Difference between revisions of "User:Shadriss/Lexys LOTD SE Startpage"

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{{Notice| THIS IS A WORK IN PROGRESS PAGE. If you are searching for Lexy's LOTD:SE and stumbled across this, it is advised that you go to the actual guide, located [https://wiki.nexusmods.com/index.php/User:Darkladylexy/Lexys_LOTD_SE here], for the working version of the guide.}}
 
  
[[File:LOTDSE_Clear.png|frameless|center|1000px]]
 
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="4">Based on Neovalen's Skyrim Revisited: Legendary Edition</font></div>
 
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="4">Created and Maintained by Darth_mathias and DarkladyLexy</font></div>
 
<div style="text-align: center;"><big>Last Update: {{ #time: G:i:s j F Y|+1 hours| {{REVISIONTIMESTAMP}} }} (GMT)</big></div><br>
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">{{SupportMe
 
|patreon=https://www.patreon.com/user?u=185725
 
|paypal=yes
 
|premium=no
 
|nexusid=45193647
 
|name=Darkladylexy
 
}}</div>
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="6"><span style="color:#00FF00">Part One: Introduction and Prerequisites</span></font></div>
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="4">Quick Links</font></div>
 
<span style="color:cyan">GUIDE SUPPORT</span>: Support and assistance in the installation and troubleshooting of problems related to this guide are availiable in two locations - either will eventually get you the help you need. The first is located on the [http://forum.step-project.com/topic/13092-lexys-legacy-of-the-dragonborn-special-edition/ STEP Forums]. The second, more real-time, location is on Lexy's [https://discord.gg/xj7JcZ7 LOTD Discord Channel].
 
<span style="color:cyan">MOD SUGGESTIONS</span>: Don't see a mod in the list that you think needs to be included? Check on Lexy's [https://trello.com/b/V4o4FPSl/lexys-legacy-of-the-dragonborn-special-edition-suggested-mods Suggested Mods Trello] board to be sure it hasn't already been suggested, is in testing, or has been previously rejected.
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="4">Guide Page Links</font></div>
 
<span style="color:cyan">Page 1</span>: Introduction and Prerequisites. YOU ARE HERE.
 
<span style="color:cyan">Page 2</span>: [https://wiki.nexusmods.com/index.php/User:Shadriss/ModList_Page The Mod List]
 
<span style="color:cyan">Page 3</span>: [https://wiki.nexusmods.com/index.php/User:Shadriss/Merge_Page The Merge Page]
 
<span style="color:cyan">Page 4</span>: [https://wiki.nexusmods.com/index.php/User:Shadriss/Finish_Page The Finishing Line]
 
<span style="color:cyan">Page 5</span>: [https://wiki.nexusmods.com/index.php/User:Shadriss/MCM_List Recommended MCM Settings]
 
<span style="color:cyan">Page 6</span>: [https://wiki.nexusmods.com/index.php/User:Shadriss/LexyTS_Page Troubleshooting]
 
<span style="color:cyan">Page 7</span>: [https://wiki.nexusmods.com/index.php/User:Darkladylexy/Lexys_LOTD_SE_Changelog Changelog]
 
<div style="text-align: center;">{{Notice|This guide is designed for experienced modders. If you are new to the Skyrim Modding Experience, it is highly suggested you watch videos, read forums posts, and other such activities to ensure you are familiarized with all of the tools used in this mod build. It is also advised that you attempt a less technical mod guide, such as TUCOS, to become comfortable with the use of these tools.}}
 
{{Notice|First time installers of this guide are advised to install everything listed in the guide in their initial installation, and deviating from it ONLY after verifying a working build.}}</div>
 
 
 
= <span style="color:#00FF00">Introduction and Summary</span> =
 
{{TOC right|limit=2}}
 
Welcome to Lexy's Legacy of the Dragonborn: Special Edition, the Skyrim SE version of my previous and popular SRLE Extended: Legacy of the Dragonborn guide. This is designed to be a full installation guide, taking you from a fresh Skyrim SE installation to a fully modified game.
 
 
The guide is actively maintained, and is a constant state of flux. As of this writing, it is updated once a week (when circumstances allow). The STEP Hosted guide is updated on Monday, and the NEXUS hosted guide follows on Wednesday. With this in mind, ensure that as you are installing you are using the same version of the guide that you were previously using, as installation can take anywhere from a day or two to a full week or more, depending on how much time you dedicate to it.
 
 
As noted in the warning above, this guide is designed for experienced modders, and the instructions, though they are written for clarity, do assume a certain level of comfort and familiarity with the tools. If you are looking for an easier guide, one better suited to learning the basics of Mod Organizer 2 and the other tools, I recommend looking at [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/10694 TUCOGUIDE] by ponurymazepa.
 
 
'''There is a video series (special thanks to PheonixSunstar001) that shows the entireity of this guide's installation. It can be found [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCweDeggYz3kt1fvk7NCLQcw here]'''.
 
 
== <span style="color:#00ff00">A Little Chat</span> ==
 
This guide will take a substantial amount of time and a large amount of hard drive space (approximately 100 Gb of data, not including your base Skryim install). It also involves the use of more advanced modding concepts. Prior to beginning the installation, I suggest giving the entire guide a read-through to be fully aware of everything you will need to do to complete the instllation. Remember that the end goal of the guide is to actually PLAY the game and enjoy it. This will take several sessions to install from scratch.
 
 
This is not your father's Skyrim, kids. Be warned: it is a much more difficult game, especially from start to level 30. The quests you used to do at level 1 aren't going to be doable until much later on unless you are a very experienced solo player or have a number of followers trailing behind you. Even dedicated solo players have adopted follower usage trying to play this guide. You'll likely want a follower or two to carry all the glorious LOTD Museum loot around anyhow.
 
 
To have a fully working install of this guide, you MUST pay attention and follow the posted instructions TO THE LETTER. Experiences on both the Support Forums and the Discord have shown that 98% of reported problems are the results of user error, with the remaining portion mistakes on Lexy's part (and are quickly corrected). It is imperative that you have at least some knowledge and familiarity with Mod Organizer 2, LOOT, FNIS, the Creation Kit, xEdit, zMerge, Wrye Bash, Mator Smash, zEdit, xLODGen, and DynDOLOD prior to starting the guide. The mod list can be used as a base to build or remove from, but it is strongly advised that you install and play-test the entire guide (with nothing omitted or added) to ensure it is stable before doing so. The guide itself is very stable, and rivals Requiem in scope since the inclusion of the OMEGA and Experience mods. Again, if you complete the installation and the game isn't working, it is far more likely that you made an error in installation than that Lexy made a mistake in her instructions.
 
 
There is a Discord Community that has an unwritten rule of tolerance towards those new to modding (within reason), but self-help is preferred and appreciated. The Discord is friendly, helpful, and has a knowledgeable staff. Link: [https://discord.gg/r6ZJKZ9 Discord]
 
 
As the guide is frequently updated, you will, at some point, have to stop modding it and just play or you will be caught up in a never-ending loop of restarting new characters. Most users create two separate installations of MO2, one for playing and one for updating. Those who are OCD about maintaining things up to date will find this helps sooth the itch.
 
 
The guide is very demanding on hardware. You can use it, though, if you know your computer system, are smart about what texture resolutions you use, how many of them you use, and scale back some of the settings of (or simply just don't use) xLodGen, DynDOLOD, and/or ENB/ReShade. The guide has been bench-marked,  and currently uses an approximate max 4.7 Gb of VRAM on Darth's and Lexy's system during the Cart Ride to Helgen. The system specs of these computers is found below.
 
 
With that said: It's time to get into the wonderful world of Skyrim Modding. We hope you'll find it pleasant, and good luck.
 
 
== <span style="color:#00ff00">Lexy's System Specs</span> ==
 
 
The specs listed below are those of Lexy's computer. They are NOT a minimum specs listing, just a point of reference for what is being used by Lexy to test this guide.
 
 
* Processor:      i5 4670K @ 4.2 GHz
 
* Motherboard:    ASUS z97-K
 
* Ram:            Corsair Vengeance Pro 32GB (4x8GB) @2133MHz
 
* GPU:            Gigabyte Aorus GTX 1080Ti 11GB
 
* OS:              (WIN 7) WD Green 2TB
 
* Game Drive:      Samsung 850 EVO 256GB (Steam)
 
* Game Drive:      WD Blue M.2 SATA 1TB (GOG and Origins)
 
* Game Backup:    WD Blue 2TB
 
 
 
=<span style="color:#00ff00">The Journey Begins...</span>=
 
 
Before you can get to the fun stuff, you have to go through the not-so-fun stuff. We have a small laundry list of things to finish first - from installing the game, to cleaning the mess that is the original Bethesda files, to installing all of the tools. So the first step of our journey is to lay the foundations of the guide.
 
 
== <span style="color:#00ff00">Tag Explanations</span> ==
 
 
Most mods in the guide will usually have at least one (if not more) of the following tags. These are placed for easier management of the guide. Explanations of these tags follow:
 
 
* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div>: A Core mod is considered essential to the full guide build, and should always be included.
 
 
* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>: Tools are, as their name implies, tools used in the modding process. Instructions for their use can be found either on the Prerequisites Page or elsewhere on the internet. Special Use instructions will be presented as they are needed.
 
 
* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#cc6699; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Optional</div>: These mods are considered optional to the overall build. However, because of the nature of this guide, it will likely affect the rest of the guide's install process in some way. Removal of these mods can be done, but may require more work to either remove dependencies (IE, cleaning masters from Conflict Resolution patches later on) or to simply not install related files (iNeed patches wouldn't be needed if not installing iNeed, for example). No alternate instructions are provided for cases where you choose not to install these mods. If this is your first install of the guide, again, it is strongly advised to install these first and only remove them later after you have verified a working and stable install.
 
 
* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#b38659; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">HQ</div>: These mods are a 'high-quality' visual modification aimed at users with a higher-end system. It can be used by those with lower-end systems, but the visual improvement may not be worth the performance hit.
 
