Vortex to MO2? Can I use both in parallel?

[Anunya]

When I first started using mods with SSE years ago I used Vortex because that's what I came across first.

 

I'm considering switching to MO2 to help integrate with some mod-authoring tools and whatnot, but before blowing away my current setup in Vortex (which works) I'm wondering:

 

1. If anyone here has done the switch, and if they have any notes or advice on the process?
2. If anyone knows if there's a way to keep my Vortex setup and have a separate MO2 setup in parallel?

[belegost]

You can't use two mod managers and expect stuff to work. They will effectively overwrite each other. Use either one or the other, not both, unless you have two different Skyrim installations, ideally from two different store fronts like Steam and GoG, (ideally) on separate drives. In which case assign one mod manager to one installation only.

 

If you want to switch your safest route is to uninstall all mods, uninstall Skyrim completely, delete all remaining folders so there are no leftover files, delete all .ini files, and do a clean install after switching to new mod manager. And only then start modding again.

 

No ifs, ands or buts.

Edited February 6, 2023 by belegost

[Just Don't]

Given some MO2 features you could make something like that. By using setting up a stock game for MO2, you should be able to have a traditional Skyrim SE installation modded via Vortex and a MO2 instance with a stock game (unless Vortex doesn't like any of this extra stuff outside of the regular installation you're already managing with it). This would mean having two separate game installations and modding each one with a different manager. You could get away mixing some stuff, but that would require knowledge about using both Vortex and MO2. Is it a good idea though? I don't know. Honestly I don't see any benefit to it, maybe as a learning experience with high chances of fucking something up and losing one or both setups.

If you're so attached to your current Vortex setup, don't attempt to switch or mix mod managers. If you want to replicate it using MO2, you'll have to learn about MO2, start from scratch and keep building on top of it. Maybe try modding a different game with it to see if you like it (like Skyrim LE/SE or Fallout 4). The features and regular usage are the same or very similar for these games.

Edited February 6, 2023 by Just Don't

[Anunya]

3 hours ago, belegost said:

You can't use two mod managers and expect stuff to work. They will effectively overwrite each other. Use either one or the other, not both, unless you have two different Skyrim installations, ideally from two different store fronts like Steam and GoG, (ideally) on separate drives. In which case assign one mod manager to one installation only.

 

If you want to switch your safest route is to uninstall all mods, uninstall Skyrim completely, delete all remaining folders so there are no leftover files, delete all .ini files, and do a clean install after switching to new mod manager. And only then start modding again.

 

No ifs, ands or buts.

 

Yeah that's kind of what I expected. Worth asking, though... and thank you for the answer.

 

2 hours ago, Just Don't said:

Given some MO2 features you could make something like that. By using setting up a stock game for MO2, you should be able to have a traditional Skyrim SE installation modded via Vortex and a MO2 instance with a stock game (unless Vortex doesn't like any of this extra stuff outside of the regular installation you're already managing with it). This would mean having two separate game installations and modding each one with a different manager. You could get away mixing some stuff, but that would require knowledge about using both Vortex and MO2. Is it a good idea though? I don't know. Honestly I don't see any benefit to it, maybe as a learning experience with high chances of fucking something up and losing one or both setups.

If you're so attached to your current Vortex setup, don't attempt to switch or mix mod managers. If you want to replicate it using MO2, you'll have to learn about MO2, start from scratch and keep building on top of it. Maybe try modding a different game with it to see if you like it (like Skyrim LE/SE or Fallout 4). The features and regular usage are the same or very similar for these games.

 

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's a terrible idea for the reasons you outline. My main motivation is that I want to hedge my bets... it's been a long journey to get SSE to a good spot for me, so I'd prefer not to throw out my current setup before I know I can get SSE on MO2 in a good state.

 

Hmm... maybe I'll get LE and set that up on MO2 and see how that is....

 

Thanks for the reply!  

[t.ara]

You can run both games easily and use Wyre Bash-most stuff you should install in a custom, manual way, specially the BASIC-mods. MO´s will one day fool you - specially if you are not a consumer, only.