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About BBSTEP
This is my personal (WIP) STEP setup, designed (hopefully) with a minimal amount of mods and little to no impact on performance, while expanding the existing game, improving gameplay and increasing immersion.
NOTE: If you happen to stumble onto this page, don't proceed unless you know what you're doing! (because I don't)
NOTE: This guide assumes all DLCs except the Hi-Resolution DLC are installed!
STEP 1
1.A. Install Steam & Skyrim
Detailed Information --> Skyrim Installation Guide
Security Settings
Since User Account Control can prevent some tools from working correctly, it is recommended to edit the security settings of your skyrim directory to give Users full control. To do this:
- Find your skyrim directory (normally located in
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\). - Right-click the skyrim folder and select Properties.
- Go to the Security tab and click Edit...
- Highlight Users (<username>\Users) in the top panel.
- In the bottom panel, under the Allow column for Full Control, check the checkbox and click Apply.
- Click OK and OK and you're done.
1.B. Skyrim Launcher Options
Detailed Information --> Skyrim Launcher Guide
As a quick-start to installing STEP, simply launch Skyrim from Steam to initialize the auto-detection process, accept the preset, and continue to 1.C. Make certain that the preset Antialiasing is no greater than 4x (4 samples); otherwise, keep the preset. This is a conservative preset that will facilitate a smooth game once STEP is configured initially according to this guide (i.e., what does not tax performance now may be burdensome later). More extensive INI tweaking can be done after STEP is set up and verified as running smoothly.
1.C. Install Utilities
This guide uses Mod Organizer.
| Mod Name | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Mod Organizer | Detailed instructions available | |
| LOOT | Detailed instructions available | |
| TES5Edit | Detailed instructions available | |
| Wrye Bash | Detailed instructions available |
1.D. INI Tweaks
Detailed Information --> Skyrim INI Guide
As in the previous section above, it is highly recommended that no other INI settings be configured at this point, because the conservative presets are a good starting point for accommodating a performance-friendly initial STEP setup. The detailed INI guide can be referenced once a stable setup is verified after completing this guide.
The following INI tweaks are recommended for all users and affect gameplay without impacting performance.
Using the Tools > [Configurator] tool prevents any editing mistakes. Open the tool, click [Basic] to get the Advanced options, and choose the applicable section from the combobox. Then find the applicable setting and alter as indicated below. Click the [Save] button after each change and close the dialog when finished.
1.D.1. Skyrim INI
Each of the following entries can be pasted directly into the INI (if editing manually). The entry descriptions are commented, so they will not be interpreted by the game at startup. Alternatively, these descriptions can be omitted.
[General] sIntroSequence= ;Disables the intro sequence for a faster startup fFlickeringLightDistance=8192 ;Helps prevent lighting pop-in
[Display] ;Improves shadow changes as the sun moves through the sky fSunShadowUpdateTime=0.25 ;Transition time of sun-shadow movement fSunUpdateThreshold=1.5 ;Time between sun-shadow movement
[Actor] fVisibleNavmeshMoveDist=12288.0000 ;allows arrows to hit objects as far as the appear to fly.
1.D.2. SkyrimPrefs INI
[Display] iMaxAnisotropy = 0 ;Anisotropic Filtering - set this to zero, as it should be controlled via the graphics driver. iPresentInterval = 0 ;disable vsync! - vsync should be handled in enblocal.ini (see ENBoost mod instructions)
[Controls] bMouseAcceleration=0 ;Disable mouse acceleration
STEP 2
2.A. LOOT Sorting
At any time during the mod installation process LOOT should be used to sort plugin load order before stopping to benchmark and test Skyrim. 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).
- Launch LOOT via Mod Organizer by clicking on the "Sort" button or directly from the executables drop-down menu.
- Examine the LOOT output carefully and look for any alerts or warnings and address each. The Plugins tab in MO (on the right side of the MO window) is where plugins can be activated/deactivated and sorted (either drag and drop or use Ctrl + Up/Down arrow keys to sort).
