SkyrimLE:3.0.0
![Info-Logo.png](/wiki/images/thumb/4/40/Info-Logo.png/35px-Info-Logo.png)
NOTE
This is the current version of the Step SkyrimLE Guide. Don't forget to endorse Step on the Nexus if you like the guide. Please report any problems or confusing instructions on the latest Feedback & Bug Reports pinned forum topic.Step SkyrimLE Guide
This is the official v3.0 release of the Step Skyrim Legendary Edition (SkyrimLE, SLE) guide. It'll now be considered a "retired" gaming guide, meaning we will not be releasing updates to it, beyond continued routine maintenance.
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About STEP
Created by TheCompiler (Daniele Ferraro), STEP is a collaborative project with input from the modding community, technical volunteers, and project administrators. The goal is to provide tested and validated methods for establishing and maintaining an enhanced modded Skyrim. Thus, the Guide provides detailed, well-tested build instructions for a solid modded Skyrim that achieves an enhanced, vanilla experience. It's meant to be installed in its entirety and not piecemeal.
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 members.
New to Modding?
We recommend that you ...
- read through this Guide at least once before attempting installation.
- follow all linked guides and read through them, as well.
There is a lot of information to absorb and learn in order to successfully build a modded game. We and the community, have brought together a lot of this information into guides as a free and hopefully convenient resource for all. New and experienced modders alike will find many answers within these guides and linked resources. This Guide is written in such a way that it expects users to know the basics of modding and related tools (e.g. mod managers, LOD optimizers, configuration utilities, etc.). However our support forums are always available for our users.
Nomenclature and Instructions
The following nomenclature is used throughout this guide and should be understood before proceeding.
- 'tick' means 'check': Frequently, the word 'check' or 'checked' can mean 'ensure' in addition to "check mark", so 'check' is not used where it is synonymous with 'tick' to avoid any mistakes that can (and have) happened from this conflation.
- Baseline: The recommended install option is shown within the Baseline column of the mod tables below.
- Step Patches: Custom patches created for the respective Step Guides. Always use them!
Expand Instructions!
Click the heading below to expand detailed instructions that are collapsed by default for readability:
Expand mod table detailed instructions:
System Requirements
SkyrimLE should be run on a relatively modern Windows 10/11 64-bit desktop or laptop, gaming capable PC. While CPU specs and performance are important factors, they matter only to a point beyond which is diminishing return on investment. Smooth gameplay, LODGen-related tools, and ENBSeries post-processing are most limited by the GPU performance coupled to the resolution at which the game is run.
- The minimum specs assume that the recommended 'baseline' mod options will be installed, which are biased towards 'performance' options when available.
- The recommended specs assume a bias toward 'quality' and assume higher quality mod options will be installed when available.
- CPU/GPU Marks should be within the ranges listed below. Refer to the links for examples.
Hardware | Minimum | Recommended |
---|---|---|
CPU CPU Mark Range | 4,000 - 7,000 | > 7,000 |
System RAM | 8GB | 16GB |
GPU G3D Mark Range | 8,000 - 10,000 | > 10,000 |
Video RAM | at least 4GBs | 8GBs or higher |
Game Drive | HDD | SSD |
Resolution | 1080p (HD) | 1440p (QHD) |
Time Commitment
Be aware it will take anywhere from several hours to a several days to complete this build from start to finish. This time will vary greatly depending on internet download speed and user experience. Following are cumulative time estimates on average:
- 3-6 hours : Steps 1 - 3 (modding-environment setup)
- 10-12 hours : Step 4 (mod download, installation)
- 4-6 hours : Steps 5 - 7 (LODGen, post-build configuration, and fine-tuning the build)
STEP 1
Follow the System Setup Guide!
Those who have not completed the System Setup Guide should stop and do so now! This is a perquisite for completing any of the Step Game Guides as it will walk users through setting up their systems for modding, including installing common tools that are used by nearly all of the Step Game Guides.
Users deviating from our instructions and recommendations will need to reinterpret other instructions and recommendations in this Guide accordingly. Make sure to note any such deviations for later reference.
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!
![Moicon.png](/wiki/images/thumb/b/b9/Moicon.png/35px-Moicon.png)
MO2
This guide assumes that the reader is familiar with MO, so if that is not the case, please see the Mod Organizer Guide.
STEP 2
Mod Organizer 2 - Configuration
Initialization
Step recommends using all applications as standalone programs, including Mod Organizer 2. The below instructions for added a SkyrimLE instance. If MO is ran as a Portable application, users will need to adjust the instructions as appropriate. If users already have an instance for SkyrimLE, users can skip this initialization:
- Launch MO by running its executable (e.g.
..Modding/Tools/Mod Organizer/ModOrganizer.exe
) - Upon load, click the Instance Manager button on the tool (first button).
- Click [Create new instance] button.
- Select Skyrim Legendary Edition and click [Next].
- If it didn't find the game, users can manually browse to the game's location.
- Leave the default name or create a custom one. Step recommends using the default name or appending a custom name to the end. Click [Next].
- Now user have the option of changing the location of data stored. Step recommends the default location, unless space restraints prevent this. Click [Next].
- A confirmation window will display with the installation information. Click [Finish].
- MO is now ready to use.
Profile Setup
Now users will take advantage of Mod Organizer's profile feature by creating/editing two profiles for use during this Guide:
- Launch MO, choosing the SkyrimLE Instance.
- On the default profile, arrange the mods in the left pane in the following order:
- DLC: Dawnguard
- DLC: HearthFires
- DLC: Dragonborn
- Click the Configure Profiles button on the menu bar.
- Select the Default profile and click [Rename].
