My Skyrim Mod List 2014 - Feedback/Suggestions Please

[Korodic]

This post serves 2 purposes. I intend to get feedback and suggestions from all of you while building a list that fits my particular style I can reference later on when my shiny new Samsung SSD arrives today. I realize things like STEP exist, but I've basically got most of them covered regardless. I figure this may also serve as a good list for others to possibly find buried treasure as well as other things too.

How will I pick mods?
I try to pick lore-friendly items with little compromise. I don't care for skimpy armors or Master Chief helping me kill Alduin. It's just not what I'm after... I also intend to aim for mods that give quality graphics but minimal conflict. Mods that change too many things are very risky to use. I also will give a brief description of each choice because why not.

I'll be sure to comment on my mod choices accordingly, but only if I've used them or have another explanation as to why I chose it for this build attempt.

Call me biased, but I'll be using some of my own mods because I still love them...

What will I use to manage my mods?
The Nexus Mod Manager is still my favorite. I don't really understand how to fully take advantage of the other tools and the integration NMM provides makes it very easy to add and manage mods I download for the game.

I intend to install these mods in the order by which they are listed below. They will be listed in this order to avoid conflicts and allow intended over-writes.

Note some of my reasoning may not be perfect, (nice) criticism welcomed.

Bare Essentials:

An ENB with ENBoost (Need to find one) - ENBs are definitely essential since ENBoost can manage your system's VRAM and help avoid CTDs. The hard part is finding an ENB that looks good. I'm very on the fence about a few ENBs and it will likely be the last thing I download as a result.

SKSE - Skyrim Script Extender allows modders the ability to do more than the vanilla scripting libraries normally limit them to. Many mods depend on it and it is very easy to install.

SSME - Skyrim Startup Memory Editor allows you to easily manage the skyrim engine's memory functionality. The end result is a significantly lower change you'll CTD because your ram hitting it's limit.
Skyrim Unofficial Patch - Skyrim bugs that remain are addressed by this mod.
Dawnguard Unofficial Patch - Dawnguard bugs that remain are addressed by this mod.
Hearthfires Unofficial Patch - Hearthfires bugs that remain are addressed by this mod.
Dragonborn Unofficial Patch - Dragonborn bugs that remain are addressed by this mod.

SKYUI - Skyrim's UI is horrible. SKYUI adresses that issue while being significantly more helpful. The ability to group items in your favorite menu is also an extremely welcome change.

 

Graphics Related Choices:

 

 

Xbox 360 Controller Icons - If you use an xbox 360 controller like I do this mod makes interactions look a little nicer.

Ruins Clutter Improved – A much better vision for ruins than vanilla assets were given.

Better Dynamic Snow – Probably one of the more noticeable changes that makes dynamic snow look more realistic.

SMIM - The Static Mesh Improvement Mod makes skyrim seem a lot more realistic while also addressing some ugly stretching issues across skyrim. While this definitely is a performance impact it's worth the tradeoff for the aesthetics.

EFLX – This is my personal choice regarding lighting. It provides a nice warm glow to fires and gives interiors a more realistic feeling. (Be sure to grab patches for SMIM.)

Skyrim Realistic Overhaul - This mod attempted to add photo realistic textures to the game. The mod author has unfortunately been banned form the nexus and the mod removed. I, luckily, still have a copy. While I like the author's work I prefer Skyrim 2k. As stated below skyrim 2k does not cover everything and therefore I install this mod first and let 2k overwrite this.

aMidianborn Solestheim Land

Skyrim 2k - I love this mod and I also hate this mod. I love it because it is so freaking amazing, but hate that the author stopped working on it. </3. It covers such a large range of items, but not all of them. The author was making a new version and stated so on facebook but has since disappeared. note: I will likely dump this mod SRO to zip them up as one compilation. In fact it's not a bad idea to do this with most of your textures if you keep regular backups. It makes sense to cut down the list more aaannddd helps if you ever need to reinstall!

A Quality World Map - Because Skyrim’s map alone was just not that good. This map provides roads, is far more legible.

Enhanced Blood Textures – The best HD blood textures available. I cannot recommend crimson tide as it is no longer supported.

Deadly Spell Impacts – Adds a new level of details to spell impacts. I love the blue electric one especially. Also the ice has transparency.

 

Environment:

Pure Weathers - While I'm a Climates of Tamriel fan myself, Pure Weathers is not as likely to conflict and is likely the "lighter weight" mod in terms of performance impact.
Vivid Clouds and Fogs - This should improve clouds and fogs around mountains in an interesting way. It's made with ENBs in mind which is a huge bonus.

Dramatic Clouds

Distant Decal Fix

Vivid Landscapes (all in one) - This is by far my FAVORITE mod in terms of modifying the textures of the environment (besides Skyrim 2K of course!) It gives the mountains a lot more of a worn look while potentially adding more vibrancy in terms of color. This time I intend to use gray to stay more vanilla friendly.

