Skyrim mods how to install mods

How do I install mods in Skyrim? | Modding step by step TES V: Skyrim Guide

Last update: Sunday, August 27, 2017

Skyrim mods can be installed using the four following methods:

Remember that any manipulation with the game files may lead to damage. That’s why you should make a backup copy of your save game before you install any mods, or even (if you really want to be on the safe side) backup the contents of the Data folder from the main Skyrim folder.

Nexus Mod Manager

Manual installation

Mods can be installed manually by copying the mod files into the Data folder located in the main game folder. The following is the deafault Data folder location:

Skyrim: «selected drive»:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\Skyrim\Data

Special Edition: «selected drive»:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\Skyrim Special Edtion\Data

Next, you’ll have to activate the mod in the game launcher, in the Data files section.

Steam Workshop (available only in «standard» Skyrim)

Mod installation through Steam Workshop requires you only to click the Subscribe button at the mod page. Steam will download and install the files automatically.

Direct in-game installation (available only in Special Edition)

In the main menu of Skyrim Special Edition you’ll find the MODS tab. Once there, simply find the mod you’re interested in and click Download.

The installation process via the game menu is very simple, but not every mod is available there.

Skyrim mods how to install mods

This guide has been translated into Russian by Mihay:

Modding is a popular way to enhance gameplay, add content to, and even break your game.

Modding for all Bethesda games is simple and easy to understand once you know how to do it.

The sections of the guide that follow this one will explain the different ways to install and manage Mods for Skyrim.

Knowing the location of your Skyrim/Data folder is the important first step in installing mods to the game.

When Using Steam: Your data folder will be contained in C:\Steam\steamapps\common\skyrim, with the ‘C’ changed to whatever drive letter your hard drive is assigned. (C is the default)

Otherwise, Skyrim will be installed to C:/ProgramFiles/BethesdaSoftworks/Skyrim, or an address similar.

The ‘Skyrim’ folder should contain one named ‘Data’.

You’re on your way.

The way that you manage mods is completely your choice. Some players feel that Bethesda’s In-Launcher manager is sufficient for their needs, and it is if you only have a few mods. But if you plan on going all out, you may want to consider Nexus Mod Manager.

Upon first launch, it will search your computer for your Skyrim Data directory, taking the earlier part of the work out for you.

Note that the Mod Manager CAN manage mods that you download from the Steam Workshop, as they are all placed in the same folder.

Mods for Skyrim can be found in a few places, but there are two major sources.

The first is the Steam Workshop, where mods that you subscribe to will be automatically downloaded to your Data folder, which requires little to no input on your part.

The second is the Skyrim Nexus, where you have two options. They are

When you download a mod manually, be sure to take into account any of the Author’s personal instructions, or else the mod may not work as intended.

In any case, copy all the files in the zip or rar to your Skyrim/Data folder, overwriting any files that you are prompted to. This is also important in making sure the mod works.

Once you have the mod installed, it is time for the final step.

Mods that are manually installed need to be activated in order to work. However, this is also a very simple process.

Simply open the Skyrim launcher. Once there, click on Data Files. A menu will come up with all of your installed mods.

The mod that you just installed will be the one without an [X] in it’s box. To activate it, simply check the box and hit OK.

Alternatively, you can activate mods in Nexus Mod Manager the same way, by checking the box next to the respective mod.

MAKE SURE THAT YOU DO NOT UNCKECK SKYRIM.ESM OR UPDATE.ESM. THIS MAY CAUSE YOUR GAME TO BREAK.

Once you have checked the box, launch the game, and enjoy your modded Skyrim!

Skyrim mods how to install mods

I’d recommend using Nexusmods because it’s better for the Skyrim modding community, but If you still want to install mods using the Steam Workshop please read this guide.

Bored of the vanilla Skyrim armors? Install the mods featured in my guide: Skyrim Mods: Armors

In this guide I use Nexus Mod Manager because it’s Nexus’ official mod manager. However this, is of course, not the only mod manager available.

After Installing It will probably look something like this. →

You can sort the mods in categories, on initial launch NMM will ask you if you want to create your own categories or if NMM should do it for you.

To Install a mod go to the modpage on the Nexusmods website, and press the download button. After that the mod manager should open automatically and start the download.

After downloading the mods you will have to activate them using the activate button.

Some mods even have an installer that activates when you want to install a mod, the installer will ask your preferences.

Make sure you install the mods in the correct order, for example you must first install the «core mod» and then install the fixes or expansions of that mod.

Some mods require Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE), make sure you have SKSE installed and that you use the SKSE shortcut to start the game.

SKSE makes you use a custom shortcut to launch the game rather than starting the game via your Steam library. Personally I think it’s worth it regarding many mods require SKSE.

If there are any problems you can always ask me for help.
Are there any broken hyperlinks? Please notify me about those.

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GAMERS DECIDE

A Guide To Installing Skyrim Mods

At its most basic level, “mods” refer to modifications that can be made to games and programs. They refer to tweaks, additions, changes, subtractions or anything that modifies a game or program—hence the name.

So Skyrim mods refer to modifications specifically geared toward modifying the game in some capacity. These mods can vary in size and quality, and the game objects they modify can differ. This means that mods can be anything from replacing dragons with Thomsas the Tank Engine to creating entire DLCs with its own quests, NPCs and features.

Where To Download Skyrim Mods for PC

Technically speaking, mods can be uploaded just about anywhere since mods are just a bunch of files with customized code. But random third-party websites can be dangerous, and because each mod author is left to their own devices this means they are held accountable to no one.

