Just got GOTY edition. Must have mods?

[tsff19]

I just picked up the Game of the Year edition for Oblivion. What mods are considered "must have" or otherwise essential?

[ptbptb]

I just picked up the Game of the Year edition for Oblivion. What mods are considered "must have" or otherwise essential?

 

Not mods, but utilities:

Oblivion mod manager

Oblivion Script Extender (OBSE)

Better Oblivion Sorting Software (BOSS)

Fast Exit

Windom Earle's Oblivion Crash Prevention System

Game Booster

 

Bug fixes and patches:

Unofficial Oblivion Patch

Unofficial Oblivion Patch Hotfix v324

Unofficial Shivering Isles Patch

Unofficial Official Mods Patch

 

If you have less than 512MB on your video card:

RPG-BlackDragons LowPolyTrees

RPG-BlackDragons-LowTriPolyGrass

Optimised Distant Land MAX

Reduced Distant Land Textures MAX

 

These are pretty unarguably good:

SM Plugin Refurbish

Loading Screens Themed Replacer

Loading Screens Themed AddOn

Oblivion Sound Sets

See You Sleep

Map Marker Overhaul

Super Hotkeys

Birthsigns Expanded

Stylish Jump - Animation Replacer

MiniMap - HUD Element

Vanity Camera Smoother

 

There are others I could recommend but they come more into the category of personal taste.

[Balakirev]

Everybody asks for the most desired mods; threads every week. Now, I just put up my working modlist. If something looks interesting, you can probably find it here on TES Nexus:

 