 
* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#1dafa1; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">BSA</div>: Mods with this flag need to have their BSA assets extracted via the Mod Organizer 2 BSA extracter. This is often because these mods are involved in a merge later on, which requires the assets to be loose files instead. Instructions for this process can be found in the "BSA Extraction" section later on this page.
 
 
* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006600; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Classic</div>: These mods were designed and intended for use with Skyrim: Legacy Edition (AKA, LE or sometimes Oldrim). They still work with the Special Edition, but may require some file manipulation to make it work as intended with the guide.
 
 
* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#ff0000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Convert</div>: As a follow on to the <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006600; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Classic</div> tag, some ESP files need to be converted in the Creation Kit to the newer record forms of the Special Edition. This tag denotes those mods. The instructions for doing so are located later on this page.
 
 
* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#996600; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">CAO</div>: These mods have textures and meshes that need optimization, and will be run through the Cathedral Assets Optimizer. Instructions for this process will be found in the "Cathedral Assets Optimizer" section later on this page.
 
 
* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#800080; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Merge</div>: These mods are part of a merged mod that will be created late in the guide. It is informational only, and does not require any additional actions until instructed to do so on the Merge Page.
 
 
* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#0000ff; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">ESL</div>: Some mod's ESP files can be flagged as ESL files instead, effectively saving one of the 254 available ESP slots in the load order. This tag notes a mod who's ESP can be so flagged. Instructions for this process can be found on the Prerequisites Page.
 
 
= <span style="color:#00ff00">Prerequisites</span> =
 
Before starting to install any of the mods in the list, it is first important to put the game into a stable state and make a few quick changes to the main Bethesda files to ensure no conflicts in the vanilla game exist - yes, Bethesda's own DLC creates some conflicts. If you are a long time Bethesda game player, this should not surprise you.
 
 
But before we get started...
 
 
== <span style="color:#00ff00">A Quick Word From Lexy</span> ==
 
 
Before we get started a quick word from your friendly neighborhood mad lady.
 
 
* Your game MAY APPEAR BROKEN and Loot will not sort correctly until you complete the entire guide.
 
* Do not add or remove other mods before completing the guide.
 
* Do carefully read and follow every word of the guide.
 
* Do not deviate.
 
* Trust the guide!
 
* You have to be willing to teach yourself how to use all of the modding tools used in this guide.
 
* This guide will completely change your game, and it may appear broken at times.
 
* Read each mod’s Nexus description so you know what you are installing!
 
* This guide is unlike any other guide because it has many custom patches to make hundreds of mods work together.
 
 
Trust in the madness that is Darkladylexy...
 
 
== <span style="color:#00ff00">Official Content</span> ==
 
=== <span style="color:#00ff00">Bethesda Main Files</span> ===
 
Needless to say, you need to actually have the game downloaded and installed. Additionally, you will need the Creation Kit, which will require an account on Bethesda.net if you don't have one already.
 
 
{{Notice| DO NOT install this in any UAC controlled folder structure. This includes x:/Program Files, x:/Program Files(x86), and the main Windows directory. It is, instead, advised to install the game (and, really, Steam itself) ANYWHERE other than there. Idealy, it would be on a separate SSD drive from your Operating System, but if that's not feasible, at least ensure that UAC is either turned off completely (not recommended for basic users) or installed outside of it's control. This also applies to ANY tools or programs other than the base game, with the important note that they SHOULD NOT (despite what some old tutorials may say) be installed into the Skyrim: SE base folder ''unless specifically directed to do so.''}}
 
 
*[http://store.steampowered.com/agecheck/app/489830/ Skyrim Special Edition] vv1.5.80
 
*[https://bethesda.net/en/dashboard Creation Kit] v2.0 (This is to create your account, if you do not have one. The actual download link will be provided later on.)
 
 
=== <span style="color:#00ff00">Steam Overlay</span> ===
 
Some users have reported issues between the Steam Overlay and Skyrim:SE. For this reason, the guide recommends disabling the Overlay. Note that this will also disable Achievements in Steam, as the Overlay is the portion of Steam that monitors for these events in-game. If you want Achievements, skip this step, but be aware that there may be unexpected issues.
 
 
* <span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
<span style="color:orange">Disable the Steam Overlay by:</span>
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Load <span style="color:Gold">Steam.</span>
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> In the '''Tool bar''' at the top of the left hand side '''Click''' <span style="color:Gold">Steam.</span>
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> In the Dropdown menu '''Click''' <span style="color:Gold">Settings.</span>
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> Then in the popup box find where it says <span style="color:Gold">In-Game.</span>
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> Uncheck <span style="color:Gold">Enabled the Steam overlay while in-game</span> then click <span style="color:Gold">OK.</span>
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Alternately, if you wish to disable the Overlay for Skyrim:SE ''only'':</span>
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Load <span style="color:Gold">Steam.</span>
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> '''Click''' <span style="color:Gold">LIBRARY.</span>
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> On your '''Games''' list look for <span style="color:Gold">The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Editon</span> and '''Right Click'''.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> In the Dropdown menu '''Click''' <span style="color:Gold">Properties</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Then in the popup box '''Uncheck''' <span style="color:Gold">Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game</span>.
 
 
=== <span style="color:#00ff00">Initial Skyrim Configuration</span> ===
 
With Skyrim now installed to a proper, mod-friendly location, we now need to set its initial settings as a base to build on. The next step is very important... in fact, it's vital - without taking these steps, Skyrim will not truly be fully installed, as it is only at this point that the Windows Registry entries for the game are created, which allows it to be seen by other programs, such as Mod Organizer 2. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP.
 
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Open ''Steam''.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Start ''Skyrim: Special Edition'' through the ''Steam'' launcher.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> In the ''Skyrim:SE'' launcher that appears, click on <span style="color:gold">OPTIONS</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> In the menu that appears, click on the <span style="color:gold">[ULTRA]</span> push button.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> Set the <span style="color:gold">Aspect Ratio</span> and <span style="color:gold">Resolution</span> through the drop-down menu. For best results, these should be set to your monitor's native resolution and aspect.
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> Set <span style="color:gold">Antialiasing</span> to <span style="color:gold">[OFF]</span>. This will be set up through the nVidia Profile that will be setup later. If you use an AMD card, there should be equivalent settings, but you will have to determine this on your own.
 
<span style="color:cyan">7.</span> Set <span style="color:gold">Full Screen Mode</span> by ensuring that <span style="color:gold">Windowed Mode</span> is <span style="color:gold">not checked</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">8.</span> Click on <span style="color:gold">[OK]</span> to close and save the settings.
 
<span style="color:cyan">9.</span> Close the ''Skyrim:SE'' launcher.
 
 
These base settings will be further modified later in the Prerequisites when we use ''BETHIni''.
 
 
=== <span style="color:#00ff00">Creation Kit Configuration</span> ===
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>
 
 
{{Notice|  If you are using Windows Defender Firewall and find that the Creation Kit crashes during initial load, try adding an Outbound rule in Windows Defender Firewall. This has allowed normal loading for most users.}}
 
 
For those who are more visually oriented, check [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-Sea_pAxlo here] for a video demonstration of the CK installation by Darkfox127.
 
 
Bethesda's ''Creation Kit'' is a valuable tool for Skyrim:SE, as it allows users to create and/or edit mods. It is possible to fix or change things in the CK that are not possible with 3rd Party tools. Similar to Skyrim:SE, the Creation Kit foes not have a default INI file until it is started for the first time and requires some basic setup to work properly with the intended guide purposes.
 
 
For this guide, the Creation Kit will only be used only for mod conversion from older Skyrim:LE mods that are in form 43 to the newer form 44 used by Skyrim:SE. This process will be described later, on the same page as the main guide list for easier reference.
 
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Download and install [http://download.cdp.bethesda.net/BethesdaNetLauncher_Setup.exe Bethesda.net Launcher].
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Run the Launcher and sign in. If you did not create an account earlier, do so now.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> In the left pane, locate the icon for "Creation", which should look greyed-out.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> Click on the "Creation" icon and select <span style="color:gold">Install</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> After completion of the installation, click on <span style="color:Gold">launch</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> In the pop-up that appears, select <span style="color:Gold">YES</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">7.</span> Close the Creation Kit program.
 
 
{{Notice| Some users have reported that the Creation Kit hangs (goes unresponsive) during shutdown. This is semi-expected, and once Windows reports it as unresponsive, you can safely shut down the program via a forced shut-down with no side effects. This applies to any process that involves the CK.}}
 
 
A few additional edits need to me made before the ''Creation Kit'' is ready to be used for the conversion process. Fortunately, we've made things a little easier for you.
 
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Download [https://www.dropbox.com/s/xpg5u3s1n7zwjv5/CreationKitCustom.7z?dl=0 this] custom replacer file for '''CreationKitCustom.ini'''.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Extract the file to <span style="color:Gold">Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition</span> -OR- the installed location of Skyrim:SE if different.
 
 
{{Notice| NEXUS policy forbids us from directly linking to version 1.5.3 of the Creation Kit, which is needed to properly convert the files. Refer to either the STEP version of the guide [https://wiki.step-project.com/User:DarkladyLexy/Lexys_LOTD_SE_Prerequisites here], or inquire on the DISCORD channel linked at the top of this page.}}
 
 
No settings will be changed in the Creation Kit after this point. The changes noted above allow for:
 
* The loading of mods that have multiple master files.
 
* The proper loading of all DLC content.
 
 
{{Notice| The scripts archive in the DATA folder can remain in place after the script extraction done during installation. They case no harm, have no additional affect on the game itself or the Creation Kit, and can be safely ignored.}}
 
 
==== <span style="color:cyan">SSE CreationKit Fixes</span> ====
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px"> [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/20061 SSE CreationKit Fixes] - v2.1 - by Nukem
 
<div style="margin-left: 10px;">
 
'''Files to download''' :
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''CK64Fixes Release 2.1''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Manually extract the contents of this file.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Move the contents just extracted into your main Skyrim:SE installation folder.
 
 
Author's notes: Various patches and bug fixes for the Creation Kit to make life easier.
 
 
<span style="color:Orange">Idiot Check:</span>
 
* Make sure you have v1.5.3 of the Creation Kit. This can be verified by opening the Creation Kit, selecting <span style="color:gold">Help -> About</span>, and looking at the top of the window that opens.
 