SkyFalls and SkyMills (Animated Distant Waterfalls and WindMills) – This mod does as the name says. It makes a noticeable difference at a distance. I believe Water offers patches for this mod. Those will be needed.

Skyrim Distance Overhaul – Adds a lot more details than previously available in LODs. Differences shown very well on page. Has patches for SkyFalls/SkyMills that will be needed.

Enhanced Distance Overhaul

Enhanced Distance Overhaul 2

Realistic Water Two – While I’m a Pure Waters fan myself, this water mod is friendlier with SLI (SLI has some weird bug with water when you jump in). While I don’t use SLI right now, RW2 offers waves which pure waters doesn’t. It also diversifies other bodies of water (which pure waters does do too). It’s just does a wee bit more for you. Alternatively I recommend Pure Water and Waves.

Real Ice (All In One)

HD Falmer Pods – I’m pretty sure this is not covered in other mods with special detail. Judging by the textures it looks like it will fit in with Vivid Landscapes nicely.

HQ College of Winterhold

Lush Trees and Grass – Gives an extra “umph” to trees. Making them look more like actual trees. The grass is also a nice touch.

SFO (Skyrim Floral Overhaul) – This mod is great! However it is also very costly. I’m debating whether or not to keep it.

HD Trees Skyrim – I use this as my personal favorite. Remember however that trees are everywhere, using too high of a texture will cause extra stress unfortunately. One drawback for this is “popping” of trees in/out of LOD it may just be best to use SFO by itself. Feedback please?

High Definition Ivy

Horizon of Dreams – Makes the night sky look beautiful. Is said to be generally compatible.

Windhelm (Legendary Kings) – Adds slabs dedicated to fallen kings carved into the walls.

Solitude Dragon Head HD – May or may not be necessary, will need to test.

 

Objects:

Animated Dwemer Lift Load Doors

Skyrim Redesigned WIP

Fences of Skyrim - My god, these fences though! They are likely better performance wise than vanilla fences, but also take away that weird (hard to describe) effect that occurs with vanilla fences while using AA.

Immersive Soulgems - Makes soulgems look like they are actually magical. The transparency effect is a definite plus.

Rens HD Shrines - Gives shrines more detail than any other retex I’ve seen.

Detailed Rugs - This mod shows you how awful the vanilla rugs are by comparison.

HD Banners

HD Sacks – Gives a more burlappy look. 10/10 would put stuff in there.

Book Covers Skyrim – Gives your bookshelf a lot more detail by changing book covers to make them more unique. Not sure if this mod covers regular paper exactly. Otherwise Realistic Paper may be needed.

Real Gold Trophies

HD Ores and Ingots

HQ Food & Ingredients

Dark Brotherhood Tenets Restored – The tenets as they are, are basically illegible. This mod adds a lot of details to it since it is such an important piece of their organization.

Sweet Mother (The Night Mother Improvement) – The night mother also looks terrible in her current state texture wise. This mod touches it up to whatever your preference may be.

Worthy Noble Furniture – Makes noble furniture REALLY look like noble furniture.

Detailed Chests Texture Replacers – Best looking chests around. That’s probably because I don’t download female replacers, hehe.

Silly Level of Detail (Wine cellar) – Nothing silly about it. Hands down the best retexture I’ve seen.

Silly Level of Detail (Potions & Poisons) – Another work of art. Huge improvement over vanilla. The only way it could possibly be better is to have a liquid inside and transparency, but I don’t see that happening anytime soon. Until then, Silly Level of Detail is just the best. I can vouch it’s VERY noticeable during gameplay.

Septim HD – I have a gold coin from way back (my oblivion pre-order), this legit looks just like it.

HD Dark Brotherhood Door – I’ll be choosing the no glowing eyes option.

Stunning Statues of Skyrim

Dire HD High Hrothgar

Visible Windows – This mod should come after ALL building retextures. These windows have the best window textures.

Point The Way

HiRes Legible Road Signs

Magic Runes HD

Skill Interface Retexture – Not sure where this went, but it was the best. You may just have to find it somewhere on the web wherever the author may have left it up. The link will lead you to the STEP page.

Lockpicking Interface Retex

 

 

NPC/Character Related:

XCE (Xenius Character Enhancement) – This particular link will take you to a compilation made of Xenius’ fantastic work.

Improved NPC Clothing - NPC clothes simply don’t look good without it.

aMidianBorn Book of Silence - In game armor looks insanely better with this mod. Why is Bethesda not calling this guy with a job offer?

Detailed Guard Shields

Reshaped Ebony Armor – Makes the Ebony armor stand out a lot more. Perhaps a change for the sake of change.

