Install order vs Load order?

[boxfreind]

I know that load order really does matter, no matter now many nubes say it does not. I use LOOT and it has been all I need.

But I see that a lot of these "load order" guides also guide you to install the mods in a particular order as well. I found BiRaitBec's guide to be a little hard to understand, partly because of his less than perfect use of English and his use of some odd technical terms/wording that don't make a lot of sense to me.

Does install order really matter (I think it does) and in what cases does it really matter and in which ones does it not?

Can anyone offer some tips as to what sort of mods to install first? I have started with texture mods, as these seem to be the first ones in the Skyrim SEPTIM Guide and in the BiRaitBec FO4 guide, but where should I go from there?

Thanks for your input.

[DoctorKaizeld]

install order just skips the need to sort the load order. types of mods don't need to be installed in any particular order unless another mod does the same thing.

 

for example, one mod affects textures another affects weapons stats. for these two mods, they can be installed and placed anywhere in your load order in relation to each other as neither one will affect the other.

 

now a texture mod and a weapon mod the texture mod goes to need to be installed in a specific order. the weapon must be installed first followed by the texture mod.

[wim95]

If Mod_A have FOMOD install script which automatically detects and enables compatibility patches for Mod_B and Mod_C, then Mod_B and Mod_C need installed before Mod_A.

 

The main rule:

 

First, install mod, then compatibility patch (or mod containing compatibility patch)

[Jannifer]

Qwerty's right...install order generally doesn't matter unless the files over-write each other. Some things, for example if you're using a mod which changes animations, may need to be installed in a specific order so that the over-writes work properly. So, you may need to install your skeleton mod first, then FNIS, then the animation mod, then run FNIS for Users to generate the animations files. Remember, too, that you can always say no to an over-write. I do this sometimes if I'm reinstalling a body mod and don't want its textures over-writing my modded ones. However, both of these cases are very specific instances and the kind of things that are usually covered in a mod's installation directions.

[boxfreind]

install order just skips the need to sort the load order. types of mods don't need to be installed in any particular order unless another mod does the same thing.

 

for example, one mod affects textures another affects weapons stats. for these two mods, they can be installed and placed anywhere in your load order in relation to each other as neither one will affect the other.

 

now a texture mod and a weapon mod the texture mod goes to need to be installed in a specific order. the weapon must be installed first followed by the texture mod.

Thank you, that helps!

[SirTwist]

I don't have a set install order for mods. However, I do use Mod Organizer 2, which does help. However, I install some mods, then if I need to, then compatibility mods/patches. In the past I didn't use compatibility patches, as I didn't need them. Since things have updated, etc, I do use them where needed. I typically place texture mods where ever, sometimes using them as a break, if you will, between categories of mods. This is not install, just moving stuff around. However, since I do have a rather fluid way of installing, and even loading my mods, I don't have any set advice for things. However, I do try to install similar mods. Such as looks mods, armor and clothing mods, weapons mods, settlement mods, inventory and hud mods. My load order, though, I don't use loot a whole lot, because it places things I need at the bottom where ever it feels like. So I have to move things around myself. One mod that I use, that some people don't, is Repaired Roofs. This mod has to be at the very bottom of the list, and Loot moves it elsewhere. I have to move it after Loot is done.