 
== <span style="color:#00ff00">3rd Party Tools</span> ==
 
With the official content (with small alterations) now installed, it's time to start getting the rest of the needed tools. Pay attention to all special instructions, as these are vital to proper operation of these tools.
 
 
=== <span style="color:cyan">Skyrim Script Extender</span> ===
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px"> [http://skse.silverlock.org/ Skyrim Script Extender] - v2.0.16 - by ianpatt, behippo, scruggsywuggsy the ferret, and purple lunchbox <div style="margin-left: 10px">
 
'''Files to download''':
 
*<span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''Current SE build 2.0.16 (runtime 1.5.80): 7z archive''
 
</div> </div>
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* Install only the following files to the main ''Skyrim Special Edition'':
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> skse64_1_5_80.dll
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> skse64_loader.exe
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> skse64_steam_loader.dll
 
* DO NOT delete the main archive at this time.
 
 
{{Notice| DO NOT install the script files of SKSE at this time. These will be installed as part of the set up for Mod Organizer 2 as a demonstration of how to install a mod from an archive.}}
 
 
Lexy's Notes: SKSE is absolutely essential. It extends the scripting capacity of the game to allow mods to do things that would not normally be doable in the base Skyrim Engine. Many Mods depend upon it.
 
 
=== <span style="color:cyan">7-Zip</span> ===
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div> <div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px"> [http://www.7-zip.org/download.html 7-Zip] - v18.05 <div style="margin-left: 10px">
 
'''Files to download'''&nbsp;:
 
*<span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''7-Zip for 64-bit Windows x64 (Intel 64 or AMD64)''
 
</div> </div>
 
 
Lexy Notes: Most mod authors save their mod packages using 7Zip files. This will allow your system to open and extract the files.
 
 
=== <span style="color:cyan">LOOT</span> ===
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">
 
[https://github.com/loot/loot/releases/tag/0.14.5 LOOT] - 0.14.5 - by WrinklyNinja et al <div style="margin-left: 10px">
 
'''Files to download'''&nbsp;:
 
*<span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''LOOT.Installer.exe''
 
</div> </div>
 
Mod notes: The programs allows you to sort and optimize your Load Order.
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* LOOT, on first load, has no masterlist data or default mod groups. (Colored Text indicates the color of the node (default)).
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Shut down Mod Organizer 2, if open.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Run LOOT from its installed location.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> Once LOOT has loaded, sort the load order by pressing the icon featuring three lines over each other. This is in the top right corner.
 
* The guide requires the addition of new LOOT Mod Groups to properly sort the load order.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Run LOOT (if it's not still loaded from the last step. If you closed it, you can load it through MO2 at this point if desired.)
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Locate and click on the Options button in the top right corner (identified by 3 dots over each other).
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> Select <span style="color:gold">Open Groups Editor</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> In the <span style="color:gold">Add New Group</span> box, type “Merge Patches”, then the plus button.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> '''Left-click''' the <span style="color:white">Late Loaders</span> node to select it.
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> '''Left-click''' and drag a line from <span style="color:white">Late Loaders</span> to the <span style="color:cyan">Merge Patches</span> node that you created. Merge Patches should turn green.
 
<span style="color:cyan">7.</span> Create a new group called <span style="color:gold">NPC Retextures</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">8.</span> Connect <span style="color:lime">Merge Plugins</span> to <span style="color:cyan">NPC Retextures</span>. NPC Retextures should turn green.
 
<span style="color:cyan">9.</span> Create a new group called <span style="color:gold">Conflict Resolution</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">10.</span> Connect <span style="color:lime">NPC Retextures</span> to <span style="color:cyan">Conflict Resolution</span>. Conflict Resolution should turn green.
 
<span style="color:cyan">11.</span> Connect <span style="color:line">Conflict Resolution</span> to <span style="color:white">Leveled List Modifiers</span>. Conflict Resolution should turn grey.
 
<span style="color:cyan">12.</span> Create a new group called <span style="color:gold">Arthmoor's Villages</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">13.</span> Connect <span style="color:white">Low Priority Overrides</span> to <span style="color:cyan">Arthmoor's Villages</span>. Arthmoor's Villages should turn green.
 
<span style="color:cyan">14.</span> Connect <span style="color:lime">Arthmoor's Villages</span> to <span style="color:white">High Priority Overrides</span>. Arthmoor's Villages should turn grey.
 
<span style="color:cyan">15.</span> Verify all of the newly added groups are showing as grey. Press <span style="color:gold">Apply</span> to exit this interface.
 
 
For the more visually oriented, [https://streamable.com/gj4dn this] handy video may be helpful. Click [https://imgur.com/ZkYKAyT here] to see a picture of the LOOT groups in their final configuration.
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">{{Notice|The placement of groups in relation to each other in LOOT can vary somewhat. So long as the arrows are connecting the proper nodes with arrows pointing in the proper direction, the setup is correct.}}</div>
 
 
=== <span style="color:cyan">Mator Smash</span> ===
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div> <div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px"> [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/90987 Mator Smash] - 1.0.2 - by Mator <div style="margin-left: 10px">
 
'''Files to download'''&nbsp;:
 
*<span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''Mator Smash Hotfix 2''
 
</div> </div>
 
 
Author's notes: Mator Smash is a tool that generates conflict resolution patches, similar to Wrye Bash's Bashed Patch.
 
 
=== <span style="color:cyan">xEDIT</span> ===
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px"> [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/164 SSEEDIT] - v4.0.2 - by ElminsterAU and SSEEdit team
 
<div style="margin-left: 10px;">
 
'''Files to download''' :
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''SSEEdit 4.0.2''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
<span style="color:#00ff00">Tag Explanations</span>
 
* xEdit needs to be setup for proper usage with the guide.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Open xEdit from it's installed location (setting it up for use through MO2 will be covered later.)
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> On the plug-in selection screen, select <span style="color:gold">OK</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> Allow xEdit to completely load (indicated by the phrase "Background Loader: Finished" at the bottom of the screen).
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> '''Right-click''' on any plugin shown.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> In the right-click menu, select <span style="color:gold">Other -> Options</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> In the window that appears, uncheck <span style="color:gold">Simple Records LAND, NAVI, NAVM, CELL, WRLD (Requires Restart)</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">7.</span> Click <span style="color:gold">OK</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">8.</span> Exit xEdit.
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">{{Notice| xEdit is often used interchangeably with the term SSEEdit, both in this guide and in forums and Discord channels. These are both in reference to the same program: xEdit is the program, with the 'x' replaced with the game it is designed to work with (e.g. SSE for Skyrim Special Edition, FO4 for Fallout 4, etc). For the purposes of this guide, xEdit refers ONLY to the SSE version, SSEEdit.}}
 
{{Notice | xEdit will create a Cache Folder which will be found in Mod Organizer 2's overwrite folder (located at the very bottom of the left pane, below all installed mods). It is recommended to create a mod out of this and having it active in the left pane, as this will help speed up SSEEdit load times. This can be done by right-clicking on the Overwrite entry and selecting '''Create Mod''' and providing an appropriate name.}}</div>
 
 
Author's notes: This program is an essential Tool that will help with cleaning mods of dirty edits and enable the creation of patches required by this guide.
 
 
=== <span style="color:cyan">Cathedral Assets Optimizer</span> ===
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px"> [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/23316 Cathedral Assets Optimizer] - v4.2.6 - by G_k
 
<div style="margin-left: 10px;">
 
'''Files to download''' :
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''Cathedral Assets Optimizer''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
Author's notes: Cathedral Assets Optimizer is a tool aiming to automate asset conversion and optimization for Skyrim Special Edition.
 
 
Lexy notes: Instructions for set up and use of this tool will be provided on the main guide list page for easier reference during mod installation.
 
 
=== <span style="color:cyan">BSArch</span> ===
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">
 
[https://www.nexusmods.com/newvegas/mods/64745? BSArch] - v0.6 - by zilav
 
<div style="margin-left: 10px;">
 
'''Files to download''' :
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''BSArch''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* Download the archive manually.
 
* Extract bsarch.exe to the <span style="color:gold">..Cathedral Assets Optimizer\resources</span> folder.
 
 
Mod notes: A command line tool for packing and unpacking Bethesda archives.
 
 
=== <span style="color:cyan">Wrye Bash</span> ===
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">
 
[https://www.dropbox.com/sh/iazpayeexiyazeh/AAAbGeVHrlIksp2AFgI4w48Oa?dl=0&preview=Wrye+Bash+307.201905311918+-+Standalone+Executable.7z Wrye Bash] - Wrye Bash  307.201905311918 - by Wrye Bash Team
 
'''Files to download''' :
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''Wrye Bash 307.201905311918 - Standalone Executable.7z''
 
</div>
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Download the file manually.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Extract the contents of the file to a location of your choice. It is advised not to install it into any UAC controlled locations. It CAN be installed into the Skyrim main directory, if you so choose, with no detrimental effects.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> <span style="color:gold">WINDOWS 7 USERS:</span> A 'docs' folder needs to be created in <span style="color:cyan">...Skyrim Special Edition\Data</span>. WIN10 users do not need to follow this step, as it will be auto-created and placed into your Overwrite folder. For additional info, see Notice below.
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">{{Notice| WINDOWS 10 USERS: Ensure that your O/S has installed the Windows 10 1809 Update. This will ensure that Wrye Bash is able to properly load, as the 1803 update creates a situation where WB attempts to load itself, which it can't because it's already in use.}}
 
{{Notice| WINDOWS 10 USERS: When using Wrye Bash, a 'Docs' folder will be generated and appear in your Overwrite folder. This is not needed for Skyrim to run properly, and can be safely deleted between sessions.}}</div>
 
 
Author's notes: The function of this tool is to manage mods and create Bashed Patches. Bashed Patches merge the leveled lists from the installed mods, among other functions. For the purposes of this guide, only the Bashed Patch functionality will be used for game settings management.
 
