PREREQUISITES
First things first, we need to make a base.
NOTE: ALL LINKS PRESENTED HERE ARE VERY USEFUL AND WITHOUT THESE RESOURCES, OUR GUIDE WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.
Before we get into the actual guide, I personally recommend reading this “Initial Setup” section found in the link below; its full of useful information regardless if it’s from a specific guide (and it’s a very good guide anyway). https://thephoenixflavour.com/tpf/initial-setup/skyrim-and-steam/
Now with that out of the way, let's get into the guide.
1. Performing a clean installation of Skyrim Special Edition
2. Installing Mod Organizer 2:
Part 1: https://thephoenixflavour.com/tpf/initial-setup/mod-organizer-2/
Part 2. REFER TO VIDEO
3. Installing Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE):
4. Installing SSEEdit (referred to as xEdit):
After watching the video, refer to this as a guide to solve conflicts:
5. Installing Creation Kit:
5A. Converting Form 43(LE) to Form 44(SE):
Arthmoor's (author of USSEP) answer to the wrong forms question:
- Master files with form 43 is not a problem
- All esp/esl must be form 44 (whole plugin not just the header)
- Do not convert with SSEEdit or you will break stuff
- Having plugins with a form that's not 44 will gradually corrupt your save even if it's not noticeable
6. Installing zEdit:
7. Installing WryeBash:
8. Installing/Using LOOT:
9. Installing/Using BethINI:
Links explaining each ini setting:
a. https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/Guide:Skyrim_INI
b. https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/Guide:SkyrimPrefs_INI
c. https://thephoenixflavour.com/tpf/initial-setup/ini-files/
10. Cathedral Assets Optimizer (CAO) and/or Ocatgon:
Both of these tools are used to resize, optimise, convert meshes, animations, etc. More in the description.
a. CAO - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/23316
b. Octagon - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/28773
This is my favourite tool to keep my textures in check.
11. SSE NIF Optimizer:
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4089
(Also used to convert some LE meshes to SE).
12. RUDDY88 ESLIFY:
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/42211
Read the description for more details. TDLR: Turns .esp plugins into .esp flagged as ESL, meaning it won't count towards the plugin limit of 255. All of this is done automatically.
13. How to use zMerge:
For the homies with too many armor mods.
14 . Installing Nemesis Unlimited Behavior Engine:
14A . Installing 360 movement behavior overhaul in Nemesis:
15. Installing ENB:
16 . Dyndolod Basics:
More info on this in our LODS Section. This is a tool you should use after you feel as if your main load order is complete.