SSE Do copies of game files load when the game launches?

[Dragonfire12]

I often work on files, meshes and textures. As a precaution, I make a copy of the file I am working on. Say the game Skyrim Special Edition, Armor - ebonymail, cuirassf_0.nif and cuirassf_1.nif

I will make copies, cuirassf_0 - Copy.nif and cuirassf_1 - Copy.nif

Sometimes I do this a lot and lose track of just how many copies of meshes and textures I've actually made.

 

so I was wondering, When the game loads, does it load everything in the meshes and textures directories? Am I loading copies of things I haven't cleaned up into the game and contributing to bloat?

[HeyYou]

I think the game only loads assets that it needs right NOW, and then grabs whatever else as necessary.

[AGreatWeight]

No, it only loads assets that are directly referenced (either by the vanilla game .esm files, or in the case of a modded game, the modded files required by the mod/s .esp/.esm)

[Dragonfire12]

Thank you both for the replies. It's good to have an answer.

[steve40]

I never keep copies/backups of assets in the game folder. I put them in a separate folder somewhere and copy them to the game when needed.

[damanding]

Now that I'm updating collision on stuff using 3ds Max I've changed my entire workflow. I have an Unprocessed Items folder that I work in which is where items in progress are kept, including copies I make at various stages. Then once I've completed the item, updated collision and it's 100% finished then I move it into my mod's folder structure. Makes for a much cleaner mod folder that way.