 
=== <span style="color:cyan">zEdit</span> ===
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">
 
[https://github.com/z-edit/zedit/releases/tag/0.6.4 zEdit] - Alpha Release v0.6.4 - by Mator
 
<div style="margin-left: 10px;">
 
'''Files to download''' :
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''zEdit_Alpha_v0.6.4_-_Portable_x64.7z''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
Author's Notes: This tool is similar to SSEEdit.
 
 
=== <span style="color:#00ff00">zEdit Modules</span> ===
 
zEdit allows for the application of patches to large portions of the game in a single location, without having to run individual xEdit scripts in multiple sessions of xEdit. The following modules are installed now, but will not be used until the Finishing Line portion of the guide. Again, pay attention to the special installation instructions, as failure to install them correctly will mean they are not available when they are needed.
 
 
==== <span style="color:Cyan">Experience Mod zEdit Patcher</span> ====
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">
 
[https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/23589?t Experience Mod zEdit Patcher] - V1.1 - by mtreis86
 
<div style="margin-left: 10px;">
 
'''Files to download''' :
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''ExperiencePatcher''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* Extract 'experiencePatcher' into the 'modules' sub-directory of zEdit.
 
 
Author's notes: This mod adds compatibility to Experience so the kills function will work on all NPCs.
 
 
==== <span style="color:Cyan">UPF No Dragon LODs Patcher</span> ====
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">
 
[https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/13541 UPF No Dragon LODs Patcher] - V1.0 - by Hishy <div style="margin-left: 10px">
 
'''Files to download''':
 
*<span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''hishy-no-dragon-lods''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* Extract 'hishy-no-dragon-lods' into the 'modules' sub-directory of zEdit.
 
 
Author's notes: This mod applies the No Dragon LODs effect.
 
 
==== <span style="color:Cyan">hishy-npc-enchant-fix</span> ====
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">
 
[https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/13543 hishy-npc-enchant-fix] - V1.3 - by Hishy and Mator
 
<div style="margin-left: 10px;">
 
'''Files to download''' :
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''hishyNpcEnchantFix''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* Extract 'hishyNpcEnchantFix' into the 'modules' sub-directory of zEdit.
 
 
Author's notes: This mod is a simple port of ASIS' NPC Enchant Fix that will work with zEdit.
 
 
==== <span style="color:Cyan">UPF Opposite Animation Disabler</span> ====
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">
 
[https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/18281 UPF Opposite Animation Disabler] - V1.1.2 - by Qudix <div style="margin-left: 10px">
 
'''Files to download''':
 
*<span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''oppositeAnimationDisabler''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* Extract 'oppositeAnimationDisabler' into the 'modules' sub-directory of zEdit.
 
 
Author's notes: A Unified Patching Framework (UPF) patcher that disables the 'Opposite Gender Anim' flag on all affected NPCs.
 
 
==== <span style="color:Cyan">UPF Cell Encounter Level in Name Patcher</span> ====
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">
 
[https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/13542? UPF Cell Encounter Level in Name Patcher] - v2.0 - by hishutup
 
<div style="margin-left: 10px;">
 
'''Files to download''':
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''hishyCellEncounters''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* Extract 'hishyCellEncounters' into the 'modules' sub-directory of zEdit.
 
 
Author's notes: This mod adds the Encounter Zone's level to the text you see before you enter the zone.
 
 
==== <span style="color:Cyan">UPF Khajiit Ears Show Patcher</span> ====
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">
 
[https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/13544 UPF Khajiit Ears Show Patcher] - V1.0 - by Hishutup <div style="margin-left: 10px">
 
'''Files to download'''&nbsp;:
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''hishy-khajiit-ears-show''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* Extract 'hishy-khajiit-ears-show' into the 'modules' sub-directory of zEdit.
 
 
Author's notes: This mod will allow all Khajiit to show their ears when wearing helmets.
 
 
==== <span style="color:Cyan">zEdit patchers warehouse</span> ====
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">
 
[https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/23254? zEdit patchers warehouse.] - V1.0 - by Bystander
 
<div style="margin-left: 10px;">
 
'''Files to download''':
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - '' zedit-spell-absorb-fix''
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''zedit-visual-transfer''
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''zedit-water-damage''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* Extract 'zedit-spell-absorb-fix' into the 'modules' sub-directory of zEdit.
 
* Extract 'zedit-visual-transfer' into the 'modules' sub-directory of zEdit.
 
* Extract 'zedit-water-damage' into the 'modules' sub-directory of zEdit.
 
 
Author's notes: This mod is a small collection of zEdit Patchers.
 
 
=== <span style="color:#00ff00">Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2017</span> ===
 
C++ Redistributables are commonly installed alongside programs that require them, but on the off chance that the particular files you need have not been installed, a link is provided here.
 
 
==== <span style="color:cyan">[Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2017]</span> ====
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">
 
[https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/2977003/the-latest-supported-visual-c-downloads Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2017] - v 32-bit and 64-bit - by Microsoft <div style="margin-left: 10px">
 
'''Files to download''':
 
*<span style="color: #d0eb50">'''Other Tools and Frameworks'''</span> - ''Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2017 x64''
 
*<span style="color: #d0eb50">'''Other Tools and Frameworks'''</span> - ''Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2017 x86''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
Lexy Notes: This tool is required for Mod Organizer 2 to function properly
 
 
= <span style="color:#00ff00">Mod Manager</span> =
 
This guide was written specifically for use with Mod Organizer 2 and it's in-built functionality. Any attempts to use alternative mod management systems are unsupported. Some users have had success doing so, but any support will be unofficial and from other users only.
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">{{Notice| The paid-version of [https://www.ccleaner.com/ ccleaner] is known to have conflicts with the [http://wiki.step-project.com/Guide:Mod_Organizer_Advanced#The_virtual_filing_system/ Virtual Filing System (VFS)]  used by Mod Organizer 2. Unchecking the 'Windows Event Logs' option under ''ccleaner's'' advanced tab will help prevent this incompatibility.}}</div>
 
 
== <span style="color:cyan">Mod Organizer 2</span> ==
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">
 
[https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/6194/ Mod Organizer 2] - v2.2.0 - by Tannin <div style="margin-left: 10px">
 
'''Files to download''':
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''Mod Organizer 2 (Archive)''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
Lexy notes: This is the tool we'll actually be using to download, install and manage mods.
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin:15px; background-color:red; font-size:1em; font-weight:bold; border-radius:6px; box-shadow: 0px 0px 20px 1px #090149 inset; border:none; text-align:center; padding:20px;">WARNING:
 
Mod Organizer 2 MUST be installed in portable mode. The Script ReLinker functionality of zEdit requires this management method to complete it's work. There are no workarounds for this requirement.</div></div>
 
 
* For the more visually oriented, the guide suggests watching [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CE6xpIp3Ys this] to help you become familiarized with the install procedure. Skip to 10:27 for the relevant portion.
 
 
* Install Mod Organizer 2 by:
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> In the root directory of the drive where you have installed Skyrim, create a new folder. It can be called anything you wish, but should be easily recognizable to you. It will appear something on the lines of <span style="color:Gold">E:/Mod Organizer 2 - Lexys LOTD SE</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Extract the contents of the file downloaded above to the folder you just created.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> Run ''Mod Organizer 2''. If you desire, you can also create a desktop shortcut for MO2 at this time, as you will likely be using this program quite a bit.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> In the pop-up that appears, you will be prompted to <span style="color:Gold">"Choose an Instance".</span> Select <span style="color:gold">Portable</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> In the next pop-up that appears, select <span style="color:gold">Skyrim Special Edition</span> from the drop-down menu.
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> A third pop-up will appear, asking if you want a tutorial on the tool's use. Those who have never used any version of Mod Organizer (including MO1) should select <span style="color:gold">Yes</span> for a quick run-down on the features of the program. All others can select <span style="color:gold">No</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">7.</span> A fourth pop-up will appear with the notice <span style="color:gold">'''Mod Organizer is not set up to handle NXM links. Associate it with NXM links?'''</span> This is recommended to be set to <span style="color:gold">Yes</span>, as this will allow MO2 to handle all downloads possible from the NEXUS file links.
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Idiot Check:</span>
 
* Ensure that you do not move the mods folder out of MO2's install folder at any time. This is needed to ensure that MO2 can see the mods you are about to install.
 
* Similarly, do not move the profiles folder out of MO2's install folder at any time. This is needed to ensure that the Script ReLinker functionality of zEdit works as intended.
 
 
== <span style="color:#00ff00">Configuring Mod Organizer 2</span> ==
 
With Mod Organizer 2 now properly installed, there are additional settings that will be required to ensure full integration with the NEXUS and user comfort.
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* Mod Organizer needs to be connected to the NEXUS for account logins and download management.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Full integration with the NEXUS requires that you have a NEXUS account. If you do not have one, you can create one [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition here]. This will also be required for large file downloads, and is free of charge (though a free account will also be very limited in bandwidth). Premium account, with no bandwidth cap, are availible. Details can be found on the NEXUS website.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> In the toolbar of Mod Organizer 2, locate the 'Settings' button (it will have a spanner and screwdriver icon on it... wrench and screwdriver for you Americans).
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> At the top of the window that appears, press on the <span style="color:gold">Nexus</span> tab.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> Click on the <span style="color:gold">Connect to Nexus</span> button.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> A new window will open in your browser, and the Nexus will request permission to link Mod Organizer 2 with your Nexus Account. After allowing this, you can close the browser window.
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> In the Mod Organizer 2 settings menu, press <span style="color:gold">OK</span>.
 