- Rename this profile to
Vanilla Skyrim
or something similar - Ensure the Use profile-specific Game INI Files box is ticked and select [OK].
- Users can also tick Use profile-specific Save Games, if desired.
- Ensure the renamed profile is still selected and click [Copy].
- Name the new profile
Step SkyrimLE
, or anything similar. - Tick the same boxes from step 6, above.
- Close the window by clicking [Close].
- Users will likely see a window saying some INI files were missing and will be copied. This is normal.
- If an error is displayed about missing "modlist.txt" files, restart MO (or do a system reboot if one hasn't been done yet).
- Ensure that the Step SkyrimLE profile is the currently selected profile in the Profile drop-down menu.
Tool Setup
All tools installed in the System Setup Guide should already be configured in MO. Some tools will have been auto-detected and added; nevertheless, ensure the settings below are set correctly for all tools. xEdit is used in this example:
- For xEdit, it is useful to create a mod into which all xEdit ouput can be directed in order to keep it all together:
- Click
at the top of the main Mod Organizer window.
- In the left pane of the executables config, click the [+] to add a new executable, and then [Add from file...].
- Browse to the SSEEdit.exe file (e.g.
..Modding/Tools/xEdit/SSEEdit.exe
).- This should auto-fill most of the fields.
- Change the title to xEdit.
- Input the following in the Arguments field separated by a single space:
- e.g.
-IKnowWhatImDoing -SLE -AllowMasterFilesEdit
- "-IKnowWhatImDoing": This turns off a warning presented when users make edits.
- "-AllowMasterFilesEdit": By default xEdit will not allow master file editing. This enables that.
- e.g.
- Tick the Create files in mod instead of overwrite box. Select the xEdit Output mod from the drop-down.
- Tick the Use applications icon for desktop shortcuts box.
- Click [Apply].
- Repeat these steps to add the remaining executables as indicated in the table following.
- Arrange the tools in any order using the up and down buttons above the list. This will dictate the order that tools are listed in the MO "Run" dropdown menu. Close the window by clicking the [OK] button.
Application Title | Executable | Argument(s) |
---|---|---|
xEdit | xEdit.exe | -TES5 -IKnowWhatImDoing -AllowMasterFilesEdit Tick the Create files in mod instead of overwrite box and select the xEdit Output mod from the drop-down. |
xEditQuickAutoClean | xEditQuickAutoClean.exe | -TES5 Tick the Create files in mod instead of overwrite box and select the xEdit Output mod from the drop-down. |
LOOT | LOOT.exe | --game="Skyrim"
|
xLODGen | xLODGenx64.exe | -lodgen -TES5 -o:"DriveLetter:\Modding\Tools\xLODGen\xLODGen_Output" Replace DriveLetter: with the drive letter of the 'Modding' folder. |
Tools can be arranged in any order using the up and down buttons above the list. This will dictate the order they are listed in the MO "Run" dropdown menu. When complete, close the window by clicking the [OK] button.
BethINI Setup
BethINI needs to be run for the current MO profile to establish the INIs before beginning the mod installations. To do this:
- Close MO and run BethINI (e.g.
..Modding/Tools/BethINI/BethINI.exe
). - Select "Skyrim" from the game selection box.
- Allow BethINI to handle custom INIs, if prompted.
- Go to the Setup tab
- Ensure the Game path is correct (e.g.
../Modding/Steam/steamapps/common/Skyrim
). - Ensure the Mod Organizer path is correct (e.g.
../Modding/Tools/Mod Organizer
). - For the INI Path, select Mod Organizer - Step SkyrimLE from the drop-down menu. NOTE: This depends on the MO Profile Setup
- If BethINI does not automatically find the profiles, browse to MO's
/Profile
folder. - For 'instance' users, the profile will be stored in the user's
/AppData
folder (e.g.%LOCALAPPDATA%/ModOrganizer/Step SkyrimLE/profiles/
)
- If BethINI does not automatically find the profiles, browse to MO's
- BethINI should restart whenever the INI path changes in order to associate the MO profile information.
- Ensure the Game path is correct (e.g.
- Return to the Setup tab.
- The “Automatically Check for Updates”, “Auto-detect Invalid Settings”, and “Modify Custom INIs” boxes should be ticked.
- If BethINI will be used for multiple games from a single installation, the “Always Select Game” box should be ticked.
- Select the Basic tab.
- Ensure the Window Resolution matches the system resolution.
- The recommended Antialiasing is "4x" for the initial setup.
- The recommended Anisotropic Filtering is "16x".
- The other recommended options to tick are:
- Windowed Mode
- Vsync
- The [Medium] Preset is recommended as a baseline to avoid problems before initial testing when guide setup is complete (this can be changed at any time later).
- Tick the box for Recommended Tweaks.
- Select the Detail tab.
- Untick Reflect Sky and Reflect Objects (water reflections are not accurate with respect to the LOD of most custom builds)
- Return the the Basic tab, and click [Save and Exit].
Users now have a minimal setup for the game INIs for testing and running the game during the mod installations. Once all mods have been installed, BethINI will be run again to complete the INI setup.
Users should now relaunch Mod Organizer and ensure the Step SkyrimLE profile is selected to continue with the Guide.
STEP 3
LOOT
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 (load order), which can have a dramatic impact on the game. Users not running the game during the mod installation step of the Guide can wait to sort after this step is complete. To sort with LOOT:
- Launch LOOT via Mod Organizer 2 from the executables drop-down menu at the top of the right pane.NOTE:If LOOT fails to start, try adding the following argument as described in Tools Setup:
--single-process
If LOOT cannot find the game directory, add the path to../Skyrim
for Installed Path under LOOT settings. - Click the [Sort Plugins] icon at the top of the LOOT window.