2.B. Clean the Bethesda Master Files
To remove errors in the Bethesda master files, STEP recommends that they be cleaned with TES5Edit. This ensures maximum stability and compatibility within the Skyrim modding experience.
- Clean Update.esm, Dawnguard.esm, HearthFires.esm and Dragonborn.esm in the following manner:
- Clean the .esm.
- Run TES5Edit through Mod Organizer.
- Right-click the list of plugins and choose Select None.
- Double-click the .esm.
- Wait for the Background Loader: finished message in the right panel, and then right-click the .esm and select Apply Filter For Cleaning.
- Wait for the [Filtering done] message in the right panel, and then right-click the .esm and select Remove "Identical to Master" records. If the Warning! prompt pops up, click Yes, I'm absolutely sure.
- Wait for the [Removing "Identical to Master" records done] message, and then right-click the .esm and select Undelete and Disable References.
- Wait for the [Undeleting and Disabling References done] message, and then click the [X] to exit the program
- At the prompt, make sure the .esm is checked and click OK.
- After cleaning, there shall be files in Overwrite (essentially a fake mod located at the bottom of the left pane if sorted by priority ascending) created by TES5Edit.
- Right-click Overwrite and select Create Mod
- Name it TES5Edit Backups and click OK. This will create a new mod listing in the left pane for the TES5Edit Backups useful if the changes failed to be successful.
- Each subsequent time TES5Edit is used to edit a file, open Overwrite and drag the TES5Edit Backups back to this mod. This will keep them in an organized and safe location. The files have no impact on the game.
- Right-click the TES5Edit Backups mod and select Ignore Missing Data to remove the red X
flag.
- After that, repeat the process once more for Dawnguard.esm, but don't Undelete and Disable References (unnecessary).
2.C.
| Mod Name | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Skyrim Script Extender | Detailed instructions available | |
| ENBoost | Detailed instructions available Leave EnableVSync=false if you don't care about screen tearing. |
2.D.
| Mod Name | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Distant Decal Fix | ||
| Unofficial Skyrim Patch | ||
| Unofficial Dawnguard Patch | ||
| Unofficial Hearthfire Patch | ||
| Unofficial Dragonborn Patch | ||
| Appropriately Attired Jarls | ||
| Bowlegged Jump Fix | ||
| Brawl Bugs Patch | Detailed instructions available | |
| Clothing and Clutter Fixes | Clothing and Clutter Fixes - LEGENDARY | |
| Consistent Older People | Consistent Older People All NPCs CRF BOYD Compatible | |
| Cultist Mask Decapitation Fix | ||
| Cutting Room Floor | ||
| Dead Body Collision | ||
| Double Cursor Fix | ||
| Fast Travel Timescale Fix | ||
| Fuz Ro D-oh | Detailed instructions available | |
| Guard Dialogue Overhaul | Do NOT clean with TES5Edit. ITMs/UDRs are intended by the author for the mod to work correctly. | |
| Improved Closefaced Helmets | Detailed instructions available | |
| Ragdoll Paralysis | Only install the Paralyze Miscellaneous file. | |
| SKSE-Elys-AltF4 | ||
| Skyrim Project Optimization | Skyrim Project Optimization - Full Version. Select only the Data folder. | |
| Smart Souls | Detailed instructions available | |
| Trade and Barter | STEP Recommends: Download and install the Hearthfire version of the mod and activate the .esp, but do not click "start mod" in the MCM options. | |
| Weapons and Armor Fixes | Detailed instructions available. Also select: Compatibility Patches > Immersive Weapons. | |
| Complete Crafting Overhaul Remade | Detailed instructions available. Also install patches for: WAF True Weapons, Frostfall, Skyrim Immersive Creatures. Bash Tagging Required: Complete Crafting Overhaul_Remade.esp (Names, Stats) [make sure Relev, Delev is unselected] | |
| Smithing Perks Overhaul Remade | Select: DLC: Dawnguard+Dragonborn; Perk Tree: Improved Vanilla Perk Tree | |
| TheThirdRace Skill Overhaul | Select: DLC: Dawnguard+Dragonborn+Heartfires; Skills: select all | |
| Stealth Skills Rebalanced | Stealth Skills Rebalanced_COMPLETE_BASIC | |
| Realistic Ragdolls and Force | Realistic Force | |
| Fires Hurt | ||
| No More Blocky Faces |
- If Mod Organizer indicates a Potential Mod order problem, Fix it.
