Modding Guide for Absolute Beginners

[KobasMastan]

First of all, I'd like to greet everyone on Nexusmods.com since I just joined a couple days ago :D

 

The reason for posting this topic should be obvious, which is to say I have absolutely no clue (experience) about Skyrim modding.

I've been playing the game ever since it came out, and never once did I thought about adding something to it since it was already perfect as it is (for me at least).

But after several years of playing thorugh all combinations of classes and races possible, as well as getting to know every inch of Skyrim map by heart, I can't help but feel that there should be more to it. And that's the reason I'm here. After seeing several clips of Skyrim mods, I was honestly shocked to see Skyrim being made into a completely new game, which is exactly what I need right now since I don't play any other video game at all (I'm not joking).

 

That brings us to the actual topic. But before that, I just wanna say that I'm not a noob when it comes to working in an OS (I have over a decade of experience in Windows, from win98 to win8), so no need to go into any hardcore details. I've already checked out some mods I like, and the instruction given to install them seem pretty simple as well. What I'm trying to do here is make sure that I don't make any mistake while adding mods, IE: compatibility issues, adding order, the amount of mods allowed, etc. So if any experienced users would be kind enough to take a bit of their time, and advise this absolute modding beginner about how mods should be added properly, I would be very grateful.

 

I've skimmed thorugh the forum, but found no actual general topic for total modding noobs, only some specific troubleshooting issues and other complicated stuff, which is the reason why I'm posting this. If this was already answered somewhere, please kindly point me to it.

 

Every bit of imput you can give is greatly appreciated, such as:

• your personal experiences,
• pro modding tips in general,
• useful links,
• list of mods you think I should start with first,
• what do and what not to do when adding mods,
• working in Nexus Mod Manager,
• and anything else you think will be helpful.

I'm especially interested in how to properly instal mods for my character and other NPCs, because from what I figured, not every model is compatible with every armor, IE custom modded armors wont fit on default (you call it vanilla?) body models and vice versa.

 

Hopefully this thread will help many other newcommers to modding in the future, so post as if you're nurturing the future generations which has yet to discover the glorious world of The Elder Scrolls and everything it has to offer :D

 

P.S. I have a clean Skyrim Legendary Edition v1.9.32.0.8 installed, with all Bethesda's DLCs (Dawnguard, Dragonborn and Hearthfires) and HD texture packs, which I run perfectly on a very powerful machine.

[Mattiewagg]

http://forums.nexusmods.com/index.php?/topic/2235394-beginners-guide-to-modding/

[SuperPlatypus64]

Lot's of stuff to post, but I'll cover some of the very basics, so as you mod and learn, you won't go through the struggles some mistakes can cause.

1. Nexus Mod Manager or Mod Organizer

There are pros and cons of each, but here's what's important:

 

Mod Organizer will not "install" anything to your Skyrim Data Directory, thus you're game will remain clean. Make a mistake with a mod? No problem, it won't screw up your game. It also allows "profiles," so you can install different mods per character, and keep different character's saves from touching each other (Ewww!). The downside: it is very very hard to learn, and will be frustrating once you get into animations with FNIS, using SKSE, etc.

 

Nexus Mod Manager doesn't cleanly install nor uninstall mods, so if you make a mistake, you may need to start from scratch. It's risky, doesn't allows mod profiles nor character profiles, and will be a pain later down the road. The upside? It's super easy to use, and works fantastically until you get to more complex modding. My warning with NMM is this: easy as it seems, it does cause problems, and is very hard to migrate away from. You will end up using Mod Organizer eventually, so NMM is more of a learning tool, unless you're not going to mod very heavily.

 

2. Load Order and You

 

Load order is very important, but only truly challenging when you have a lot of mods. Use LOOT, Mod Organizer, or learn about load order to get it down. In short, mods later in the load order get priority, so if MOD B overwrites MOD A, then put MOD B after MOD A in the load order. Modding has a learning curve, and you will eventually get load order down, it just takes practice.

 

3. The Various Modding Websites

 

There are 3 main modding websites, and each serves a different function. Let me sum them up:

• Steam Workshop - No work required, very easy, no learning curve, but let's face it, the mods are incredibly lame, often just Assassins's Creed Armor for Skyrim.
• Nexus Mods - The main place to get mods, this will likely serve all of your modding needs. Great community, some of the top talent, and a DIY attitude, this place will be the path on your modding journey.
• Loverslab - Sex mods. There's also a non-adult section of the community, and it is a fantastic community, but at the end of the day, it serves one purpose: make available the mods banned from the Nexus.

4. Modding with NMM

 

I assume you'll be starting with NMM, so here's what you need to know. Download mods from the nexus with the "Download with Nexus" button. It automates stuff, and makes modding super easy. If the mod doesn't have this option, then download it, and select "Add mod from file" in NMM. DO NOT MANUALLY INSTALL MODS. You have been warned.