Unique Uniques - Skyrim and Oblivion had a bad habit of being lazy in terms of representing unique items. This mod fixes that issue for Skyrim.

Royal Bloodskaal Pattern – Simply better than anything else imo.

Bellyaches HD Dragon Replacer Pack – Huge improvement in dragon’s appearance.

Bloody Dragon Bones – When stealing a dragons should you’re basically ripping its body to shreds. I think the bloody look is a good touch. Other HD offerings available from this author too.

Apophysis Dragon Priest Masks - Dragon masks are supposed to be unique and special, right? Let’s make them look the part.

Greatsword Sheaths and Scabbards Redux – Adds new sheaths and scabbards for your greatswords, looks great too.

Jewels of the Nord – Makes jewelry in Skyrim much more HD/beautiful.

A Vile Masque

Transparent and Refracting Icicle and Frost Atronach - These just look a lot better and have some realistic transparency to them. Note New Thinner Torch Mod has compatibility patch.

Semitransparent Stalhrim Deposits

New Thinner Torch

Smaller Ice Spike and Ice Spear

Thieves Guild Armor HD Revival

Deadly Serious Shrouded Armor – This Dark brotherhood armor is my favorite available. Dark and Warm is my preferred choice.

 

 

 

Combat:

 

 

VioLense (A Killmove Mod) - I don't necessarily choose this over The Dance of Death for any other reason than it's recent release and greater controls provided by MCM.

Enemy AI OverHaul (No scripts edition) - Again, I am looking for performance friendly goods. This mod adds an extra challenge to enemy AI. While DUEL seems like a nice choice, it is very script dependent which makes it more costly and not a choice for me.
Deadly Dragons - Dragons should be the deadliest creatures in all of Skyrim, yet I found them to be somewhat easy. This helps set them apart by giving them a power boost and more variation.
Dragon Combat Overhaul - While I stated DUEL is too costly, I don't mind giving the dragon race some script support for their combat role since their flying around was script based anyway. This adds to their difficulty.

 

 

 

Gameplay:

 

 

Alternate Start (Live Another Life) – This mod gives you absolute control of how you start off your game. I’d consider this essential with this is your 2^nd+ play through. Allows you to skip the long intro/tutorial in a logical/lore-friendly way.

Epic Glory skill advancement overhaul (Skills start at zero option) - I may choose to use the slower leveling option too, but I definitely will be using skills start at zero. It makes for quick leveling early on, but also sets you apart from the enemies on the scale to give more of a challenge.

iHUD (Immersive HUD) - Hides unwanted status bars when they are not needed. Highly adjustable and is basically essential in my opinion.

Skyrim Enhanced Camera – Allows you to see your body with a more realistic first person perspective.

Non-Essential Children - Children are stronger than you (and that’s not cool). Literally if Braith wanted to she could kick my butt up and down Whiterun because she’s invincible. I can’t even pickpocket her sweet roll. This mod well let me punch Braith in the face and she’ll be able to feel it. Invulnerable children just take away from immersion since Bethesda as a company felt the need to be politically correct for the sake of their customers who insist their views be pushed onto others. Thankfully this mod does all of that while protecting the children who are quest essential until their role in the quest is done.

Harvest Overhaul - It's always bothered me that when I’m harvesting something there were more things on the screen than was actually added to my inventory, this mod fixes that crappy feeling.

Immersive Patrols - This mod helps the world feel more lively and dangerous while helping create more unique experiences while traveling in Skyrim. A lot more stable and immersive than Warzones (imo).

Run For Your Lives – Makes citizens run in fear accordingly when dragons attack to avoid their untimely demise.

When Vampires Attack – Makers citizens run inside and lock their doors to avoid being killed by a vampire raid.

Shooting Stars

Rainbows

Mercy – Are you sick of an NPC asking for mercy only to have them get up and try to cut you down? No more. NPCs who beg for their lives are now more likely to want to genuinely surrender.

Learn Alchemy From Recipes – Because this is what a recipe is for…. Right?

Improved Sneak Detection – because the vanilla sneak system was kind of weak.

Realistic Crime Radius – No more psychic guards.

Moonlight Tales Werewolf Essentials – Includes my Werewolf Aftermath Re-Equipper mod built-in. :D

Auto UnEquip Ammo

 

 

 

Quest:

 

 

Dwemer Colosseum - Gladiator fights done right. It’s a fair way to make some coin assuming you don’t die. I made it, hehe.

Falskaar

Wyrmstooth

 

 

 

Sound:

 

 

Guard Dialogue Overhaul – Changes the way guards react to you. Makes them far less annoying.

Improved Whirlwind Sprint Sound - Simply sounds a lot more realistic, samples provided on mod page.

Better Animal Footsteps – Animals no longer make odd sounds while walking.