Which is why when most people start looking to download mods, they go to websites which hold their own robust modding community and have their own standard community guidelines that are enforced. These include:

These sites host several thousand mods and are categorized and tagged by each mod author. Community members can also review or posts their opinion about mods. Overall, these sites are the fastest and safest known means of downloading mods.

Just be sure to carefully read installation instructions, mod conflicts and if the mod has any known problems. It is still important to remember that even though these mod communities have their own rules and standards, that doesn’t instantly mean that every mod will be polished and/or compatible.

Skyrim Mods for Console

As of right now, official mod support exists only for Skyrim Special Edition on certain consoles. These include:

But keep in mind this may change in the future. Skyrim has so many re-releases that it is not outlandish to say they might release it again for another platform.

But getting mods on consoles is just as much about getting permission from console producers as it about creating the modding framework. And this process has to be done and confirmed for every new console and every individual version of the game.

There is some good news though.The main differentiating factor between downloading mods on PC and downloading mods on console is that console downloading is exceptionally streamlined. Meaning that it was built to be intuitive and easy to navigate.

How to Install Skyrim Mods on PC (Nexus)

Step 1: Create a Nexus Account.

Step 2: Download Vortex. Vortex is Nexus’s official mod manager where mods can be downloaded and managed.

Note: Vortex is the successor to Nexus Mod Manager (NMM). Because Vortex came later in the website’s lifetime, several mod pages may still refer to NMM when referring to the official mod manager. Unless specified otherwise, Vortex can still download that mod safely.

Step 3: Find a Mod on The Nexus and Access the Mod Page

The Nexus website has several means to find mods. They have categories, pages for trending and popular mods, filters and search functions. Simply explore the site to find the mod that you want.

When you find that mod and access its mod page, it is highly recommended that you review the contents of the “description” tab. Especially the parts that describe installation requirements, installation instructions, known mod conflicts, bugs and other issues.

Step 4: Click “Files” and Select the “Mod Manager Download” option

On the mod page there will be several tabs. Click the “Files” tab. This tab should have a section for “Main Files” and “Optional Files”. The files you should focus on are the main files.

Click “Mod Manager Download”. Click it and allow Vortex to download the mod. If done correctly, the mod should now be in Vortex’s mod list.

Step 5: Enable the Mod in Vortex

Vortex Mod List

Step 6: Play the Game

How to Install Skyrim Mods on PC (Steam Workshop)

Step 1: Get a Steam Account

Step 2: Download the Steam Platform

Steam has its own platform that can be used for gaming, shopping and communication. You will need to download this platform if you want to download mods from the workshop.

Step 3: Access the Steam Workshop.

Steam Game Library

This can be done either by selecting the workshop option from Steam’s community tab or accessing Skyrim from your game library and selecting the workshop from the game tabs.

Step 4: Browse the Workshop.

Mods can be browsed by category, most trending, popularity, and more. Simply explore the workshop until you find a mod that you want.

Step 5: Download by Clicking “Subscribe”.

Step 6: Ensure that the Mod is Enabled.

Step 7: Play the Game

How to Install Skyrim Mods on PC (Manual Installation)

Important Forewarning: There’s a reason mod managers exist. The first reason is that it’s tedious. The second—and most important reason—is that installing mods incorrectly with this method can have disastrous consequences depending on the size and scope of the mod. These consequences can include game crashes, corrupt files and even breaking Skyrim entirely.

So it is highly recommended that you try installing with a mod manager first (assuming the option is available).

Step 1: Backup your saves. Incorrectly installing mods can potentially damage your game and save files, so it is important that you backup your character saves in case something goes wrong.

Step 2: Follow the instructions from ‘How to Install Skyrim Mods: Computers/PC (Nexus)’ up until Step 4a.

Hunterborn Mod Page, Files Tab

Step 4: Follow the Installation Instructions.

Installation instructions can vary mod to mod so you will need to review the installation instructions for each mod from the mod description page. Most of them simply require dumping the mod files into a certain file location. But some can be as complex as having to manually insert each mod file into several game file locations. It all depends on the mod in question..

Most manual installations will require you to access the Skyrim data folder. This can usually be found in your file explorer at: C:/Program Files (x86)/Steam/steamapps/common/Skyrim/Data

But keep in mind that the address may be a little different based on where you purchased Skyrim.

Step 5: Play the Game.

How to Install Mods on Consoles (PS4 and Xbox One)

Step 1: Get a Bethesda.net account.

Step 2: Link this Bethesda.net account to your console.

Step 3: Search for a Mod And Download It

PS4 Skyrim Mod Page

Step 4: Enable the Mod you Downloaded.

Step 5: (If Necessary) Alter the Load Order

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How to install Skyrim mods with NMM

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Just a quick video tutorial on how to mod your Skyrim for the beginners. This is for mod users, not mod creators.

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Hope this helps for the newbies with modding. A more advance guide will be up soon.
Big thanks to NexusMods for helping us mod our games.
Also the file is for endorsements only. It is NOT a mod.

VIDEO DESCRIPTION ON THE PAGE:
Website for mods:
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/

Nexus Mod Manager Download:
http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/modmanager/?

There is no music in this video therefore NO ONE has the right to take this down. I do not give permission for anyone to re-upload this video. If I find this video anywhere else apart from NexusMods under the user ramones112 (me), I have the right to get it taken down. Lifes a b**ch.