* Some users may find the default MO2 theme overly bright or harsh.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> In the toolbar of Mod Organizer 2, locate the 'Settings' button (it will have a spanner and screwdriver icon on it... wrench and screwdriver for you Americans).
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> At the top of the window that appears, press on the <span style="color:gold">Geneal</span> tab (if not already selected).
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> In the upper right corner of the Settings window, locate the Theme dropdown (possibly with the word "None" in it currently). Any theme may be selected, based on user preference. Most users report the most comfort with the 'dark' or 'Paper Dark' themes.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> After selecting a theme, press <span style="color:gold">OK</span> to close the window.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> In the pop-up window that appears, allow Mod Organizer 2 to restart to apply the theme change.
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">{{Notice| Depending on your specific download practices, the downloads for the mods can well over 100 Gb of data. If you have installed MO2 onto a relatively small drive (such as a small SSD), you should consider changing the location of MO2's download storage to a larger location. This can be done by creating a file folder in the desired location, opening the MO2 Settings interface (as above), selecting the '''Paths''' tab, and altering the '''Downloads''' path to match the newly created file folder.}}</div>
 
 
== <span style="color:#00ff00">Mod Organizer 2: Base Profile Creation</span> ==
 
With Mod Organizer 2 installed and correctly configured, it is time to introduce the creation of Profiles, one of the signature features of Mod Organizer 2. Profiles are used to create mutiple 'versions' of your mod installs, which allows for anything from multiple versions of an install to shorter installs in support of merges (one of the primary things this guide will use it for). This step will familiarize you with the creation of profiles for later in the modding process.
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* Mod Organizer 2 is currently using a "Default" profile. A "Vanilla" profile needs to be created to establish a working game baseline and for troubleshooting purposes.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Locate and press the <span style="color:gold">Configure Profiles</span> button (most MO2 themes show this as an icon that looks like an ID card, but can vary).
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> In the Profiles Window, select <span style="color:gold">Create</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> In the pop-up, type <span style="color:gold">Vanilla Skyrim SE</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> Ensure that the <span style="color:gold">Default Game INI Settings</span> checkbox is <span style="color:gold">unchecked</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> Select <span style="color:gold">OK</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Vanilla Skyrim SE</span> appears in the list on the left.
 
<span style="color:cyan">7.</span> Verify that the <span style="color:gold">Use profile-specific Game INI Files</span> is <span style="color:gold">checked</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">8.</span> Click on and highlight the <span style="color:gold">Default</span> profile.
 
<span style="color:cyan">9.</span> Click on <span style="color:gold">Remove</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">10.</span> In the pop-up that appears, select <span style="color:gold">Yes</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">11.</span> Exit the Profiles Window by pressing <span style="color:gold">Close</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">12.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Vanilla Skyrim SE</span> appears as the selected profile (shown above the mod list aka "the left pane").
 
 
== <span style="color:#00ff00">Setting up Base Tools for Mod Organizer 2</span> ==
 
The last major step is to setup some of the previously installed tools to work from within Mod Organizer. Running these tools via Mod Organizer 2's launcher will allow the other tools to make use of the Virtual File System and see the files from the installed mods as the game, itself, will when it is loaded.
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">{{Notice| Some programs that have been installed will be automatically detected by MO2, including SKSE, Skyrim, the Skyrim Launcher, LOOT, and the Creation Kit. These will appear in the MO2 Launcher (just above the right-pane) and are pre-configured.}}</div>
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* xEdit, Mator Smash, Wrye Bash, and zEdit need to be setup with Mod Organizer 2.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Locate and press the <span style="color:gold">Executables</span> button (most MO2 themes show this as an icon that looks like a gear, but can vary).
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> In the '''Title''' line, enter <span style="color:gold">SSEEdit</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> In the '''Binary''' line, click the [...] button at the end of the line.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> In the Windows folder that opens, navigate to and double-click on <span style="color:gold">SSEEdit.EXE</span> in its installed location.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> Ensure no optional checkboxes are checked.
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> Click the <span style="color:gold">Add</span> button. SSEEdit should appear in the list at the top of the window.
 
<span style="color:cyan">7.</span> Repeat steps 2 through 5, entering "SSEEdit - Quick Auto Clean" as the Title. This second instance will be used only for cleaning of plugin files, and will be explained further later in the guide.
 
<span style="color:cyan">8.</span> In the '''Arguments''' line, add <span style="color:gold">-quickautoclean</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">9.</span> Repeat step 6. <span style="color:gold">SSEEdit - Quick Auto Clean</span> should appear in the list.
 
<span style="color:cyan">10.</span> Repeat steps 2 through 6 for <span style="color:gold">Mator Smash</span>, <span style="color:gold">Wrye Bash</span>, and <span style="color:gold">zEdit</span>, selecting the appropriate binary in each case. No arguments are needed for these entries.
 
<span style="color:cyan">11.</span> After all programs have been added, click on <span style="color:gold">Close</span> on the Modify Executables window.
 
 
== <span style="color:#00ff00">Initial Mod Ordering</span> ==
 
Mod Organizer 2 will have automatically detected the three official DLC files for Skyrim, but will have them ordered alphabetically, which is not desired. Note also that they will be listed as "Non-MO" under the Category heading - this is an indication that the files are located in the Skyrim base directory. These should be the only files with this listing through the entire guide... if you see it again, you have incorrectly installed a mod.
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* Initial detection of Skryim DLC will place them in an incorrect order.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> In the left pane, drag-and-drop the three DLC files into the following order (top-to-bottom): <span style="color:gold">Dawnguard, HearthFires, Dragonborn</span>.
 
* The loading order of Skyrim DLC is incorrect and needs to be correctly sorted.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> From the drop-down Executables list (right-side, above the plugins list), select LOOT.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Press the <span style="color:gold">Run</span> button.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> Once LOOT has finished loading, locate the "Sort" button in the top right corner and click on it. Its icon is three horizontal lines above each other.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> LOOT will automatically download any updates to its masterlist. It will then compare the files it sees (which is only the DLC at this point) to this masterlist files and sort them into a proper order. Additional messages will be displayed after sorting that indicate that there are ITMs and Deleted References in these files. See the notice below for an explanation of these two terms.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> Click <span style="color:gold">Apply</span> to accept LOOT's generated load order. If no changes were made (which happens on occasion), the Apply button may not appear. This is normal, and of no concern.
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> Close LOOT by using the <span style="color:gold">X</span> button in the top right corner of the LOOT window.
 
 
This process has taught you two processes:
 
* Loading of LOOT via Mod Organizer. This same process applies to all programs loaded via MO2, and will not be repeated in other steps during the modding installation process. If a tool needs to be loaded in any other fashion, those instructions will be noted when needed.
 
* Sorting of a load order using LOOT. This will only be done once more (officially) in the guide, near the end of the process. However, this process is universal to ANY mod list, and can be applied in many other circumstances.
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Idiot Check:</span>
 
* The DLC in the right-pane (the plugins list) should match the order of the DLC files in the left-pane (this will usually not be the case once we start the installation process, but will in this instance). These three files should also be below (in order) Skyrim.ESM and Update.ESM.
 
 
The Vanilla Skyrim SE Profile is now properly set up. This profile should be kept for possible troubleshooting purposes, but otherwise left alone.
 
 
== <span style="color:#00ff00">Creating Legacy Of The Dragonborn: Special Edition Profile</span> ==
 
 
To this point, we have installed and setup Mod Organizer 2 to work with all of the required tools and to load with a Vanilla profile. You now have the ability to load Skyrim:SE with a single click, which can be useful for troubleshooting, but isn't much good for playing a modded game. The next thing to do, then, is to create a new profile where we will install all of the mods.
 
 
First, however, a few things to note.
 
* When you create a new profile, Mod Organizer creates new copies of the Skyrim.ini and SkyrimPrefs.ini for use by that profile and that profile only. If and when you make changes to these files through MO2, you will be making changes to the '''profile specific''' versions of these files, not the ones that are in your Documents directory.
 
* You may recall that in the SKSE installation earlier, we only installed three files directly to the Skyrim main directory. We did not install all of the scripting files. We will be using this to show how to install a mod from an archive, which will be a needed skill for a small number of mods we will be installing later.
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* No profile for "Lexy's LOTD:SE" exists.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Using the directions provided previously to create the Vanilla Profile, create a new profile with the name "Legacy of the Dragonborn - Special Edition" (or another name of your choosing).
 
* SKSE is not fully installed.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Ensure that the newly created "Legacy" profile is selected at the top of the left pane in Mod Organizer 2.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> In the MO2 toolbar, locate and click on the "Install a new mod from an archive" button (will look like a file folder in most themes).
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> In the window that opens, navigate to the location of the SKSE file downloaded earlier. Click on it to highlight it.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> Click on <span style="color:gold">Open</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> In the next window that appears, replace the text (if any appears - sometimes there isn't any) with <span style="color:gold">SKSE Scripts</span>. This is the name that will appear in the left pane of Mod Organizer 2 after installation.
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> Another window will appear, as the SKSE archive is not properly set up for an automatic installation. If this is the first time you've seen this window (and we assume it is), MO2 will give you a quick tutorial on how to use this tool. Read it to help with understanding the following instructions.
 
<span style="color:cyan">7.</span> In the file tree, navigate to and highlight the <span style="color:goldn">Data</span> folder inside the archive.
 
<span style="color:cyan">8.</span> Right-click on <span style="color:gold">Data</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">9.</span> In the right-click menu, select <span style="color:gold">Set Data Directory</span>. The display should change to show only a Scripts folder, which should be checked. A green "Looks good!" will appear at the bottom of the window if you have done this correctly.
 
<span style="color:cyan">10.</span> Select <span style="color:gold">OK</span>.
 
 
A new entry should appear in the left-pane with the name given it above and an empty checkbox next to it. This indicates that it has been '''installed''' but not '''activated'''. Also note that MO2 does not have a version number or category set for this mod - neither are required, but if you wish to fill these in, you can do so.
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* SKSE does not have a version number or category set.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Right-click SKSE Scripts (or as appropriate).
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> In the right-click menu, select <span style="color:gold">Information...</span>. Alternately, you can also double-click the mod name to achieve this as well.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> In the '''Categories''' tab, locate and place a checkmark next to <span style="color:gold">Utilities</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> In the '''NEXUS Info''' tab, set the version number to the installed version of SKSE (as annotated in the SKSE download earlier).
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> In the '''NEXUS Info''' tab, set the Mod ID <span style="color:gold">-1</span>. This tells MO2 that the installed files were not provided by the NEXUS, and will prevent MO2 for searching the NEXUS for data and update information (among other things).
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> Click <span style="color:gold">Close</span> to save and exit the window.
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">{{Notice| In addition to the files installed by a given mod, all file trees will also show a '''meta.ini''' file that is added by MO2. This is generated and used by Mod Organizer for its VFS system - even if you delete it, the file will be regenerated. It is otherwise safe to ignore.}}
 
{{Notice| Any mod downloaded directly by Mod Organizer 2 from the NEXUS will have one of more of the data fields filled in automatically, based on NEXUS server-provided information. This data can be changed to suit personal tastes, if desired, with no other affects.}}</div>
 
 
For future reference, version numbers for mods hosted on the NEXUS can be checked for updates. These will then display as:
 
* Green for any up-to-date mod.
 
