A Beginner Modlist for Skyrim LE

Hello there, I see you’re interested in modding your Skyrim, possibly for the first time, or maybe you want a refresher course? Well I hope I can help guide you! In this guide I will give you a list of tools and a list of mods to help mod your Skyrim. However this Modlist is meant to be as hassle free as possible, meaning you won’t get 100% of the modding knowledge you’d need to expand further. Don’t worry, I do have a playlist I can point you towards that will explain it FAR better than I ever could. For now, here’s what I want to accomplish with this guide

-Give you basic modding know-how
-A small list of mods with as much improvement/changes to your game as possible
-Make the mod list accessible for PCs of every category, from Low end to high end. (So I will not be recommending ENBs)
-No nonesense mods.

THIS GUIDE WILL REQUIRE A NEXUS MODS ACCOUNT AND SKYRIM LEGENDARY EDITION

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SKYRIM INSTALLED OUTSIDE OF PROGRAM FILES TO MINIMIZE HEADACHES

I know the DLC is no longer for sale....officially. You can still access them through being linked to them. Refer to this guide.

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2614150774

However I won't recommend getting it on steam unless you 100% don't trust other sites. I know people will ask "Why not just get SE at this point?" Well some people can't run it and others prefer OG skyrim so I can't stop them. If you want to save money on missing DLC, I recommend getting them from CDKeys. Legendary Edition is as of writing this guide, 17 dollars and the 3 DLC Pack is 7 Dollars. All good? Okay, let's get started.

First we need a Mod Manager. I highly HIGHLY recommend Mod Organizer 2.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/6194
(This is the Skyrim SE part of nexus but I promise, this works for Skyrim LE)

Set Up guide for Mod Organizer 2: https://youtu.be/VaFN2nAkGh0

(Bonus) Mod Organizer 2 Tips: https://youtu.be/H2ig_V5JCwQ

Got that done? Okay.

Install these two. They are Required.

Skyrim Script Extender: https://store.steampowered.com/app/365720/Skyrim_Script_Extender_SKSE/

SKSE ini For Lazy Users: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/51038

LOOT: https://loot.github.io

Wrye Bash: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/6837

BethIni: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4875
(This is for the final Step

I know I said I would try to make this modlist small but you should really install these patches and frameworks. Sorry man.

SkyUI (MUST DOWNLOAD): https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/3863/

Skyrim Unofficial Legendary Edition Patch: (ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY) https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/71214/

Skyrim Optimization Project: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/32505

Crash Fixes: (MUST HAVE MUST HAVE. PLEASE READ THE DESCRIPTION) https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/72725/

PrecacheKiller: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/33526?tab=files

Invisible Eyes Fix: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/23916

Papyrus Util: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/58705

Auto Unequip Ammo: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/10753/

Run For Your Lives: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2592734086
Prevents Civilians from fighting Dragons and

Main Menu (Character Slot mod) https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/64948

Cutting Room Floor: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2588848393
Adds cut content back into skyrim

Skyrim Supplementary Patch: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/91069

Better Dialogue Controls: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/27371

powerofthree's Papyrus Extender: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/95017

Better Message Box Controls: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/28170

Atlas Map Markers: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/14976
Adds way more Map Markers

Even Better Quest Objectives: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/32695
Improves Quest objective to make them read more interesting

Cobb Bug Fixes: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/96734

Bug Fixes V3: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/76747

One Tweak (Allows you to use Borderless Windows): https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/40706/

Dynamic Animation replacer: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/101371
Framework for a mod we’ll be using

Load Game CTD Fix: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/85443/

Spell Perk Item Distributor: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/105121

I did say I would try to make this list accessible to Low End Users so I will name SOME performance mods that will help you squeeze those few more FPS. For people with a GPU and stuff, you can safely skip this step

Remove Underwater Grass: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/55240/?

Bethesda Performance Textures: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/42360/?
Compresses Textures with minimal performance loss, meaning you can set your textures to high and get better performance

No more Radial Blur: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/77791/?

