the Skyrim Flora Overhaul Basic Edition v1.87 main file. Also install the Dragonborn addon v02 main file. Select [Merge] when asked while installing the addon.
Add/modify the following under [Grass] in Skyrim.ini to reduce the quantity of grass (as seen in this comparison):
'"`UNIQ--pre-00000003-QINU`"'
Note that this value can be set to any number (default is 20), where a lower value corresponds to a higher grass density and thus lower performance. Try different values to see what provides the best balance of performance and visual quality.
Add/modify the following under [Grass] in Skyrim.ini for more grass variety (with a slight performance impact):
'"`UNIQ--pre-00000004-QINU`"'
(The typo in "texture" was made by Bethesda and should be written that way.)
STEP recommends hiding or removing the following files:
Hide the following file:
- textures/dlc02/landscape/volcanic_ash_01.dds
- textures/dlc02/landscape/volcanic_ash_04.dds
- textures/dlc02/landscape/volcanic_ash_04_n.dds
- textures/landscape/dirtcliffs (the entire folder)
- textures/landscape/fieldgrass02.dds
- textures/landscape/fieldgrass02_n.dds
- textures/landscape/trees/treepineforestbranchcompsnow.dds
- textures/landscape/trees/treepineforestbranchcompsnowl.dds
- textures/terrain/tamriel/trees/tamrieltreelod.dds
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Skyrim Improved Puddles
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1024
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Detailed Instructions available
|
Download and install the Skyrim Improved Puddles 1024 BAIN Main File.
Choose both 00 - Core Files and 17 Dawnguard-HearthFires-Dragonborn DLC Users options from the installer.
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Trees HD
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High
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Detailed Instructions available
|
If installing with MO:
Hide the following files:
meshes/landscape/trees (entire folder)
textures/landscape/trees/Vurt_Pine01.dds
textures/landscape/trees/Vurt_Pine02.dds
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Vivid Clouds and Fogs
|
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Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions Vivid Clouds and Fogs
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- Options
- Vivid Clouds and Fogs
- Vivid Clouds and Fogs - Half Resolution
- ☑ Vivid Clouds
- ☑ Vivid Groundfogs
- ☑ Vivid Mountainfogs
- ☑ Vivid Steams
- ☑ Vivid fire smoke
- Weather Patches
- Do you use Climates of Tamriel?
- Extended Weathers
- Vanilla Skyrim
- Climates of Tamriel
- Pure Weather
- RCRN Weathers Only
- NLA Weathers Only
- Purity Weathers Only
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Vivid Landscapes-Tundra Moss Revised
|
1024, Yellow
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Detailed Instructions available
|
Install the Vivid Landscapes - Tundra Moss Revised - yellow 1024 Main File. Merge the SMIM compatibility patch Optional File.
The optional file is not packaged correctly.
- Double-click high poly mesh...
- Right-click on Data found below high poly mesh...
- Select [Set data directory].
- Click [OK] and then [Merge], when asked.
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WISPMOTHER
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2x1K
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Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions Wispmother.by.Kajuan
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- Custom
- Select one
- ◉ Full Version - skin with linen fabric cloth
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AMidianBorn Book of Silence
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Detailed Instructions available
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Download the following files:
- aMidianBorn book of silence -- ARMORS
- aMidianBorn Book of Silence -- CREATURES
- aMidianBorn book of silence -- DRAGONBORN
- aMidianBorn book of silence -- UNIQUE ITEMS
- aMidianBorn book of silence -- WEAPONS
This mod has two installation options. When multiple files are used from the same mod, either:
- create a single mod listing and merge all files into it or,
- create a separate mod listing for each file.
STEP Recommends: Merging all files into single mod listing named aMidianBorn Book of Silence
FOMOD Instructions aMidianBorn Book of Silence ARMORS
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- Options
- Options
- Iron and Banded
- Steel
- Steel Plate
- Leather
- Hide and Studded
- Fur
- Elven
- Dwarven
- Ancient Nord
- Orcish
- Scaled
- Wolf
- Glass
- Ebony
- Blades
- Falmer
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FOMOD Instructions aMidianBorn Book of Silence CREATURES
|
- Options
- Options
- Skeleton
- Dragon Priest
- Draugr
- Falmer
- Chaurus
- Spriggan
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FOMOD Instructions aMidianBorn Book of Silence DRAGONBORN DLC
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- Options
- Custom
- Nordic Carved Armor
- Bonemold Armor
- Acolyte Masks
- Dragon Priest Acolytes
- Hulking Draugr
- Ash Spawn
- Ash Guardians
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FOMOD Instructions aMidianBorn Book of Silence UNIQUE ITEMS
|
- Options
- Custom
- Targe of the Blooded
- Wuuthrad
- Savior's Hide
- Helm of Yngol
- Mace of Molag Bal
- Mehrune's Razor
- Volendrung
- Tsun's Armor
- Ebony Mail
- Staff of Magnus
- Dragon Priest Masks
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FOMOD Instructions aMidianBorn Book of Silence WEAPONS
|
- Options
- Options
- ◉ Install all weapons (default)
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Optional ESPs
Depending on how the mods are installed:
- Right-click the aMidianBorn Book of Silence or aMidianBorn Book of Silence WEAPONS mod
- Click [Information...].