* Red for any mod that has a version mis-match. This generally means (but does not always mean) that an update has occurred.
 
* White for any mod that is not hosted on the NEXUS.
 
 
As noted earlier, the SKSE Scripts are now installed, but are not yet active files, and thus will not be visible to the game on launch.
 
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Activate the SKSE Scripts by checking the box next to its name in the left pane. Nothing will change in the right-pane listing - this is normal and expected.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> For future mod installations, it will be assumed that a mod should be activated after installation, and this direction will not be repeated.
 
 
The files inside of the SKSE Scripts folder are now visible to the MO2 VFS, and on game launch will act as if they have been placed in the Skyrim/Data folder. File conflicts between mods will be handled by Mod Organizer 2 in order of installation - files installed later will override the files that came before.
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Installation Verification:</span>
 
* SKSE is needed to run many mods this guide uses. Proper installation needs to be verified.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Run Skyrim:SE by using the SKSE Executable in MO2.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> After the game has loaded into the main menu (listen for the Skyrim Theme to play), open the console with the <span style="color:gold">~</span> key (by default). This is the key directly above the '''TAB''' key on most keyboards.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> In the console that opens, type <span style="color:gold">getskseversion</span> and press enter.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> Verify that a new line appears in the console, indicating the version of SKSE you have installed. If there is no output, or a version other than the one you installed appears, reinstall SKSE with the correct files or verify correct installation against the instructions provided above.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> Exit Skyrim.
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">{{Notice| DO NOT continue past this point unless you are certain that SKSE is correctly installed.}}</div>
 
 
== <span style="color:#00ff00">Mod Organizer 2 Plugins</span> ==
 
To make some of the processes easier when we get to merging plugins late in the guide, deorder has created a plugin for MO2 that will hide unneeded mod plugins after merge creation. We will use this to clean up the load order significantly after all downloads are completed. Additional instructions will be provided for its use when we get there, but for now we will simply install it.
 
 
=== <span style="color:Cyan">Merge Plugins Hide</span> ===
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">
 
[https://github.com/deorder/mo2-plugins Merge Plugins Hide] - V1.0.0.4 - by deorder
 
<div style="margin-left: 10px;">
 
'''Files to download''' :
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''Merge Plugins Hide''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* Merge Plugins Hide needs to be installed to a proper location and setup to work with the guide.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Manually download the above linked file to an easily accessible location.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Extract all files in the archive to the <span style="color:gold">plugins</span> folder inside your Mod Organizer 2 install folder.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> Load Mod Organizer 2 (or reload, if it was running prior to installing the files).
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> Press the Options button in the main toolbar.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> Select the <span style="color:gold">Plugins</span> tab.
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> Scroll down the list until you locate <span style="color:gold">Merge Plugins Hide</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">7.</span> In the right pane of the window, change <span style="color:gold">Hide Type</span> to <span style="color:gold">optional</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">8.</span> Click on <span style="color:gold">OK</span>.
 
 
This change to the setup alters how the plugins will be hidden from the Virtual File System of MO2. In the default setting, the plugin will change the extension on the file to .mohidden, which is a native change that MO2 itself allows for. By changing it to optional, the plugin will instead create a new folder inside the mod's file structure called <span style="color:gold">optional</span> and then move the plugins into that folder. This makes it far easier to retrieve if, for some reason, the plugin can not be restored to use through the plugin itself. Additionally, it prevents any potential problems relating to the changing of file extension names, which can corrupt files on occasion.
 
 
Author's notes: This is a Plugin for Mod Organizer 2 that allows you to hide Plugins easier after they have been merged.
 
 
= <span style="color:#00ff00">Cleaning the Bethesda ESM Files</span> =
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">{{Notice| Ensure that BOTH VERSIONS of the xEdit executables directed earlier have been created, as they will be needed for this portion of the process. This step is important to ensure as close to an error-free base version of Skyrim as is possible.}}</div>
 
 
We begin the modification process by altering some of the vanilla game files. Bethesda, like a number of modders, have created unintended duplication of records in their DLC files. These records are referred to as '''Identical to Master''' records, or ITMs. In most cases, these are not inherently game-breaking, and usually can be ignored if one if playing a mostly vanilla game. For a heavily modified game, however, they can have a non-desired effects.
 
 
Another issue, and one that is far more serious, are deleted records. These can cause Crash to Desktop (CTD) errors, and should always be cleaned from plugin files.
 
 
Both ITMs and UDRs exist in the Bethesda DLC content files, and will need to be cleaned. Note that the below process is universal to this process, and will not be repeated for other mods that require cleaning.
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Cleaning Instructions:</span>
 
* Create a backup of the original files.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Navigate to <span style="color:gold">...\Skyrim Special Edition\Data</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> <span style="color:gold">Copy-Paste</span> the following files to your desktop or other readily available area: <span style="color:gold">Update.esm, Dawnguard.esm, HearthFires.esm,</span> and <span style="color:gold">Dragonborn.esm</span>.
 
* Bethesda Files contain ITM and UDR records, and require cleaning.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Start Mod Organizer 2, if not already running.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> From the drop-down executables menu, select <span style="color:gold">SSEEdit - Quick Auto Clean</span>. Ensure this is the xEdit version with Quick Auto Clean, as this is the one that will handle the removal of ITMs and UDRs.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> Press <span style="color:gold">Run</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> In the file selection menu that appears, check the box next to <span style="color:gold">Update.esm</span> and '''no other files'''. If any additional files need loading, xEdit will automatically load them.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> Click <span style="color:gold">OK</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> xEdit will now run the cleaning process automatically.
 
<span style="color:cyan">7.</span> Wait for the process to complete, indicated by the appearance of the message <span style="color:gold">Quick Clean Mode finished</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">8.</span> When the message has appeared, close xEdit by clicking on the <span style="color:gold">X</span> in the title bar of the application ("X-ing out").
 
<span style="color:cyan">9.</span> Repeat steps 2 through 8 for <span style="color:gold">Dawnguard.esm, Hearthfires.esm,</span> and <span style="color:gold">Dragonborn.esm</span>.
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">{{Notice| DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN SKYRIM.ESM. This will result in a corrupted file, as it will be compared to itself and all records would be deleted.}}</div>
 
 
* Dawnguard.esm requires manual xEdit cleaning in addition to the Automated cleaning.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> From the drop-down executables menu, select <span style="color:gold">SSEEdit</span>. Ensure this is the xEdit version without Quick Auto Clean.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Press <span style="color:gold">Run</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> In the plugin selection window, right click.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> In the right-click menu, select <span style="color:gold">Select None</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> Place a check mark in the box next to <span style="color:gold">Dawnguard.esm</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> Select  <span style="color:gold">OK</span>. Dawnguard will now be loaded into xEdit, along with any other required files.
 
<span style="color:cyan">7.</span> After all plugins are fully loaded, click on the "+" next to Dawnguard.esm. Its file tree will expand.
 
<span style="color:cyan">8.</span> Locate and press the "+" next to <span style="color:gold">Cell</span>. Its sub-records will appear.
 
<span style="color:cyan">9.</span> Locate and press the "+" next to <span style="color:gold">Block 5</span>. Its sub-records will appear.
 
<span style="color:cyan">10.</span> Locate and pres the "+" next to <span style="color:gold">Sub-Block 3</span>. Its sub-records will appear.
 
<span style="color:cyan">11.</span> Locate and click on <span style="color:cyan">00016BCF</span>. The right pane will now display all records associated with this cell record.
 
<span style="color:cyan">12.</span> In the right pane, scroll down and locate the <span style="color:gold">XEZN</span> sub-record that refers to <span style="color:gold">RiftenRatwayZone [ECZN:0009FBB9</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">13.</span> Right click on the above record, and select <span style="color:gold">Remove</span>. A window may appear warning you that you are making a change to the file - when able, allow the change.
 
<span style="color:cyan">14.</span> Do the same for <span style="color:gold">Block 2 -> Sub-Block 1 -> 0001FA4C</span> (the entire record) and <span style="color:gold">Block 8 -> Sub-Block 1</span> (the entire sub-block).
 
<span style="color:cyan">15.</span> Close xEdit by clicking the "X" in the program's title bar.
 
 
With all cleaning now completed, we will make these cleaned files into their own separate modification and restore the original files to the Skyrim directory. This will assist in 'future-proofing' your cleaned files for the inevitable Bethesda CC updates that would overwrite your cleaned files with the original versions.
 
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> In your <span style="color:gold">...Mod Organizer 2\mods</span> folder, create a new folder called <span style="color:gold">Cleaned Vanilla ESMs</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> In the Skryim\Data folder, <span style="color:gold">Cut and Paste</span> the following files '''FROM''' the Skyrim\Data folder '''TO''' the Mod Organizer 2\mods\Cleaned Vanilla ESMs folder: Update.esm, Dawnguard.esm, Hearthfires.esm, and Dragonborn.esm.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> <span style="color:gold">Cut and Paste</span> the backup files you created earlier into the Skyrim\data folder.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> Start Mod Organizer 2 (if not already active).
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> A new mod should appear called "Cleaned Vanilla ESMs". If it does not appear, <span style="color:gold">Right-Click -> All Mods -> Refresh</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> Activate the new mod.
 
 
With this process complete, we are now able to:
 
* Run Skyrim through Steam, resulting in a completely vanilla experience.
 
* Run Skyrim through MO2's "Vanilla Skyrim" profile using Skyrim in the drop-down, resulting in a completely vanilla experience.
 
* Run Skyrim through MO2's "Legacy of the Dragonborn - Special Edition" profile using SKSE in the drop-down, resulting in a SKSE enabled Skyrim using cleaned vanilla assets.
 