Interior and Dungeon Fog Remover: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/736/?

Remove Exterior Fog: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/58212/?

Insignificant object remover: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/64611/?

These is the one I'd recommend for Good Performance with minimal visual loss but if you're desperate for more frames, check out this guide.

A Helpful Guide To Increase Skyrim's Performance and Stability - FPS and Optimization: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/82860

Static Mesh Improvement Mod: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/8655
Makes flat objects have 3d Models

Noble Skyrim (USE PERFORMANCE TEXTURE PACK AND SMIM PATCH): https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/45807

Realistic Water Two: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/41076

Enhanced Vanilla Trees (I recommend the regular version): https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/76086

LeanWolf's Better-Shaped Weapons: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/39870?tab=description

Real Roads LE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/55518

(Optional) Unbelievable Grass 2 Redux: (if you can edit the Ini file, set the grass density from 58 to 70): https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/88876

Amidianborn Book of Silence (Weapons, Armors, Dragonborn, Creatures, Uniques): https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/24909

Rustic Clothing: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/69784

LeanWolf's Better-Shaped Weapons: (get 2k-1k) https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/39870?tab=description

Vivid Weathers: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/73937?tab=description
OR
Aurelia- Weather and Interiors: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/95579

R.A.S.S. Rain Ash And Snow Shaders - Wet Frost Cold Dust: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/103218

(Optional) JK Skyrim LITE and SUPERLITE (Choose which one you think your PC can handle): https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/71018/

Lanterns of Skyrim AIO: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/18916/

Tired of watching the Skyrim intro again? Try an Alternate Start mod!

Choose one from this video!
https://youtu.be/xaPr8lSTyfI

Immersive Armors: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/19733
Expands armor variety greatly

Lore Weapon Expansion: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/44179
Expands weapons that are found in TES Lore

Summermyst: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/80918
Expands number of Enchantments

Bandolier - Bags and Pouches: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=66200826
Allows you to craft what the name suggests to boost your carry weight.

Animated Armory DAR Version: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/102884
Expands the TYPES of weapons found in the game with custom animations

ApachiiSkyHair: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/10168

Total Character Makeover: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/53716
Makes Characters looks more consistent throughout the game, if you don't like how they look, you can skip this one

Rustic Children: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/63353
No more potato children

Superior Lore-Friendly Hair - HD textures: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/36510
Better Looking Hair. Feel free to choose from the regular or rough version

Immersive Sound Compendium: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/54387

Audio Overhaul Skyrim 2: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/43773/?tab=files

Adamant - A Perk Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/105511

"Why not Ordinator" Honestly I prefer beginners of modding get Adamant since it's basically Skyrim but strengthened. Vanilla+ if you will. If you prefer Ordinator, go for it.

Mysticism - A Magic overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/105440
A hard requirement for Adamant but it's no slouch. It rebalances vanilla spells and also adds in spells from Oblivion!

Mundus - A Standing Stone Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/105480
More interesting Standing Stones

Aetherius - A Race Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/105348
More interesting Race changes without going over the top

Scion - A Vampire Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/105535
Improved Vanilla vampires

Manbeast - A Werewold Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/107663

Blade and Blunt - A Combat overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/105391
A Combat overhaul that improves Skyrim's vanilla combat, now introducing a forgiving form of stamina management (I highly recommend getting the timed blocking module as well)

Alternatively for Combat junkies

Wildcat - Combat of Skyrim - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/76529
Introducing Injuries and mechanics such as Attacks of Opportunity (very customizable)
+ Mortal enemies - DeAimbot your foes: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/73921/

GET UP STAND UP: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/17491
Faster get up animation

Apocalypse - Magic Of Skyrim:
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/16225
Adds many more new spells

(Optional) Ars Metallica: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2589700886
A semi-smithing overhaul

Relationship Dialogue Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/74568

Arcanum: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/96309
Adds even more spells of insane magnitude.

