Is Merge Plugins Dead? | Cannot set up

[BellaDovah]

Over the years, I've used Merge Plugins several times and followed GamerPoets tutorial several times and always had successful results. Without this tool I would have a load order far beyond 255 plugins so it is essential for me.

 

However, now that I'm returning to Merge Plugins and Gamerpoet's 2016 tutorial in 2020, I'm having no luck at all, I can't even set it up.

 

Firstly, there is no server connection. I'm not sure how essential this is, but being able to see other people's reports on their merging successes and failures was one of the most helpful features and this is not available without the server connection.

Secondly, I can't configure it to work with MO2. In the options, it cannot find MO2 and even when I put all the paths in manually, the 'OK' button is greyed out so I cannot proceed and save my settings.

 

Is Merge Plugins just no longer supported or does anyone know a way round these issues?

 

I know zEdit is in development, but it seems in fairly early stages and I really like that Merge Plugins gave you indications on how mergeable a plugin is based on users' feedback.

is zEdit really ready to replace Merge Plugins?

 

Thanks

[Algabar]

I wouldn't call MergePlugins "dead", but it's surely outdated. There were no updates for a long time now.

 

TBH, I never used the online options. The basic "offline" functionality is still working though.

 

IMHO, the whole concept of merging plugins is outdated now that we can have an (almost) unlimited number of .esl (or "ESPFE" - .esp flagged as ESL) plugins.

 

I'd recommend not to bother with merges at all any more. If you eslify most of the stuff than can be turned into a "light" plugin, you should have enough spare slots in your load order.