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Skyrim special edition is a new generation game developed by Bethesda games. It is set for the new generation players and also includes new hardware. It was released on October 28th, 2016. Upon its release, it created the need to integrate various PC mods to optimize its incredible array of functions.
Some of the game features include Dawnguard and Dragonborn add-ons, screen-space reflections, volumetric god rays, new water and snow shaders, remastered art and its effects, and playing all the PC mods on the consoles.
To play Skyrim special edition with the mods, one will need to have a reliable and stable internet connection. Next, open your browser and create a Bethesda account using this link.
Bethesda create account
Select the ‘Skyrim Special Edition’ option under the “MODS” from the game’s main menu, then log in with the username and password you created.
select mods Skyrim special edition
Once you log in, your gamers’ platform and a tag will automatically be linked. Now you can start playing the mods. The significant benefit of playing the game with mods is that it creates its own set of autosaves, which become marked with an ‘M’ and automatically saves it for future use. Thus, when you return to play the game, you will find your previous saves, thus making it easy to pick up from where you left.
Note: Install the Skyrim special edition using an originally existing save if a previously saved game exists. Besides, suppose there is a notification on the PC indicating a connection error. In that case, it is recommended to avoid installation using the existing save as it might cause the game to misbehave or even crash.
The most common drivers to be used during the installation process include AMD, Intel, and NVIDIA. These drivers are designed in a manner that aids the Skyrim special edition software launch. In addition, the drivers are mostly configured to prevent lag while playing or installing the games.
How to install Skyrim special edition mods
For this illustration, I will use ‘vortex’ software to manage the mods during the installation process. Vortex is recommended universally for organizing and installing larger packages conveniently. Not only does Vortex enable successful installation of the Skyrim special edition game, but it also helps by publishing its contents to numerous gamers, enabling the discussion, feedback, and support for the game. The website is also more interface friendly and reasonably easy to follow along. Furthermore, it has efficient filtering which, categorizes only the mods that suit your demand.
To install VortexVortex, go to the Nexus website; and register an account.
nexus mods create an account
Once that is complete, download the Vortex software from this link. Scroll down and select the “Slow” download if you don’t plan on subscribing to premium memberships.
select slow download
Note: It is important to note that the name changes depending on the source used to download. For instance, in some sites, it is referred to as “Nexus mo manager.”
Once you have completed downloading the software, proceed and install it on your Windows pc. Now locate the installed game and run it.
launch vortex
On the dashboard, you will click on ‘games,’ then click on ‘scan.’ A drop-down menu will be shown select the full option to scan for missing games.
select games then full scan for missing games
Note: You can select the preferred mod installation by clicking on the settings then the mods button.
It is crucial to run the Skyrim special edition from the main menu before activating the mods. So, you will need to set the game through to ‘steam.’ Steam will launch the game menu then quit. Doing so creates a ‘.ini file’ for editing and ensuring the game does not run into mod errors while playing in the future.
Once the ‘.ini file’ has been successfully created, proceed to the next step. You should be proud when you get to this step since the setup process has been completed, and you can now install the desired mods.
On the Nexus website, search for your desired mod from the search menu as shown below:
Search for mods from the nexus website
Note: after searching for your desired mod, you should carefully read through the app’s description before choosing the ‘files’ tab. Here, you will then select the ‘mod manager downloads’ option.
Wait for the mod download to complete, then select the one you want to install and click the ‘Install’ option. The load order will start to populate depending on the number of mods you downloaded.
Note: The Nexus files will need to be configured in a set order using tools such as LOOT that assist in checking possible errors during your setup process. Besides, the list provided is important as it contains the mods’ general information and their descriptions.
Mods in this aspect are important as they bring in extra content that increases the fun in the game.
before and after applying modes
Example of best mods available for Skyrim Special Edition
1) Skyrim Priority SE
This mod ensures your system always prioritizes the running of the Skyrim special edition. This means that whenever the game is running on your PC, it is given priority, and most CPU power is often dedicated to improving the operation and graphics of the game. This is an essential mod to boost the game’s overall performance when your PC is tasked with handling very demanding applications or when handling lots of heavily scripted mods. Download the mod, then install it on your PC.
2) Unofficial Skyrim special edition patch
This patch fixes thousands of bugs often associated with the game. It was specially meant for the vanilla version of the game though it can work on other versions. Besides enhancing the game’s performance, this mod also helps create a bug-free experience during the game-play. First, download the mod, then install it.
Download Unofficial Skyrim special edition patch
3) SSE display Tweaks
This mod specifically makes the game run smoothly. Its importance is viewed greatly when playing, especially during the ‘borderless full-screen mode.’ This mod brings out the most performance of your GPU processors, thereby enhancing better gaming ability. It is also vital for those intending to install lots of graphic mods. Download this mod and install it on your computer.
4) Static mesh Improvement mod
This mod is used to replace static vanilla objects with brand-new models and magnificent textures. It improves the quality, sharpness, and visual status of the Architecture, Landscapes, Furniture, and Landscapes, making it a 2021 quality appeal. Download the mod
Download Static mesh Improvement mod
5) The Forgotten City
The Forgotten City is arguably one of the best mods, and it features an 8-hour long adventurous exploration into a forgotten city. So the players have to uncover the truths behind the murder and mysteries within the underground city. The mod acts in a stellar voice and uses multiple endings for the quest of ensuring replay-ability.
Managing the mods
Skyrim script extender was initially not compatible with Skyrim. But after a series of editions on their program, it has proven to be a helpful tool. Once installed, launch it, get to the special edition properties, and set it as ‘only update this game when I launch it.’ This step helps to prevent auto-updating the program each time the script extender breaks. The script extender plays crucial roles, such as ensuring the availability of the SkyUI and the stability of the available Skyrim versions. In addition, it is now possible to access all the Skyrim special edition mods on the Bethseda website.
Some of the mod managers used to keep track of all additions of the mods into our PC include:
- Vortex: This download manager can be used to download, install and manage the mods for the Skyrim Special Edition game, amongst other game functions. It is highly recommended as it has a valuable utility and works more efficiently with various other similar online games.
- SkyUI: this mod manager is supported by Skyrim Special Edition due to its friendly interface. It makes use of mouse controls and makes it feel like the game was designed for mouse operations. It offers the ability to filter and sort out the game inventories based on value, damages, and weight. It also adds an add-on mod configuration to the game, making it more convenient.
- Mod organizer 2: this mod manager was designed as an alternative to VortexVortex and offered the opportunity for those who plan on experimenting on the installation and un-installation of various mods. It can handle many games from Bethesda games such as Skyrim special edition and therefore could be used for managing things on the game.
Benefits of using Mods for Skyrim special edition
Integration of the use of mods into Skyrim’s special edition does not necessarily mean cheating. Mods help to build skills necessary for achieving the intended goals of the game. It sometimes even involves using the same development tools that had initially been used for developers of the game. Mods can be posted online and assist developers in getting feedback from their users.
Conclusion
This article has comprehensively covered how to install mods for the Skyrim Special edition on PC. We hope this article will help you install the mods and enjoy the game. If you encounter any challenges, feel free to reach out via the comments section.