IHSS (Improves Horse Step Sounds) – Now a gallop will sound more clip cloppy.

Improved Combat Sounds – Makes weapons noises sound more realistic.
Ultra Realistic Bow Sounds

Ultra Realistic Crossbow Sounds

Lower Sounding Thieves Guild Door – Because the door @ the thieves guild is too damn loud.

No Sneak Attack Sound

Smarter Combat Music

Thundering Shouts

 

 

 

MISC:

 

 

Better Falskaar and Wyrmstooth Map With Roads – Gives maps with roads for falskaar and wyrmstooth.

Falskaar World Map Clouds

Dynamic Giant Campfires – Those campfires at the giant camps were on all day every day. This mod makes it so that they light up only around night time.

Supreme Volumetric Fog – Makes fog thicker in a realistic way.

Morning Fogs Refined – Based on morning fogs by mannyGT this mod adds in some MCM options for those who want to adjust morning fog chance.

83Willows 101BugsHD – Adds more bugs that can be used for crafting.

Improved Fish – Adds more fish that can be used for crafting.

Birds of Skyrim – Adds more birds around Skyrim, more variety! :D

Birds and Flocks Hearthfire Edition – Adds more birds to the skies of Skyrim making the world feel more complete. Keep in mind this is the Hearthfire edition, there is one without if you need it.

SkyBirds (Airborne perching birds)

Lightning During Thunderstorms - BOOM! Because getting struck by lightning is totally possible when you're sitting out in an open field with a claymore pointing up at the sky.

Real Rain – Makes rain more realistic looking and diverse, was built with compatibility in mind.

Splash of Rain – Adds splashes for when rain hits surfaces.

Skyrim Swimming Enemies - Why was I the only one who could swim? It just makes sense that so can anyone else. Makes fights less easy to slip away from via swimming.

Multiple Floors Sandboxing - Why do NPCs only stay on one floor when they have two? This mod fixes that issue for them.

Lightweight Headtracking - I want my character to seem livelier in 3rd person. This mod does just that in a less exhaustive way than other headtracking mods.

Physics Impact Damage Fix

Realistic Ragdolls & Force - Makes bodies more drag-able and ragdoll more realistically.

D13 Faster GET UP STAND UP animation vanilla friendly - Getting knocked down sucks, but it sucks even more watching your character get up like their life isn’t in danger. This mod changes that.

No Spinning Death Animation – Watching an enemy spin to death takes away the feeling of immersion and victory, it just feels fake… like a stage death. Thanks to this mod that won’t happen again.

Burn Freeze & Shock Effects – This mod provides a really cool, magical effect to those who have fallen. You can also char a body by burning their corpse with a fire spell. While it may use scripts it’s worth it for the effect it gives.

Wet & Cold – Adds cold breath, dripping water and some snow effects.

Wet & Cold (Ashes) – To be used for similar effects with ash.

Footprints – Walking in the snow would mean leaving footprints right? Well now it does in Skyrim too thanks to this mod.

Consistent Older People – Older people’s bodies will not match their faces.

Arrows in the Everywhere – Ever bother you that arrows don’t show up where you hit someone? Now they can go everywhere.

Bloody Facials REBLOODED – Why was it people’s faces were never bloodied? No more! Blood everywhere plz.

Skyrim Project Optomization

Training Dummies and Targets – Gives EXP when you train on practice dummies or targets.

 

 

 

Armor/Weapons:

 

 

Heavy Armory – This mod expands upon the types of weapons available for each material. Is an excellent addition to the game I wish the dev’s had put in there by default as they did with Morrowind.

Basic Crossbow Collection – When Dawnguard came out all they had was a wooden crossbow and a dwarven one. That’s pretty weak sauce. This mod adds new meshes and textures for all the other materials.

Armor and Clothing for Kids – Allows for children to wear vanilla assets. Also provides patches for cloaks of skyrim, winter is coming cloaks and wet & cold. This would probably go great with Skyrim Children Overhaul.

Bosmer Armor Pack – A great mod that looks as if it belonged in the game form the start.

Noldor Content Pack – Another great addition by the same author as the bosmer pack.

The Northern Overlord – This one is just for fun. The dirtier textures look like they’d fit just fine.

Emperor's Will and Stormlord Armors STANDALONE

 

 

 

Mods I’m highly anticipating:

 

 

Skyrim Children Overhaul – This mod may replace Non-Essential Children for me with some small modifications I can make myself. This author is doing a fantastic job creating children for other races.
Dragon Animation Replacement – This mod aims to change some of the dragon animations. This would be another change for changes sake, but it makes them look a lot more majestic/proud by not lowering their heads. There were a few things missing from the author’s video example though. I’ll need to test it in-game before deciding to make this a keeper.