Active Mod Files:
00  Oblivion.esm
01  Cybiades.esm  [Version 2.0]
02  Windfall.esm
03  TR_OoT_Main.esm
04  Francesco's Leveled Creatures-Items Mod.esm
05  Francesco's Optional New Items Add-On.esm
06  Cobl Main.esm  [Version 1.72]
07  Mart's Monster Mod.esm  [Version 3.7b3p3]
08  TamrielTravellers.esm  [Version 1.39c]
09  CyrodiilUpgradeResourcePack.esm
0A  Armamentarium.esm
0B  DremoraCompanion.esm
0C  Fort Akatosh.esm
0D  ANB_Scrolls.esm
0E  StaticAlchemyMod.esm
0F  CM Partners.esm
10  Toaster Says Share v3.esm
11  Unofficial Oblivion Patch.esp  [Version 3.2.4]
12  SPTDiverseGuards.esp
13  SPTDiverseGuardsMRHuman.esp
**  TNR ALL RACES FINAL.esp
**  TNR - ShiveringIsles.esp
14  Unofficial Shivering Isles Patch.esp  [Version 1.4.0]
15  DLCShiveringIsles Vwalk UOS.esp
16  DLCShiveringIsles Vwalk DG_DS UOS.esp
17  TNR ALL RACES FINAL Vwalk UOS.esp
18  UOP Vampire Aging & Face Fix.esp  [Version 1.0.0]
19  Oblivion Citadel Door Fix.esp
1A  DLCShiveringIsles.esp
1B  LoadingScreens.esp
1C  Better Bell Sounds.esp
1D  Advanced_Water_Modification-2734.esp
1E  Natural_Habitat_by_Max_Tael.esp
1F  AmbientTownSounds.esp
20  Storms & Sound.esp
21  Cities Alive At Night.esp
22  WindowLightingSystem.esp
23  300_Lore_Dialogue_Updated.esp
24  AliveWaters.esp
25  Ayleid Loot EXtension.esp
26  DaggerfallBooks.esp
27  Book Jackets Oblivion.esp
28  ChaseCameraMod.esp
29  GuildOwnership1.2.esp
2A  ImpeREAL City Unique Districts - All the Districts - Let The People Drink Compatible Version - Merged.esp
2B  ImpeREAL Empire - Unique Castles - All The Castles - Merged.esp
2C  kalikuts_raretradegoods2_0.esp
2D  MorrowindBooks.esp
2E  Maigrets House Cats.esp
2F  Oblivion Collectible Cards.esp
30  Doomstones Expanded.esp
31  Timekeeper_Advanced.esp
32  moDem's City Life.esp
33  Crowded Cities 15.esp
34  Crowded Cities 15 Vwalk.esp
35  Crowded Roads Advanced.esp  [Version 1.3]
36  Choices and Consequences.esp  [Version 2.1]
37  Map Marker Overhaul.esp  [Version 3.2]
38  Map Marker Overhaul - SI additions.esp  [Version 3.0.2]
39  sr_super_hotkeys.esp
3A  DLCOrrery.esp
3B  DLCOrrery Vwalk.esp
3C  DLCOrrery - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.3]
3D  DLCVileLair.esp
3E  DLCVileLair - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.5]
3F  DLCMehrunesRazor.esp
40  DLCMehrunesRazor - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.4]
41  DLCMehrunesRazor Vwalk UOP.esp
42  DLCSpellTomes.esp
++  DLCSpellTomes - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.1]
**  Book Jackets DLC.esp
43  ArmamentariumArmor.esp
++  GrimbotsSpellTomes.esp
44  ArmamentariumVendors.esp
45  ExnemEyeCandy.esp
46  Banes Guilds United.esp
++  MaleBodyReplacerV4.esp
++  doofdillas_potions_recolored_sorted_v0_3_1.esp  [Version 0.3.1]
**  FineWeapons.esp
47  HiddenSkulls.esp
48  Sin's Expanded Light Armor Kit [Chest].esp
49  Sin's Expanded Light Armor Kit [NPC].esp
4A  Mage Equipment.esp
4B  ArynnsDrowQueen2.0.esp
4C  StockClothingArmor-forExnems.esp
4D  Morrowind Robes and Dresses for HGEC.esp
4E  DLCThievesDen.esp
4F  DLCThievesDen - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.5]
50  DLCThievesDen Vwalk UOP.esp
51  DLCThievesDen - Unofficial Patch - SSSB.esp  [Version 1.0.4]
++  Francesco's Optional Vendor Tweaks.esp
52  Francesco's Optional Leveled Quests.esp
53  Francesco's Optional Leveled Arena.esp
54  Francesco's Optional Files 2.esp
55  Cobl Glue.esp  [Version 1.72]
56  Cobl Si.esp  [Version 1.63]
++  Cobl Tweaks.esp  [Version 1.44]
57  Bob's Armory Oblivion.esp
58  Mart's Monster Mod for Fran.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
