I'm New and Need Help

[KennithEM]

I'm currently trying to install this body preset mod https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/121754, but I'm a bit lost on how to get started.

The mod page lists several required mods, but it doesn’t provide clear instructions on the correct installation order or how to handle conflicts. Specifically, when Vortex prompts me about file overwrites, I’m unsure which mods should take priority. Since some of the required mods seem to conflict or "fight for dominance," I'm hesitant to proceed without guidance.

If anyone is familiar with this preset and could offer step-by-step instructions—especially regarding which mods to install, in what order, and how to handle overwrite prompts in Vortex—I’d be very grateful. Thanks in advance for your help!

[Karna5]

Hi, KennithEM. That link doesn't work for me, but I can give a general reply.

Body Presets don't generally need anything special other than that they be for the same body you're using.

Thus, if you're using 3BAv2, you'll need to use presets for that. If you're using BHUNP, you'll need presets for that. Etc.

If you've not yet installed any body, you'll need to start checking out pictures and examples and mods for the various body types because you won't just be using the Body Presets. You'll also be using outfit conversions for that body as well.

The good news for you is it sounds like maybe you haven't installed a body yet, so you're not ready to pick out a preset yet.

Pick a body, find out from its page what it needs (skeleton, physics, skin texture, etc.), and then start looking into body presets, outfit conversions and the like.

Don't use the body preset page for instructions on what to install first. Use the body mod page itself page to determine what it needs. That's where the instructions begin for you.

[KennithEM]

So my question is: does the installation order go CBBE → CBBE 3BA → Coffee with MILF? Should each one overwrite the previous one in that order?

Also, I’m running into an issue where the physics engine (CBPC) seems to be conflicting with CBBE. I’m not sure why this is happening, as I assumed they were meant to work together.

[Karna5]

Hi, Kennith. Just saw your question. This'll take a bit to type an answer, so I'm just letting you know with this that I'm typing

 

[Karna5]

It sounds like you're going with 3BA (that's what I use as well). FYI, it's technically known as 3BAv2. This is important to know down the road because some older outfit mods are for the first version of 3BA (known as 3BBB), and that's not a body shape match to 3BAv2. So when installing outfit mods, keep in mind making sure it's intended for version 2 (anything from roughly 2022 or newer which says 3BA is usually v2, but not always).

Also, fyi, this forum is considered general audience. So I can't actually link directly to adult mods from here, but I'll do my best to name them.

1. Yes, you'll begin with installing Caliente's Beautiful Body Enhancer CBBE v1.8.1. You'll also need to make sure you install BodySlide and Outfit Studio

2. Then you'll need to go to the CBBE 3BA (3BBB) v2.48 mod page and check the description tab for what to install first. It'll tell you to install:

• - CBBE (which you'll have done with step 1 above)
• - FSMP (NOT the other SMP, just the Faster SMP)
• - CBPC (this can exist  together with FSMP--I'll explain more below)
• - Papyrus Util
• - XP32 Skeleton

Once you've installed the above you can install the 3BA. During the installation process it will ask you what type of physics you want for the body. Personally I like more bouncy and to emphasize SMP more than  CBPC, but DO experiment for yourself what you like most. I'll talk about that below a bit more.

3. This is probably a good time to either make your own body preset or to install that one you're interested in. Make sure to install the 3BA version.

4. Once you've installed 3BA you're going to need to install outfit conversions to replace the vanilla outfits. I use the BD's Armor and Clothing replacer, but there are other less skimpy options as well. It's your call. Also BD's replacers have "zap" sliders for most of the outfits letting you control exactly how skimpy you want each outfit to be. Build the outfits to the preset of your choice.

Side note: Some people use something called OBody. I don't use that so can't guide you on it. But I do know that if you use OBody you will NOT build everything to the preset of your choice. You'll build everything to zero sliders and manually copy the presets you want to an OBody directory. For me that's too complicated, so I don't do that. I just build everything to the shape I want. However, I DO use a preset for which the 0 weight is very slender, and the 100 weight is very buxom, so I have a lot of body shape variety in my game simply by having weight mean something.

5. You can look into skin textures and makeups and RaceMenu and all sorts of aesthetic fine tuning at this point. I use BNP skin texture, for instance, but there are many choices with considerably different appearances. So there's no best option. Just try them, and if you like one keep it. And if not, then try something else.

At this point you should be in a pretty good state to start downloading non-vanilla outfits of your choice. Welcome to Modded Skyrim at this point

With regard to physics, the 3BA mod page has an optional download which lets you change just the physics configuration without reinstalling the skin textures and rebuilding all the bodies. Reinstall that physics configuration as often as you want with different settings until you find the movement physics and collision you like.

There's an MCM mod you'll want to make sure you have installed, though I don't remember in Skyrim how to install it. But some of the mods you'll have installed by this stage will give you a link. I mention this because 3BA also has an MCM setting to let you create a "spell" hotkey to swap between CBPC physics and SMP physics in-game without having to use your mod manager. Again, I like SMP, but some mods you try might work best with CBPC settings, so it's nice to be able to toggle in-game without reinstalling anything. 

Finally, when you're comfortably in this stage of your modding, start looking into additional aesthetic upgrades like High Poly Head. But I wouldn't jump into that right away until you've got a decent foundation for your body. And remember to try to think of this as fun, as a game! Don't fret or worry. It'll all take time, so just be patient and enjoy the changes as you make them

 

 

[KennithEM]

Wow, thank you so much for your help—I truly appreciate it. You've been an absolute lifesaver! I’ve been going in circles trying to figure all of this out, and your guidance has made such a big difference. It’s really comforting to have someone explain things so clearly and patiently, especially with something as confusing as mod conflicts and load order in Vortex. Would it be okay if I added you to my friend list? I’d love to stay connected in case I run into more questions down the line. Thanks again—seriously, I can't thank you enough!

[Karna5]

Of course, my friend. When I was first installing Skyrim SE/AE last May I was completely discombobulated and struggling, and I was rescued by kind people here at Nexus Mods as well. I'm just paying forward the kindness I myself needed and got. Well met, and don't hesitate to let me know if you have questions. I won't always know the answers, but I'll help if I can

[Karna5]

Post Script: I just noticed you're a premium member. That's very helpful, by the way, because if you have adult mod related questions, those are best to ask in the Supporter Image share section where you can post links and pictures as needed. That's actually where I got my help when I needed it last year. It's a much smaller community, but that actually helps in some ways because it means your post is less likely to be spammed off. And, as I said, there's much more freedom on what you can post there without getting in trouble with moderation.