Chapter 2: Essential Mods for Skyrim
Skyrim is a massive game that offers players an enormous world to explore, hundreds of quests to complete, and countless creatures to fight. However, while the vanilla game is excellent, it can be greatly enhanced with the addition of mods. Mods can add new content, improve graphics, fix bugs, and generally make the game more enjoyable. In this chapter, we will explore some of the essential mods for Skyrim that can take your gaming experience to the next level.
Before we begin, it's important to note that modding can be a complex process, and it's essential to follow instructions carefully to avoid causing problems with your game. Always read the installation instructions carefully and follow them to the letter. Additionally, it's essential to back up your game and your saves before installing any mods to ensure that you can easily revert if something goes wrong.
Now, let's dive into some of the essential mods for Skyrim:
SKSE
SKSE, or Skyrim Script Extender, is a must-have mod for any serious Skyrim player. It's a third-party tool that extends the scripting capabilities of the game, allowing modders to create more complex and powerful mods. Many other mods require SKSE to function, so it's a good idea to install it early on. The installation process is straightforward, and there are many resources available online to help you get started.
Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch
The Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch (USSEP) is an essential mod for fixing bugs and issues in the game. It fixes hundreds of bugs, ranging from minor graphical glitches to game-breaking issues that can cause crashes or prevent quests from completing. The USSEP is continually updated, so make sure to check for new versions regularly. It's also a good idea to install this mod early on in your modding journey, as it can help prevent issues with other mods.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/266
SkyUI
SkyUI is a mod that overhauls the game's user interface, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. It provides a more organized and customizable inventory system, a better spell menu, and other improvements that make it easier to navigate the game. SkyUI is required for many other mods, so it's an essential mod to have.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/12604
Static Mesh Improvement Mod
The Static Mesh Improvement Mod (SMIM) is a graphical overhaul mod that improves the quality of many of the game's 3D models. It adds more detail to objects like rocks, trees, and furniture, making the game look more realistic and immersive. It's a relatively lightweight mod that can have a significant impact on the game's visuals.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/659
01:17 SMIM - Static Mesh Improvement Mod
Simply Realistic Armor (NordwarUA Edition)
The Simply Realistic Armor mod changes the appearance of all vanilla armor and weapons in Skyrim. Because it changes from armor that has a unique medieval feel to armor that can feel real, you can feel a more lively Skyrim, which allows players to feel a more dynamic feeling. In addition, since there is no esp, it can be used with other replacers, and it is also recommended for players who seek safety because it is free from the risk of mod conflicts.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/47184
03:47 Simply Realistic Armor
Vanilla Weapon Replacer All In One
Redesign all weapon textures in Skyrim in high quality. Some will keep the same shape but give them higher quality, but sometimes they will change them to a cooler looking weapon. These changes will further upgrade Skyrim weapons and encourage a more immersive play experience.
1. ElSopa - Iron Weapons Redone
1) Credit:
- Elsopa
2) Link:
- SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/52605
- LE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/108449
2. Nordsteel Sword and Greatsword Replacer
1) Credit:
- Vilidran
- LeanWolf's
- liemertha
- DigitalCabbage
- Brandiuntz
2) Link:
- SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/65350
- LE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/109668
3. Dwemer Weapons Glowmapped
1) Credit:
- Caleb2
- a k a Anubis
2) Requirement
- SSE Engine Fixes (skse64 plugin)
- https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/17230
3) Link:
- SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/48232
- LE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/107286
4. CL's Orcish I Ebony I Daedric I Blade of Woe I Chillrend I Dawnbreaker Weapon Replacer
1) Credit:
- Crazy Lion
- Arthmoor
2)Link:
- SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/2916
- LE:
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/60001
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/61818
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/73433
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/70631
5. Elven Weapons for Silence
1) Credit:
- Erlioniel
2) Link:
- SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/27994
- LE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/27726
6. Glass Blades - Glass Sword and Greatsword Replacers
1) Credit:
- Vilidran
- LeanWolf
- DigitalCabbage
2) Link:
- SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/27572
- LE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/98644
7. HR's Glass Weapons
1) Credit:
-Vilidran
-LeanWolf
-DigitalCabbage
2) Link:
- SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/27572
8. Runed Nordic Weapons (Replacer Version)
1) Credit:
- foxlight713
- thewingedloke
- Hilli1
- LeanWolf
- ikonomov
- jg1
2) Link:
- SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/36253
- LE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/32815
DIbella's Blessing
Dibella's Blessing is a mod for Skyrim that overhauls 207 female characters in the game. It is a remake of the mod "The Nine Cities" and is the final version of the main overhaul part.
Dibella's Blessing is a great mod for players who want to enhance the visual appearance of female characters in Skyrim. The improvements made to the texture pack and facial proportions create a more immersive and diverse experience for players. The addition of new characters and options for existing characters also adds a new level of depth to the game.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/82606
01:22 DIbella's Blessing
Ordinator
Ordinator - Perks of Skyrim is a massive overhaul mod that completely revamps the game's perk system. It adds over 400 new perks, each with its own unique effects and bonuses, allowing players to customize their characters in new and exciting ways. The mod also rebalances the existing perks and makes them more useful, making it a must-have mod for players who want more variety and depth in their character builds.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1137
Realistic Water Two
Realistic Water Two is a mod that overhauls the game's water system, making it look more realistic and immersive. It adds new water textures and reflections, improved waterfalls, and more realistic waves and ripples. It also adds new underwater effects and improves the game's lighting system, making the game world feel more alive and dynamic.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/2182
00:21 Realistic Water Two
ELVaS I Enhanced Volumetric Lighting and Shadows
ELVaS I Enhanced Volumetric Lighting and Shadows is a mod that improves the game's lighting system, making it more realistic and immersive. It adds new lighting effects and shadows, making dungeons and other areas feel more atmospheric and spooky. It also adds new particle effects, making magic spells and other effects look more impressive.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/63725
Inigo
Inigo is a mod that adds a new follower to the game, named Inigo. Inigo is a fully-voiced, Khajiit follower with his own unique personality and backstory. He is a skilled warrior and archer, and he can also pick locks and disarm traps. He offers new quests and interactions, and his dialogue is witty and entertaining. Inigo is a must-have mod for players who want a new companion to explore the game world with.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1461
Flat World Map Framework
Flat World Map Framework is a mod that overhauls the game's world map, making it more detailed and easy to read. It adds new textures and icons, making it easier to see where you are and where you need to go. It also adds new features, such as the ability to toggle between different map types and to show the locations of all the game's major cities.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/29932
Conclusion
These are just some of the essential mods for Skyrim that can greatly enhance your gaming experience. There are many other mods available, and it's important to do your research and find the ones that work best for you. Remember to always follow installation instructions carefully and to back up your game and saves before installing any mods. Happy modding!