- Click the Optional ESPs tab and move aMidianborn_Skyforge_Weapons.esp from the right pane to the left.
Repeat these steps whenever asked to moved plugins to the Optional ESPs.
Hiding files and folders
Hide the following files/folders:
To do this,
- Double-click on the mod listing in the left pane.
- Click the Filetree tab.
- Expand the textures folder.
- Right-click on the clothes folder and select [Hide].
Repeat these steps whenever asked to hide files or folders from a mod.
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Dragonbone Mastery - Weapons Retexture
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
Download and install the main file version of your choice.
FOMOD Instructions Dragonbone Mastery - Weapons Retexture
|
- Page 1
- Page 2
- Page 3
- Page 4
- Short Scabbard Texture Options
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Elemental Staffs
|
1024
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Install the Main File and merge the Elemental Staffs LE Basic Optional File.
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Gemling Queen Jewelry
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
Download and install the Gemling Queen Jewelry - All In One Installer main file.
FOMOD Instructions Gemling Queen Jewelry
|
- Main Modules
- Main Modules
- ☑ Amulets
- ☑ Circlets
- ☑ Rings
- DLC Addon
- Amulet Textures
- Amulet Texture Options
- ◉ Gamwich Amulet Textures - 512
- Ring Textures
- Ring Texture Options
- Optional Mesh Packs
- Optional Mesh Packs Dawnguard
|
The plugin has been made redundant by the Unofficial Patches. In MO:
- Double click on the mod
- Select Optional ESPs tab
- Select GQJ_DG_vampireamuletfix.esp
- Click left-pointing arrow to move it to "Optional ESPs" in left pane
This will remove the redundant plugin.
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Greatsword Sheaths and Scabbards Redux
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions Greatsword Sheaths and Scabbards Redux
|
- Installation Options
- Select DLC
- ☑ Skyrim
- ☑ Dawnguard
- ☑ Dragonborn
- Meshes Type
- Sheath/Scabbard Type
- Skyforge Steel
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New Thinner Torch
|
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Download and install the Ultimate HD Torch by rheadude compatible Optional File.
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Barenziahs Glory
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions Barenziah's Glory
|
- Optional Textures
- Crown Texture Options
- ◉ Desaturated Crown Texture - 1k
- Jewelrybox Texture Options
- ◉ Gamwich Jewelrybox Texture - 1k
- Gem Texture Options
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Detailing the Eldrich - Higher-Res Riekling
|
Higher-Res
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Detailed Instructions available
|
This mod is not packaged correctly.
- Double-click on Detailing the Eldrich - Higher-Res Riekling Architecture.
- Right-click on Data and choose [Set data directory]
- Click [OK] to install.
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HD Ore and Ingots
|
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STEP recommends the "With manager" file. The main file is mostly extraneous screenshots and duplicate files.
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Rens HD Shrines
|
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Detailed Instructions available
|
The following are the Step recommended options; however, users can install the options of their preference.
FOMOD Instructions Ren's HD Shrines by Rengel
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- Choices
- Akatosh
- Arkay
- Dibella
- Julianos
- Kynareth
- Mara
- Stendarr
- Talos
- Zenithar
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RUSTIC SOULGEMS
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1K
|
Download and install the RUSTIC SOULGEMS 1K - SORTED main file.
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Septim HD
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions Septim HD
|
- Texture and Mesh Options
- Septim HD Plugin
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SKELETON
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2K
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
STEP recommends to download and install only the Skeleton.and.Human.Bones.2k optional file.
FOMOD Instructions Skeleton.and.Human.Bones.by.Kajuan
|
- Custom
- Select One
- ◉ Skin, clutter without the sounds
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Skyrim Redesigned
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
Download and install the FOMOD version and install according to the instructions below:
DO NOT use the STEP option in the installer. It pertains to old versions of the Guide.