 

5. Safe Modding Practices

• Save before you install a new mod, so if it doesn't work, your save file isn't ruined by it.
• Test the mod on a new character before you test it on your main save file
• Install all requirements before testing a mod
• Always do a clean uninstall (or as much of one as is possible). This differs per mod, but should be listed on the nexus page for each mod
• Run FNIS after installing any animation mod. You'll learn more about this later.

6. Requirements for Modding

• SKSE (Skyrim Script Extender) - A must have for most mods
• SkyUI - the Mod Configuration Menu is awesome, and often a requirement
• FNIS - For any animation mod to work
• A mod manager - DO NOT DO A MANUAL INSTALL

7. Personal Recommendations

• Enhanced Character Edit - Create the character of your dreams, no restrictions
• SG Hair Pack 268 - Not sure if this is around any more, but it's amazing
• CBBE, HDT TBBP Supported, Mature Skin Texture - My favorite config for the character body, and the only way to get body physics without nudity. Also harder to configure correctly, but you can find guides for that.
• Alternate Start (Live Another Life) - Adds many new options for the start of the game, which increases playtime dramatically
• Frostfall, Hunterborne, Realistic Needs & Diseases, etc - All immersion mods to make Skyrim realistic. Also all must haves.
• YY Battlemage, YY Zweilander, etc. - YY animations mods are for female characters (usually), but are fantastic.
• Falskaar, Moonpath to Elseweyr - Add new lands, quests, and extend the life of your game.
• Apocalypse Spells, Midas Magic - Fun spells for the mage in all of us.
• Tribunal Robes and masks - Great for battlemages
• Immersive Weapons and Immersive Armors - Add a ton of new content, all of which is great
• Geared Up - The best alternative to the dreaded Armed to the Teeth mod. It really is better, trust me.

Obviously, these mods only scratch the surface, but explore the nexus, search Google, and you'll find mods to suit your fancy.

 

8. Conclusion

 

Hope this helps with the modding, at least starting with it. Although it may seem frightening, and definitely a daunting task, modding Skyrim is incredibly easy. Just start with simple mods, test them out, and once you're feeling confident, move on to more challenging ones, like animations (FNIS), things that require SkyProc (or not, SkyProc is hell, especially with MO), and perhaps, if you're feeling confident, Mod Organizer. Just mod regularly, learn what the different components of a mod are, what the different parts of Skyrim's Data are for, and soon, you will be able to handle some of the tough stuff. All it takes is practice, practice, all-nighters trying to get Requiem out of your game, a few games of File Roulette, Windows 8.1 style, some basic knowledge of advanced coding, and a bit of sarcastic humor, and presto! you'll be comfortable modding. Enjoy Skyrim, and all of the mods that can make it amazing!

[WalkingDED]

I don't use this but I do kind of wish I had found it when I first got into modding. I think it will give you a good starting point.

 

http://wiki.step-project.com/STEP:2.2.9

 

This is what I use as my graphics base alongside my gameplay/immersion mods and it's easy to follow along:

 

http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/30936/?

[KobasMastan]

  On 12/27/2014 at 11:43 PM, SuperPlatypus64 said:

Lot's of stuff to post, but I'll cover some of the very basics, so as you mod and learn, you won't go through the struggles some mistakes can cause.

Thanks for taking the time to write all that. It means a lot!

I've found some tuts about using LOOT, Wrybash and Tes5edit, so I'm going over those right now.

And I'll be sure to check out your recommended mods, because I need to extend my game as much as possible :D

[KobasMastan]

  On 12/27/2014 at 11:23 PM, Matthiaswagg said:

http://forums.nexusmods.com/index.php?/topic/2235394-beginners-guide-to-modding/

Thanks! That helps alot. I'll get right on it :D

 

  On 12/28/2014 at 7:33 AM, WalkingDED said:

I don't use this but I do kind of wish I had found it when I first got into modding. I think it will give you a good starting point.

 

http://wiki.step-project.com/STEP:2.2.9

 

This is what I use as my graphics base alongside my gameplay/immersion mods and it's easy to follow along:

 

http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/30936/?

Whoa! That step project is massive! Very nice organized list of mods, it'll definitely come in handy :D

And that RealVision, holy crap! That'll be the first mod I'll install :D

[Terra Nova]

Pro-tip: SKSE is not evil. People seem to have something against SKSE, yet people are 100% willing to download an MCM menu which requires SKSE and SkyUI. /rant

[KobasMastan]

  On 12/29/2014 at 8:46 AM, Terra Nova said:

Pro-tip: SKSE is not evil. People seem to have something against SKSE, yet people are 100% willing to download an MCM menu which requires SKSE and SkyUI. /rant

Good to know. I actually already installed it so that I can get that extended 512MB memory patch which prevents vanilla from crashing, and also a memory logger as an add-on to SKSE, which keeps track of my framerate and memory usage. Courtesy of Gopher and his tutorial vids :D

Man, Nexus has some pretty sweet stuff, my eyes have finally been opened. To think that the guy who made official patches for Bethesda is a member here and helps the community by making all kinds of tools and fixes... Just wow.