- Several plugins will show warnings. The next section describes how to clean them up.
- Click [Apply] button, which has replaced the Sort button at the top.
- Close LOOT.
![Info-Logo.png](/wiki/images/thumb/4/40/Info-Logo.png/35px-Info-Logo.png)
NOTE
When running LOOT before completing the STEP Guide, additional warnings may be indicated. These will all be fixed by the end of this guide.Up to this point, users should only have the following plugins, in the order listed:
- Skyrim.esm
- Update.esm
- Dawnguard.esm
- HearthFires.esm
- Dragonborn.esm
- HighResTexturePack01.esp
- HighResTexturePack02.esp
- HighResTexturePack03.esp
If the plugins are not in the order listed, run LOOT now.
Cleaning Vanilla Master Files
To resolve potential issues later, the vanilla plugin masters should be cleaned with xEdit.
Standard Cleaning Procedures
- Run xEditQuickAutoClean from the drop-down executable list in MO.
- On the plugin selection window, double-click on the mod being cleaned (e.g. Update.esm).
- Once xEdit is finished, click [X] at upper right to close. A backup of the original plugin will automatically be saved into (e.g.,
../xEdit Output/TES5Edit Backups
) inside of Overwrite at the bottom of the MO mod list (left) pane.
Clean the Masters
Vanilla masters should be cleaned in the following order:
- Update.esm
- Dawnguard.esm
- Hearthfires.esm
- Dragonborn.esm
- Follow the standard cleaning procedures to clean Update.esm.
- Once Update.esm is cleaned, next clean Dawnguard.esm using the standard cleaning procedures.
- Next, complete the manual cleaning below for Dawnguard.esm...
- Run xEdit from MO.
- At the prompt, double-click on Dawnguard.esm.
- Once loaded, type in
00016BCF
in the FormID field (above the mod list) and hit [Enter/Return]. - In the right pane, find the "XEZN - Encounter Zone" record.
- In the Dawnguard.esm column, right-click on the "RiftenRatwayZone [ECZN:0009FBB9]" entry and select [Remove].
- If a prompt appears select Yes for each of these removals.
- In the FormID field again, type in
0001FA4C
and hit [Enter/Return]. - On the Dawnguard.esm column, right-lick on the "Dawnguard.esm" header and select [Remove].
- In the FormID field again, type in
0006C3B6
and hit [Enter/Return]. - On the Dawnguard.esm column, right-lick on the "Dawnguard.esm" header and select [Remove].
- Now close xEdit.
- Ensure Dawnguard.esm is ticked in the pane, Backup plugins is ticked at the bottom of the prompted window and click [OK].
Once Dawnguard's manual cleaning is complete, follow the standard cleaning procedures to clean Hearthfires.esm, and then finally, Dragonborn.esm.
Moving the Cleaned Files
After the vanilla master files are cleaned, they should be moved into the "Cleaned Vanilla Masters" mod in MO, and the original files should be restored into the 'real' "Data" directory in the game folder. This makes Steam happy when "validating" files so that it remains unaware of changes. To move the new files and restore the original files, complete the following:
Cleaned Masters
- On the MO window, click the [Open list options...] button at the top of the left pane, next to the profile selection drop-down.
- Choose Create empty mod, name it
Cleaned Vanilla Masters
, and click [OK]. - Move this mod up the MO mod list to just after "DLC: Dragonborn".
- Enable the new mod listing.
- In MO, hold Ctrl and double-click on the now-empty Cleaned Vanilla Masters mod to open it in Windows Explorer.
- Click the [Show Open Folders menu...] button above the MO mod list (left) pane, and select Open Game Folder to open the game folder in Windows Explorer (e.g.
../Modding/Steam/steamapps/common/Skyrim/
, and open../Data
. - Move the four cleaned master files from
../Data
into../Cleaned Vanilla Masters
.
Original Masters
- In MO, scroll to the end of the mod list (left) pane, and hold Ctrl + double click on Overwrite to open in Explorer.
- Inside the "TES5Edit Backups" folder, rename the files to "MasterName.esm" (i.e. "Update.esm").
- If there are multiple copies of any of the files, use the one with the earliest timestamp (the original).
- Click the [Show Open Folders menu...] button above the MO mod list (left) pane, and select Open Game Folder to open the game folder in Windows Explorer (e.g.
../Modding/Steam/steamapps/common/Skyrim/
- Move or copy the renamed files into the 'real' game "Data" directory (
../Data
), choosing to overwrite/replace, if asked. - All Explorer windows can be closed now.
- Right click on Overwrite, select [Clear Overwrite], and click [OK].
![Moicon.png](/wiki/images/thumb/b/b9/Moicon.png/35px-Moicon.png)
MO2
Any time Bethesda updates these master files, they will likely need to be cleaned again and replaced in MO. Any previously cleaned versions of these same files that exist in the MO mod list must be either disabled or deleted first, because xEdit will see only the cleaned versions otherwise.At this point, the Bethesda masters should be cleaned and the mod list order should reflect:
- ...
- Dragonborn.esm
- Cleaned Vanilla Masters
- xEdit Output
Understanding the STEP Patches
A “conflict resolution” patch, or CR Patch, is a plugin that resolves conflicts between various active plugins. They allow using various mods together without any major issues while still achieving the desired outcome from the mods. Thus, the Step Patches are one part patch and one part mod.
The Step Patches are built specifically for the Step mod list. They are required and are dependent on specific mods as noted in the mod list. They will not resolve conflicts with any applicable mods that are not within the guide's mod list, though.
