Difference between revisions of "User:Darkladylexy/Lexys LOTD SE"

[[File:LOTDSE_Clear.png|frameless|center|1000x250px]]

<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="4">Based on Neovalen's Skyrim Revisited: Legendary Edition</font></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="4">Created and Maintained by Darth_mathias and DarkladyLexy</font></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><big>Last Update: {{ #time: G:i:s j F Y|+1 hours| {{REVISIONTIMESTAMP}} }} (GMT)</big></div><br>

<div style="text-align: center;">{{SupportMe

}}</div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="6"><span style="color:#00FF00">Page One: Introduction and Prerequisites</span></font></div>

<div style="text-align: center;"><font size="4">Quick Links</font></div>

<span style="color:cyan">GUIDE SUPPORT</span>: Support and assistance in the installation and troubleshooting of problems related to this guide are available in two locations - either will eventually get you the help you need. The first is located on the [http://forum.step-project.com/topic/13092-lexys-legacy-of-the-dragonborn-special-edition/ STEP Forums]. The second, more real-time, location is on Lexy's [https://discord.gg/xj7JcZ7 LOTD Discord Channel].

  <span style="color:cyan">MOD SUGGESTIONS</span>: Don't see a mod in the list that you think needs to be included? Check on Lexy's [https://trello.com/b/V4o4FPSl/lexys-legacy-of-the-dragonborn-special-edition-suggested-mods Suggested Mods Trello] board to be sure it hasn't already been suggested, is in testing, or has been previously rejected.

<span style="color:cyan">Page 1</span>: Introduction and Prerequisites. YOU ARE HERE.

<span style="color:cyan">Page 2</span>: [https://wiki.nexusmods.com/index.php/User:Darkladylexy/ModList_Page The Mod List]

<span style="color:cyan">Page 6</span>: [https://wiki.nexusmods.com/index.php/User:Darkladylexy/LexyTS_Page Troubleshooting]

<span style="color:cyan">Page 7</span>: [https://wiki.nexusmods.com/index.php/User:Darkladylexy/Lexys_LOTD_SE_Changelog Changelog]

<div style="text-align: center;">{{Notice|This guide is designed for experienced modders. If you are new to the Skyrim Modding Experience, it is highly suggested you watch videos, read forums posts, and other such activities to ensure you are familiarized with all of the tools used in this mod build. It is also advised that you attempt a less technical mod guide, such as TUCOS, to become comfortable with the use of these tools.}}

{{Notice|First time installers of this guide are advised to install everything listed in the guide in their initial installation, and deviating from it ONLY after verifying a working build.}}</div>

= <span style="color:#00FF00">Introduction and Summary</span> =

Welcome to Lexy's Legacy of the Dragonborn: Special Edition, the Skyrim SE version of my previous and popular SRLE Extended: Legacy of the Dragonborn guide. This is designed to be a full installation guide, taking you from a fresh Skyrim SE installation to a fully modified game.

The guide is actively maintained, and is a constant state of flux. As of this writing, it is updated once a week (when circumstances allow). The STEP Hosted guide is updated on Monday, and the NEXUS hosted guide follows on Wednesday. With this in mind, ensure that as you are installing you are using the same version of the guide that you were previously using, as installation can take anywhere from a day or two to a full week or more, depending on how much time you dedicate to it.

As noted in the warning above, this guide is designed for experienced modders, and the instructions, though they are written for clarity, do assume a certain level of comfort and familiarity with the tools. If you are looking for an easier guide, one better suited to learning the basics of Mod Organizer 2 and the other tools, I recommend looking at [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/10694 TUCOGUIDE] by ponurymazepa.

'''There is a video series (special thanks to PheonixSunstar001) that shows the entireity of this guide's installation. It can be found [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCweDeggYz3kt1fvk7NCLQcw here]'''.

== <span style="color:#00ff00">A Little Chat</span> ==

This is not your father's Skyrim, kids. Be warned: it is a much more difficult game, especially from start to level 30. The quests you used to do at level 1 aren't going to be doable until much later on unless you are a very experienced solo player or have a number of followers trailing behind you. Even dedicated solo players have adopted follower usage trying to play this guide. You'll likely want a follower or two to carry all the glorious LOTD Museum loot around anyhow.

To have a fully working install of this guide, you MUST pay attention and follow the posted instructions TO THE LETTER. Experiences on both the Support Forums and the Discord have shown that 98% of reported problems are the results of user error, with the remaining portion mistakes on Lexy's part (and are quickly corrected). It is imperative that you have at least some knowledge and familiarity with Mod Organizer 2, LOOT, FNIS, the Creation Kit, xEdit, zMerge, Wrye Bash, Mator Smash, zEdit, xLODGen, and DynDOLOD prior to starting the guide. The mod list can be used as a base to build or remove from, but it is strongly advised that you install and play-test the entire guide (with nothing omitted or added) to ensure it is stable before doing so. The guide itself is very stable, and rivals Requiem in scope since the inclusion of the OMEGA and Experience mods. Again, if you complete the installation and the game isn't working, it is far more likely that you made an error in installation than that Lexy made a mistake in her instructions.