 
From this point forward, unless otherwise noted, it will be assumed that you will always start Skyrim using the third option.
 
 
= <span style="color:#00ff00">BethINI</span> =
 
BethINI (pronounced "Bethany") was developed by DoubleYou of the STEP Forums to clear out, organize, and make changes to the default Skyrim.INI files.
 
 
=== <span style="color:cyan">BethINI</span> ===
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">
 
[https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4875 BethINI] - v3.2 - by DoubleYou
 
<div style="margin-left: 10px;">
 
'''Files to download''' :
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''BethINI''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
Author's notes: BethINI (pronounced "Bethany") is an attempt to restore decency to the INI configuration files for games created by Bethesda.
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">{{Notice| BethINI should never be run from MO2's executables drop-down. Run BethINI only from its installed folder.}}</div>
 
 
Run '''BethINI''' and verify/change the following selections in the noted tabs. If a setting is not mentioned, then leave it in its default condition.
 
* In the Setup Tab
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Select the profile you intend to use (the profile we set up earlier) via the <span style="color:gold">INI Path</span> setting. Your profiles should be auto-detected.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> After profile selection, BethINI will require a restart.
 
* In the Basic Tab
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Click on the button labeled <span style="color:gold">Default</span>. This will refresh the INI files to default settings for your system, using minimal tweaks.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Click on the button labeled <span style="color:gold">High</span>. Users with more powerful computers can use the <span style="color:gold">Ultra</span> setting, if desired.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">BethINI Preset</span> is checked.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Recommended Tweaks</span> is checked.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Windowed Mode</span> is checked.
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Borderless</span> is checked.
 
<span style="color:cyan">7.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">FXAA</span> is checked.
 
<span style="color:cyan">8.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Antialiasing</span> is set to <span style="color:gold">None</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">9.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">VSync</span> is '''not''' checked.
 
<span style="color:cyan">10.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Lock Frame Rate</span> is '''not''' checked.
 
* In the General Tab
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Intro Logos</span> is '''not''' checked.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Post-Load Update Time</span> is set to <span style="color:gold">2000</span>.
 
* In the Gameplay Tab
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Over-Encumbered Reminder</span> is set to <span style="color:gold">60</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">NPC Use Ammo</span> is checked.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">1st Person Arrow Tilt-up Angle</span> is set to <span style="color:gold">0.7</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">3rd Person Arrow Tilt-up Angle</span> is set to <span style="color:gold">0.7</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">1st Person Bolt Tilt-up Angle</span> is set to <span style="color:gold">0.7</span>.
 
* In the Interface Tab
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Bethesda Modding Platform</span> is '''not''' checked.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Mouse Settings -> Lock Sensitivity</span> is set to <span style="color:gold">0.0125</span>.
 
* In the Detail Tab
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Field of View</span> is set to <span style="color:gold">85</span>. This assumes you are using a 16:9 monitor setup - if you are using ultra-wide or other aspect ratios, set as appropriate.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Particles</span> is set to <span style="color:gold">2000</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Depth of Field</span> is checked.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Lens Flare</span> is '''not''' checked.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Reflect Sky</span> is checked.
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Ambient Occlusion</span> is set to <span style="color:gold">Full</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">7.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Shadow Resolution</span> is set to <span style="color:gold">2048</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">8.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Sun-Shadow Update Time</span> is set to <span style="color:gold">0</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">9.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Sun-Shadow Update Threshold</span> is set to <span style="color:gold">2.0</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">10.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Improved Shader</span> is '''not''' checked.
 
* In the View Distance Tab
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Grass Fade</span> is set to <span style="color:gold">18000</span>.
 
*In the Visuals Tab
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Grass Density</span> is set to <span style="color:gold">60</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Verify that <span style="color:gold">Grass Diversity</span> is set to <span style="color:gold">15</span>.
 
* In the Basic Tab
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Save and Exit.
 
 
== <span style="color:#00ff00">Post BethINI Tweaks</span> ==
 
While BethINI does handle the vast majority of the tweaks needed to the INI files, a few need to be changed manually. This will be done via MO2's INI Editor. To access the viewer, click on the Tools icon in MO2's toolbar, then select the INI Editor. Once open, make the following changes (if the option does not appear, add it):
 
 
* In Skyrim.INI
 
<span style="color:gold">Under [Display]</span>
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> fShadowDirectionalBiasScale=0.47
 
<span style="color:gold">Under [Grass]:</span>
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> bGrassPointLighting=1
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> iMaxGrassTypesPerTexure=15 (The 't' missing from texture is intentional, and NOT a typo.)
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> iMinGrassSize=60
 
<span style="color:gold">Under [SaveGame]:</span>
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> bDisableAutoSave=1
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> bAllowScriptedForceSave=0
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> bAllowScriptedAutoSave=0
 
* In SkyrimPrefs.INI
 
<span style="color:gold">Under [Controls]</span>
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> bMouseAcceleration=0
 
<span style="color:gold">Under [Display]</span>
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> fInteriorShadowDistance=3000
 
<span style="color:gold">Under [Grass]</span>
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> b30GrassVS=0
 
<span style="color:gold">Under [Main]</span>
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> bSaveOnPause=0
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> bSaveOnRest=0
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> bSaveOnTravel=0
 
<span style="color:cyan">7.</span> bSaveOnWait=0
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">{{Notice| You may have noticed that these settings disable all automatic saving features of Skyrim - due to certain odd choices by Bethesda, it is advised that you NOT use Quick Saves or Automatic Saves, and instead create new saves every time... especially in a heavily modded lineup such as this one. Again, to be clear, this is NEW save games... do NOT overwrite old ones.}}</div>
 
 
* In SkyrimCustom.INI
 
The SkyrimCustom.ini is a creation of BethINI, and can be used to overwrite settings in the Skyrim.INI. This guide does not make use of this functionality. With this in mind, delete all entries in this file (make this window completely blank.)
 
 
=== <span style="color:#00ff00">SKSE.ini</span> ===
 
One additional file must be created to ensure that all works as it should. SKSE needs an INI as well, and it does not exist by default - therefore, we will make it.
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* No SKSE.INI File exists.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> In the Mod Organizer 2 left pane, locate and right-click on the <span style="color:gold">SKSE Scripts</span> mod.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> In the right-click menu, select  <span style="color:gold">Open In Explorer</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> In the window that opens, create a new folder called  <span style="color:gold">SKSE</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> In the SKSE folder, create a new text file called  <span style="color:gold">SKSE.INI</span>. Ensure that you are able to see file extensions in Windows, or you may inadvertently create a file called SKSE.INI.TXT, which is less than desirable.
 
* SKSE.INI is blank.
 
<span style="color:gold">Paste the following into the blank SKSE.INI file:</span>
 
[General]
 
ClearInvalidRegistrations=1
 
[Display]
 
iTintTextureResolution=2048
 
 
These two lines will allow for the self-correction of rogue scripting updates in save games. Save and close the SKSE.INI file, and then close the Explorer window.
 
 
= <span style="color:#00ff00">xLODGen</span> =
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">{{Notice | Although mentioned early in the guide, it is VITAL that xLODGen NOT be installed in the main Skyrim SE directory or the Mod Organizer 2 Mods folder to ensure that the program can run correctly.}}</div>
 
 
=== <span style="color:Cyan">xLODGEN</span> ===
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">
 
[https://mega.nz/#!YVAlhQJb!fU8dN6dKwth4IlfUi0Vd9FIEMUySFRKVqaqHnOO4Wdg xLODGEN] - v Beta 45 - by Sheson
 
<div style="margin-left: 10px;">
 
'''Files to download''' :
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''xLODGen-45''
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''OPTIONAL FILES'''</span> - ''[https://mega.nz/#!RVxiWBYA!Uipp7y8vwpPvyRnNRyHoLVT3wFjIEbIdmouMqfsQm60 SSE-Terrain-Tamriel.esm]''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* Install SSE-Terrain-Tamriel.ESM as its own mod entry in Mod Organizer 2. This file will be used only once in the entire guide (during xLODGen's run) and will be otherwise ignored. Activate the mod, but ensure that the ESM file (in the right pane) is '''DISABLED''' until it is needed. Instructions will be given when it is needed.
 
* Extract the contents of the ''xLODGen-45'' archive to a location that is NOT the main Skyrim SE folder or the Mod Organizer 2 mods folder.
 
* Using the earlier provided instructions, add xLODGenx64.exe as an executable in Mod Organizer 2. In the <span style="color:gold">Arguments</span> line, enter the following: <span style="color:gold">-sse -o:"<Drive Letter>\SSELODGen_Output</span>
 
 
As an example, if your intended outputs path is "E:\SSELODGEN_Output\", than the arguments line would read <span style="color:Gold">-sse -o:"E:\SSELODGen_Output"</span>
 
 
Author's notes: This is a utility used to generate LOD meshes and textures "exactly" like CK.
 
 
= <span style="color:#00ff00">DynDOLOD</span> =
 
=== <span style="color:Cyan">DynDOLOD Standalone</span> ===
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">
 
[https://mega.nz/#!tJIAxIZK!cs-3GbKdigCbz9FoSdCvyOZXppDPOs_1kOKuNeaAIM4 DynDOLOD Standalone] - v2.67 - by Sheson
 
<div style="margin-left: 10px;">
 
'''Files to download''' :
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''DynDOLOD-Standalone.2.67''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* Extract the contents of the downloaded archive to a folder of your choice. Note that, as with all other tools, this SHOULD NOT be in the Skyrim main directory or the Mod Organizer 2 directory system. This folder's name should be easily recognizable to you, but otherwise does not matter.
 
* Once extracted (installed), open Mod Organizer 2 and create executables (using the previous instructions) for TexGenx64 and DynDOLODx64. Each executable should have <span style="color:Gold">-sse</span> entered into its arguments line.
 
 
Author's notes: This is a utility used to create a mod based on the load order, which adds custom, distant LOD for objects to Skyrim.
 
