User:Neovalen/Custom STEP

Template:TOC right Important: This is my personal configuration based on the currently available STEP with Dawnguard and now Hearthfire. I am taking the time to share in case anyone is interested in reading. It is designed to work with my Personal Mods so you will want to take a peek!

Prerequisites

• Skyrim v1.8 with fresh ini files
• Official Hi-Res DLC
• Dawnguard DLC
• Hearthfire DLC
• SKSE 1.06.05
• (Recommended-Advanced Users Only)Optimize Vanilla Textures with DDSOpt v0.8.0Pre4. (Make sure you do NOT run DDSOpt on the .png files in the books folders and transfer those manually)
• (Recommended-Advanced Users Only)Fix and Optimize the Official Hi-Res DLC with DDSOpt v0.8.0Pre4. (Procedure)

Tools Used

• Mod Organizer v0.11.13 (Guide) - Downloads, Tracks, and Manages Mods.
• DDSOpt v0.8.0Pre4 (Settings) - Optimizes textures and extracts BSAs.
• TES5Edit v3.0.24 EXPERIMENTAL (Guide) - Cleans dirty edits from mod files.

Selected ENB

Project ENB v1.4Final

Notes: Use CoT Version. Cinematic Preset.
Also download Project MATSO ENB but only extract the contents of the SMAA folder to your skyrim directory. This is a special "UBER" SMAA preset defined by Kyo.
Edit ENBSeries.ini to change

ProxyLibrary=d3d9injFX.dll

into

ProxyLibrary=d3d9_smaa.dll

Make sure you do not have any AA set in your ini file or drivers.

Mod Installation (In Order)

I tend to install in category groups when possible rather than a set order with the following priority:
Base Mods -> Utilities -> World Meshes/Textures -> Effects -> Sound -> UI -> Actor Meshes/Textures -> Animations -> Equipment Meshes/Textures -> Gameplay Changes -> Content
Obviously, these categories are not always exclusive (textures included with meshes, etc). All mods are in LOOSE file format rather than BSA where available.

Base Mods

Unofficial Skyrim Patch v1.2.3

Notes: None.

Unofficial Dawnguard Patch v1.1.1

Notes: None.

Unofficial Hearthfire Patch v1.0a

Notes: None.

Project Reality - Climates of Tamriel v2.1

Notes: Default options. Install Dawnguard Patch.

Texture Pack Combiner v1.71

Notes: This version combines the following mods into one, I use ALL optionals except Soul Gems Differ as I use my own configuration:

• (Required) Skyrim HD - 2K Textures by NebuLa
• (Required) Serious HD Retexture Skyrim by Z4G4
• (Required) Skyrim Realistic Overhaul by Starac
• (Optional) AOF Detailed Mountains by AnOldFriend
• (Optional) AOF Farmhouses by AnOldFriend
• (Optional) Better Dynamic Snow by OpticShooter and Brumbek
• (Optional) Better Rocks and Mountains by Four Leaf Clover
• (Optional) Detailed Chests by Clintmich
• (Optional) Enhanced Distant Terrain by OpticShooter
• (Optional) Enhanced Night Skyrim by CptJoker
• (Optional) HD Linens by rivybeast
• (Optional) HD Misc by Calav3ra
• (Optional) HD Ore And Ingots by BioProd
• (Optional) HD Sacks Retexture by Mazarin
• (Optional) High Quality LODs by Ethatron
• (Optional) High Quality Food and Ingredients by Iraito
• (Optional) HQ Milky Way Galaxy by Manesse
• (Optional) HQ Skyrim Map V2 by Grace Darkling and Paddyy
• (Optional) Hybrids HD Plants and Herbs Retexture by Gabriel "Mystikhybrid" Gullbergh
• (Optional) Intricate Spider Webs by isoku
• (Optional) Lush Grass by OpticShooter
• (Optional) Lush Trees by OpticShooter
• (Optional) Project Parallax Solitude, Whiterun, Windhelm by Osmodius (HD2K Version)
• (Optional) Project Parallax Solitude, Whiterun, Windhelm by Osmodius (SRO Version)
• (Optional) Project Parallax Markath by Osmodius
• (Optional) Realistic Instruments by InwardScreams
• (Optional) Realistic Smoke and Embers by Isoku
• (Optional) Re-Defined Dungeons WIP by Gizmo
• (Optional) Ruins Clutter Improvement HD by Raiserfx
• (Optional) Septim HD by Crypton
• (Optional) Skyrim Redesigned WIP by Dracomies
• (Optional) Skyrim Sunglare V4 by Laast
• (Optional) Static Mesh Improvement Mod (SMIM) by Brumbek
• (Optional) Tobes Highres Textures by Mr Bravo aka Tobe
• (Optional) TreesHD Skyrim Variation by Namotep
• (Optional) Whiterun Trellis Redesigned and HQ by Toby S
• (Optional) Visible Windows by Isoku
• (Optional) Skyrim Flora Overhaul by Vurt
• (Optional) Bellyaches Animal and Creature Pack by Bellyache
• (Optional) Designs of the Nords by KEBW1144
• (Optional) Radiant and Unique Potions and Poisons HD (with booze) by XRC
• (Optional) Silly Level of Detail - Potions and Poisons by Narmix
• (Optional) Snow and Rocks Textures HD (caves only) by Darevix
• (Optional) Super Realistic Ore Textures by Kman420
• (Optional) Ash Pile Retex by Valstein0

I also recommend to DDSOpt the entire package before use. Due to irregularly sized textures, exclude all soulgem textures from processing or you will have transparency issues.