There is a Discord Community that has an unwritten rule of tolerance towards those new to modding (within reason), but self-help is preferred and appreciated. The Discord is friendly, helpful, and has a knowledgeable staff. Link: [https://discord.gg/r6ZJKZ9 Discord]

The guide is very demanding on hardware. You can use it, though, if you know your computer system, are smart about what texture resolutions you use, how many of them you use, and scale back some of the settings of (or simply just don't use) xLodGen, DynDOLOD, and/or ENB/ReShade. The guide has been bench-marked,  and currently uses an approximate max 4.7 Gb of VRAM on Darth's and Lexy's system during the Cart Ride to Helgen. The system specs of these computers is found below.

With that said: It's time to get into the wonderful world of Skyrim Modding. We hope you'll find it pleasant, and good luck.

== <span style="color:#00ff00">Lexy's System Specs</span> ==

The specs listed below are those of Lexy's computer. They are NOT a minimum specs listing, just a point of reference for what is being used by Lexy to test this guide.

* Processor:       i5 4670K @ 4.2 GHz

* Motherboard:    ASUS z97-K

* Ram:             Corsair Vengeance Pro 32GB (4x8GB) @2133MHz

* OS:             (WIN 7) WD Green 2TB

* Game Drive:     Samsung 850 EVO 256GB (Steam)

* Game Drive:     WD Blue M.2 SATA 1TB (GOG and Origins)

* Game Backup:     WD Blue 2TB

=<span style="color:#00ff00">The Journey Begins...</span>=

Before you can get to the fun stuff, you have to go through the not-so-fun stuff. We have a small laundry list of things to finish first - from installing the game, to cleaning the mess that is the original Bethesda files, to installing all of the tools. So the first step of our journey is to lay the foundations of the guide.

== <span style="color:#00ff00">Tag Explanations</span> ==

Most mods in the guide will usually have at least one (if not more) of the following tags. These are placed for easier management of the guide. Explanations of these tags follow:

* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div>: A Core mod is considered essential to the full guide build, and should always be included.

* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>: Tools are, as their name implies, tools used in the modding process. Instructions for their use can be found either on the Prerequisites Page or elsewhere on the internet. Special Use instructions will be presented as they are needed.

* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#cc6699; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Optional</div>: These mods are considered optional to the overall build. However, because of the nature of this guide, it will likely affect the rest of the guide's install process in some way. Removal of these mods can be done, but may require more work to either remove dependencies (IE, cleaning masters from Conflict Resolution patches later on) or to simply not install related files (iNeed patches wouldn't be needed if not installing iNeed, for example). No alternate instructions are provided for cases where you choose not to install these mods. If this is your first install of the guide, again, it is strongly advised to install these first and only remove them later after you have verified a working and stable install.

* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#b38659; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">HQ</div>: These mods are a 'high-quality' visual modification aimed at users with a higher-end system. It can be used by those with lower-end systems, but the visual improvement may not be worth the performance hit.  

* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#1dafa1; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">BSA</div>: Mods with this flag need to have their BSA assets extracted via the Mod Organizer 2 BSA extracter. This is often because these mods are involved in a merge later on, which requires the assets to be loose files instead. Instructions for this process can be found in the "BSA Extraction" section later on this page.

* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006600; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Classic</div>: These mods were designed and intended for use with Skyrim: Legacy Edition (AKA, LE or sometimes Oldrim). They still work with the Special Edition, but may require some file manipulation to make it work as intended with the guide.

* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#ff0000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Convert</div>: As a follow on to the <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006600; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Classic</div> tag, some ESP files need to be converted in the Creation Kit to the newer record forms of the Special Edition. This tag denotes those mods. The instructions for doing so are located later on this page.

* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#996600; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">CAO</div>: These mods have textures and meshes that need optimization, and will be run through the Cathedral Assets Optimizer. Instructions for this process will be found in the "Cathedral Assets Optimizer" section later on this page.

* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#800080; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Merge</div>: These mods are part of a merged mod that will be created late in the guide. It is informational only, and does not require any additional actions until instructed to do so on the Merge Page.

* <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#0000ff; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">ESL</div>: Some mod's ESP files can be flagged as ESL files instead, effectively saving one of the 254 available ESP slots in the load order. This tag notes a mod who's ESP can be so flagged. Instructions for this process can be found on the Mod List.