FOMOD Instructions Skyrim Redesigned
|
- Options
- Custom Installation
- Skyrim Redesigned
- ☑ Alchemy Table
- ☑ Anvil
- ☑ Bloody Rags
- ☑ Brown (less saturated) Money Bags
- ☑ Buckets
- ☑ Enchanting Table-Css01 Retexture
- ☑ Hagraven Claws
- ☑ Skeever Tail
- ☑ Skeleton Key
|
Users who experience black and purple or rainbow colors on their money bag and alchemy lab tables need to set iTexMipMapSkip to the value of 0. This is found in the SkyrimPrefs.ini file under the [Display] header.
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Super Realistic Ore
|
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Download the Just the textures optional file. This mod is not packaged correctly. Right-click on Data and choose [Set data directory]. Click [OK] to install.
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White Phial Replacer
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions White Phial Replacer
|
- Version Selection
- Options - Non-Dawnguard Edition
- Texture Resolution
- Bottle Size
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Lepidoptera Of Skyrim
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
Download and install the Lepidoptera Of Skyrim for Dawnguard DLC main file.
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High Quality 3D Map
|
Hi-res meshes, 1k normals
|
STEP recommends installing both the HQ3DMap - Meshes Hi-Res and HQ3DMap - Normals Original main files. Do not install any of the files with "Textures" in the file name. Choose the 03 - High 1024x1024 option in the installer.
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Dual Sheath Redux
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
Install the Main File. Ensure the latest 32-bit version of Java Runtime Environment is installed, it's required for the patcher.
FOMOD Instructions Dual Sheath Redux
|
- Base Mod and/or Compatibility Packs
- Base Packs or Both
- ☑ Patcher and Vanilla Meshes
- ☑ Mod Packs
- Back or Hip
- Do you use a swords on back skeleton?
- Replacer Mods
- Skyrim Weapon De-LARP-ification Project
- Standalone Mods (select only the options below)
- aMidianBorn Book of Silence
- ☑ aMidianBorn Book of Silence
- Elemental Staffs
|
Dual Sheath Redux Patcher must be launched through Mod Organizer for it to recognize installed mods. Add the DSR Patch to the list of executables by doing the following:
- In the right pane, go to the Data tab.
- Locate the SkyProc Patchers directory and expand the Dual Sheath Redux Patch directory.
- Right-click the Dual Sheath Redux Patch.jar file and select Add as executable.
- If asked to locate the Java binary, browse to where you installed Java (usually
Program Files (x86)/Java/jreX.X.X_XX/bin ) and select javaw.exe.
- Enter a name and finish.
Now each time you want to run the DSR Patch, simply select it from the drop-down menu at top right and click Run.'
Example video
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07-Sounds and Music
- Mods that affect sounds or music
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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Better Animal Footsteps
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions Better Animal Footsteps
|
- Custom
- Select one option
- ◉ Install all of the footstep sounds
- Custom
- Optional Pets of Skyrim patch
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Audio Overhaul for Skyrim
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions Audio Overhaul for Skyrim 2
|
- Welcome to the AOS Installer
- Choose the type of installation:
- ◉ Install for STEP or SR:LE
|
Users that play with headphones may also consider the AOS_Reduced_Reverb Optional File.
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Immersive Thunder
|
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This mod is not packaged correctly. Double-click on ImmersiveSkyrimThunderV6. Right-click on Data and choose [Set data directory]. Click [OK] to install.
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Smooth Blade Draw and Sheathe
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
Install the Smooth draw and Sheathe sfx - Full options Main File.
FOMOD Instructions Smooth blades draw and sheath
|
- Introduction
- Choose one ADS version
- Choose your options
- SBDS options
- ☑ Daggers
- ☑ 1Handed blades
- ☑ 2Handed blades
- ☑ Enchanted weapons
- ☑ Mute activation fail
- ☑ Mute critical hit
- ☑ Mute left hand
- Outro
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08-Character Appearance
- Mods that affect the appearance of the player character or NPCs
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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Beards
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1K
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions Hvergelmir's Aesthetics - Beards
|
- Choose Options
- Choose full or vanilla replacer
- Choose resolution
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Better Males
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Geonox Faces + Underwear - Default
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NSFW Mod Page.
Direct downloads to remain SFW:
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Brows
|
Standard Resolution
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
FOMOD Instructions Hvergelmir's Aesthetics - Brows
|
- Choose Options
- Choose full or vanilla replacer
- Choose resolution
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FAR-Forgotten Argonian Roots
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2k
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
The instructions are broken up into segments for easier tracking:
- During installation, expand FAR-Forgotten Argonian Roots
- Expand Females→Default Body→MAIN texture
- Drag and drop the Textures folder onto < data > above
- Now fully expand the Textures folder that was just moved and leave it expanded.
- Expand Males→Better Males body→textures→actors→character
- Drag and drop the argonianmale folder onto character folder from the expanded Textures folder in step 4 above.
- Now expand the two argonianfemale and argonianmale folders from the expanded Textures folder in step 4 above.