Utilities

Nitpick v4.0

Notes: *NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SKYRIM 1.8* Awaiting Update.

Fus Ro D'oh v4.0

Notes: *NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SKYRIM 1.8* Awaiting Update.

World Meshes / World Textures

Blacksmithforge Water Fix v0.6

Notes: None.

Dragon Glyphs HD v2.0

Notes: Use "Dragon Smooth" version. DDSOpt these before use to save VRAM.

Psychosteves Golden Gods Shrines v1.1

Notes: Use "Default" install options.

Thats Ice v1.20

Notes: Use "Default" install options.

WATER - Water And Terrain Enhancement Redux v1.5d

Notes: Use "Reduced Splash" optional.

Quality Snowflakes v2.0

Notes: Use "Alternative" version.

Better Bones v1.0

Notes: None.

Better Shadowmarks v0.5

Notes: None.

HD Cinematic Fire v1.0

Notes: None.

Skyrim Distant Detail v1.0

Notes: Use "Hearthfire Edition".

Finer Dust v1.0

Notes: None.

HD Baskets Retex v1.1

Notes: None.

Improved Torches Textures v2.0

Notes: None.

HiRes Legible Road Signs v3.0

Notes: Use "Worn" version.

New Thinner Torch v1.1

Notes: None.

Not Really HD Display Case v0.9a

Notes: Use "Smudged Glass" version.

Not Really HD Keys v0.9a

Notes: Use "with Normal Maps" version.

Pilgrims Delight - High Hrothgar Shrine Retextures v1.1

Notes: Use "Zul Do Dov" version.

Pond Fish Retexture v1.0

Notes: None.

Real Effect Candle v1.0

Notes: Use "Real" version.

Realistic Paper v0.21a

Notes: Use "Dark" version.

Sweet Mother - the Night Mother Improvement v2.0

Notes: None.

Vibrant Auroras v1.1

Notes: None.

High Quality 3D Map v2.0

Notes: Install both "Meshes" and "Normals".

A Quality World Map v8.0

Notes: Use "High Res All Roads" install option.

Lockpicking Interface Retex v1.2

Notes: Use "No Wings" version.

Effects

Animated Weapon Enchants v1.14

Notes: None.

Enchantment Effect Replacer v1.1

Notes: Use "Combined" version.

Burn Freeze Shock Effects v3.3

Notes: Use "Dawnguard" version.

Deadly Spell Impacts v1.6.1

Notes: Use "Default" install option.

Enhanced Blood Textures v2.5

Notes: Use Dawnguard + Skyrim Monster Mod patch (included in monster mod patch download).

Improved Weapon Impact Effects v1

Notes: None.

Realistic Ragdolls and Force v1.8

Notes: None.

Sounds

Activate Fail Noise Removal v1.0

Notes: None.

Ambient Seagulls v1.0

Notes: None.

Better Horse Pain Sounds v1.0

Notes: None.

Better Weapon Swing Sounds v1.1

Notes: Do not have to use ESP if extracting to loose files.

FSS - Better Bards v1.0

Notes: None.

Improved Combat Sounds v2.1

Notes: None.

Roosters At Dawn v1.0

Notes: None.

Smooth Blade Draw and Sheathe SFX v1.0

Notes: None.

Sounds of Nature Redux - Water and Fire v1.0

Notes: None.

Waterbreathing Breathless Emerge v1.1

Notes: None.

UI

BLESSINGS - Altar Descriptions v1.0

Notes: None.

Better Skill and Quest Book Names v1.0

Notes: None.

The Cartographers Map Markers v1.0

Notes: None.

Categorized Favorites Menu v0.1.16

Notes: None.

Categorized Favorites Menu - Oni Edition v1.6

Notes: Use "Small Font" version.

Dungeon Quest Awareness v1.0

Notes: None.

Lore Based Loading Screens v1.0

Notes: None.

Main Font Replacement v2.0

Notes: Use "Centaur" version.

No Menu and Loading Smoke v1.0

Notes: None.

Skill Interface Retexture v4.0.0

Notes: Use "Real (More) Stars" for starfield and galaxy. Use constellations option 2. Use perk lines option 4. Use "Enhanced Default" perk stars.

SkyUI v2.2

Notes: Use Small Font, Permanent Weight/Value Column, and Celtic Icons.

Smaller Cursor v1.0

Notes: None.

Main Menu Spinning Skyrim Emblem v1.01

Notes: Use "Average" version.

KenMOD - Time on Loading Screen v5

Notes: None.

Dark Brotherhood Forever Moved To Misc v1.0

Notes: None.

Actor Meshes / Textures

Better Beast Races v2.0

Notes: None.

Xenius Character Enhancement v1.13

Notes: None.