Step Patches
- Step Patch - Conflict Resolution
- For those that would opt for their own custom lighting and weather mods
- Patches all applicable mods except for Lighting & Weather mods
- Required for all users!
- Step SkyrimLE - Lighting & Weather Patch (STEP LW Patch)
- For those that are using Guide's lighting and weather mod from the Lighting & Weather mod group.
- Patches only the applicable Lighting & Weather mods; the CR Patch is still required!
STEP 4
At this point, the PC modding environment should be fully set up and ready for mod installation.
IMPORTANT: Please read ALL of the following carefully!
- This guide can be installed in one of FOUR ways:
- All mods from all ModGroups (mod tables) installed. This is recommended, due to the coordination of this build in terms of lighting & weather. These are usually the most difficult aspects of a build to get right, given vanilla's rather wonky lighting 'incoherence'.
- All mods from all ModGroups EXCEPT for the optional ModGroup, 18-Lighting & Weather. Use this approach if a custom lighting/weather solution will be applied.
- After installing a mod, ALWAYS enable the mod and any related plugins in MO unless otherwise instructed.
- If no Notes or Step recommendations are provided for a particular mod, download, install, and enable the mod. All options are valid.
- Mods should be arranged in MO in the order that they are listed to ensure other mods further down the list overwrite/override those occurring before them.
- Mods are listed in alphabetical order within each Mod Group and any deviations from this are purposeful to achieve the desired outcome.
- Always install plugins (ESLs/ESMs/ESPs), unless otherwise noted. When there is a choice to use an ESL, always choose that UNLESS continuing a playthrough using a previously-existing savegame (ESL-flagged plugins can 'break' a save that relies on a ESP or ESM version of the same plugin!).
- Always follow LOOT's advice in regards to mod cleaning and sorting unless otherwise noted.
- Do NOT extract BSAs if support is expected.
ModGroup Separators
Mod Organizer features the ability to create separators within the mod list to group mods for easier visual reference. Step recommends using these separators for each ModGroup below:
- Click
at the top of the mod list pane.
- Select [Create Separator], and give the separator a name. Step recommends using the Mod Group names (i.e., Extensions, Resources, Lighting & Weather, etc.).
- Create a new separator for each new Mod Group while working through the Guide.
- Separator colors can be customized by right-clicking on any separator and selecting Select Color.
Mod Table Reference
Below is the legend and reference for the mod tables used in this Guide.
Mod Table Legend
Quick Reference
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mod (patch/enb-independent)![]() |
Baseline | Notes | |||
Mod (patch/enb-dependent)![]() |
Baseline | Notes |
02-Extenders
- Mods that expand on the inherent functionality of a game or another mod without themselves affecting content
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
ENBoost![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
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
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 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 |
SKSE![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Download and install the latest archive:
[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. |
SKSE Plugin Preloader![]() |
Extract the archive into the root Skyrim directory. |
03-Resources
- Mods solely providing assets intended specifically for use by other mods without themselves affecting content
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
FISS![]() |
PapyrusUtil-Modders Scripting Utility Functions![]() |
Skyrim-Community-Uncapper![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
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. |
SkyUI![]() |
04-Foundation
- Baseline mods having many conflicting assets that should be overridden by other mods OR mods having programmatic changes that are widely accepted and adopted/expected by other mods
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch![]() |
Unofficial High Resolution Patch![]() |
Skyrim Particle Patch for ENB![]() |
ALL-IN-ONE |
Dynamic Distant Objects LOD![]() |
Medium | Detailed Instructions available | ||||
Download and install the DynDOLOD Resources Main File, selecting the following options:
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. |
Static Mesh Improvement Mod![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
Skyrim Realistic Overhaul![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
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:
|
Majestic Mountains![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||||||
STEP Recommends: Lightside Lightside is the most vanilla-like replacement, however, it can appear too bright in-game when combined with certain post processors. Download the Main File of preference and install:
|
RUSTIC CLOTHING![]() |
2K-1K | Download and install the RUSTIC CLOTHING - COMPLETE - 2K-1K file. |
05-Animation and Physics
- Mods that affect animations or physics
No mods defined.
06-Models and Textures
- Mods that replace existing models or textures
No mods defined.
07-Sounds and Music
- Mods that affect sounds or music
No mods defined.
08-Character Appearance
- Mods that affect the appearance of the player character or NPCs
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Beards![]() |
1K | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
|
Brows![]() |
Standard Resolution | Detailed Instructions available | ||||||
|
Consistent Older People![]() |
Install the Consistent Older People All NPCs USLEEP Main File. |
Cover Khajiits![]() |
1024 | Install both Main Files. Merge when asked. |
FAR-Forgotten Argonian Roots![]() |
2k | Detailed Instructions available | ||||
The instructions are broken up into segments for easier tracking:
|
Female Vampires Have Fangs![]() |
More Realistic Hair![]() |
Natural Eyes![]() |
128k |
Northborn Scars![]() |
Simple Children LE![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||||||
Install the Main File:
Merge the Simple Children LE - Updated Textures Optional File:
|
Superior Lore-Friendly Hair![]() |
Rough Hair 1K | Use the "SLF Hair - Rough Hair - Lite 1K" main file. |
Tempered Skins for Males![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
This is a Not Safe For Work (NSFW) mod page and installer!
Step recommends: Tempered Skins for Males - Dressed Version
|
TK Children![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Download and install the Main File.