- Untick the boxes next to the *body_s.dds, *hands_s.dds, and *head_s.dds within both the expanded folders.
- Expand no glow skin→Female→Textures→actors→character→argonianfemale
- Drag and drop the three files into the argonianfemale folder from the expanded Textures folder in step 4 above.
- Expand no glow skin→Male→Textures→actors→character→argonianmale
- Drag and drop the three files into the argonianmale folder from the expanded Textures folder in step 4 above.
- Untick FAR-Forgotten Argonian Roots and click [OK]
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Immersive Citizens-AI Overhaul
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
Users not installing the STEP Patches will want to install the options the FOMOD installer automatically selects.
Additionally, this mod is optional and the STEP Compilation detects if it is not installed, thus providing a version of the Patches without this mod incorporated.
Download and install the main file.
FOMOD Instructions Immersive Citizens - AI Overhaul
|
- First Screen
- First Screen
- Main Part
- Enhanced Lighting for ENB
- Enhanced Lights and FX
- Open Cities Skyrim
- Moonpath to Elsweyr
- Realistic Room Rental (Enhanced Version Only)
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RUSTIC CHILDREN
|
2K-1K
|
Download and install the RUSTIC CHILDREN - BODY - 2K-1K main file.
|
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|
WSCO - Windsong Skyrim Character Overhaul
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
Install the WSCO Occidental Vanilla Body v1 Main File:
FOMOD Instructions WSCO - Windsong Skyrim Character Overhaul
|
- Choose the sex
- Improved NPC's Appearance
- Improved NPC's Appearance
- ◉ No - Don't install the add-on
- Final Step
|
xEdit Cleaning Required
1 ITMs
After cleaning this mod, open it in xEdit:
- Expand the mod and expand Non-Player Character (Actor)
- Right-click on FormID 0009F83A dunBluePalaceMareMaiden
- Choose [Remove]
- Choose yes to any warnings to remove the record
- Close xEdit saving the plugin
|
09-Fixes
- Mods have a programmatic component that fixes various bugs and/or inconsistencies
|
|
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Mod Name
|
Baseline
|
Instructions
|
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|
High Resolution Texture Pack
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
This is the Official DLC from Bethesda. It consists of three plugins, which should be listed right after Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch in the left pane of Mod Organizer and prioritized sequentially (HighResTexturePack01, HighResTexturePack02, HighResTexturePack03). If optimized versions of the textures from the High Resolution Texture Pack are used they should be placed directly after HighResTexturePack03.
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Fuz Ro D-oh
|
|
Detailed Instructions available
|
The Fuz Ro D'oh.ini file needs to be edited manually. To do this:
- While in Mod Organizer, right-click the Fuz Ro Doh mod on the left-hand side
- Select the menu option Open in explorer
- Within the new window, navigate into the SKSE/Plugins folder
- Right-click within the folder and select the menu option New > Text Document
- Name the file Fuz Ro D'oh.ini (make sure you are showing File Extensions - click here to see how)
- Open the new file and copy the below contents, pasting them into the file:
[General]
WordsPerSecondSilence=2
- Save and close the file
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NARC
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STEP recommends the NARC main file. All needed patches are included in the STEP Patches.
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Skyrim Project Optimization
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Full Version
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Install the "Skyrim Project Optimization - Full Version" Main File. Tick Data and click [OK] to install.
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Smart Souls
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Detailed Instructions available
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The Smart Souls.ini file needs to be edited manually. To do this:
- While in Mod Organizer, right-click the Smart Souls mod on the left-hand side
- Select the menu option Open in explorer
- Within the new window, navigate into the SKSE/Plugins folder
- Right-click within the folder and select the menu option New > Text Document
- Name the file Smart Souls.ini (make sure you are showing File Extensions - click here to see how)
- Open the new file and copy the below contents, pasting them into the file
'"`UNIQ--pre-000003C0-QINU`"'
- Save and close the file
NOTE: If you forget to follow the instructions above, the Smart Souls.ini file should be created upon running the game for the first time after this mod's installation. It will be located in the Mod Organizer Overwrite folder. This file needs to be dragged and dropped into the SKSE/Plugins folder within the Smart Souls mod.
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Wiseman303s Critter Fixes
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Detailed Instructions available
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FOMOD Instructions Wiseman303's Critter Fixes
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- Introduction
- Install
- Options
- ☑ Monarch Wing Fix
- ☑ PondFish and Salmon Replacer (STEP Extended users only)
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10-Gameplay-General
- Mods that affect general or multiple gameplay mechanics
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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Auto Unequip Ammo
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Detailed Instructions available
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In the MCM settings for Auto Ammo Unequip, STEP recommends changing following settings:
- Follower Addon
- Default: unticked
- STEP: ticked
- This will add the mod's functionality to your followers as well.