- Run LOOT and Sort Plugins.
- LOOT Rules:
- Weapons & Armor_TrueOrcish&DaedricWeapons.esp after Weapons & Armor Fixes_Remade.esp
- Clean any ITM and UDR records indicated by LOOT:
- Ignore CCO_Frostfall_Patch.esp for now. (4 ITM)
- Repeat from (1) until no more Potential Mod order problems or LOOT warnings are reported (do not clean plugins twice unless specified).
2.E.
| Mod Name | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Better Dialogue Controls | ||
| Better MessageBox Controls | ||
| Disease Descriptions | Select: Version: Vanilla; DLCs: Dawnguard+Dragonborn | |
| High Quality 3D Map | STEP recommends the HQ3DMap - Meshes Hi-Res and HQ3DMap - Normals Original (1k) main files. Do not install any of the textures. | |
| Immersive HUD | ||
| Lore-Based Loading Screens | ||
| Main Font Replacement | Fertigo Pro Font | |
| RaceMenu | ||
| SkyUI | ||
| Smaller Cursor | Consistent Older People All NPCs CRF BOYD Compatible | |
| Unknown Enchants | Select: DLCs: Dawnguard+Dragonborn | |
| Character Creation Overhaul | Install Character Creation Overhaul 1_3_2, then merge with Character Creation Overhaul 1_4_0 BETA. SKIP THE INCOMPLETE "OPTIONAL TRAITS MENU" in game. | |
| Hardcore Compass Mod | Install Version 3 | |
| Swift Potion Reborn | ||
| Take Notes - Journal of the Dragonborn | ||
| Think To Yourself Messages | Also install TTYM - Frostfall Module. |
- If Mod Organizer indicates a Potential Mod order problem, Fix it.
- Run LOOT and Sort Plugins.
- Clean any ITM and UDR records indicated by LOOT:
- Clean CCO - Permanent Birthsigns.esp. (24 UDR)
- Ignore CCO_Frostfall_Patch.esp for now. (4 ITM)
- Ignore TTYM - Frostfall Module.esp for now. (2 ITM)
- Repeat from (1) until no more Potential Mod order problems or LOOT warnings are reported (do not clean plugins twice unless specified).
2.F.
| Mod Name | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| SkyFalls and SkyMills | Select: DLCs: All; Leave the rest to Default | |
| Static Mesh Improvement Mod | Select: Lite with Dragonborn DLC. Also install SMIM Update to 1-73 from 1-72. Move SMIM-FarmhouseFlickeringFix.esp to Optional ESPs. | |
| A Quality World Map | STEP recommends the Hi-Res Quality World Map - Main Roads optional file and DO NOT install Clear Map Add-on. |
- If Mod Organizer indicates a Potential Mod order problem, Fix it.
- Run LOOT and Sort Plugins.
- Clean any ITM and UDR records indicated by LOOT:
- Ignore CCO_Frostfall_Patch.esp for now. (4 ITM)
- Ignore TTYM - Frostfall Module.esp for now. (2 ITM)
- Repeat from (1) until no more Potential Mod order problems or LOOT warnings are reported (do not clean plugins twice unless specified).
2.G.
