Before I do something stupid let me ask

[WakahisaSensei]

For various reasons, I am now reinstalling Skyrim for the 5th time. However, I'd like to ask some questions. It occurred to me I may have taken some erroneous steps in the past regarding a reinstall that I didn't consider, or maybe it is nothing. But it seems like it might be best to ask just in case and maybe save myself some time. I'm using the latest version of mod organizer if it makes a difference. These questions may have obvious answers to some but I figured it would be safer to ask. Who knows? Maybe someone else has the same or similar questions.

 

1. We all know (or should know) load order is important. What about install order? Assuming all mods are in the proper load order and the game hasn't once been booted yet, does it matter if all the mods are installed around the same time or out of their normal order? For example, can I install something that requires a new skeleton, then install the skeleton after, and then run the game for the first time? Or does the skeleton have to be installed first still? I'm under the assumption that install order does not matter as long as the game has yet to be run.

 

2. Is it safe to install many mods all at once, or should it be incremental? I have a stable setup but need to reinstall due to remnants of deleted mods which apparently leave traces even if you use fresh saves. Some of my mods are script heavy. Assuming load order is correct, is it bad to suddenly start several script heavy mods the first time or would it be the same as if I just went one by one?

 

3. SKSE/FNIS/SKI UI/Wyre Bash. These all act as seperate tools more or less. But SKSE is used to actually run the game. Does that (or any of the other listed ones) need to be reinstalled or altered with the fresh install?

 

 

(This last question is more something I struggled with than a question about a fresh install. This is my chance to get something working I couldn't before)

 

4. Jiggle physics. I've tried a few mods but never got it to work for any characters that were not the Succubus race. I use the CBBE body mod. Some of these mods confused me with their requirements or general setup. One such mod, HDT bpunce and Jiggles, had 104 different files. I had no idea which ones I needed or wanted. Initially it didn't bother me, to not have this mod. But after it was present in the Succubus race mod it made the rest of the characters feel flat and static. It became unnerving to an extent. So if there are recommendations on getting this to work let me know. However the other three questions take priority.

 

 

If there are any other important details regarding a fresh install that are commonly neglected please let me know. This is my fifth time doing this, and I almost have Skyrim exactly the way I want it. Hopefully I can avoid a 6th...until I get my new setup which can handle HD stuff. Then I'll be starting from scratch again.

[DoctorKaizeld]

1) load order doesn't matter if you install in the correct order.

 

2) I suggest to avoid headaches installing 10 mods at a time. This will allow you to quickly find the mod causing issues. Armor and weapon mods can generally be installed all at once.

 

3) skse should be updated.

 

4) HDT is the best one. Following the install instructions should work... Did for me

[WakahisaSensei]

1) load order doesn't matter if you install in the correct order.

 

2) I suggest to avoid headaches installing 10 mods at a time. This will allow you to quickly find the mod causing issues. Armor and weapon mods can generally be installed all at once.

 

3) skse should be updated.

 

4) HDT is the best one. Following the install instructions should work... Did for me

Regarding the 1st, 2nd and 4th answers: To clarify, the order in which mods are installed does effect how they work then? Is there a general piece of advice for installing mods of certain types? I would think required mods before main mods. But what about script based vs player homes? Does it matter if one comes before the other? Or if I use Thunderchild and Sacrosanct? They seem unrelated but are both script heavy. I was told load order was very important but your statement implies installing mods in a certain order voids the necessity of load order (quite contrary to everything I've been told before).

 

Regarding the weapon and armor mods being installed all at once, does that include mods that come with unique merchants that sell them? For example, Apachii Divine Elegance has its own store with 3 merchants. Can that still be safely installed as any other weapon or armor mod or is there a new element (aside from the obvious conflict of a store in the same location etc)?

 

I've used HDT and noticed few if any changes on the CBBE body. Are you referring to HDT physics extension by itself or a specific HDT mod? And is there a particular file that should be used with CBBE? As I said, one of the mods I found had 104 or so different file options. I didn't know which one to pick.

 

 

I appreciate the help.

[DoctorKaizeld]

Load order doesn't matter as long as you follow a proper install order. Load order should only really matter when installing a new mod into a currently used list of mods.

 

You want to install the basics first (fnis, skse, and so forth)

Large mods second (any sort of overhaul or mod that adds a ton of scripts and other things such as the Unofficial Patch) note: install them as instructed including the required mods. Honestly I suggest installing them one at a time with their required mods and testing that they work.

Body and pose type mods should be shoved in the box here

Texture mods go here

Tacos go here

Armor and weapons and any other remaining mods go here.

 

Another piece of advice would be to get a notepad or word document and record your install order on it including the steps you used to install them. This will allow you to quickly reinstall your mods in the future.

 

Armor/weapon mods that don't add npcs and buildings can be bulk installed. The rest should be installed in groups of 10.

 

HDT Physics Extended and https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/54044/

[WakahisaSensei]

Appreciate it. Well, I guess I better get started.