Hello there, I see you’re interested in modding your Skyrim, possibly for the first time, or maybe you want a refresher course? Well I hope I can help guide you! In this guide I will give you a list of tools and a list of mods to help mod your Skyrim. However this Modlist is meant to be as hassle free as possible, meaning you won’t get 100% of the modding knowledge you’d need to expand further. Don’t worry, I do have a playlist I can point you towards that will explain it FAR better than I ever could. For now, here’s what I want to accomplish with this guide

-Give you basic modding know-how
-A small list of mods with as much improvement/changes to your game as possible
-Make the mod list accessible for PCs of every category, from Low end to high end. (So I will not be recommending ENBs)
-No nonesense mods.

THIS GUIDE WILL REQUIRE A NEXUS MODS ACCOUNT

MAKE SURE YOU HAVE SKYRIM INSTALLED OUTSIDE OF PROGRAM FILES TO MINIMIZE HEADACHES

https://steamoss.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2628124880

As I said, I would be upgrading the guide with a method to downgrade your SE. Here it is!

The Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Downgrader: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/57618

First we need a Mod Manager. I highly HIGHLY recommend Mod Organizer 2.
https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/6194

Set Up guide for Mod Organizer 2: https://youtu.be/VaFN2nAkGh0

(Bonus) Mod Organizer 2 Tips: https://youtu.be/H2ig_V5JCwQ

Got that done? Okay.

Install these two. They are Required.

Skyrim Script Extender: https://skse.silverlock.org (GET THE SE BUILD)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcBhQcVzCwQ

LOOT: https://loot.github.io

Wrye Bash: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/6837

BethIni: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4875
(This is for the final Step)

I know I said I would try to make this modlist small but you should really install these patches and frameworks. Sorry man.

SSE Engine Fixes (READ THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS): https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/17230

Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/266

SkyUI: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/12604

Dual Wield Parry Button: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/18264

Better Dialogue Controls: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1429

Better MessageBox Controls: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1428

Run For Your Lives: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/2272

SSE Fixes: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/10547

Cutting Room Floor SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/276

PapyrusUtil SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/13048

Spell Perk Item Distributor: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/36869

Papyrus Extender: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/22854

Even Better Quest Objectives SE - EBQO SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/159

Atlas Map Markers SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/24104
More Quest Markers around the world!

Radiant Quest Marker SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/19605
(Be sure to get the EBQO + USSEP Patch)

JContainers SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/16495

xSHADOWMANx's Dll Loader: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3619

DLL Plugin Loader (READ THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS): https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/10546

Enchantment Reload Fix SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/21055

Address Libraries: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/32444?tab=description

Bug Fixes SSE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/33261

.Net Script Framework: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/21294

SSE Display Tweaks: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/34705
Allows for high FPS play

Dynamic Animation replacer: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/33746
A framework

Scrambled Bugs: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/43532
(READ THE DISCRIPTION: It's not as plug and play as other mods but it's a highly needed mod, You can skip this if you want)

Quickloot RE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/21085
Adds the Fallout 4 Looting system to Skyrim SE!

I won't be focusing on insane graphical mods. Just something to spruce up your game


(INSTALL THESE MODS IN ORDER)
Static Mesh Improvement Mod: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/659

2 Noble Skyrim SE + SMIM Patch: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/21423

3. aMidianBorn Book of Silence SE COMPLETE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/35382

4. RUSTIC CLOTHING - Special Edition https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4703

LeanWolf's Better-Shaped Weapons SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/2017

Simply Bigger Trees: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/5281 (comes with LODs!) [If you will be using Dyndolod, get the billboards for vanilla trees]

Enhanced Lights and FX: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/2424
Patch: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/5520

Cathedral Landscapes: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/21954
(Ignore the warning to install Cathedral Weathers)

Azurite Weathers: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/42731

R.A.S.S: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/22780?tab=description

Realistic Water Two SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/2182
Better Water: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/28221

Strange Runes (Can be a bit finicky): https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/19456

Lanterns of Skyrim 2: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/30817
(Install this one dead last, has a ton of patches)

Vanilla hair - Salt and Wind: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/45147?tab=description
OR
Superior Lore Friendly Hair: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/36510
(Works with SSE don't worry)

Total Character Makeover (VANILLA FRIENDLY): https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1037
+
Rustic Children: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/63353/
(Works with SSE don't worry)

Don't like those two? Try This one instead!

Nordic Faces - Immersive Character Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/40658

Enhanced Blood Textures SE(LITE): https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/2357/?

Realistic Skin And Hair Shaders - Giants: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/15511
Realistic Skin Shaders - Falmer and Hagravens: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/16310
which will help power
Frozen Electrocuted Combustion: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3532

Deadly Spell Impacts: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/12939

Tired of watching the Skyrim intro again? Try an Alternate Start mod!

Choose one from this video!
https://youtu.be/xaPr8lSTyfI

Relationship Dialogue Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1187
Adds Numerous of lines for NPCs
(Be sure to get the CRF + USEEP Patch)

Interesting NPCs: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/29194
Adds many NPCs to talk to and even more followers!

Citizens of Tamriel SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/29069
Same as Interesting NPCs, add many more NPCS to talk to!

INIGO: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1461
An Amazing Follower mod!

Khash the Argonian: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/40122?tab=description
A personal favorite of mine

A Cat’s Life: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/37250
Cats are essential in Skyrim. Prove me wrong.

(optional but can be customized for the Oblivion convo camera) Alternate Conversation Camera: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/21220

Reforging - To the Masses: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/49030
+ Consistency Patch: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/50850
MASSIVE WEAPON PACK

Immersive Armors: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3479?tab=description
Adds many more armors to the world!