| Mod Name | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Stalhrim of Skyrim-Fixes | Install 512 and custom opacity. | |
| HiRes Legible Road Signs | STEP recommends only installing the HiRes Road Signs Version 3 Worn Text optional file. | |
| Point the Way | ||
| Nernies City and Village Expansion | Install Nernies City and Village Expansion v1_25_loosefiles and Nernies City and Village Expansion Quick Patch to v1_26. Do not install NerniesOptionalFiles folder or NerniesCityandVillageExpansion.esp. | |
| REGS - Cities | ||
| Better City Entrances | Install Better City Entraces - All in One. | |
| Better Docks | Install Better Docks - REGS Compatible Version. | |
| Dawn of Riften | ||
| Dawn of Windhelm | ||
| Expanded Winterhold Destruction Ruins | ||
| Understone Keep Fountains and Rubble | ||
| Expanded Towns and Cities | ETaC - Complete: Version: Complete - No Inns; Textures: Optional; ETaC - Complete Patches: Options: Better Fast Travel, Expanded Winterhold Ruins, Falskaar, Static Mesh Improvement Mod; No Snow/SMIM: SMIM ONLY (new textures optional) | |
| Immersive Settlements | Only install: meshes (folder), textures (folder), Immersive Orc Strongholds.esp. | |
| Raven Rock Expanded | ||
| High Hrothgar Overhaul | ||
| Immersive College of Winterhold | Select: Official DLCs: Dawnguard-Dragonborn Patch | |
| More Immersive Dawnguard Entrance | LOOT Rule: BetterDGEntrance.esp AFTER Oblivion Gates v3 without Markers - Skyrim + Dawnguard DLC.esp | |
| Nightingale Hall Restored | ||
| Realistic Room Rental Enhanced | Install RealisticRoomRental-Enhanced. Do not install any patches. | |
| Unique Border Gates | Install UniqueBorderGates-All, UniqueBorderGates-All-MoreImmersiveDawnguardEntrance, UniqueBorderGates-All-PointTheWay and UniqueBorderGates-All-ShadowOfMorrowind. | |
| Better Fast Travel - Carriages and Ships - Overhauled | Install Better Fast Travel v3.76 - BSA - Hearthfires. | |
| Drinking Fountains of Skyrim | ||
| Hearthfire Chimneys | Install Hearthfire Chimneys for Expanded Towns and Cities and Hearthfire Chimneys for Falskaar. | |
| Provincial Courier Service | ||
| Falskaar | ||
| Wyrmstooth | Do not install: Wyrmstooth.ini | |
| Shadow of Morrowind | ||
| Pure Waters | Install 0_Pure Waters 4-7 Legendary. | |
| Pure Weather | Install 1_Pure Weather Legendary- Realism. | |
| REGS - Patches | Select: Patches: Cutting Room Floor Patch; Replacers: Better Dawnguard Entrance, Dawn of Windhelm, Raven Rock Expanded |
- If Mod Organizer indicates a Potential Mod order problem, Fix it.
- Run LOOT and Sort Plugins.
- LOOT Rules:
- BetterDGEntrance.esp after Oblivion Gates v3 without Markers - Skyrim + Dawnguard DLC.esp
- Clean any ITM and UDR records indicated by LOOT:
- Clean Immersive Orc Strongholds.esp (8 ITM; not reported by LOOT)
- Clean NerniesCityandVillageExpansion.esp (205 ITM; 174 ITM reported by LOOT)
- Ignore CCO_Frostfall_Patch.esp for now. (4 ITM)
- Ignore TTYM - Frostfall Module.esp for now. (2 ITM)
- Repeat from (1) until no more Potential Mod order problems or LOOT warnings are reported (do not clean plugins twice unless specified).
2.H.
| Mod Name | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| 83Willows 101BugsHD | Lower resolution | |
| Better Beast Races | Lite | |
| Birds and Flocks | Install Hearthfire Edition Cleaned. TES5Edit Cleaning Required (48 ITM) | |
| Female Vampires Have Fangs |
- If Mod Organizer indicates a Potential Mod order problem, Fix it.
- Run LOOT and Sort Plugins.
- Clean any ITM and UDR records indicated by LOOT:
- Clean BirdsHFclean.esp (48 ITM)
- Ignore CCO_Frostfall_Patch.esp for now. (4 ITM)
- Ignore TTYM - Frostfall Module.esp for now. (2 ITM)
- Repeat from (1) until no more Potential Mod order problems or LOOT warnings are reported (do not clean plugins twice unless specified).