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Weapons and Armor Fixes
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Detailed Instructions available
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Install the Main File:
FOMOD Instructions Weapons and Armor Fixes Remade
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- Main File and DLC Selection
- Main File and DLC Selection
- Options
- Select Custom Options
- True Weapons
- ◉ True Orcish and Daedric Weapons
- Dragon Priest Masks
- Faster Arrows
- Dark Brotherhood Mask Fix
- ☑ Dark Brotherhood Mask Fix
- Better Fitting Glass Helmet
- ☑ Better Fitting Glass Helmet Meshes
- Texture Size
- Compatibility Patches
- aMidianborn Skyforge Weapons
- Immersive Weapons
- Improved Closedfaced Helmets
- Final Final
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11-Gameplay-AI and Combat
- Mods that affect AI, stats, or combat mechanics of NPCs
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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Dual Wield Parrying
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Detailed Instructions available
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Install the 00 Dual Wield Parrying SKSE 3_1 beta Main File.
In the MCM settings for Dual Wield Parry, please note the default key (V) for blocking when dual wielding weapons. You may change this if you like. Make sure the Mod Active setting is ticked or the mod will not work.
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12-Gameplay-Economy
- Mods that affect currency, rewards, values, rates, or any other economy-related mechanics
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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13-Gameplay-Immersion
- Mods that help to improve game immersion and role-playing scenarios
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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Guard Dialogue Overhaul
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Do NOT clean with TES5Edit. ITMs/UDRs are intended by the author for the mod to work correctly.
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Traps Make Noise
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Detailed Instructions available
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Install the Traps Make Noise Main File.
Merger the Mining Makes Noise (for CCOR) Optional File.
Merge the Traps Make Noise - Follower Safety Patch and Wiseman303's Trap Fixes Update Misc Files.
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Wet and Cold
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1024
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Detailed Instructions available
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Install the Wet & Cold - Ashes optional.
Optional Installation: Higher quality fur coats can be installed by ticking the High Res Fur Coats optional. This will install 2K textures. This is completely optional. Otherwise, just leave it unticked for the 1K textures.
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14-Gameplay-Quests
- Mods that alter aspects of quests and/or related lore
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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Even Better Quest Objectives
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Detailed Instructions available
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Do not install any patches (untick them), they are included in the Step Patch - Conflict Resolutiones.
FOMOD Instructions Even Better Quest Objectives
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- Options for this mod
- Main
- Optional Files
- Select Nothing (untick everything)
- Compatible Mods
- Select Nothing (untick everything)
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The Paarthurnax Dilemma
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Note: The Nexus page for this mod has a spoiler for those that have not played the main quest yet.
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15-Gameplay-Skills and Perks
- Mods that affect the player character's or NPC skills and perks or related leveling
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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Lock Overhaul
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Detailed Instructions available
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You must activate the options in the MCM for Lock Overhaul or the mod will basically do nothing. If the mod is not active, activate it. In activating it, you'll have to exit the menus back to the game before you're able to see the available options. STEP recommends changing following settings:
Smash Locks
- Activate Smash Locks
- Default: unticked
- STEP: ticked
- This will turn on the ability to smash locks with a weapon.
- Allowed Weapons
- Default: Only Two Handed
- STEP: Two+ One Handed
- This will allow locks to be smashed with one and two handed weapons but not with bows and crossbows, as long as you have the skill requirement.
Unlock with Magic
- Enable Unlock Spell
- Default: unticked
- STEP: ticked
- This will turn on the ability to unlock locks with destruction magic as long as you have the skill requirement.
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Smithing Perks Overhaul
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Choose the Both Dawnguard and Dragonborn and Modified Vanilla Perk Tree options in the installer.
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16-Interface
- Mods that affect any aspect of the user interface
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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Skyrim Skill Interface Re-Texture
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Detailed Instructions available
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Download and install the SSIRT v3.0 main file.
FOMOD Instructions Skyrim Skill Interface Re-Texture
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- Introduction
- Background
- Mesh Fixes
- Background
- ◉ Background - Default Stars - HDR Nebula
- Perk Lines
- Perk Line Colours
- Perk Line Colours
- ◉ Perk Line Colour - Default
- Constellations
- Constellations
- ◉ Constellations - HD Default + Dawnguard
- Perk Stars
- Perk Stars
- ◉ Perk Stars - Enhanced Default
- Dawnguard
- Dawnguard Moons and Stars
- ☑ HD Vanilla Moon and Vanilla Stars
- Vampire Background
- Vampire Nebula Background
- Thanks
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17-Locations
- Mods that programmatically add new or alter vanilla locations
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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Farmhouse Chimneys
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Detailed Instructions available
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FOMOD Instructions Farmhouse Chimneys
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- Core Options
- Extra Options
- New Lands
- Villages
- Misc Mods
- ☑ Live Another Life
- ☑ Cutting Room Floor
- Arthmoor Villages
- Arthmoor Village Expansions
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Oblivion Gates
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Detailed Instructions available
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Install the Oblivion Gates v3 Skyrim and Dawnguard DLC Main File.
