User:Neovalen/Custom STEP

Template:TOCRight Template:Notice Important: This is my personal configuration based on the currently available STEP with Dawnguard. 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 may want to take a peek!

Prerequisites

Tools Used

Selected ENB

Countervibe ENB

Notes: Also install "Further Dark Dungeons for ENB" Ice version, link is in the description.

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 v1.2beta

Notes: Bad things can happen if you do not install also the Dawnguard patch.

Unofficial Dawnguard Patch v1.0beta

Notes: None.

Texture Pack Combiner v1.7

Description: Combines many of the large texture packs and combines them into one. The author took a long time and selected textures that matched well together.
Notes: This version combines the following mods into one, I use ALL optionals:

(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
(Optional) Soul Gems Differ - Full and Empty by Utopolyst

Utilities

Nitpick v4.0

Notes: None.

Fus Ro D'oh v4.0

Notes: None.

World Meshes / World Textures

Blacksmithforge Water Fix v0.6

Notes: None.

Better Bedrolls v1.0

Notes: None.

Dragon Glyphs HD v2.0

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

Illuminated Tree LOD v1.0

Notes: Use "ENB" Version.

Psychosteves Golden Gods Shrines v1.1

Notes: Use "Default" install options.

Thats Ice v1.11

Notes: Use "Default" install options. Additionally install mesh pack.

WATER - Water And Terrain Enhancement Redux v1.5a

Notes: Use "Get Wet" 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: None.

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.

HD Rabbits Plus v6

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 v1.0

Notes: None.

Enchantment Effect Replacer v1.1

Notes: Use "Combined" version.

Burn Freeze Shock Effects v3.2c

Notes: Use "Dawnguard" version.

Deadly Spell Impacts v1.6

Notes: Use "Default" install option.

Enhanced Blood Textures v2.0d

Notes: Use Dawnguard patch.

Improved Weapon Impact Effects v1

Notes: None.

Projectile Soul Trap with Visible Impact Effect v1.1

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: None.

FSS - Better Bards v1.0

Notes: None.

Immersive Skyrim Thunder v5.0

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 v0.1.15

Notes: None.

Categorized Favorites Menu - Oni Edition v1.4

Notes: Use "Small Font" version.

Map HUD Enhanced v1.1

Notes: Use "Colored Map Markers" 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

Coverkhajiits (Female) v1.0

Notes: Use both male and female.

More Realistic Hair v1.0

Notes: None.

AOF Believable Hair v1.3.2

Notes: None.

The Eyes of Beauty v6.1

Notes: Install both NPC and Player.

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: None.

No Spinning Death Animation v1.0

Notes: Use the optional dragon death animation as well.

Equipment Meshes / Textures

Ancient Nord Armor 1st Person Fix

Notes: None.

Linwe Armor First Person Fix

Notes: None.

Daedric Armor and Weapon Improvement v2.5.5

Notes: Select the Blood Lite version.

Vanilla Tweaks - Arrow Pickup Fix v1.1

Notes: None.

Deadly Serious Shrouded Armor v2.6

Notes: None.

Millenia Weapon Retexture Project v0.10a

Notes: None.

Accingite Vos - Shields HQ Retextures v1

Notes: Delete data/textures/armor/glass folder to prevent conflict with Glass Armor and Weapons Retex.

Better Circlets HQ v1.1

Notes: None.

2X Clothing Re-Mix v2.2b

Notes: Use "Kobayashis Mix" version.

HD Dragon Priest Mask and Main Logo v1.2

Notes: None.

Glass Armor and Weapons Retex v2.1

Notes: Use "Improved Green" Version.

Hvergelmirs Shield Retexture v1.2a

Notes: None.

Hvergelmirs Armor Retexture v1.7b

Notes: None.

Remade Hi-Res Ancient Nord Armor v1.0

Notes: None.

Nightingale Prime v1.1

Notes: Hosted Outside Nexus.