2.I.
| Mod Name | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Dawnguard Crossbow Bolts Visualized | ||
| Closer Quivers and Longer Arrows | Detailed instruction available. Options: Conversion of other mods: Select only: Immersive Weapons (and anything else applicable). | |
| Elemental Staffs | Install Elemental Staffs 1K Main Cleaned main file and 04. Elemental Staffs High Performance Textures optional file. | |
| New Thinner Torch | ||
| Bandolier - Bags and pouches | ||
| Bandolier - Dawnguard | ||
| Bandolier for NPCs | Options: Dawnguard Compatible - Balanced Chance; WIC + Cloaks of Skyrim; Balanced Costs and Carry Weight Bonuses - Dawnguard. | |
| Bandolier for NPCs Compatibility Patch | ||
| Winter is Coming | Options: Main Plugin; Main Cloaks Patch. Delete all plugins. Plugin is installed with CCOR instead. | |
| Cloaks of Skyrim | Also install Cloaks of Skyrim 1-2 Dawnguard. Delete cloaks.esp. That plugin is installed with CCOR instead. | |
| CCO Supported versions of WIC and Cloaks | Install 1nivWICCloaks.esp from Winter Is Coming - CCO Supported Version and Cloaks.esp from Cloaks of Skyrim - CCO Supported Version into the respective mods. | |
| Immersive Weapons | ||
| Lore Weapon Expansion | Install all main files and the optional Standard Resolution Textures. Delete Lore Weapon Expansion.esp | |
| Immersive Armors | Delete Hothtrooper44_Armor_Ecksstra.esp. Turn off all item distribution in the in-game MCM menu | |
| JaySuS Swords | Install JaySuS_Swords_V14. Delete all plugins. Turn off item distribution for Jaysus swords in Complete crafting overhaul remades MCM menu |
- If Mod Organizer indicates a Potential Mod order problem, Fix it.
- Run LOOT and Sort Plugins.
- Clean any ITM and UDR records indicated by LOOT:
- Ignore CCO_Frostfall_Patch.esp for now. (4 ITM)
- Ignore TTYM - Frostfall Module.esp for now. (2 ITM)
- Repeat from (1) until no more Potential Mod order problems or LOOT warnings are reported (do not clean plugins twice unless specified).
2.J.
| Mod Name | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Enhanced Blood Textures | Install Enhanced Blood Textures 3_5d, 0 Dragonborn-Dawnguard Compatibility Patch, 0 Skyrim Immersive Creatures_Compatibility Patch, 512 Res Textures and Blurry Screen Blood. | |
| Lightning During Thunder Storms | Detailed instructions available | |
| No Spinning Death Animation | Install No Spinning Death Animation v1_1 MERGED main file | |
| Running With Bows | ||
| Smaller Ice Spikes and Spear | STEP recommends the Smaller Ice Spike 50 optional file. | |
| Skyrim Performance Plus | Detailed instructions available | |
| Enhanced Camera | ||
| Harvesting animation |
- If Mod Organizer indicates a Potential Mod order problem, Fix it.
- Run LOOT and Sort Plugins.
- Clean any ITM and UDR records indicated by LOOT:
- Ignore CCO_Frostfall_Patch.esp for now. (4 ITM)
- Ignore TTYM - Frostfall Module.esp for now. (2 ITM)
- Repeat from (1) until no more Potential Mod order problems or LOOT warnings are reported (do not clean plugins twice unless specified).
2.K.
| Mod Name | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| The 418th Step | STEP recommends "Snow Version". | |
| Dark Brotherhood Tenets Restored | Install Tenets Restored 1_3 - Performance Edition. Options: High Performance. | |
| Pilgrim's Delight | STEP recommends "Legacy" version. |
- If Mod Organizer indicates a Potential Mod order problem, Fix it.
- Run LOOT and Sort Plugins.
- Clean any ITM and UDR records indicated by LOOT:
- Ignore CCO_Frostfall_Patch.esp for now. (4 ITM)
- Ignore TTYM - Frostfall Module.esp for now. (2 ITM)
- Repeat from (1) until no more Potential Mod order problems or LOOT warnings are reported (do not clean plugins twice unless specified).