Coverkhajiits (Female) v1.0

Notes: Male already part of "Better Males" from personal mods.

More Realistic Hair v1.0

Notes: None.

AOF Believable Hair v1.3.2

Notes: Install "Sharp" version from the FOMOD installer.

The Eyes of Beauty v7.2

Notes: Install NPC, Player, and Dawnguard Vampire Eyes. Do NOT use the Babette.esp file as it is no longer required with my Race Compatibility Fixes.

Better Freckles v1.01

Notes: None.

Eyebrows Match Hair v1.1

Notes: None.

High Quality Beards v1.1

Notes: Use "Light" version.

RANs Eye Reflection Extender v1.0

Notes: None.

New Children v2

Notes: None.

Animations

Better Turn Animation - Only One Pose v1.1

Notes: Make sure to grab the update file!

Bowlegged Jump Animation Fix v1.1

Notes: None.

Running with your Bow Replacer v1.0

Notes: None.

NoMaaM Breathing Idles v0.1

Notes: Use "Female BBB and Male Breathing Idles" version.

No Spinning Death Animation v1.0

Notes: Use the optional dragon death animation as well.

Equipment Meshes / Textures

Linwe Armor First Person Fix

Notes: None.

Ancient Nord Armor 1st Person Fix

Notes: None.

Closer Quivers and Longer Arrows v3

Notes: Install also Dawnguard Arrows and Closer Crossbow Bolts(UNP).

Better Circlets HQ v1.1

Notes: None.

Yuril Rings HQ v1.0

Notes: Use "Gold Circle" version.

Elemental Staffs v1.10

Notes: None.

Lockpick Inventory Remodel v1.0

Notes: None.

Not Really HD Mask of Clavicus Vile v0.9a

Notes: Use "Corrected Wrecked" version.

Skyrim Weapon De-LARPification Project v1.0.5

Notes: Also get Dawnguard optional.

Gameplay Changes

Ars Metallica - Smithing Enhancement v1.1.2

Notes: None.

Auto Unequip Ammo v4.2

Notes: None.

Convenient Horses v4.4

Notes: Also use "Unique Frost" optional.

Death Cam Duration Options v1.11

Notes: None.

Drop Lit Torches v2.0

Notes: None.

Dynamic Fires v03

Notes: None.

Follower Trap Safety v1.1

Notes: Do not have to use ESP if extracting to loose files.

Invincible Hawk Fix

Notes: Not hosted on the Nexus.

Less Annoying Barbas v1.1.0

Notes: None.

Move it Damnit for NPC Companions and Followers v1.01

Notes: Use "Less Wait Time" version.

No NPC Greetings v1.1

Notes: Use "Slightly Reduced Distance" version.

Non-Essential Killable Children v9

Notes: None.

Realistic Crime Radius v1.0

Notes: None.

Smart Souls v7.0

Notes: *NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SKYRIM 1.8* Awaiting Update.

Wearable Lanterns v2.2a

Notes: None.

Wearable Lanterns - Lanterns For Guards v1.0

Notes: None.

Content Mods

AIMP - Antz in my Pantz v2.0

Notes: None.

Bring Out Your Dead v1.1.3

Notes: None.

Chimneys for Skyrim v1.2

Notes: None.

Clams Drop Pearls v1.0

Notes: None.

Gildergreen Regrown v1.2.3

Notes: None.

Lanterns of Skyrim - All in One v1.3

Notes: Use CoT preset.

Moon Size Tweaks v3

Notes: Use 0.5x Masser/Secunda esps only.

More Salt Please v1.0

Notes: None.

The Paarthurnax Dilemma v1.2.2

Notes: None.

STEP Mods Not Used (And Why)

Better Bedrolls

Notes: TPC texture is superior.

Better Quest Objectives

Notes: Too many conflicts and mod is no longer supported by the author.

Birds and Flocks

Notes: To avoid problems with SkyTEST.

Colored Map Markers Updated

Notes: Not Compatible With Skyrim v1.8.

Deja Vu - I Already Read It

Notes: It just didn't work for me.

HD Rabbits Plus

Notes: UDRs Detected, will use the original HD Bunnies Rabbits instead.

High Res DLC Optimized

Notes: I DDSOpt my own textures and use High Res DLC Fixed instead. (Thread)

Illuminated Tree LOD

Notes: I use AOF Tree LOD which is much higher quality.

Immersive Skyrim Thunder

Notes: Not compatible with Climates of Tamriel.

Improved Foot Wraps for Females

Notes: Completely overwritten by UNP Armors.

More Interactive Items - Grab Movable Statics

Notes: Newest version has some issues with floating water.

More Village Animals

Notes: UDRs Detected.

Projectile Soul Trap with Visible Impact Effect

Notes: Errors detected in TES5Edit.

Skyrim Coin Replacer

Notes: UDRs Detected.

Skyrim Performance Plus

Notes: I simply don't need it, already get solid 60fps.

Warmer Magic Lights

Notes: Errors found in TES5Edit.

Yngol Barrow Button Fix

Notes: UDRs Detected.

The Next Step

Your halfway there, congratulations! Now move on to my Personal Mods collection to finish your installation.