Hide the following files/folders:
|
Vanilla Makeup HD![]() |
2K | Install 2K Main File and 2K Update File. |
Vanilla Warpaints Absolution![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Main File:
|
WSCO - Windsong Skyrim Character Overhaul![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the WSCO Occidental Vanilla Body v1 Main File:
xEdit Cleaning Required After cleaning this mod, open it in xEdit:
|
09-Fixes
- Mods have a programmatic component that fixes various bugs and/or inconsistencies
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
1st Person Candlelight Fix![]() |
Bug Fixes![]() |
Butterflies Unchained![]() |
Crash fixes![]() |
Once installed, open the mod's INI and change UseOSAllocators=0 to UseOSAllocators=1. Save. |
Enchantment Reload Fix![]() |
Eye Normal Map Fix![]() |
Fuz Ro D-oh![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
The Fuz Ro D'oh.ini file needs to be edited manually. To do this:
|
Hunters Not Bandits![]() |
Install the Hunters Not Bandits for RDO Main File. |
Modern Brawl Bug Fix![]() |
Skyrim Project Optimization![]() |
Full Version | Install the "Skyrim Project Optimization - Full Version" Main File. Tick Data and click [OK] to install. |
Unlimited Bookshelves![]() |
Waterbreathing Breathless Emerge![]() |
Wiseman303s Critter Fixes![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
Wiseman303s Flora Fixes![]() |
Download and install the main file and the WM Flora Fixes SMIM Patch optional file. |
Wiseman303s Trap Fixes![]() |
Install checking only the Traps Make Noise compatibility option. |
10-Gameplay-General
- Mods that affect general or multiple gameplay mechanics
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Clothing and Clutter Fixes![]() |
Download and install the "Clothing and Clutter Fixes" main file. |
Complete Alchemy and Cooking Overhaul![]() |
Complete Crafting Overhaul Remade![]() |
Install the Main File and the CCO Compatibility Patch for WAFR Optional File. |
GIST - Genuinely Intelligent Soul Trap![]() |
Install the Main File and GIST - Rustic Soul Gems patch Optional File. |
Weapons and Armor Fixes![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Install the Main File:
|
11-Gameplay-AI and Combat
- Mods that affect AI, stats, or combat mechanics of NPCs
No mods defined.
12-Gameplay-Economy
- Mods that affect currency, rewards, values, rates, or any other economy-related mechanics
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Trade and Barter![]() |
Install the Trade And Barter - Hearthfire Main File. |
13-Gameplay-Immersion
- Mods that help to improve game immersion and role-playing scenarios
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Convenient Horses![]() |
Dead Body Collision![]() |
Disease Descriptions![]() |
Select Vanilla, Dawnguard, and Dragonborn in the installer. |
Go On Ahead![]() |
Guard Dialogue Overhaul![]() |
Do NOT clean with TES5Edit. ITMs/UDRs are intended by the author for the mod to work correctly. |
Non-Essential Children![]() |
Use the Hearthfire version. |
Point the Way![]() |
Relationship Dialogue Overhaul![]() |
Install the Main File. Skip all patches in installer. |
Skyrim Coin Replacer Redux![]() |
Install the SCRR - Legendary Edition Main File and Septim HD Coinpiles Optional File. |
SM Drop Lit Torches![]() |
Torches and Shock Spells Ignite Oil![]() |
Traps Make Noise![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Install the Traps Make Noise Main File. Merger the Mining Makes Noise (for CCOR) Optional File. |
Wet and Cold![]() |
1024 | Detailed Instructions available | ||||
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. |
14-Gameplay-Quests
- Mods that alter aspects of quests and/or related lore
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Alternate Start - Live Another Life![]() |
ESF - The Companions Guild![]() |
Download and install the ESFCompanions REQUIREMENTS-ONLY VERSION main file. |
Even Better Quest Objectives![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
Do not install any patches (untick them), they are included in the Step Patch - Conflict Resolutiones.
|
Gildergreen Regrown![]() |
Not So Fast - Mage Guild![]() |
Not So Fast-Main Quest![]() |
The Choice is Yours![]() |
The Paarthurnax Dilemma![]() |
Note: The Nexus page for this mod has a spoiler for those that have not played the main quest yet. |
Thieves Guild Requirements![]() |
Timing is Everything![]() |
15-Gameplay-Skills and Perks
- Mods that affect the player character's or NPC skills and perks or related leveling
No mods defined.
16-Interface
- Mods that affect any aspect of the user interface
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Better Dialogue Controls![]() |
Better MessageBox Controls![]() |
Font Overhaul![]() |
Immersive HUD![]() |
KenMOD Time On Loading Screen![]() |
Lore-Based Loading Screens![]() |
MoreHUD![]() |
MoreHUD Inventory Edition![]() |
RaceMenu![]() |
Smaller Vanilla Cursors![]() |
Installation is user preference. |
Viewable Faction Ranks![]() |
Install the Viewable Faction Ranks Dawnguard and Dragonborn Main File. |
17-Locations
- Mods that programmatically add new or alter vanilla locations
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Bring Out Your Dead![]() |
Cutting Room Floor![]() |
Farmhouse Chimneys![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||||
|
Hearthfire Extended![]() |
Install the Hearthfire Extended - All DLCs (Legendary Edition) Main File. |
Helarchen Creek![]() |
Oblivion Gates![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
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. |
18-Lighting and Weather
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**
No mods defined.
19-Utilities
- Mods that generate derived mod output from load-order-specific assets
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
DynDOLOD![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | ||||||||||||||
Configure MO Executable
Configure as follows (If necessary, revisit the Tool Setup in the guide.):
|
Fores New Idles in Skyrim![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
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:
Now each time you want to run FNIS, simply select it from the drop-down menu at top right and click Run. |
Generating DSR Files
Users will need to run the Dual Sheath Redux Patch for it to take effect ingame. To do so:
- First, run LOOT and sort the load order. Take care of any cleaning that needs to be done and return here when finished...