2.L.
| Mod Name | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| Better Animal Footsteps | Also install Optional Pets of Skyrim cat patch | |
| Better Horse Pain Sounds | ||
| IHSS-Improved Horse Steps | ||
| Immersive Thunder | ||
| Improved Combat Sounds | Also install EnhancedBlood-ImprovedCombatSounds optional file. | |
| Smooth Blade Draw and Sheathe | STEP recommends to install ADS during installation and all SBDS options. | |
| Ultra Realistic Bow Shoot Sounds | ||
| Ultra Realistic Crossbow Shoot Sounds | ||
| Smarter Combat Music |
- If Mod Organizer indicates a Potential Mod order problem, Fix it.
- Run LOOT and Sort Plugins.
- Clean any ITM and UDR records indicated by LOOT:
- Ignore CCO_Frostfall_Patch.esp for now. (4 ITM)
- Ignore TTYM - Frostfall Module.esp for now. (2 ITM)
- Repeat from (1) until no more Potential Mod order problems or LOOT warnings are reported (do not clean plugins twice unless specified).
2.M.
| Mod Name | Notes | |
|---|---|---|
| ----- STEP GUIDE MODS ----- | -------------------- | |
| Auto Unequip Ammo | Detailed instructions available | |
| Bring Out Your Dead | ||
| Clams Drop Pearls | ||
| Come together N Out of the way | ||
| Convenient Horses | ||
| Gildergreen Regrown | ||
| Lock Overhaul | Detailed instructions available | |
| No NPC Greetings | Sligtly Reduced | |
| Kill Every NPC - Including Children | Default installation. | |
| Oblivion Gates | STEP recommends only installing the Dawnguard version main file. Use only one ESP; the "without markers" ESP is recommended. Move the other esp to Optional ESPs. | |
| Run For Your Lives | ||
| Skyrim Coin Replacer Redux | ||
| Skyrim-Community-Uncapper | ||
| The Choice is Yours | Also install the Update and Dawnguard files. This mod has conflicts with Bring Out Your Dead. The STEP Patches address these conflicts. | |
| The Paarthurnax Dilemma | ||
| Thieves Guild Requirements | ||
| Traps Make Noise | Install Traps Make Noise and Are Dangerous main file and Mining Makes Noise_CCO Version optional file. | |
| Wet and Cold | ||
| Wet and Cold - Ashes | ||
| When Vampires Attack | ||
| Even Better Quest Objectives | Detailed instructions available. Select Compatible Mods: Better Stealth AI, Enhanced Skyrim Factions, Extensible Follower Framework, Realistic Room Rental, The Choice Is Yours, Paarthurnax Dilemma and Thieves Guild Requirements. | |
| ----- NPC/CREATURE ADDITIONS ----- | -------------------- | |
| Immersive Patrols | Install only Immersive Patrols Aggressive. | |
| Inconsequential NPCs | Install main file, Cutting Room Floor Compatibility Patch and Enhancement Module 1.3e. | |
| Skyrim Immersive Creatures | Options: Both Mod Files. | |
| Birds of Skyrim | Install Birds of Skyrim 065_LowerResolution_Loose files file. | |
| Pets of Skyrim | Install Pets of Skyrim 031 main file. | |
| ----- FOLLOWER EXTENSIONS ----- | -------------------- | |
| Extensible Follower Framework | Install Extensible Follower Framework v3-5-6. | |
| Better Stealth AI for Followers | ||
| Horse Branding | ||
| CS Tag and Track NPCs | ||
| ----- NEEDS/IMMERSION ----- | -------------------- | |
| Frostfall - Hypothermia Camping Survival | ||
| Real Shelter | Options: Main Files: Vanilla/Pure Weathers with DLC; Optional Files: Expanded Towns and Cities Patch. | |
| iNeed - Food Water and Sleep | ||
| You Hunger | Install You Hunger Realism Complete Edition. Bash Tagging Required: You Hunger.esp (Delev) | |
| Scarcity - Less Loot Mod | Install You Hunger Realism Complete Edition. Only install: Scarcity - Less loot mod.esp, Scarcity - 8x Loot Rarity.esp, Scarcity - 6x Merchant Item Rarity.esp. | |
| Harvest Overhaul | Options: Harvest Overhaul: Dragonborn and Dawnguard; Harvest Overhaul Creatures: Dawnguard and Dragonborn. | |
| Dynamic Things | ||
| Sleep AnyWhere | Main file only. | |
| Lore-Friendly Starting Stats and Encumbrance | ||
| ----- IMPROVED CONTENT ----- | -------------------- | |
| Civil War Overhaul | ||
| College of Winterhold Entry Requirements | ||
| Enhanced Skyrim Factions - The Companions Guild | Install FULL VERSION. | |
| ----- NEW QUESTS ----- | -------------------- | |
| Helgen Reborn | ||
| Spellmaking in Skyrim - The Last Altar | ||
| Aethernautics- A Space Travel Mod | TES5Edit Cleaning Required: Aethernautics.esp (9 ITMs, 2 UDRs). |
- If Mod Organizer indicates a Potential Mod order problem, Fix it.