Move the Oblivion Gates v3 without Markers - Skyrim + Dawnguard DLC.esp to Optional ESPs in MO.
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18-Lighting and Weather
NOTE:
This section is optional!We wish to be clear that the mods included within this section are completely optional. They are still within the
Mandate, however, we've made this section optional for users who wish to customize their own lighting and weather for their games. As such, we've included an additional patch solely for this mod group.
- Mods that affect lighting and/or weather systems **installation is optional**
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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Enhanced Lighting for ENB-LITE
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Interior Lighting
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Detailed Instructions available
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ENB Preset users: This alters the look of the interior lighting when used with any Preset!
If an ENB Preset is planned to be installed, either verify the chosen Preset works with the Interior Lighting version of ELE or skip this mod installation entirely.
Step recommends the ELE_Lite_v0_95c_Only IL STEP Specific main file.
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Lightning During Thunder Storms
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Detailed Instructions available
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In the MCM settings for Lightning During Thunder Storms (Minty Lightning), STEP recommends changing following settings:
Lightning Config - Fork Lightning Options
- Hostile
- Default: unticked
- STEP: ticked
- This will make the lightning strikes that hit the ground hostile. This means they can hurt you, NPCs and creatures. This is more realistic. If you don't like this, leave it unticked.
- Frequency Delay
- Default: 5 secs
- STEP: 25 secs
- This will reduce the frequency at which these ground strikes occur. STEP has increased this setting to provide a more realistic feel. The new setting will produce approximately one strike every 25 secs instead of one strike every 5 secs.
Leave all other settings unchanged.
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Relighting Skyrim
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No JIT
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Detailed Instructions available
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STEP recommends the "Relighting Skyrim - No JIT" main file.
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19-Utilities
- Mods that generate derived mod output from load-order-specific assets
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Mod Name
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Baseline
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Instructions
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Fores New Idles in Skyrim
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Detailed Instructions available
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Install the FNIS Behavior Main File.
FNIS is run through Mod Organizer like most other tools. Add FNIS to the list of executables by doing the following:
- In the right pane, go to the Data tab.
- Locate the tools folder and expand it. Then expand the GenerateFNIS_for_Users folder.
- Right-click the GenerateFNISforUsers.exe file and select [Add as Executable]
- In the window that opens, type FNIS for the Title.
- Click [OK]
Now each time you want to run FNIS, simply select it from the drop-down menu at top right and click Run.
Example video
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2.O. Launching STEP:Skyrim
When ready to play for the first time after a STEP install, it is recommended to start a brand new character. In the past, we advised that users they could continue an existing save, but with recent mod updates, we feel it is imperative users start a new character.
NOTE:
When loading Skyrim for the first time after STEP is installed, the load could take significantly longer than normal. This will only be a one-time load wait as all the installed mods are being initialized. Subsequent load times should be shorter.
Archive Management
MO2
Mod Organizer allows loading archives without their dummy plugins.
- In the Plugins tab, deactivate HighResTexturePack01.esp, HighResTexturePack02.esp, HighResTexturePack03.esp, Unofficial High Resolution Patch.esp, STEP DLC Optimized Textures, STEP Vanilla Optimized Textures, Modern Brawl Bug Fix.esp, and BWS.esp as they are all dummy plugins.
- Go to the Archives tab.
- Tick Have MO manage archives.
- In the archive list, ensure all the mods are checked.
LOOT Meta Rules
Once all mods have been installed, run LOOT one final time to ensure the correct plugin order is set. Ensure the rules below were not missed before creating the Bashed Patch! If any were missed, please apply them and re-run the Bashed Patch:
LOOT:
ELE_Legendary_Lite.esp
Main:
RelightingSkyrim_Legendary.esp
Main:
RealisticWaterTwo.esp
Load after:
- RelightingSkyrim_Legendary.esp
Clothing & Clutter Fixes.esp
Load After:
- Lepidoptera Of Skyrim DLC1.esp
AOS.esp
Load after:
Book Covers Skyrim.esp
Load After:
TheChoiceIsYours.esp
Load After:
- Relationship Dialogue Overhaul
Coming soon...
