Need Help Understanding Setup

[bumbles_and_grumbles]

Hi, newb, a little confused about how adult mods work.  I looked for the actual install of Skyrim on my PC, assuming that I'd find folders similar to the libraries folder for my Python or R installations, but I didn't find anything that looked like a place where custom code libraries could be added to modify Skyrim.  I should caveat that I have a version of Skyrim that seems to be dependent on Steam, rather than an install to my PC from a disc. I'm interested in using adult mods but am confused about how to get started, and I'm assuming that I need a different install of Skyrim than the one I have.  Can someone give me at least a soundbite explanation for how the tech works, to point me in the right direction?  Thanks!!

[Grey Cloud]

YouTube.

[bumbles_and_grumbles]

That was unfortunately the correct response.  It turns out the level of detail I needed is typically included in startup videos for modding in general, whereas I was searching in adult-modding spaces which seem to presume some familiarity.  Thank you!

[travelmedic]

Videos by Gopher or Gamer Poets are what I'd recommend.

 

Also, pick a mod manager, either Vortex or Mod Organizer 2, and concentrate on videos that support the one you choose.  Both Vortex and MO2 have their strengths and weaknesses, and which is better is often debated here, but the truth is, either one will serve you well to get started.

[Just Don't]

3 hours ago, bumbles_and_grumbles said:

I should caveat that I have a version of Skyrim that seems to be dependent on Steam, rather than an install to my PC from a disc. I'm interested in using adult mods but am confused about how to get started, and I'm assuming that I need a different install of Skyrim than the one I have.

Where have you been for the past decade that you still have a disc for this game? It's still usable but it's likely an old version of the 2011 release, probably without the 3 DLC? I'm not sure it's worth even bothering with that. Nowadays you can pick up Skyrim (mind you, the Special Edition not the 2011 one) very cheap if it's on sale. You could try registering the disc as a Steam game and then try to buy the DLC if you don't have them already (but to buy those DLC you need a direct link to the store page because anything related to the 2011 version of the game is unlisted on Steam).

[BattDaPsycho]

Move steam and it's related games to something other than it's native folder.

I partitioned my hard drive and moved it to D instead of its native C. Something about the x86 folder makes modding almost impossible apparently.

Steam has instructions for moving your steam installation and games to another drive.

You van also find instructions for both steps through a quick Google search.

For mod management I'm currently using Vortex. It's very beginner friendly. As in I have close to 100 mods in a stable load order and I just started PC gaming last year.

Make sure you read mod descriptions fully before downloading them and follow the mod authors instructions for best results.

 

Edit: included my current working load order. If you're on the same skyrim version I am (also steam, version 1.6.1170) then maybe it can give you some inspiration

Skyrim Mod List.pdf

Edited October 25, 2024 by BattDaPsycho
added pdf

[Raven 54]

On 8/11/2024 at 7:46 PM, Just Don't said:

you still have a disc for this game?

I have a disc with Skyrim SE GOTY Edition.    

 

29 minutes ago, BattDaPsycho said:

Make sure you read mod descriptions fully before downloading them and follow the mod authors instructions for best results.

Good Advice.

Make sure you know which version of the game you have 1.6.1170 is most likely gonna be it, when you look at mods make sure they match this or AE as it is known.

Modding can be a little overwhelming at times for those, (like me) who have not had any PC training. I bought this PC, (the first computer I ever owned/used) when Covid hit in 2020 and started modding Skyrim SE.

There are programs you will use quite often and also that will work in the background,

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist?view=msvc-170  Microsoft VC redistributable

https://notepad-plus-plus.org/  Notepad ++

https://www.7-zip.org/   7zip for files

 

And there are mods that need to be in the data folder not the mod manager 

https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/17230      part 2

If you need help understanding how to install SKSE Script Extender watch this vid as it helped me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdtf0LwWHvk  SKSE SKYRIM SCRIPT EXTENDER INSTALL TUTORIAL FOR MILK DRINKERS

 

Good luck with your new journey, the last thing is buy a 6 pack of notepads and pens to take notes of things to reference later. 

Annndd a 6 pack of brewskies wouldn't hurt either!      

 

Edited October 25, 2024 by Raven 54