Before starting to install any of the mods in the list, it is first important to put the game into a stable state and make a few quick changes to the main Bethesda files to ensure no conflicts in the vanilla game exist - yes, Bethesda's own DLC creates some conflicts. If you are a long time Bethesda game player, this should not surprise you.

== <span style="color:#00ff00">A Quick Word From Lexy</span> ==

Before we get started a quick word from your friendly neighborhood mad lady.  

* Your game MAY APPEAR BROKEN and Loot will not sort correctly until you complete the entire guide.  

* Do not add or remove other mods before completing the guide.

* Do carefully read and follow every word of the guide.  

* You have to be willing to teach yourself how to use all of the modding tools used in this guide.

* This guide will completely change your game, and it may appear broken at times.  

* Read each mod’s Nexus description so you know what you are installing!

Needless to say, you need to actually have the game downloaded and installed. Additionally, you will need the Creation Kit, which will require an account on Bethesda.net if you don't have one already.

{{Notice| DO NOT install this in any UAC controlled folder structure. This includes x:/Program Files, x:/Program Files(x86), and the main Windows directory. It is, instead, advised to install the game (and, really, Steam itself) ANYWHERE other than there. Idealy, it would be on a separate SSD drive from your Operating System, but if that's not feasible, at least ensure that UAC is either turned off completely (not recommended for basic users) or installed outside of it's control. This also applies to ANY tools or programs other than the base game, with the important note that they SHOULD NOT (despite what some old tutorials may say) be installed into the Skyrim: SE base folder ''unless specifically directed to do so.''}}

*[https://bethesda.net/en/dashboard Creation Kit] v2.0 (This is to create your account, if you do not have one. The actual download link will be provided later on.)

=== <span style="color:#00ff00">Steam Overlay</span> ===

Some users have reported issues between the Steam Overlay and Skyrim:SE. For this reason, the guide recommends disabling the Overlay. Note that this will also disable Achievements in Steam, as the Overlay is the portion of Steam that monitors for these events in-game. If you want Achievements, skip this step, but be aware that there may be unexpected issues.  

<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> In the '''Tool bar''' at the top of the left hand side '''Click''' <span style="color:Gold">Steam.</span>

<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> In the Dropdown menu '''Click''' <span style="color:Gold">Settings.</span>

<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> Then in the popup box find where it says <span style="color:Gold">In-Game.</span>  

<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> Uncheck <span style="color:Gold">Enabled the Steam overlay while in-game</span> then click <span style="color:Gold">OK.</span>  

<span style="color:orange">Alternately, if you wish to disable the Overlay for Skyrim:SE ''only'':</span>

<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Load <span style="color:Gold">Steam.</span>

<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> '''Click''' <span style="color:Gold">LIBRARY.</span>  

<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> On your '''Games''' list look for <span style="color:Gold">The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Editon</span> and '''Right Click'''.

<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> In the Dropdown menu '''Click''' <span style="color:Gold">Properties</span>.  

<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> Then in the popup box '''Uncheck''' <span style="color:Gold">Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game</span>.

=== <span style="color:#00ff00">Initial Skyrim Configuration</span> ===

With Skyrim now installed to a proper, mod-friendly location, we now need to set its initial settings as a base to build on. The next step is very important... in fact, it's vital - without taking these steps, Skyrim will not truly be fully installed, as it is only at this point that the Windows Registry entries for the game are created, which allows it to be seen by other programs, such as Mod Organizer 2. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP.

<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Open ''Steam''.

<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Start ''Skyrim: Special Edition'' through the ''Steam'' launcher.

<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> In the ''Skyrim:SE'' launcher that appears, click on <span style="color:gold">OPTIONS</span>.

<span style="color:cyan">7.</span> Set <span style="color:gold">Full Screen Mode</span> by ensuring that <span style="color:gold">Windowed Mode</span> is <span style="color:gold">not checked</span>.

<span style="color:cyan">9.</span> Close the ''Skyrim:SE'' launcher.

These base settings will be further modified later in the Prerequisites when we use ''BETHIni''.

=== <span style="color:#00ff00">Creation Kit Configuration</span> ===

<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>

{{Notice|  If you are using Windows Defender Firewall and find that the Creation Kit crashes during initial load, try adding an Outbound rule in Windows Defender Firewall. This has allowed normal loading for most users.}}

For those who are more visually oriented, check [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-Sea_pAxlo here] for a video demonstration of the CK installation by Darkfox127.

Bethesda's ''Creation Kit'' is a valuable tool for Skyrim:SE, as it allows users to create and/or edit mods. It is possible to fix or change things in the CK that are not possible with 3rd Party tools. Similar to Skyrim:SE, the Creation Kit does not have a default INI file until it is started for the first time and requires some basic setup to work properly with the intended guide purposes.