STEP 3
Tips & Troubleshooting Common Issues
3.A. Troubleshooting Common Problems
A heavily modded Skyrim can bring even a very powerful system to its knees. Maximum visual quality is highly dependent upon total on-card graphics-dedicated video memory (VRAM), the number of GPUs, and monitor resolution. The goal should be to maintain 30 or more FPS on average without any noticeable stuttering.
3.A.1. Failure to Launch
Skyrim still sometimes fails to launch, and the following are some of the most common causes and solutions:
- Improper load order - Run LOOT and examine the output. Plugins out of order or plugins with missing masters will cause this. LOOT will sort everything properly, but certain patches installed with certain mods included with STEP:Extended will not apply under a STEP:Core install, so these plugins need to be un-ticked in MO or WB plugin lists.
- Improper Bashed Patch - This can result from ticking options that are not explicitly mentioned in this guide, or it can result if the Bashed Patch was not rebuilt after a mod-list/order change.
- Bad INI settings - If Skyrim.ini or SkyrimPrefs.ini were edited in a way that was not described in STEP 1.D. (or if a fresh, default INI was not used as a baseline), certain settings can cause this issue. The quickest solution is to revisit that section and regenerate a fresh INI with the recommended settings.
3.A.2. Crashes to Desktop (CTD)
There are unfortunately many reasons for CTDs just after launch or shortly thereafter, but if this guide was followed precisely, STEP mods should not be the cause. Following are some common causes and solutions.
- Improper Load Order - Run LOOT and examine the output as in the previous section.
- Missing Masters - If an active plugin is missing its dependent master, a CTD will occur immediately. To fix, either locate the missing master and add it in or deactivate the plugin missing its master.
- MO will show a red exclamation icon next to the plugin, while Wrye Bash will show a red checkbox next to the plugin.
- Improper Bashed Patch - See the previous section.
- Bad INI settings - Yep, see the previous section.
- Bad video settings or incompatible driver version - Revisit STEP 1.E. and verify settings, back them down to 'performance' options, or update to the proper video driver.
- Windows environment issue - This is highly possible and unfortunately too difficult to prescribe any remotely ubiquitous solution other than restarting the computer and checking for conflicting processes (e.g., anti-virus/maleware). Google is a friend to all in need.
3.A.3. Semi-Invisible People, Objects or Misbehaving Walls
Following are some solutions:
- Transparency Antialiasing - Turn off any transparency (adaptive) sampling if enabled under antialiasing settings of the graphics-driver software (see references under STEP 1.E.). Also, remember to download the latest graphic drivers.
- Bad INI settings - If using ENB, set
bFloatPointRenderTarget=1
in the SkyrimPrefs.ini.
3.A.4. Stuttering
- Microstutter - This is an annoying 'glitchiness' when moving or panning for those using higher-end graphics cards (usually) or multiple GPUs in SLI or CrossfireX configs (purportedly). Follow the recommendations for ENBoost, noting in particular
EnableVSync=true
. If this does not resolve the issue:
- Ensure that microstutter is not being confused with 'macro'-stutter, which is more severe and memory related. Remember: microstutter is very annoying, but not hindering in any way.
- Try forcing vsync via Nvidia Inspector (Nvidia users) or RadeonPro (AMD users) ... sorry Intel users. Also (and this is very important), enable D3D-compatible triple buffering via RadeonPro. Nvidia Inspector users: D3D-compatible triple buffering is not available. Use D3Doverrider instead. This may also have a vsync function.
- Macrostutter - This is most likely the result of using textures and meshes that exceed the limits of GPU VRAM. ENBoost should prevent this in most cases, but certain user configurations and/or hardware may not behave as expected:
- Verify ENBoost settings and graphics settings described under STEP 1.E.!
- Re-install the most performance-friendly versions of mods as indicated by the "Quality Options" column of the mod tables above.
- Consult the DDSopt Guide to learn how to optimize textures accordingly.
- Finally, Un-install Skyrim Flora Overhaul, which is easily the most VRAM-intensive mod in STEP (although there are others under STEP 2.F. and STEP 2.G. in particular).
- Enable windowed mode via ENBoost (instructions at bottom of mod page).
3.A.5. Texture Flickering, Etc.
Refer to the Z-Fighting Guide.
3.B. In-Game Tips
- The console can be activated by pressing the tilde ([~]) key, often located just below [Escape], while in-game.
- ENBoost has a couple built in hotkeys that are helpful (can be adjusted in enblocal.ini section [INPUT]):
- Show FPS: [*] (on the numpad not shift+8)
- Free VRAM: [f4]
- Screenshot: print screen (Skyrim's screenshots do not work with ENB/ENBoost)
- Steam screenshots are [f12], but if using a keyboard with multimedia keys it could be [shift+f12].