- ...welcome back! Ready to run DSR?
- Launch Dual Sheath Redux (DSR) Patch via Mod Organizer.
- Click [Patch] in the top right corner to generate the patch. After this is done, Dual Sheath Redux Patch will close automatically.
After closing the Dual Sheath Redux Patch, there will be files in Overwrite created by DSR.
- Right-click Overwrite
- Select Create Mod and name it DSR Output. Click OK.
- This will create a new mod listing in the left pane for the DSR patch generated files. Place it just above FNIS.
- Tick the listing to enable it.
Each subsequent time users rebuild their patch, they must open Overwrite and drag the new files back to this mod. Each time the load order changes, users should rerun the DSR Patch to remake the patch. Failure to do so may lead to a CTD upon startup.
Generating Animation Files
Once FNIS is installed, the animation files need to be generated for the skeleton changes.
- Sort the load order with LOOT, ignoring any plugin errors or warnings at this time.
- Run FNIS via Mod Organizer 2.
- In the Available Patches at the bottom of the window, tick the box adjacent to "SKELETON Arm Fix".
- Click the [Update FNIS Behavior] button and wait for a message to appear in the window stating "X animations for Y mods successfully included".
- Click [Exit].
After closing FNIS, there will be files in Overwrite (essentially a fake mod located at the bottom of the left pane if sorted by priority ascending):
- Right-click Overwrite and select Create Mod
- Name it Step SkyrimLE - FNIS Output and click OK.
- This will create a new mod listing in the left pane for the FNIS generated files.
- Tick the new mod entry to enable it.
20-Patches
- Mods that programmatically resolve load-order conflicts
Mod Name | Baseline | Instructions |
---|
Step Patch - Conflict Resolution![]() |
Detailed Instructions available | |||||
Consistent Older People mod was recently hidden on the Nexus, and it is REQUIRED by the Step CR Patch. Click the forum link from the mod page to learn more. |
Step Patch - Lighting and Weather![]() |
Install this patch if the Lighting and Weather section was installed. |
Sorting and cleaning the new load order
Before moving on, users should run LOOT, sort, and accept the default load order provided. Users should also take note of any plugins that LOOT reports as needing to be cleaned and perform the standard cleaning procedures on these mods. Keep in mind that LOOT tends to lag behind on the report information, therefore, it will not always be accurate. Users should ignore any reported missing compatibility patches. The STEP Patches take care of all the patching, thus eliminating the need for those additional plugins.
Users should be aware the new STEP Patches are designed to work with a default, LOOT-sorted order. This eliminates the need to set rules on the load order, thus, reducing user tasks and streamlines the Guide's installation. From this point on, users should:
- Sort their load order using LOOT when adding, removing, updating mods that adds, removes, or replaces a plugin (ESM, ESP) from their load order.
- Update LOOT (the program) any time it notifies their is an update available.
- For good measure, ALWAYS sort your load order by running LOOT before running the game.
![Info-Logo.png](/wiki/images/thumb/4/40/Info-Logo.png/35px-Info-Logo.png)
NOTE
At this point, it's a good idea to launch a NEW GAME to verify that Skyrim loads without CTD (after sorting with LOOT). The game should successfully load into the Alternate Start character generation interface. If so, just Alt + Tab to close Skyrim. If the game crashes, there is a problem with load order, enabled mods, or any number of things missed in the above instructions. Please review mods installed and enabled as compared to this guide and ensure LOOT is run and plugins sorted.
STEP 5
Users should now have all the mods and patches installed and sorted. The next step is to generate custom LOD data for the modded setup. Thankfully, xLODGen and DynDOLOD makes generating the data fairly simple. Before moving on, create three empty mods to use for the output files in this section:
- Right-click on Overwrite in the mod list in MO and hover over All Mods (this can also be done from the menu at the top of the left pane in MO as described earlier).
- Select, Create empty mod.
- Name it
(TEMP) Terrain - xLODGen
(recall that this will only be used as a resource for xLODGen).- This places a new, empty mod at the bottom of the mod list. However if it's not, place it last in the mod list.
- Repeat these steps to create three other new mods named:
Step SkyrimLE - xLODGen Output
,Step SkyrimLE - TexGen Output
, andStep SkyrimLE - DynDOLOD Output
; or anything unique and descriptive to their source/function. - Place these other new mods directly after (TEMP) Terrain - xLODGen.
The last few mods in the mod list should now reflect the following (numbering is approximate):
- DLC: Hearthfires
- ...
- (TEMP) Terrain - xLODGen
- xLODGen Output
- TexGen Output
- DynDOLOD Output
xLODGen
xLODGen is run first to generate updated LOD terrain textures and meshes so that landscape LOD is updated with mod changes:
Preparation
- Visit the STEP Forum and download TES5-Terrain-Tamriel.esm.
- Place the file in the (TEMP) Terrain - xLODGen folder in MO and enable (tick) the mod.
- If the Overwrite folder isn't empty, it should be. Remove or delete all files/folders.
- Ensure the new plugin is active in the plugin list (ticked).
- Sort with LOOT.
Generation
- Run xLODGen from the MO executable drop-down list.
- Select all worldspaces.
- Ensure that ONLY the Terrain LOD box is ticked in the right pane.
- Use the following settings:
- Click [Generate] to run the process, which will require upwards of 30 minutes, depending on the PC.
- Once the "LOD generation complete" message has appeared, close xLODGen.
Wrap Up
- Navigate to the xLODGen output folder (e.g.
..Modding/Tools/xLODGen/xLODGen_Output
). - Back on MO, open the Step SkyrimLE - xLODGen Output mod in an Explorer window (Ctrl+double click).