For this guide, the Creation Kit will only be used only for mod conversion from older Skyrim:LE mods that are in form 43 to the newer form 44 used by Skyrim:SE. This process will be described later, on the same page as the main guide list for easier reference.

<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Download and install [http://download.cdp.bethesda.net/BethesdaNetLauncher_Setup.exe Bethesda.net Launcher].

<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Run the Launcher and sign in. If you did not create an account earlier, do so now.

<span style="color:cyan">3.</span> In the left pane, locate the icon for "Creation", which should look greyed-out.

<span style="color:cyan">4.</span> Click on the "Creation" icon and select <span style="color:gold">Install</span>.

<span style="color:cyan">5.</span> After completion of the installation, click on <span style="color:Gold">launch</span>.

<span style="color:cyan">6.</span> In the pop-up that appears, select <span style="color:Gold">YES</span>.

<span style="color:cyan">7.</span> Close the Creation Kit program.

{{Notice| Some users have reported that the Creation Kit hangs (goes unresponsive) during shutdown. This is semi-expected, and once Windows reports it as unresponsive, you can safely shut down the program via a forced shut-down with no side effects. This applies to any process that involves the CK.}}

A few additional edits need to me made before the ''Creation Kit'' is ready to be used for the conversion process. Fortunately, we've made things a little easier for you.

<span style="color:cyan">1.</span> Download [https://www.dropbox.com/s/xpg5u3s1n7zwjv5/CreationKitCustom.7z?dl=0 this] custom replacer file for '''CreationKitCustom.ini'''.

<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Extract the file to <span style="color:Gold">Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition</span> -OR- the installed location of Skyrim:SE if different.

{{Notice| NEXUS policy forbids us from directly linking to version 1.5.3 of the Creation Kit, which is needed to properly convert the files. Refer to either the STEP version of the guide [https://wiki.step-project.com/User:DarkladyLexy/Lexys_LOTD_SE_Prerequisites here], or inquire on the DISCORD channel linked at the top of this page.}}

* The loading of mods that have multiple master files.

* The proper loading of all DLC content.  

{{Notice| The scripts archive in the DATA folder can remain in place after the script extraction done during installation. They case no harm, have no additional affect on the game itself or the Creation Kit, and can be safely ignored.}}

==== <span style="color:cyan">SSE CreationKit Fixes</span> ====

<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>

<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px"> [https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/20061 SSE CreationKit Fixes] - v2.1 - by Nukem

* <span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''CK64Fixes Release 2.1''

<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>

<span style="color:cyan">2.</span> Move the contents just extracted into your main Skyrim:SE installation folder.

Author's notes: Various patches and bug fixes for the Creation Kit to make life easier.

<span style="color:Orange">Idiot Check:</span>

* Make sure you have v1.5.3 of the Creation Kit. This can be verified by opening the Creation Kit, selecting <span style="color:gold">Help -> About</span>, and looking at the top of the window that opens.

== <span style="color:#00ff00">3rd Party Tools</span> ==

With the official content (with small alterations) now installed, it's time to start getting the rest of the needed tools. Pay attention to all special instructions, as these are vital to proper operation of these tools.

*<span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''Current SE build 2.0.16 (runtime 1.5.80): 7z archive''  

</div> </div>

<span style="color:orange">Special Instructions:</span>

* DO NOT delete the main archive at this time.

Lexy's Notes: SKSE is absolutely essential. It extends the scripting capacity of the game to allow mods to do things that would not normally be doable in the base Skyrim Engine. Many Mods depend upon it.

=== <span style="color:cyan">7-Zip</span> ===

<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div> <div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px"> [http://www.7-zip.org/download.html 7-Zip] - v18.05 <div style="margin-left: 10px">

'''Files to download'''&nbsp;:

*<span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''7-Zip for 64-bit Windows x64 (Intel 64 or AMD64)''  

</div> </div>

=== <span style="color:cyan">LOOT</span> ===

<div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#006666; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Core</div> <div style="border-radius:2px; height:16px; padding:2px 5px; color:#fff; background-color:#000000; max-width:50px; text-align:center; display:inline-block; margin-right:5px;">Tool</div>

<div style="border-left:medium solid #14ff17; padding-left:3px">  

[https://github.com/loot/loot/releases/tag/0.14.5 LOOT] - 0.14.5 - by WrinklyNinja et al <div style="margin-left: 10px">

*<span style="color: #d0eb50">'''MAIN FILES'''</span> - ''LOOT.Installer.exe''  

Mod notes: The programs allows you to sort and optimize your Load Order.