Bandolier - Bags and Pouches Classic: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/2417

Animated Armory DAR: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/35978
New weapon types with new animations!

Simple Wearable Lanterns: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/58464

Immersive Sound Compendium: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/523?tab=description

Chapter II - Jeremy Soule Inspired Music: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/37792

Blade and Blunt: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/34549
A Vanilla+ Combat mod with improvements. Get the timed Block Module as well

"This is too simple for my taste"

Okay Here's an alternative
Wildcat - Combat of Skyrim: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1368

Adds more mechanics to Skyrim Combat

GET UP FASTER: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/5890

Scriptless Hitstop: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/42811

VioLens - A Killmove Mod SE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/668

Adamant: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/30191
A vanilla+ Perk overhaul
OR
Ordinator - Perks of Skyrim: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1137

Mundus - A Standing Stone Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/33411

Mysticism - A Magic Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/27839
A hard requirement for Adamant anyways but it is no slouch. It rebalances Vanilla spells to make more sense and it adds in new spells from oblivion!

Apocolypse - Magic of Skyrim: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1090
Adds Many more spells to skyrim!

Shadow Spell Package: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/13299
Adds a handful of spells centered around Debuffs

Arena - An Encounter Zone Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/33487
Adds encounter zones to skyrim. It's a Semi-delevel mod. Enemies will still scale with you but this means you'll find higher level enemies earlier.

Scion - A Vampire Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/41639

Manbeast - A Werewold Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/44746

Thaumaturgy - An Enchanting Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/57138
Rebalances Vanilla enchantments as well as adding new ones!

Pilgrim - A Religion Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/54099
Adds new shrines to worship, all with new abilities. They also no longer cure you so it's a difficulty mod as well.

Forceful Tongue - Shout Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/36276
Makes shouts useful late game. Consider getting the Perk Tree mod along with it to further improve shouts!
+(Optional) Forceful Tongue - Dragonborn: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/41950

Underwhelming Multiple Followers: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/25745
A simple mod to help with gameplay with followers

Skyshards: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/82660?tab=files
Rewards Exploration. 3 Shards = 1 Perk point (Scroll to the SSE Version)

Arrow Smith SE: https://bethesda.net/en/mods/skyrim/mod-detail/3016722
QoL mod for Archers. You can now spare chickens by plucking feathers instead of killing them!

Ars Metallica: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/321?tab=description
A light smithing overhaul

Dragon War - A Dragon Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/51310
Buffs Dragons without making them OP

Enemy (R)Evolution of Skyrim: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/37228
Distributes Potions, shouts and modded spells!

Diverse Dragons Collection: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/695
Adds many more Dragon types!

(Optional) Skyrim Revamped - Complete Enemy Overhaul: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/14598
Changes up many enemies, giving them new abilities and tactics. It also changes up bosses making them much harder! (Not for the faint of heart)

Skyrim Immersive Creatures: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/12680?
Adds a huge amount of creatures and bosses from other skyrim games and more variations to enemies!
+ Patches: (Get BoS, Even Better Quest Objectives, Immersive Sound, Mortal enemies [if you have it] and Skyrim revamped [if you have it] patches) https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/54930

Beyond Skyrim Bruma + Patch: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/10917
A taste of what's to come on the Beyond Skyrim's project, Beyond Skyrim Cyrodiil. This mod allows you to travel to Cyrodiil to allow you to explore around with quests!

Vigilant: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/11849
+ English Voiced Addon: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/11894
An amazing Dark Souls inspired quest mod, revolved around The Vigilants of Stendarr

The Forgotten City: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1179
An amazing Quest mod that became it's own game!


Forgotten Dungeons SSE https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/449
A Dungeon Pack

Hammet's Dungeon Pack: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/12186

Skyrim Sewers: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/9320
Adds a sewer system similar to how it was in Oblivion!

Skyrim Underground: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/131
Massive Underground Dungeons

Magical College of Winterhold: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/1539
An Aesthetic overhaul of the college of winterhold (MAKE SURE TO GET PATCHES OF MODS YOU DOWNLOADED)
+ College Students https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/9252

Legacy of the Dragonborn SSE: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/11802
A massive exploration centered quest

Faction: Pit Fighter + Addon: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/22513
+ Faction: Pit Fighter Revamped: https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/42340

Instructions on how to do so here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpRinGULJGw (follow the MO2 instructions)

CREATE A BASHED PATCH

Refer to this Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyLAYPo6ITY
Then This Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGGVsoT-85M

(optional but recommended) RUN AND INSTALL DYNDOLOD
Follow this Video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI3NUM4aens (FOLLOW THE SE LINKS)

RUN LOOT

Refer to This Video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lSh35PUZKlQ


(Optional) Run BethINI. I highly recommend doing so as it optimizes your Skyrim settings to make your game look good and run just a little bit better for basically free. I recommend running High but if you’re confident about your PC, use ultra.

https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4875

BethINI Tutorial: https://youtu.be/NI8ezwpZQFw

Don't, save yourself

In all seriousness. If you want to dive head first into modding properly, refer to this guide. AI Elias taught me everything I know about modding.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLve8WNIocgBqwG6-BuuIB80m8f29NUGgC

Click on the Drop down menu and Hit SKSE to play your skyrim!

I hope this modlist was of use to you! I hope you enjoy your skyrim for tens more hours like mods did for me!

If you don't want to bother with Nexus and Mod managers and the like, check out my Steam Workshop Modlist for Skyrim LE!: https://steamoss.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2630954328
Or The Skyrim LE Modlist! (For friends who only have OG skyrim): https://steamoss.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2631264728