- Cut and paste the files from the LOD generation to the Step SkyrimLE - xLODGen Output folder. Close both folders.
- Enable Step SkyrimLE - xLODGen Output mod.
- Disable (TEMP) Terrain - xLODGen mod (only needed as a xLODGen resources).
DynDOLOD
Users will now create object LODs using Dynamic Distant Objects LOD (DynDOLOD). DynDOLOD is one part mod and one part tool. Users should already have both parts installed from earlier in the Guide.
Run TexGen
TexGen, shipped with DynDOLOD, is a program that will generate custom object LOD textures based on enabled mods. This means distance object textures will better match their fully rendered counterparts. To run TexGen:
- Run TexGen from the MO executable drop-down list.
- Keep the default Output location. Step recommends:
- LOD Texture Size = 512
- Diffuse Alpha = BC3
- Normal Specular = BC3
- Diffuse = BC1
- Normal = BC3
- Once the option has been chosen, click [Start].
- Once the completed message has appeared (5-30 minutes, depending on the PC), click [Exit].
- Navigate to the DynDOLOD TexGen_Output folder location (e.g.
../Modding/Tools/DynDOLOD/TexGen_Output
). - Copy or cut the files from the TexGen_Output folder.
- In MO, hold down the Ctrl key and double-click on the SkyrimLE - TexGen Output mod created previously. This opens the mod's folder in an Explorer window.
- Paste the files into the mod's folder, and close the window.
- Enable the SkyrimLE - TexGen Output mod in MO.
Run DynDOLOD
DynDOLOD will now be run to generate the remainder of the LODs for the game. Users have the options of generating higher quality 3D Trees or generating the standard tree LOD. Following one of the two sets of instructions below, depending on the option desired.
Standard (2D) Tree LOD
- Run DynDOLOD from the MO executable drop-down list.
- Click [Advanced] once the main tool window is displayed.
- Select all worldspaces.
- Ensure the following are ticked:
- Candles
- FXGlow
- Generate static LOD
- Generate tree LOD
- Create texture atlas
- Generate DynDOLOD
- Windows
- High
- Set Max tile size equal to the texture size used for TexGen previously.
- Keep the default Output Path and click [Medium]. NOTE: Users with systems able to handle High settings, may do so.
- Click [OK], and get a cup of coffee. This takes ~20-40 minutes on SSDs.
- Once the completed message has appeared, click [Save & Exit].
3D Tree LOD
This Guide will result in Hybrid 3D Trees. Full 3D trees are possible, but are not recommend for gameplay; thus, not covered here. Hybrid 3D Trees are a performance friendly option for high quality tree LODs. It generates 3D branches with 2D trunks.
- Open the
./DynDOLOD
folder (e.g.../Modding/Tools/DynDOLOD/
). - Open the DynDOLOD_TES5.ini file (e.g.
../DynDOLOD/Edit Scripts/DynDOLOD/DynDOLOD_TES5.ini
) - Set TreeLOD=0
- Run DynDOLOD from the MO executable drop-down list.
- Select all worldspaces.
- Ensure the following are ticked:
- Candles
- FXGlow
- Generate static LOD
- NOTE: "Generate tree LOD" will be greyed out as 'N/A' if
TreeLOD=0
was set in DynDOLOD.ini as described above.
- NOTE: "Generate tree LOD" will be greyed out as 'N/A' if
- Create texture atlas
- Generate DynDOLOD
- Windows
- High
- Set Max tile size equal to the texture size used for TexGen previously.
- Keep the default Output Path and click [High].
- NOTE: The High preset is the only preset that will generate 3D Trees! If High is too performance heavy, users can select another preset and manually edit the tree line in the mesh rules to match how it reads from the High preset.
- Click [OK], and get a cup of coffee.
- Once the completed message has appeared, click [Save & Exit].
Wrap Up
- Navigate to the
./DynDOLOD
folder location (e.g.../Modding/Tools/DynDOLOD
). - Copy or cut the files from the
./DynDOLOD_Output
folder. - In MO, hold down the Ctrl key and double-click on the SkyrimLE - DynDOLOD Output mod created above.
- Paste the files into the mod's folder and close the window.
- In MO, enable the mod.
- Ensure DynDOLOD.esp files is ticked in the right plugin pane.
- Sort with LOOT.
Occlusion
Users will now use xLODGen to update the occlusion data for the new mod list. Doing so will prevent holes in the distance landscape that is notoriously bad over water cells. To do this:
- Run xLODGen from the MO executable drop-down list.
- Select only the Tamriel and DLC2SolstheimWorld worldspaces.
- Ensure only the Occlusion box is ticked.
- Use the following settings:
- Quality: 3
- Height: 100
- Radius: 100
- Mode: -Flat +Borders
- Click [Generate] to run the process.
- Once the completed message has appeared, click the red X to close xLODGen.
- Occlusion.esp is saved automatically and will be placed in the Overwrite folder in MO.
- Right-click on the Overwrite mod listing and select, [Create new mod].
- Name it
Occlusion Output
or anything unique. - Ensure the new mod is active (ticked).
- Ensure the Occlusion.esp is the last plugin in the load order just after DyDOLOD.esp and that it is enabled, else run LOOT and sort plugins.
When to Regenerate LOD
Regenerate LOD any time mods affecting exterior objects are added, removed, or relocated in the mod list.
STEP 6
Users should now be ready to load the game for the final steps, configuring mods in the MCM. The MCM is a feature of SkyUI that allows mod authors to provide custom settings for their mods, which users can set within the game. Below users will find recommendations for all the mods installed within this Guide.