- Run LOOT and Sort Plugins.
- Clean any ITM and UDR records indicated by LOOT:
- Clean Aethernautics.esp. (9 ITMs, 2 UDRs)
- Ignore CCO_Frostfall_Patch.esp for now. (4 ITM)
- Ignore TTYM - Frostfall Module.esp for now. (2 ITM)
- Repeat from (1) until no more Potential Mod order problems or LOOT warnings are reported (do not clean plugins twice unless specified).
2.N.
No mods defined.
2.O. Launching STEP:Skyrim
Once all mods have been installed, run LOOT one final time to ensure the correct plugin order. When ready to play for the first time after a STEP install, be certain to either:
- Start a brand new character, or
- load the save game generated just after character creation if it exists, or
- load an existing character after clean saving the relevant save game.
STEP 3
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 of 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=1in 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 and Skyrim Realistic Overhaul, which are easily the most VRAM-intensive mods 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 75 (%) and is optimized for monitor aspect ratio of 16:10. Therefore, users with 16:9 monitors (e.g. 1920x1080) will want to increase their FOV to 81. 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 81 . Those rare and unfortunate users stuck with 4:3 aspect ratio will need to 'reduce' their FOV down to 62.
A helpful conversion calculator can assist in calculation of other monitor types (just type in a 16:10 on the right side and the new resolution on the left to get the new hFOV).
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
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.
Consider reviewing some of the Packs that our users have been developing to augment STEP.
User Contributions
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 testing, benchmarking and analysis. More detail is presented in the Mod Testing Guide.
In order to suggest a mod, visit the Mod Suggestions 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 z929669 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 users interested in becoming testers, please contact z929669 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 by tester. 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 forum users interested in becoming moderators, please contact z929669 via PM on the forums (Please register on the forums and see the very bottom of the Forum Team page).
Special 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 core STEP Community for feedback, suggestions and input
- The STEP beta testers ... for their good humor and rigorous analyses
- The Nexus community
- Bethesda Softworks for Skyrim (and TES in general)
- Tannin for continued development and support of Mod Organizer
- A very special thanks to STEP aficionados, EssArrBee, DoubleYou and TechAngel85 for their assistance with this release. EssArrBee is also our STEP Patch maintainer, so a big thanks to him for that. DoubleYou is also the lead maintainer of the MO Guide. TechAngel is a Release Coordinator and FOMOD extraordinaire.
The core STEP team is:
- stoppingby4now - Main site developer, Semantic Mediawiki developer & extraordinaire, site founder
- TheCompiler - STEP creator, mod-list extraordinaire
- z929669 - Wiki & forums content editor, main site administrator, hosting maintenance, site founder
- Active STEP volunteer staff: Aiyen, EssArrBee, deathneko11, DoubleYou, GSDfan, Kelmych, kryptopyr, phazer11, phryxolydian, rootsrat, TechAngel85, torminater, WilliamImm
- Farlo - Mediawiki developer & extraordinaire, Mod-list co-compiler, forums admin, site founder (out of commission since November, 2013)
- MontyMM - Solutions developer (Semi-Automatic STEP), site founder (out of commission since December, 2013)
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