Skyrim: Special Edition - Modding Explained (Both PC and Console)

Learn how to mod Skyrim Special Edition with our comprehensive guide, which will cover all the basics to mod the game on both PC and Console.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an age-old classic action RPG that was released over a decade ago. While Skyrim’s visuals and gameplay mechanics were undoubtedly impressive at the time, they pale compared to the gameplay elements of today’s modern AAA titles.

That’s where modding comes in. Mods or Modifications allow users to revamp, enhance, overhaul, and fix game elements to make it more appealing and tailor it to their needs.

Previously, PCs only supported modding and exclusively relied on third-party websites. With Skyrim Special Edition, Console players can also indulge in Mods’ wonders and the Game’s native support for it.

What is Modding?

As previously mentioned, modding allows users to revamp, enhance, overhaul, and fix game elements to make it more appealing and tailor it to their needs. This could mean fixing main quest bugs that make it impossible to progress to enhancing graphics and combat mechanics and adding more content to the game. If you can imagine it, chances are there is already a Skyrim mod for that.

Looking to become an adept spellcaster? Install a mod that adds spells and enhances spell visuals. Want to be a cold-blooded killer? Install combat mods that enhance gore and add special kill moves. Want your game to look like a 2023 AAA title? Install graphics mods. Modding allows you to reshape Skyrim Special Edition to your imagination.

How to download Mods? (Both PC and Console)

Mods can be found in first-party sites like Bethesda and third-party sites like Nexus mods and Steam’s own workshop. Bethesda.net offers an official and safe platform to download mods. The mods displayed here can also be accessed from Console platforms.

We also have the Steam Workshop for Skyrim, which includes mods to be downloaded through the Steam overlay if you purchase the game through Steam. Both PC and Console players can download mods directly to their game using the Steam Workshop.

But the best site for downloading mods for Skyrim Special Edition would definitely be Nexus Mods. Also known as The Nexus, the site has almost 3 Billion mods for Skyrim Special Edition.

How to Install Mods (Both PC and Console)

Installing Mods can be daunting initially, but it will be very easy once you understand how it works. You need to find the mod of your choice and prepare for installation. Although it can be done manually, we suggest using a Mod manager of your choice, which makes the task simple and streamlined.

When installing mods on a Console, you can find the mod of your choice from Bethesda.net and select the install option. If all goes right, the game should automatically download and install the mod for you.

Similarly, you can install mods on a PC, but we recommend using mod managers like Vortex and Wabbajack. Let’s briefly go over how to use each one.

Vortex

Vortex is the official app endorsed by Nexus Mods. It is specifically designed to work with Nexus Mods, and if you’re downloading most of your mods from there, we recommend Vortex. Here’s how to get started:

• First, download and install Vortex from here.
• Then, wait for the app to detect your Skyrim Special Edition Directory. If it fails, you can manually select the game directory.

• While the app is running, open up Nexusmods and go to the download page of a mod of your choice. Click the “Vortex” option from the top right. The Vortex app should auto-detect this and start downloading the mod.
• From the Vortex app, simply enable the mod.

Wabbajack

If you want a modded Skyrim experience without going through the painstaking process of meticulously selecting each mod, separately downloading and installing different mods that complement each other, all while ensuring one does not interfere with another, you’re in luck!

Wabbajack is a community-made script that is basically an Automated Modlist Installer. Here is how to get started:

• Go to the official page and select the download option to download the official Launcher from GitHub.
• After installing the app, open it and select “Browse Modlists.” Select Skyrim Special Edition from the top drop-down menu.

• Select a mod of your choosing and first preview the “Readme” to know the contents of the Modlist.
• Then hit the download option to start the download. Wabbajack will automatically download and compile every single mod from the modlist.
• From the app’s main menu, select “Install from Disk.” Select the Target modlist as the mods you wish to install.
• Create a separate directory outside the Wabbajack folder and name it whatever you want, preferably the Modlist’s name. Select that as the Installation Location; the Download Location should automatically fill in. Select the play button to start the download.
• The app will automatically download all the mods from the selected modlist. This could take a while. You can also close the app if necessary, and the download will resume where it left off. If you get any errors while downloading, simply restarting the app usually fixes the problem.

For additional help with Wabbajack, you can follow this video guide by DroppedIceCream. For those who want an Overhauled game with minimal effort, we strongly suggest Wabbajack.

Best Mods for Skyrim Special Edition

So that about sums it up on how to mod Skyrim Special Edition! To get started on your modding adventures, we have select lists below, which include the latest and greatest mods from each category. Whether you’re New to the game or a returning Veteran, using these mods, you can definitely revamp and enhance your experience playing Skyrim Special Edition.

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