First Launch
To run the game, select the SKSE Skyrim Launcher executable from the drop-down list and click the Run button. Users should keep the following in mind when first launching from a fresh Guide installation:
- A new game is required! ... In other words, don't load from a save when first launching after a fresh Guide installation unless you know what can happen (which is beyond scope to support). NOTE: Users upgrading from a previous installation of the Guide should review the changelog of the update to determine whether or not a new game is recommended.
- When launching the game for the first time after a Guide install, the load could take significantly longer than normal. This will only be a one-time wait as all the installed mods are being initialized. Subsequent load times should be shorter.
- Finally, users may find INI files in their Overwrite folder after closing the game (e.g.
../SKSE/Plugins/SkyrimUncapper.ini
). NOTE: These files should be moved to their respective mod folders, respecting their folder structure in the move.
Alternate Start
Users starting a new game will see Alternate Start - Live Another Life in action. Lets face it, Skyrim is old and the vanilla start quest is the last thing many want to play through. Alternate Start provides a variety of ways to start the game for these users. Once a new game is started, players are loaded into a locked cell. Simply talk to the statue in the room, choose a preference for starting the game (the vanilla start is provided as an option), and then sleep in the bed to start your new life. Users choosing an alternate start location can start the main quest line by simply visiting Helgen.
Mod Configuration Menu Settings
Convenient Horses
The following screenshots display the recommended settings for the mod's MCM:
Timing is Everything
Timing is Everything is set up in a way that integrates DLC content and balances the game's quests. Vampires and werewolves will show up early in the game because the are a part of the world. Dragonborn will not start until the news of your deeds have time to reach the island and you become something that must be dealt with. Attack chances are lowered from 100% so users will have less of a chance to predict an attack. Other things are active that make sense, such as not being able to do the Break of Dawn quest if you're a vampire, Thalmor won't attack until after they enter the questline, etc. The following screenshots display the recommended settings for the mod's MCM:
Lock Overhaul
This mod must be activated to work. Once enabled, the settings are user preference.
Trade & Barter
This mod must be started to work. Start the mod to activate it. Once enabled, the settings are user preference; however, Step recommends keeping the defaults and ticking Merchant Gold Fluctuates on the Merchants tab.
Wet & cold
The following screenshots display the recommended settings for the mod's MCM:
Vivid Weathers
Settings are user preference; however, Step recommends enabling customizations and changing Bloom to Medium. Users who prefer a darker interior experience may also wish to change Interior Brightness to Low.
Remaining Mod Configurations
The remaining mod configurations are recommended to be left at their defaults for the most enhanced, vanilla experience. However, users may adjust the settings for these mods to their preference.
STEP 7
(optional) BethINI Customization
Users are now ready to play their enhanced SkyrimLE, however, please consider reading the remainder of the Guide before taking an arrow to the knee.
The final consideration is customizing BethINI once the game is confirmed to be stable. Users who have no issues with performance and aren't knowledgeable with the settings are recommended to simply jump into the game and play! Other users who are familiar can feel to customize the settings to their personal preferences. Caution is advised against using the custom INI input feature. This feature will allow users to make custom INI edits, however, doing so without the knowledge of exactly what the customizations are doing can cause instability.
(optional) ENBSeries with the Step SkyrimLE Guide
Because the effects of ENB are so variable, depending on 1) use of lighting/weather mods, 2) a great many other options for various mods, and 3) PC hardware and software environments, the Guide doesn't include an ENB preset. Instructions and recommendations would result in a massive flurry of support 'issues'. To provide a bit of direction, keep in mind the ENB preset chosen must be compatible with Vivid Weathers.
COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS
STEP can only get bigger and better with help from the community. It is very time consuming for the STEP team to ensure that the Guide is consistently maintained at the highest quality possible. We need people to help us identify mods that improve the vanilla game while adhering to our Mandate. We also need ongoing bug reports, reviews, and updates on mods that may cause problems or that stray from the Mandate.
In order to suggest a mod for inclusion, visit the Mods section of the Forums.
Call for Mod Testers
Community members interested in becoming Mod Testers, please contact TechAngel85 via PM on the forums. Once registered, Mod Testers will be given access to Staff forums that houses useful information. For more information about our mod testing process, read through the Mod Testing Guide to get a sense of what's involved.
Call for Forum Moderators
Regular community members interested in becoming moderators, please contact TechAngel85 via PM on the forums. Forum Moderators will be determined based upon level and quality of activity within our community.
Credits
The Step Administrators would sincerely like to thank (from the bottoms of our fuzzy little hearts):
- The authors of mods recommended within our Guides
- The authors of mods who granted permission for their mods to be incorporated into the Step Patches
- The core Community for feedback, suggestions and input
- The Beta and Mod Testers for their good humor and rigorous analyses
- The Nexus community
- Bethesda Softworks for their games
- Tannin for the gift that is Mod Organizer
- All the developers that kept MO alive to create MO
Step Staff
Administrators
- TechAngel85
- Lead Release Coordinator, Patch Coordinator, Lead Forum Administrator, Mod Author
- z929669
- Project Founder, Lead Site Developer, Lead Site Administrator
Step Admin
- DoubleYou
- Greg
Honorary Staff
Retired Founders, Administrators, and Staff:
- Aiyen
- Bealdwine
- deathneko11
- EisDrache
- EssArrBee
- Farlo
- frihyland
- GSDfan (still active: MO Support)
- GrantSP
- hishutup
- Kelmych
- MontyMM
- Nebulous112
- oqhansoloqo
- phazer11
- rootsrat
- stoppingby4now
- TheCompiler
- torminater
- Uhuru
- WilliamImm
- wolverine2710