++  Mart's Monster Mod - Shivering Isles.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
59  Mart's Monster Mod - Additional Enemy NPC Vars.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
++  Mart's Monster Mod - Diverse Imperial Armor.esp  [Version 3.7b3p]
5A  Mart's Monster Mod - Gems & Gem Dust.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
++  Mart's Monster Mod - Looting NPCs & Creatures.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
5B  Mart's Monster Mod - Durability & Damage.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
5C  Mart's Monster Mod - Fran's leveled quests.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
5D  Mart's Monster Mod - Safer Quest Locations.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
5E  Mart's Monster Mod - Dungeons of MMM.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
5F  Mart's Monster Mod - More Wilderness Life No Gates.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
60  Mart's Monster Mod - City Defences.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
61  Mart's Monster Mod - Extra Wounding.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
62  Mart's Monster Mod - Farm Animals.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
63  Mart's Monster Mod - Diverse WaterLife.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
++  Mart's Monster Mod - Slof Horses Complete.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
++  Mart's Monster Mod - Diverse Runeskulls Loot G&GD.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
64  TamrielTravellers4MMM.esp  [Version 1.39c]
65  TamrielTravellers4MMM Vwalk.esp
++  TamrielTravellersFactionAll.esp  [Version 1.39c]
66  TamrielTravellersItemsnpc.esp  [Version 1.39c]
67  TamrielTravellersItemsCobl.esp  [Version 1.39c]
68  TamrielTravellersItemsVendor.esp  [Version 1.39c]
69  ShiveringIsleTravellers.esp  [Version 1.39c]
6A  ShiveringIsleTravellers Vwalk.esp
++  ShiveringIsleTravellersFriendlyFactions.esp  [Version 1.39c]
6B  Full Harvest.esp  [Version 1.0]
++  ShiveringIsleTravellersFriendlyFactions4MMM.esp  [Version 1.39c]
++  MMM-Cobl.esp  [Version 1.69]
6C  cyrodiil transportation network wz.esp
6D  DexwoodFamilySaga.esp
6E  Extended Imperial City Version 1.0.esp
6F  Extended Imperial City Version 1.0 Vwalk.esp
70  Extended Chorrol.esp
71  Extended Chorrol Vwalk.esp
72  Fort Ferrion.esp
73  Fort Falkenshire.esp
74  Fort_Krakatus-8431.esp
75  Gaelendryl.esp
76  Gift of Kynareth.esp
77  HeartOftheDead.esp  [Version 6.0.1]
78  HeartOftheDead Vwalk.esp
79  Kragenir's Death Quest.esp
7A  LetThePeopleDrink-Cobl.esp  [Version 2.5]
7B  KragenirsDeathQuest-LetThePeopleDrink patch.esp
7C  LostSwordOfTheAylied.esp
7D  LostSwordOfTheAylied - OBSE Add-On.esp
7E  Quest For The Elements.esp
7F  QQuix - Divine Elegance Showroom.esp
80  Ruins of Aeris Zul.esp
81  Ruins of Tarnesia.esp  [Version 1.0]
82  Skingrad Market 1.0.esp  [Version 1.00]
83  Spirit's Edge.esp
84  SSS_1.0.esp
85  Tchos Alchemy Tower.esp
86  The Ayleid Steps.esp  [Version 3.0]
87  The Crazy Scientist.esp
88  TheElderCouncil.esp
89  TR_Stirk.esp
8A  WeaponsOfTheNine.esp  [Version 2.2]
8B  WellspringGrove.esp
8C  Windfall.esp
8D  DLCFrostcrag.esp
8E  DLCFrostcrag Vwalk.esp
8F  DLCFrostcrag - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.4]
90  Knights.esp
91  Knights - Unofficial Patch.esp  [Version 1.0.9]
92  Knights Vwalk UOP.esp
++  Mart's Monster Mod - Knights.esp  [Version 3.7b3p3]
93  Cybiades.esp  [Version 2.1]
94  CybiadesDungeon.esp  [Version 2.1]
95  TOTF.esp
96  RTT.esp
97  RTT-Weye Relocation Patch.esp  [Version 2.0]
98  The Lost Spires.esp
