Greetings and salutations, I've just migrated from the Xbox where I played Skyrim extensively. I love the game. Never truly finished everything on the Box, because I didn't want it to end. I'm also migrating back to PC as a whole for BF4. I'd like to start by thanking all those who have put so much good information out there for folks like me. People who are new to modding have invaluable resources, if they only seek them out, thanks to you good folks. At any rate, I purchased a copy of the PC version of Skyrim:Legendary, and I have spent the last several days here and on steam READING. I've also spent a good bit of time watching the various tuts and vids available for beginner's modding, BOSS, TeS5, and the NMN. Thanks in no small part to Gopher, I've got those down pat, except understanding the color coding in TeS5 when "cleaning". Maybe I missed that vid ? That said, after reading and watching, I've come to ask for some opinions before I get started. If I am wrong about something, or have drawn the wrong conclusion, please let me know. I'm not asking for anyone to do the work for me, just to point me in the right direction if I'm off my "compass". I'm starting with a clean install with the update, DB, HF, DG, and HD DLCs (cleaned). I've added all the unofficial patches through Steam. I've backed that up w/ a copy paste to a separate partition just in case. I am able to play with Ultra settings and good to very good frame rates. Which brings me to conclusion/ question 1: it seems to be better to download from the Nexus compared to Steam, because some files are missing or outdated or "lite", and the Nexus provides more information and options. Also, I realize that some of the best mods require the Script Extension and that I may as well run that. It removes a lot of options one would otherwise have. Right or wrong ? Which brings question 3 that I have searched for and couldn't find an answer. Can you set up a "clean install" in a separate folder or drive, and have a "modded install", or do you have to install/ uninstall ? I'm going with the CBBE body types and installing just a few basic armor and clothing mods there. Caliente couldn't make it much easier for a noob to integrate if she tried. I'll stick mostly to her files and textures, and mods that are compatable with CBBE for character enhancing and/or adding. For example: Bella's better, xenius character enhancements, and eyes of beauty. I'm pretty set on characters and followers as most of that is self-explanatory. Only 2 small questions here: I am NOT looking for an "anime" look. I'm not doing the apachii hair, and need to find a more realistic mod for hair. Suggestions ? Ultimate follower overhaul or amazing follower tweaks ? The main concerns and questions I have are for housing, environment, and immersion. I'll list the few remaining questions I have about that topic and appreciate any input/ suggestions: Environment: Truevision ENB vs. Realvision ENB vs. Skyrim HD 2k ? Are they needed with the DLC HD package ? Which gives me less anime and more real without drastic "brightness adjustments" ? Can Realvision be used in conjunction with Skyrim HD ? Is Skyrim HD w/ the HD DLC sufficient that adding one of the ENBs is redundant ? W.A.T.E.R. or Pure Waters, both seem equally popular, but which works better with the HD solutions above and the following mods ? : Climates of Tamriel , Lanterns All-in-One, Static Mesh Improvement, Realistic Lighting. Realistic Smoke and Embers, Revamped exterior fog, Enhanced Blood textures, Ruins clutter improved, Sounds of Skyrim (All-in-one), more dynamic shadows. Is there anything I am missing in that list (or a better option) that isn't a "memory hog" and works well with the ENB or HD solution ? IS there anything there that is redundant or unneeded ? Housing: Do the mods I install have to be Hearthfire versions only ? For example: The hermit's tree house, dragon falls, elevenwood, pinewood, granite hall. I've seen the pocket fold up tents and sites and I won't be using those as It feels a little "dirty" to use them, even though they are great mods. The Asteria is a must have for me. Immersion and other: I like thirteen's "quest" series, but word is that they consume a lot of memory. Is it worth having them, or would it be best to play through and DL them when I have done everything else ? Finally: Any suggestions that I have not covered or considered ? Is there anything that I don't know that I should know at this point for a basic modded setup ? Any utilities after Ui and SKSE that are must haves ? Thanks to all in advance.