 
= <span style="color:#00ff00">zMerge Setup</span> =
 
In a previous step, we installed zEdit. zEdit is a mini-suite of tools, only two of which we will actually use in the guide - zEdit itself, and zMerge. The tool you use is selected on the first window interface when loading the program, so be sure to note which portion of the program you need when you load up zEdit.
 
 
We will now setup zMerge to properly create merged mods late in the guide process.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Run zEdit from the MO2 executables drop-down menu.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> In the window that opens, select  <span style="color:gold">zMerge</span> and the profile you wish to use (should always be Skyrim: Special Edition, unless otherwise directed).
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> Click on  <span style="color:gold">Start Session</span>
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> In the window that appears, locate and click on the cog (gear) icon in the upper right corner. A new popup window should appear.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> In the left pane, click on  <span style="color:gold">Integration Settings</span>. If this option does not appear, you have likely opened zEdit instead of zMerge. Close out of the program and reload in zMerge mode.
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> In the right pane, under Mod Manager, select  <span style="color:gold">Mod Organizer 2</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">7.</span> In the right pane, under MO2 Instance, select  <span style="color:gold">Portable</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">8.</span> In the right pane, under Mod Manager Path, fill in the file path to your MAIN MO2 install folder.
 
<span style="color:cyan">9.</span> In the right pane, under Mod Manager Mods Path, fill in the file path to the mods folder (which should be located inside your main MO2 install folder).
 
<span style="color:cyan">10.</span> In the left pane, click on  <span style="color:gold">Merge Settings</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">11.</span> In the right pane, under Merge Output Path, fill in the file path to where your MO2 mods folder is (this should match the file path in step 9).
 
<span style="color:cyan">12.</span> In the right pane, uncheck  <span style="color:gold">Disable Plugins</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">13.</span> In the left pane, click on  <span style="color:goldn">Archive Creation Settings</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">14.</span> In the right pane, under Advanced, change "Minimum Files Per Archive" to  <span style="color:gold">999999</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">15.</span> In the right pane, under Advanced, ensure that "Create Texture Archive" is  <span style="color:gold">not checked</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">16.</span> Click on OK.
 
<span style="color:cyan">17.</span> Close zMerge.
 
 
For the more visually oriented, [https://imgur.com/a/fqKYyWS here] is a series of pictures that may help you to setup zMerge if you are having problems.
 
 
= <span style="color:#00ff00">Reshade Installation</span> =
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">{{Notice| The guide currently employs portions of the ReShade suite instead of an ENB for reasons of system impact. If you prefer to install an ENB, you may do so with NO IMPACT on the overall guide installation by skipping this section. If you need assistance with ENB installation or tweaking, there is a channel on the Discord server (linked at the top of every page of this guide) where you can find any assistance you need.}}</div>
 
 
=== <span style="color:cyan">Reshade</span> ===
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#cc6699; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Optional</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px;">
 
[https://reshade.me/ Reshade] - v4.2.1 - by Reshade Team
 
<div style="margin-left: 10px;">
 
'''Files to download''' :
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''ReShade_Setup_4.2.1''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* The ReShade Suite has a slightly unusual installation package. Install ReShade by:
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Run the ReShade installation executable file.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> In the window that appears, click on  <span style="color:gold">Select game to install...</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> Navigate to and select your SkyrimSE.exe file. This will be located in your Skyrim SE main folder.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> In the original window, select  <span style="color:gold">Direct3D 10+</span>. It will already be selected by default, but will need to be clicked on again to advance the process.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> When asked if you wish to download a standard set of shaders, select  <span style="color:gold">Yes</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> In the window that appears, place checkmarks beside the following items: <span style="color:gold">Finesharp.fx, LevelsPlus.fx, LumaSharpen.fx,</span> and <span style="color:gold">Vibrance.fx</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">7.</span> Close the shader selection. In the original window, the word "Succeeded!" should be visible in the upper left corner.
 
 
=== <span style="color:Cyan">BTS - Beautifully Textured Skyrim ReShade Preset</span> ===
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#cc6699; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Optional</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#b38659; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">HQ</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px;">
 
[https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/25489/ BTS - Beautifully Textured Skyrim ReShade Preset] - v1.01 - by godescalcus
 
<div style="margin-left: 10px;">
 
'''Files to download''' :
 
* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - '' BTS - ReShade 1.01''
 
</div>
 
</div>
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* This file is a preset for the previously installed shaders, but requires manual install.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Extract the archive to your  <span style="color:gold">Main Skyrim SE Folder</span>.
 
 
Author's notes: The aim of this preset is simple: to boost texture detail, while preserving Skyrim Special Edition's original colours and lighting - or those of whichever mods you're running.
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Manual INI Editing Required:</span>
 
* In the files indicated, make the noted changes:
 
<span style="color:cyan">Skyrim.ini</span>
 
<span style="color:gold">[Display]</span>
 
<span style="color:gold">fGlobalBloomThresholdBoost=5.0000</span> (Add new entry).
 
<span style="color:cyan">SkyrimPrefs.ini</span>
 
<span style="color:gold">[Display]</span>
 
<span style="color:gold">bSAOEnable=1</span> (Verify this value).
 
* With ReShade and a Preset installed, setup ReShade to use the Preset.
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Run Skyrim.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> When the main menu appears, press the 'Home' key (default) to load the ReShade GUI Menu.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> In the 'Home' Tab, choose  <span style="color:gold">BTS ReShade.ini</span> in the drop-down menu at the top of the GUI.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> Press the 'Home' key again to close the ReShade GUI.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> Exit Skyrim.
 
 
= <span style="color:#00ff00">GPU Driver Settings</span> =
 
 
<div style="text-align: center;">{{Notice| The settings below assume you are using a nVidia based GPU. Users with Radeon or other GPUs will need to seek additional information on how to set similar settings.}}
 
{{Notice| The settings below are very system-dependent. They are based on Lexy's system, and may need tweaking or alteration to accommodate your own system. Further information can be obtained by asking on the Discord Server.}}</div>
 
 
The final portion of the setup for this guide will lock in some graphics-related settings for best use with the game and guide. There are two ways to make these changes - either by downloading a provided profile or making the changes manually. The latter selection is recommended for those who have made changes to these settings in other games before and wish to keep those changes. If this is a first time install, downloading the provided profile will likely be easier.
 
 
=== <span style="color:Cyan">NVIDIA Profile Inspector</span> ===
 
<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>
 
<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">
 
[https://github.com/Orbmu2k/nvidiaProfileInspector/releases/tag/2.3.0.2 Nvidia Inspector] - 2.3.0.2 - by Orbmu2k <div style="margin-left: 10px">
 
'''Files to download'''&nbsp;:
 
*<span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''NVIDIA Inspector''
 
</div> </div>
 
 
Extract the download to any convenient location - this does not include (nor require) an installer, and can be run from any location on your system.
 
 
<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>
 
* FOR INSTALLING VIA THE DOWNLOAD:
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Download the provided profile at [https://www.dropbox.com/s/iwc7d4suyrtbv5j/Skyrim%20SE%20Nvidia%20Inspector%20Profile.nip?dl=0 this] location.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Load nvidiaInspector.exe.
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> In the window that appears, next to the line beginning with "Driver Version" is a square button with a green icon in it. Click this button (this is the Profile Inspector).
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> In the new window, in the toolbar at the top is an icon of a box with a green arrow pointing downwards. Click on this button, then "Import Profiles" in the drop-down that appears.
 
<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> In the window that appears, navigate to and select the profile you downloaded in step 1.
 
<span style="color:Gold">The profile is now installed. It is a good idea to verify that all settings are correct, but it is not required. Settings can be found in the manual settings list below.</span>
 
* FOR MANUAL SETTINGS CHANGE:
 
<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Load nvidiaInspector.exe.
 
<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> In the window that appears, next to the line beginning with "Driver Version" is a square button with a green icon in it. Click this button (this is the Profile Inspector).
 
<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> Use the search bar and navigate to  <span style="color:gold">The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition</span>.
 
<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> Set the following options as indicated:
 
<span style="color:red">Under '''2 - Sync and Refresh'''</span>
 
<span style="color:gold">Frame Rate Limiter</span> to <span style="color:gold">58</span>. (Select 58 in the drop-down menu.)
 
<span style="color:gold">Maximum Pre-Rendered Frames</span> to <span style="color:gold">1</span>.
 
<span style="color:gold">Vertical Sync</span> to <span style="color:gold">Force On</span>. NOTE: Setting VSync here appears more stable on most systems, however it can also be set in both the game itself and (if installed) the ENB settings. It must be set in one of these three locations for the game to function properly.
 
<span style="color:red">Under '''3 - Antialiasing'''</span>
 
<span style="color:gold">Antialiasing - Mode</span> to <span style="color:gold">Enhance the Application Setting</span>.
 
<span style="color:gold">Antialiasing - Setting</span> to <span style="color:gold">4x [4x Multisampling]</span>.
 
<span style="color:red">Under '''4 - Texture Filtering'''</span>
 
<span style="color:gold">Anisotropic Filtering Mode</span> to <span style="color:gold">User-Defined/Off</span>.
 
<span style="color:gold">Anisotropic Filtering Setting</span> to <span style="color:gold">16x</span>.
 
<span style="color:gold">Anisotropic Sample Optimization</span> to <span style="color:gold">On</span>.
 
<span style="color:gold">Negative LOD Bias</span> to <span style="color:gold">Clamp</span>.
 
<span style="color:gold">Quality</span> to <span style="color:gold">High Quality</span>. This setting may be lowered, if needed.
 
<span style="color:gold">Trilinear Optimization</span> to <span style="color:gold">On</span>. This setting is ignored if using High Quality.
 
 
== <span style="color:#00ff00">The Journey of a Thousand Steps begins...</span> ==
 
 
Congratulations - you've completed the tool installation and setup for the guide, and hopefully picked up a few bits of new knowledge along the way. Now, it's time to actually start downloading all of the mods required by the guide.
 
 
On to the actual [https://wiki.nexusmods.com/index.php?title=User:Shadriss/ModList_Page mod list]...
 
 
[[Category:Modding Guides]][[Category:Skyrim Special Edition]]
 

Latest revision as of 13:31, 5 September 2019