99  AFK_Weye.esp
9A  GuardsofCyrodiil.esp
9B  MannimarcoRevisited.esp
9C  Shadowcrest_Vineyard_COBL.esp
9D  FortAkatosh.esp
9E  FortAkatosh-VileLair patch.esp
9F  bartholm.esp
A0  Duke Patricks Sickness Alarm.esp
A1  Natural_Vegetation_by_Max_Tael.esp
A2  RealisticFlora.esp  [Version 2.7.0]
A3  RealisticFlora - DLCFrostcrag.esp  [Version 2.7.0]
++  RealisticFlora - DLCVileLair.esp  [Version 2.7.0]
A4  BOO_BulletTime.esp
A5  Cliff_BetterLetters.esp  [Version 1.1]
A6  DS Storage Sacks.esp  [Version 1.21]
A7  Exterior Actors Have Torches 1.3 DT.esp
A8  2nd to 1st person.esp
A9  ImprovedSoulgems.esp  [Version 1.11]
AA  Kyoma's Journal Mod.esp  [Version 3.2.0]
AB  Salmo the Baker, Cobl.esp  [Version 3.08]
AC  Toggleable Quantity Prompt.esp  [Version 3.1.1]
AD  Roleplaying Dialogues.esp
AE  Quest Award Leveller.esp  [Version 2.0.1]
AF  Quest Award Leveller - Vile Lair.esp  [Version 2.1.0]
++  Quest Award Leveller - Mehrunes Razor.esp  [Version 2.1.0]
B0  Quest Award Leveller - Knights of the Nine.esp  [Version 2.1.0]
B1  Kyoma's Spell Renamer.esp  [Version 2.0.4]
B2  Mighty Magick - Settings.esp
B3  Mighty Magick - Spells and Creatures.esp
B4  Mighty Magick - Skills.esp
B5  Mighty Magick - Races.esp
++  DLCSpellTomes MM Patch.esp  [Version 1.3]
B6  bgMagicEV.esp  [Version 1.7EV]
B7  SSEE.esp
B8  Syc_AtHomeAlchemy.esp
++  EnchantmentRestore_Wells.esp
++  Mundane Enchantment Adjustment.esp
B9  No psychic guards v1.2.esp
BA  Legendary Abilities-Shield MOJ.esp
++  77_Umpa_Sexy_walk.esp
BB  Toaster Says Share Faction Recruitment.esp
++  bgMagicSpellTomes_for_WryeBash.esp  [Version 1.68EV]
BC  bgMagicBonus.esp  [Version 1.7EV]
BD  bgMagicEVPaperChase.esp  [Version 1.68EV]
BE  BC Skingrad Reduced - EV.esp
BF  Francesco's 10 days respawn time.esp
C0  Azure's Arcanery.esp
C1  Kot9 Rings.esp
++  WellspringGroveZahrashaBook.esp
C2  CM Armor Expansion.esp
++  FingerOfTheMountain.esp
C3  CWU MM - Demon Weapons.esp
C4  MagicFromTheSky.esp
C5  Slof and Tanya's Fleshbeast Armour.esp
C6  Riddle_Dungeon 2_v1.1.esp
C7  EiAmod.esp  [Version 1.1]
++  EiAmod_ShiveringIsles.esp
++  Fransfemale.esp
C8  Grandmaster of Alchemy.esp
C9  Slof's & Orc's Armours.esp
++  YAARM_Iron.esp
++  Shivering Armor Variety.esp
CA  DremoraCompanion.esp
CB  Banes.esp
CC  Growlfs Hot Clothes.esp
CD  PartnerArmor.esp
CE  Apachii_Goddess_Store.esp
CF  Flexible Leveling II.esp
D0  More Merchants.esp
D1  train-25.esp
D2  Cobl Races.esp  [Version 1.52]
++  Cobl Races - Balanced.esp  [Version 1.52]
++  HGEC_special_armor_repl.esp
D3  SupremeMagicka.esp  [Version 0.89]
D4  SM_ShiveringIsles.esp  [Version 0.86]
D5  SM_Scrolls.esp  [Version 0.84]
D6  SM_SigilStone.esp  [Version 0.83]
D7  SM_DLCSpellTome.esp  [Version 0.80]
D8  SM_COBL.esp  [Version 0.86]
D9  SM_MMM.esp  [Version 0.89]
++  bgMagicEVAddEnVar.esp  [Version 1.68EV]
**  bgMagicEVShader.esp  [Version 1.7EV]
DA  bgMagicLightningbolt.esp
DB  1em_Vilja.esp
DC  Baddy.esp
DD  Companion Neeshka.esp
DE  Companion Neeshka Vwalk.esp
DF  Saerileth.esp
E0  Viconia.esp
E1  Viconia Vwalk.esp
E2  Sonia.esp
E3  RhiannaII.esp
E4  DARaewyn.esp
E5  X.Night.Elf.esp
E6  Nec-Character_Sonnet_Mature.esp
E7  CMNightElves.esp
E8  companion_nightelves.esp
E9  Xenia_CMPartner.esp
**  IDKRRR_C_race.esp
EA  IDKRRR_C_race_closed_mouth_version.esp
EB  Chocolate Elves.esp
EC  CMChocloateelves.esp
ED  companion_chocolate.esp
++  Duke Patricks - BASIC Script Effect Silencer.esp
++  Item interchange - Extraction.esp  [Version 0.78]
++  Item interchange - Placement.esp  [Version 0.78]
EE  Bashed Patch, 0.esp
EF  RshAlchemy.esp
F0  RAEVWD Cities.esp  [Version 1.4]

