Mods guide

Which mods work with SkyrimScape, which do not, and how to install and check one without breaking your game.

The short answer

You do not need a mod loader from us. Vortex, Mod Organizer 2 and Nexus Mod Manager install files into your Skyrim folder, and SkyrimScape runs with them as it runs without them. What decides whether a mod is fine is what kind of mod it is.

Mods that work

• Textures, meshes and sounds. Replacements for how the world looks and sounds, as loose files or in an archive. They change your own screen only. Other players do not see them, and the server does not read them.
• Post-processing, such as ENB or ReShade. These draw on your screen only. The SkyrimScape windows are drawn over the picture. If a window looks wrong with one of these on, turn the mod off and send us a report from the Help tab.
• Interface changes that keep the menus the same, such as a different font or colours.

Mods that do not work

• Plugins that add records: new items, weapons, armour, NPCs, places or perks, in .esp, .esm or .esl files that are not part of the game. Other players cannot see or use what these add, and the chat warns you when your load order does not match the server's.
• Animation and behaviour changes: new behaviour files (.hkx under the behaviours folders), new attack or movement animations, or a change of speed. Other players see your character move or attack differently from how it looks on your own screen.
• SKSE plugins, and any mod that needs the Skyrim Script Extender. SkyrimScape does not use it. The launcher lists the SKSE plugins it finds and leaves the files where they are.
• Changes to the game's executable, or to Steam's own files.

Trying a mod you are not sure of

1. Install it with your mod manager, as you would for any game.
2. Start the game from the SkyrimScape launcher and log in.
3. Read the chat when you log in. If it says your load order does not match, the mod changes game records. Remove it, then start the game again.
4. If something looks wrong on your screen, turn the mod off first. Then send us a report from the Help tab, with the mod's name.

When something is broken

• Check the game's own files in Steam: right-click Skyrim Special Edition, select Properties, select Installed Files, then select Verify integrity of game files. Start SkyrimScape again afterwards.
• If the message is about Creation Club content, the Missing Creations and Skyrim files page has the steps.