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A Modlist for Beginners [Steam Workshop Edition]

By Diacute

Wanna take the plunge into some light Skyrim modding but don’t know where to start? I hope to be of assistance.

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Created by

Diacute
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Category: Gameplay Basics, Walkthroughs, Workshop

Languages: English

Posted

Updated

18 Oct, 2021 @ 8:58am

1 Dec, 2021 @ 8:01am

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Guide Index

Overview

Before I start anything

Intro

Must Installs

The Backbone:

Graphics:

Alternate Start Mod

Character Creation:

General Gameplay

Quest Mods:

FINAL STEP(S)

Closing

Comments

Before I start anything

I wanna make one thing clear before I start anything. I know that you can get way more mods on Nexus. I’m a frequent visitor to that site. However I know that some people don’t want to bother with Nexus, mod managers etc. So I thought why not make a version of my modlist centered around mods on the Steam Workshop? Yeah this does mean I will be making a version of this guide with a mixture of Nexus mods and some Steam Workshop Exclusive mods using a Mod Manager. Now that we got that out of the way.

Intro

Hello, I see that you’re interested in modding. Good for you, I’m a huge fan of modding myself. I hope I can provide you with a mod list to start your journey. While I’d much rather you try your hand on using Nexus. I can’t stop you from refusing, so instead I’ll point you to some mods on the Workshop that I would recommend. A small disclaimer, the version I mainly play is Skyrim SE but I do have experience with LE modding. Now that’s over with. Here’s my recommendations.

THIS GUIDE WILL REQUIRE LEGENDARY EDITION/ ALL DLC.

I know the DLC is no longer for sale....officially. You can still access them through being linked to them. Refer to this guide.

https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2614150774

However I won't recommend getting it on steam unless you 100% don't trust other sites. I know people will ask "Why not just get SE at this point?" Well some people can't run it and others prefer OG skyrim so I can't stop them. If you want to save money on missing DLC, I recommend getting them from CDKeys. Legendary Edition is as of writing this guide, 17 dollars and the 3 DLC Pack is 7 Dollars. All good? Okay, let's get started.

Must Installs

First of all get Skyrim Script Extender, that is a requirement for some mods. You can install it here from steam!

Skyrim Script Extender: https://steamproxy.net/steamstore/app/365720/Skyrim_Script_Extender_SKSE/

Got it? Very good. For now on, launch Skyrim from Skyrim Script Extender in your library

The Backbone:

Graphics:

Pure Waters: https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=20709
Better looking water

Static Mesh Improvement Mod: https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=11832
Makes Flat objects have 3D models

Pure Weathers - Brighter Nights: https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=351911991
Changes up weathers, colors and lighting.

Lanterns of Skyrim - AIO: https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=77247783
Not really a graphics mod, more like an environment mod. Adds lanterns all over Skyrim.

Alternate Start Mod

Tired of watching the Skyrim intro again? Try an alternate start mod to jumpstart your adventure sooner!

CHOOSE ONE

Alternate Start - Live Another Life: https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2588854714
+ EBQO patch: https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=566458951

Random Alternate Start (My personal Favorite): https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=102287878

Character Creation:

Lovely Hair Styles: https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=221168621

[Optional] Character Creation Overhaul (For Oblivion Lovers): https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=89896226

General Gameplay

Quest Mods:

Citizens of Tamriel: https://steamproxy.net/workshop/filedetails/?id=1906694220
Helps Populate Skyrim with interesting NPCs to Chit Chat with!

Faction: Pit Fighter: https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=119305443
+ Addon https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=125029519

P.S Consider looking at ThirteenOranges’ other work, I can’t vouch for them though: https://steamproxy.net/workshop/filedetails/?id=122036928

Falskaar: https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=417483056

FINAL STEP(S)

Download LOOT to automatically sort your plug-ins to minimize Crashing

https://loot.github.io

How to use LOOT: https://youtu.be/yze6VEcm5GQ

(Optional) Run BethINI. Now this is on Nexus which I know some would want to avoid which is why I put it in Optional. But I highly recommend doing so as it optimizes your Skyrim settings to make your game look good and run just a little bit better for basically free. I recommend running High but if you’re confident about your PC, use ultra.

https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4875

This is on Skyrim SE’s page but I promise you it works with LE.

BethINI Tutorial: https://youtu.be/ECDgl5xfMKc

Closing

That’s it! I hope I was of use. Enjoy your refreshed Skyrim experience!

Check out the Nexus Centered Modlist if you’re interested!: https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2631264728

Or my Skyrim SE List (For Friends who have Skyrim SE:) https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2631372318

20 Comments

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Trash boi 25 Dec, 2021 @ 12:00pm

@ Diacute Thank for the help :]

Typhon Plume 24 Dec, 2021 @ 1:56pm

It's all good.

Diacute [author] 24 Dec, 2021 @ 1:19pm

Sorry if this seems like I’m trying to justify myself. In terms of CCO, it’s a mod I personally don’t use much, I much prefer Aetherius for varied builds, I added CCO in here since it’s like some of the very few mods in the workshop of this category.

Diacute [author] 24 Dec, 2021 @ 1:10pm

@Typhon Plume Fair. The thing is with Steam workshop is that all the mods I would like to recommend is all on nexus. Especially stuff like Simon Magus mods. As for CCO, I did put that as optional. I’ll fix up the wording a bit to make it clear that it’s more so a recommendation list. Do you have any you’d put in yourself? I’d like to hear it

Typhon Plume 24 Dec, 2021 @ 11:58am

Yea had to downvote this, allot of this is just personal preference, not to mention a few of them don't play well with other popular mods. As a example I rather dislike the character creation overhaul as it makes survival mode in to easy baby mode for me. I won't go in to a few of the others, but yea... it's a recommendation list, not a must have list.

Diacute [author] 24 Dec, 2021 @ 6:08am

@Trash boi

It’s in your Skyrim Root folder, there should be a folder called Data. To enter the root folder go to your steam library then right click on Skyrim > properties > browse local files

Trash boi 24 Dec, 2021 @ 5:47am

ok but where is data folder

Diacute [author] 23 Dec, 2021 @ 3:52pm

@Alucard https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/3863 It’s the Nexus page but it has screenshots front and center. It requires the Skyrim Script Extender but trust me it’s 100% worth it. If you play OG Skyrim, you can install script extender right here on steam

Alucard 23 Dec, 2021 @ 3:45pm

can you link a screen of this ui?

Diacute [author] 23 Dec, 2021 @ 3:12pm

@Alucard I meant beginner as in modding beginner. Also okay? It’s not like I’m trying to turn this game into dark souls. I just add mods that enhance vanilla or stick to Bethesda’s design. At the end of the day, it’s our copy of the game so more power to you if you believe the game doesn’t need modding. I’d just say at least have the unofficial patch and SkyUI. I genuinely cannot play with the vanilla UI

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