[Megatarius]

OOO

Overhaul mod, basically makes it better.

http://www.oscurogamedesign.com/down-game-ooo-high.html

or

FCOM

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12249

 

3rd Person Animations in 1st Person View

The first person view is really weak I think. This is better.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=18617

or

Immersive First Person

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20891

 

Better Music System

This game has some really good music, but it was not used very well. This fixes it.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=26892

 

Deadly Reflex

Better fighting moves.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8273

 

Unnecessary Violence

Ditto. Tough to get both this and DR working together.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24936

 

Supreme Magicka

The magic system is also not very good. This fixes it.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12466

 

Midas Magic

Additional spells.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9562

 

Better Cities

Makes the cities more realistic.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16513

 

Crowded Cities

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=6665

 

Crowded Roads

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20575

 

Alternate Starts

For when you're bored with the original start. I personally like the original start.....

http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View...tail&id=822

 

Hoarfrost Castle

The ultimate player home.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14714

 

A Bloody Mess

Get covered in blood.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11182

 

Roberts Male and Female

Just all around well modeled and textured CG humans. Excellent work. Better than the regular body models.

Male http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25365

Female http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15624

 

Oblivion Mod Manager (OBMM)

http://timeslip.chorrol.com/obmm_download.html

 

Oblivion Script Extender (OBSE)

You'll need this for most of the best mods.

http://obse.silverlock.org/

 

Wrye Bash

http://www.wryemusings.com/

[bben46]

Lots of interesting advice here. Instead of recommending mods, I will make some other recommendations.

 

Do play the game for a while with no mods so you will know what you would like to change, and be able to tell if it actually changed what you wanted it to.

 

DO NOT make the noob mistake of thinking you will save time loading a bunch of mods all at once. Any time you save will be more than lost in troubleshooting to find the mods that are causing problems.

 

DO start with a simple mod. Trying to install a large complicated mod that makes a lot of changes to the game will be much more difficult if you have not installed a few simpler mods first. This one thing can save a lot of frustration.

 

Note: I have a set of help files for people who are not computer geeks and are new to mods. They include downloading, extracting (unzipping) installing and activating mods. I have included a simple mod to practice on and instructions for installing and using 7-zip. If you are interested, click on the highlighted link below to be taken to the site where they are kept. I recommend starting with #1 and working your way through them.

 

http://s1.zetaboards.com/TheStormRavenLibrary/forum/256092/

 

If you use them I would appreciate some feedback as to what needs improvement and what works for you.

 

Do install one mod at a time, then test to be sure it works before installing the next - the best place to test is OUTSIDE of the sewer that completes the tutorial. Make a save game there and use that one for testing new mods. The Imperial City is another good place to do testing. I usually load the end of sewers save and travel from there to the city. Walk around the city and talk to a few people. Try to get into a fight with some creature and a human too. if that works, the mod is probably OK. If the mod only affects a specific place, be sure to go there for testing.

 

Do make sure you have the latest patch and OBSE as many mods will not work without them.

 

Do make a back up of your data folder BEFORE adding any mods. Yes, vanilla means the base game, with the latest patch and no mods. That is what you want to back up - Just make a new folder OUTSIDE of the Oblivion folder and copy the data folder into it - give it a name like original_data so you will be able to know what it is 3 months from now when you need it to avoid a complete uninstall and reinstall.

 

Do use OBSE and OBMM. Wrye Bash is a great program with many functions, but you will not need them at first. OBMM will do everything you need and is much easier for a neophyte to install and use. After you have worked with mods for a while you may consider Wrye Bash. You can use both with no problems if you wish.

 

Do read the readme and any other documentation with EVERY mod you use, as there may be differences in installing or using that mod.

 

Do learn to use either the OBMM OMOD or the Wrye Bash BAIN installers as they make installing, removing and reinstalling mods so much easier (Pick one and stick with it)

 

And finally, If you have problems, DO ask here, as there is always someone willing to help.

[Coenraad]

I would not do want to do without HGEC female body, and the many armors you can get for it. (like the eyecandy compilation/appachii godess store). For me the best body for females, has many options to chose from(body types and breast types) and also has the most addon armors and there are some good high ress texture packs for it as well.

 

Apart from that, Hentai Mania, is a nice one, it adds 28 dungeons, with their unique loot and adversaries.

Go to the download section, and just go over the most downloaded/endorsement list in a descending order. there you will find loads of good addons.

[NArroo]

Hey, do either of those first person view enhancements show Slof's better beasts mod's enhancements on your character in the 1st person? Currently, things like Claws only appear in 3rd person mode.