Not Really HD Mask of Clavicus Vile v0.9a

Notes: Use "Corrected Wrecked" version.

Shield of Ysgramor v1.0

Notes: Be sure to correct the texture path for proper install.

Yuril Rings HQ v1.0

Notes: Use "Gold Circle" version.

Gameplay Changes

Non-Essential Killable Children v9

Notes: None.

Skyrim Community Uncapper v1.13.3.0 BETA

Notes: None.

Invincible Hawk Fix

Notes: Not hosted on the Nexus.

Ars Metallica - Smithing Enhancement v1.1

Notes: Use Dawnguard Patch.

Realistic Crime Radius v1.0

Notes: None.

Back Off Barbas! v1.2

Notes: None.

No NPC Greetings v1.1

Notes: Use the slightly reduced distance version.

Smart Souls v7.0

Notes: None.

Auto Unequip Ammo v4.1

Notes: None.

Content Mods

Bring Out Your Dead v1.1

Notes: None.

Skyrim Coin Replacer v1.7

Notes: None.

Lanterns of Skyrim v1.2

Notes: I currently use the default version.

Every City Have Various Guard Outfits v1.2

Notes: None.

More Village Animals v1.6

Notes: None.

Clams Drop Pearls v1.0

Notes: None.

Light up the Night - People Have Torches v1.2

Notes: Do not use unless you modify the TorchTokenScript as follows and compile using the creation kit:

if (akActor != none)
   akActor.RemoveItem(TorchToken)
   Utility.Wait(1)
   if (akActor.GetItemCount(Torch01) == 0)
      akActor.AddItem(Torch01)
   endif
endif

Alternatively, download mine (right click and "Save Link As") and put in the scripts folder. Source

Mods Not Compatible But Will Be Added Once Updated

Categorized Favorites Menu

Category: UI

Final Steps

Now that mod installation is completed, we only have a few steps left to do.

Step 1: Run BOSS

This will order your esp/esm files properly to run in the game. My load order from BOSS is as follows:

Skyrim.esm
Update.esm
Lanterns Of Skyrim - All In One - Main.esm
HighResTexturePack01.esp
HighResTexturePack02.esp
Unofficial Skyrim Patch.esp
Improved Combat Sounds v2.1.esp
StaticMeshImprovementMod.esp
83Willows_101BUGS_V4_HighRes.esp
Ars Metallica.esp
Back off, Barbas!.esp
Bring Out Your Dead.esp
ClamsDropPearls.esp
dD - Enhanced Blood Main.esp
Lanterns Of Skyrim - All In One - Default.esp
MoreVillageAnimals.esp
People Have Torches.esp
PilgrimsDelight.esp
RabbitsPlus.esp
Auto Unequip Ammo.esp
daedric_phelm.esp
SkyrimCoinReplacer.esp
BetterQuestObjectives.esp
NonEssentialChilds.esp
Soul Gems Differ - E.esp
VariousGuardReplacer.esp
dD - Realistic Ragdoll Force - Realistic.esp
BFSEffects.esp
DeadlySpellImpacts.esp
More Visible Soul Trap Effect.esp
Realistic crime report radius.esp
Slightly Reduced Distance NPC Greetings.esp
WATER.esp
WATER - Get Wet.esp
dD-Dawnguard EBT Patch.esp
Bashed Patch, 0.esp

Step 2: Activate ESPs / Create Bashed Patch

Start Wrye Bash once more and on the Mods tab, make sure all your mods have a green checkmark next to them, if not, click the box to activate them. If you ran step 1, they should already be in the correct order. Next, right click Bashed Patch, 0.esp and select "Rebuild Patch", then click Build Patch. Let that complete and close the window, the correct options should already be checked by default. This merges the leveled lists from the installed mods so there are no conflicts.

Step 3: Enjoy!

Your done, have fun! Remember this is my custom install so there are important pieces missing(Upgraded Actor Textures, etc) unless you also view my Personal Mods collection.