Beginners guide to modding

[Manbum02]

Hey man thanks, it was amazing meeting you.

[Berenia19]

Hey everyone, I have a little question (I hope this is the correct section):

I understand that the lastest Nifskope built is a 64-bit build, and Skyrim LE is based on 32 bit. Can I still edit LE nifs with the actual 64-bit-build?

[gromulos]

@Berenia19

No, you would have to use a 32 bit Nifskope

32 bit   Nifskope

[ZeroOblivion27]

Reply: Things Not Covered or Said

First off, thank you for such an incredibly thorough and helpful guide! It’s clear a lot of effort and experience went into this, and it’s been invaluable. However, there are a few points I think are worth mentioning that weren’t covered in the guide, and I’d like to add them to ensure everyone has all the info they need:

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Testing Your Mods as You Go
While the guide does a great job of explaining load order and mod tools, one thing I think is often overlooked is testing mods as you go. Modding is a gradual process, and it’s essential to check your game after adding a few mods at a time. By testing each mod and combination, you can catch any issues early on before they snowball into bigger problems. This approach will save you from hours of frustration if something breaks.

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Mod Performance and System Specs
Another thing not often discussed is the impact mods can have on your game’s performance, especially for newer users. High-res textures and complex mods can place a heavy load on your system. If your frame rate drops or you experience crashes, it's a good idea to check if your PC specs meet the requirements for the mods you’re using. You might need to reduce the number of high-impact mods or find lower-resolution versions to maintain stability. Modding for performance is just as important as adding new content.

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Modding Etiquette and Community Behavior
One thing worth mentioning is modding etiquette. As we dive deeper into modding, it’s important to remember to respect the work of others. Give credit where it’s due, don’t redistribute mods without permission, and always follow any terms of use provided by mod authors. Being respectful and following ethical guidelines helps create a better, more collaborative modding community for everyone.

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Backups and Safety
This may seem like a given, but backing up your save files and mod data can save you from a lot of headaches later on. Sometimes mods can conflict, causing game-breaking issues, and having a backup ready allows you to revert to a working state without starting from scratch. Always make a habit of backing up your mods and save files before making major changes or adding new mods.

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Mod Updates and Maintenance
Finally, modding doesn't stop after installation. A mod that works perfectly today might be outdated in a few months. It’s always important to keep an eye on updates for your favorite mods—many mod authors release bug fixes, compatibility updates, or improvements regularly. Staying on top of updates ensures you’re always using the best and most stable versions of the mods in your setup.

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Thanks again for the guide, and I hope these additions help users even further! Modding is such a rewarding experience, and with a bit of patience and the right tools, everyone can create the Skyrim experience they’ve always wanted. If you have any other tips or thoughts, feel free to share!