- Be aware [shift+f12] is also the ENB Series Graphics hotkey to toggle the effects on/off. ENBoost ONLY users are not affected.
3.B.1. Optimize Field of View (FOV)
Prior to 2008, the most common monitor resolutions were 16:10 aspect ratio (source). Since then, 16:9 has become the standard. The Skyrim FOV defaults to 65 and is optimized for a monitor aspect ratio of 16:10. Therefore, users with 16:9 monitors (e.g. 1920x1080) will want to increase their FOV to 70.59. Setting this in the INI does not persist, so it must be done via the console. Within Skyrim, open the console (tap the tilde [~] key) and type: fov 70.59
. Those rare and unfortunate users stuck with 4:3 aspect ratio will need to reduce their FOV down to 55.93.
A helpful conversion calculator can assist in calculation of other monitor types and aspect ratios. To use:
- Change Resolution of single monitor to your total resolution (if using multiple monitors, use the combined resolution)
- Change Number of monitors? to the number of monitors being used Across and Tall (e.g., if you only have 1, set both Across and Tall to 1. If you have 3 beside each other, set Across to 3 and Tall to 1. If you have 4 monitors arranged so that it is 2 by 2, set Across to 2 and Tall to 2.
- Change Old Res or Ratio to 16:10.
- Change Old hFOV to 65.
- Your new optimized FOV value will be labeled New hFOV immediately below and to the right.
3.B.2. BIG Frame Drops During Cell Loading
This is a likely indicator that VRAM is too often operating at or beyond capacity (see 3.A.4).
STEP Packs
Community Add-ons
STEP Packs are generally intended to go over the STEP:Core build. Be certain to read the Pack instructions to determine what build the Pack is dependent upon.
MO2
You will now experience one of the reasons why Mod Organizer is the chosen mod-management utility for STEP. Pack installation is a breeze, as it is possible to have profiles for each build dependency that a given Pack relies upon.
Consider reviewing some of the Packs that our users have been developing to augment STEP.
STEP Packs
User Contributions
How YOU Can Help
STEP can only get bigger and better with help from the user community. Even simply maintaining the current STEP is too much work for the core STEP team to ensure that the highest quality is maintained. We need people to help us identify mods that improve Skyrim while adhering to the STEP Mandate. We also need ongoing reviews and updates on mods that may be causing problems or that stray from the STEP philosophy. Finally, we need help from the community in terms of mod testing. More detail is presented in the Mod Testing Guide.
In order to suggest a mod, visit the Mods section of the STEP Forums.
Call for Wiki Content Editors
The STEP Community Wiki is open to editing by all registered community members; however, we need assistance maintaining and creating new supporting content. We are particularly interested in obtaining a few people with a passion for writing and editing. Familiarity with wiki markup is preferable but not necessary. Interested parties please contact TechAngel85 via PM on the forums (Please register on the forums and see the very bottom of the Forum Team page).
Call for STEP Mod Testers
STEP community members interested in becoming testers, please contact TechAngel85 via PM on the forums (Please register on the forums and see the very bottom of the Forum Team page). Once registered, record your system specs by clicking on the button and filling out the form. These specs will be associated with performance data given by testers. Before deciding, read through the Mod Testing Guide to get a sense what mod testing involves.
Call for STEP Benchmarks
Users interested in helping out with the STEP Benchmarking Project, see our benchmarking guidelines and submit results on the forums (see link at upper left of site header bar).
Call for Forum Moderators
Regular STEP community members interested in becoming moderators, please contact TechAngel85 via PM on the forums (Please register on the forums and see the very bottom of the Forum Team page).
Thank you for reading and enjoy the game!
Credits
The STEP administrators would sincerely like to thank (from the bottoms of our fuzzy little hearts):
- The authors of mods recommended in STEP
- The authors of mods who granted permission for their mods to be placed inside the STEP Compilation
- The core STEP Community for feedback, suggestions and input
- The STEP testers for their good humor and rigorous analyses
- The Nexus community
- Bethesda Softworks for Skyrim (and TES in general)
- Tannin for the gift that is Mod Organizer
The core STEP team is:
- EssArrBee - Release Coordinator, Fallout survivor, STEP Patches maintainer
- stoppingby4now - Lead Site Developer, administrator, Semantic Mediawiki developer & extraordinaire, site founder
- TechAngel85 - Lead Release Coordinator, Forum administrator, FOMOD extraordinaire
- z929669 - Wiki & forums content editor, administrator, hosting maintenance, site founder
- Other active volunteer staff: Aiyen, DoubleYou, Greg, GrantSP, GSDfan, hishutup, Kelmych, Nebulous112, phazer11, WilliamImm
- Honorary members: TheCompiler, Farlo, MontyMM, oqhansoloqo, rootsrat, torminater