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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim[edit | edit source]
Why This Guide Exists[edit | edit source]
While I have never actually finished vanilla Skyrim, I have played long enough to recognize that there are shortcomings to the vanilla game. A credit to Bethesda, the Creation engine is capable of supporting improved graphics assets and new functionality through modding. My wife likes to tease me that I have more hours spent modding (and watching the opening sequence) than I have actually playing Skyrim. Modding allows me to tailor the Skyrim experience to my particular play style and focus on the elements that I most enjoy. This guide is here mainly for my reference, but may prove useful to other players.
What this pack is intended to do:
- Produce a stable, playable game with no CTDs, an acceptable (30+) frame-rate, and stay within VRAM (<2GB) limits.
- Overhaul existing vanilla systems for balance, make multiple character builds viable, and encourage repeat play-through.
- Add new systems and game-play elements that add further depth and challenge to the vanilla game.
- Overhaul existing vanilla locations with additional elements for added realism and depth.
- Add new buildings, ruins and other elements around Skyrim to encourage exploration and discovery.
- Overhaul existing vanilla NPCs so they are more intelligent, capable, and more lively.
- Add new NPCs to interact with, and new interactions to give Skyrim a more lived-in feel.
- Track game progress through user interface, achievements, and in-game locations.
- Minimize or eliminate fast-travel with new transit methods.
- Modify the user interface for more immersive game-play.
- Design, build, and decorate player homes anywhere.
- New professions and money making opportunities.
- New followers and companions.
What this pack is -NOT- intended to do:
- Add completely new lands.
- Add completely new quests.
Methodology[edit | edit source]
To get started, I have installed STEP v2.2.9.2r3 (Core) according to the STEP recommendations.
Once I have a good base (and a backup to revert to if needed), the next phase will be installing mods that overhaul or significantly change the base game. The idea here is to install the mods likely to require a fresh save game (or that introduce save-breaking changes) now, and avoid the headache of having to restart the game later.
Install STEP Core[edit | edit source]
This build is based a complete STEP Core installation as of STEP v2.2.9.2r3 (November 23, 2015)
Overhauls[edit | edit source]
| Mod Name | Version | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinator - Perks of Skyrim by Enai Siaion | v7.31 | A complete overhaul of all perk trees, new character builds, compatible, and lightweight. |
Install the Ordinator v731 main file and merge in the Ordinator - Dragonborn Respec optional file.
| Mod Name | Version | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Uncapper for Ordinator by Shruikan | v4.04 | A customized INI file for use with Ordinator and Skyrim -Community- Uncapper |
Download the v4.04 'Change to light armor exp and pickpocket' file, install the simple option.
| Mod Name | Version | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wiseman303's Flora Fixes by wiseman303 | v2.01 | Fixes bugs relating to harvestable objects in Skyrim. Required by CACO. |
Install the main file and merge in the WM Flora Fixes SMIM patch.
| Mod Name | Version | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Alchemy and Cooking Overhaul by kryptopyr | v1.2 | Completely overhauls alchemy and cooking, see mod page for details. |
Install the main file. Install the patches file. Enable the following patches and move the rest to optional. * CACO_AOS_Patch.esp * CACO_InvisibilityEyesFix_Patch.esp * CACO_USLEEP_Patch.esp
| Mod Name | Version | Description |
|---|---|---|
| CACO-Ordinatored by Servant of Sin | v1.42 | Patch to use the Ordinator skill tree but adds the crafting unlocks from CACO. |
Install the CACO-Ordinatored - Merged optional file.
| Mod Name | Version | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Complete Crafting Overhaul Remade by kryptopyr | v1.7 | Completely overhauls the crafting system, see mod page for details. |
Install the main file and the CCO Compatibility Patch for WAF True Weapons optional. Move Weapons & Armor_TrueWeaponsLvlLists.esp from Weapons and Armor Fixes to optional.
| Mod Name | Version | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Worlds Dawn - Enchanted Loot and RPG by 3jiou | v1.12 | Diablo-style loot, RPG stats & bonuses, improve and transfer enchantments. |
Install the main file.