Arena - An Encounter Zone Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/105414
Adds encounter zones to skyrim. It's a Semi-delevel mod. Enemies will still scale with you but this means you'll find higher level enemies earlier.

Strange runes: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/93199
Adds awesome runes when you cast spells

Dragonborn Ascendant: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/17010
A small but needed mod that makes shouts useful late game!

Arrowsmith: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=86946847
Allows better crafting for arrows, and you can now spare chickens by plucking feathers from them. (Chickens are cute, don't hurt them)

Amazing Follower Tweaks: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/15524/

ESO Skyshards: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2592054479
Adds a neat mechanic of finding shards. 3 Shards = 1 perk point

Skyrim Immersive Creatures: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/24913
Adds a huge amount of creatures and bosses from other skyrim games and more variations to enemies!

Diverse Dragons Collection: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/83559
More Dragons to fight!

Enemy (R)Evolution of Skyrim : https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/105322
Distributes modded spells to enemies!

(optional) Skyrim Revamped - Complete Enemy Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/106816
Adds new abilities and changes up enemies to make them harder to face. Also touches bosses well, they now will have new attacks and combat patterns. (Not for the faint of heart)

Citizens of Tamriel: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/99406
Adds many fully fleshed characters to your game to chit chat with. (A gem of a mod IMO)

Interesting NPCs: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/8429
Same as CoT. Adds many fully fleshed characters to talk with and also new followers!

INIGO (Skyrim LE only): https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/40960
+ MCM Addonhttps://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/70035
A Legendary follower mod!

Khash the Argonian: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/108948
An underrated follower IMO.

A Cat’s Life: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/104070
IDC what people say. Everyone’s skyrim should have cats.

Face to Face Conversation: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/30533
Just like in Oblivion!

Beyond Skyrim - Bruma + DLC Intergration: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/84946/
Return to Cyrodiil in this mod! It's a taste of the teams upcoming project, Beyond Skyrim Cyrodiil

Skyrim Underground:
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/75004
Massive Underground Dungeons

VIGILANT
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/67103
+ English voice action addon: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/83876
An amazing Dark Souls inspired quest mod, revolved around The Vigilants of Stendarr

The Forgotten City: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/37994
An amazing Quest mod that became it's own game!

Magical College of Winterhold: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/83280
An aesthetic overhaul of the College of Winterhold. (Warning for Lore nuts, it may have some changes that might sit uneasy with you)

Skyrim Sewers: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/14351
Adds a sewer system similar to Oblivion

Hammet's Dungeon Pack: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/86630

RUN LOOT

Refer to This Video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSh35PUZKlQ

CREATE A BASHED PATCH

Refer to this Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyLAYPo6ITY
Then This Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGGVsoT-85M

(Optional but HIGHLY recommended) Clean your DLC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpRinGULJGw (follow the MO2 instructions)

(optional but recommended) RUN AND INSTALL DYNDOLOD
Follow this Video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI3NUM4aens (FOLLOW THE LE LINKS)

(Optional) Run BethINI. Now I know this seems like a needless step, But I highly recommend doing so as it optimizes your Skyrim settings to make your game look good and run just a little bit better for basically free. I recommend running High but if you’re confident about your PC, use ultra.

https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4875

This is on Skyrim SE’s page but I promise you it works with LE.

BethINI Tutorial: https://youtu.be/NI8ezwpZQFw

Don't, save yourself

In all seriousness. If you want to dive head first into modding properly, refer to this guide. AI Elias taught me everything I know about modding. (Guide is for Skyrim SE but almost everything he teaches still applies)

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLve8WNIocgBqwG6-BuuIB80m8f29NUGgC

Click on the Drop down menu and Hit SKSE to play your skyrim!

I hope this modlist was of use to you! I hope you enjoy your skyrim for tens more hours like mods did for me!

If you don't want to bother with Nexus and Mod managers and the like, check out my Steam Workshop Modlist!: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2630954328

Or my Skyrim SE List (For Friends who have Skyrim SE:) https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2631372318