Question About Vortex/Manual Mod Install

[Toak71]

I just started installing mods for Skyrim SSE on my PC, I've mostly been using Vortex, but I've noticed some mods don't have the Vortex option and only have the Manual Option? If I do Manual do I just extract to the Data folder of the game?

 

Also wondering if I can install some mods with Vortex/Manual and some just through the in-game Mods section of the game (where console players would get mods from) as I realized some of the ones without a Vortex option are located there.

 

Thanks in advance.

[Algabar]

It depends on the mod. Most mods that only have a "manual" install option have files that need to be placed outside the Skyrim SE/data folder (the folder, where most of your modded files are located). Most mod managers are set up to only install to that "data" folder. So a mod (like for example SKSE) that needs to have some of its files placed directly into the Skyrim SE root folder (or even outside of it), can't be installed with most mod managers. In this case, manual install is necessary. Carefully read and follow the mod author's instruction. Usually mod authors will tell you ecaxtly what files to place where.

 

Another type of "manual" install mods are mods you might download from other sources than the Nexus. These files are often mods that go into the Skyrim SE/data folder as usual. Since they aren't hosted on the NExus, you can't directly download them with Vortex. In this case, you can simply download the zipped file and drag it to that rectangular square at the bottom of your "mods" tab in Vortex. Vortex will then import the files and let you install them as normal mods, which are fully managed by Vortex.

 

As for sorting mods in game: It is basically possible to use both, Vortex and the in game mod list. I wouldn't recommend that. Let Vortex do its thing, let it sort the plugins and don't touch the in game mod list. OFC, this is only viable as long as you haven't stuff from the Creation Club installed. In this case, you need to use the in game tool. But seriously - who wants to buy mods from the Creation Club anyway? :sick:

[anjenthedog]

FWIW...

 

For mods you want to manually download and archive, (I tend to do that with certain mods, as well as for mods downloaded from outside Nexus), just remember that if you manually install a mod (necessary if you install from a locally stored copy), make sure to copy your archived mod file to some sort of "install" folder prior to installing it. That way, if you uninstall and use the "remove source" option, you won't delete your archived content, just the copy you dropped into your "install" folder.

 

( I could be wrong there, but I remember installing something from a local copy, uninstalling it for some reason...I think during the 1.5.80 update mess - for me a mess anyway - and found it was gone from my archive directory afterwards when I went back to re-add it into the game. grain of salt rules apply)

 

edit also, some mods have multiple variants...for instance, many follower mods come with a variety of body type options (CBBE, UNP, UUNP, etc). If you choose the prominent "Vortex" installation option, you are going to get the top-most listed choice in body type no matter what that option is.

 

IMO/IME, it pays to at least give a look at the "files" tab prior to downloading and installing a given mod. Additionally, there may also be secondary downloads in that section you might otherwise miss by just clicking "Vortex". (for instance, documentation, bodyslides for followers, patches, etc)

[Algabar]

 

 

edit also, some mods have multiple variants...for instance, many follower mods come with a variety of body type options (CBBE, UNP, UUNP, etc). If you choose the prominent "Vortex" installation option, you are going to get the top-most listed choice in body type no matter what that option is.

 

Good advice. Always go to the "files" tab of a mod you're interested in. This lets you choose the version you want (if there's more than one). OFC you can still download with Vortex - you only decide which specific file you want.

[anjenthedog]

 

 

Good advice. Always go to the "files" tab of a mod you're interested in. This lets you choose the version you want (if there's more than one). OFC you can still download with Vortex - you only decide which specific file you want.

 

 

Yeah. The ability to use Vortex for managing the install is still active for most (ime) when you pick an optional "configuration" for follower/bodyslide/companion mods... that is, if it offers more than one. In any case, downloading to local and then installing from Vortex is easy too, so it's not the end of the world if Vortex isn't doing it directly from Nexus.

 

But additionally, it's important to note and reiterate that often times, files like an accompanying bodyslide definition - the body definition files one uses within Bodyslide Studio to fit clothing to or adjust body details for a player or NPC/follower/companion - or a mod patch may also be in the files section. Clicking vortex blindly misses the opportunity to install those where necessary or desired. It took me about a month or so before I clued into that not-so-minor detail.