Episode 2 | Installing a Mod Manager for Skyrim
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Setting up our Mod Manager to handle the applications and our mods and implement them into the game. Ensuring the smooth running of our modded build.
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THE COMPLETE GUIDE Series
A Step By Step Guide To Modding Skyrim on PC in 2024. Using the same example throughout the series, with no assumptions on what you may or may not know.
Each mod has been chosen and installed at a certain point, so you will already have any 'REQUIRED MODS' installed when you reach that stage.
The series will include techniques that will help you better understand how to mod on your own, so you are aware of what is required when you decide to take your own path.
PLAYLIST: • SKYRIM Modding | The C...
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Links:
7-ZIP HERE: www.7-zip.org/
MO2 HERE: www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspeci...
AECP HERE: www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspeci...
MO2 vs Vortex EXPLAINED: • MO2 vs Vortex | Skyrim...
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The Process of Each Video:
1. Script Writing
2. Stress Testing In Game for Compatibility & Performance
3. B-Roll Game play Shots of the Mods
3. Removing Selected Mods
4. Filming of the Installation of the Mods
5. Recording The Voice Over
6. Editing - Including: Compiling Footage & Trimming, Titles & Text, Visual Aids, SFX & Music, Mastering & Final Render
7. Manually Transcribing - Auto Generated are not great & many follow without sound &/or are hard of hearing.
8. Thumbnail - Design & Edit
9. Sourcing Links for all mods for Convenience
10. Release
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Attributes
Bethesda Permissions
bethesda.net/en/article/3XrnH...
Song: Hymn To The Gods
Artist: Alexander Nakarada (@anakarada)
Ref: creatorchords.com
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution
1:12 "close your browser" my dumb ass: closing this video as well
😂 whoops… never thought of that! My bad!
💀
ADHDecnt, I just stopped following your Modding Skyrim in 2024 guide, on part 7 to take the time to like each part and to say to you, your guide is hands down the best I have ever seen on KZhead. Amazing job on putting the tutorials together! Thank you so much for the time and effort! You have more than earned a subscriber, I will also be sending some coins your way. I wish I could shake your hand and buy you a cold one or two.
I'm going back to modding SkyrimVR lately, so it's great that you're coming up with this update guides, thanks for the help!
You’re very welcome! Glad I can help! A VR headset is on my wish list for sure! Even got a copy of SkyrimVR ready :D
not only your editing made us easy to understand soothing voice make it even better, thank you. i vow not to skip ad whenver i watch your videos
I’m truly honoured. Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words and support. Really means the world to me.
This is absolutely blimmin' amazing, thank you so, so much for the tutorials! So helpful (after trying to get my mods from Vortex to MO2 and now everything is messed up and nothing works as it should, this is a blessing. Fingers crossed the mods work when I'm done)
Amazing news. I’m so glad I’m able to help! Thank you so much for your kind words. Really means the world to me :-)
New guide - new tricks! Amazing video) Keep it up. Can't wait for assembling a new PC to jump right in!
Appreciate it thank you so much! Means a lot to me! Ah the excitement of a new pc. Definitely a moment to enjoy!
The only good guide of this year so far. Everyone else just tries to push wabbajack packs down watchers; throats, because they don't know the intricacies. Not like the GOAT here, hats off.
I appreciate you thank you for your support! Means alot
Goated for this tutorial. I learned a ton, such a great mod manager. I've modded so many games this has to have been one of the smoothest processes for me.
Amazing news! Appreciate your support thank you it means the world to me. Glad I can help!
Bro you're the best, Thank you so much for take the time for create this amazing tutorial.
I really appreciate it thank you so much! Really means the world to me
cant wait for the next part to finally add some mods, also the list of yours fav and the order would be much appreciated
By the way, just wanted to say thank you for the new modding guide it's been a huge help it would be nice to have a community post or an update on when the next video is going to be uploaded anyhow have a great day or night can't wait to see more helpful guides and videos ADHDecent :)
Thank you I really appreciate your kind words. As for the series, I will be releasing them every Wednesday at the same time (providing nothing crazy happens!). Next episode is in a little over 27 hours time :-) the series will go into a number of different areas so there’s plenty of episodes to come
Never seen this AE trick before. Very useful ! 👍🏻
Glad you like it! I’ve found it’ll make it much easier to keep track of which mods you’ve installed if all the Creation Club content is under 1 row instead of however many! Aha
I just used MO2's separators and named one Base Game & CC and just put that above all the files then add another separator under all of those files so I could click the drop down icon on the first one. Figured no point for me to download the mod if I"m just going to click install all anyway. Now if only SSEEdit could clean a bunch of files at once or at least set up a queue. Then I could just let it do its thing rather than have to select a new file from CC to clean each time. Then I could just let it do its thing while I read a book for a half hour or so.
Just an FYI I actually didn't notice the first time and did it correctly anyway but in the second step of copying the files to the content picker folder, you're also grabbing the cc esm files. There's actually only 64 esl files plus the 10 esm files for the total 74 needed. It shows it in the video but your narration doesn't mention the esm files.
Thank you I thought I was nuts
Do you know if we’re only supposed to copy the files or move them? I copied them over to the CC Content file and I’m hesitant to delete them from the game data
@@chaisewelsh1998 In the vid he says to move them, that's what I did and it all works fine for me, hope that helps
great vid. As usual. Ive subbed and liked
Appreciate the support! Means a lot!
Great video! Working through the rest of the videos!
Thank you! I Appreciate your kind words!
Just got my gaming pc after playing Skyrim on a console since it came out. So this video series is amazing, great presentation clear instructions and takes most of the mystery out of modding. I came across a variation in my steam installation, seems like the creation club mods were bundled together or something. Just a heads up. Keep up the great work
Thank you so much for your kind words and amazing support. It is my motivation and I’m so grateful to you!
Awesome, didn't know you could do half of that stuff, cheers m8
You’re very welcome :-) glad I can help!
@@ADHDecent When MO2 launches, it asks for an instance, should i do global or portable instance?
Thank You for your time making video for Skyrim :) I will be posting your KZhead page on Skyrim Mods & Modders & Skyrim Xtudo's inn FB page. Keep up the good work, there always people looking how to mod games. :)
I really appreciate the support thank you! Your kind words mean the world to me I’m honoured :-)
This video made me feel like i was completing a quest in a video game with those objective complete
I’m glad you liked it! That’s the best part, you did achieve the objectives. And that’s something to enjoy!
omg man the part one you were right about steam being installed on C/program Files cuz all that my past time i was suffering all my games colours and win sys causing problems fps and network and other issues its all cuz program files
god oldrim was way better, they just made so damn complicated now I running through all of the tutorials! thank you for this btw !
You’re welcome! :-)
Oldrim was easier. I'll agree. However; SE is far more stable. I was a hold out for years and years. Once I made the switch to SE and Vortex, it was pretty painless. Thing that was the hardest; some things are done differently, for example, the physics stuff. Plus, lots of mods we used in oldrim have replacements that are far superior and lighter. There's no escaping the learning the curve; im just saying when you do ; it's worth it.
@@knightmaremedia7795 and I'll agree to that, it's been a while since then, and it sure was confusing and frustrating back then but now it is fine since almost all essencial mods are up to date. I have a modlist of 300+ mods now and it runs very, very well. Especially after the Community Shaders got released, my game has became too good, similar visual quality with 30 more fps than ENB in my case.
@AbhayRajan I made the switch to mod organizer 2 and man.... I must say MO2 is superior to Vortex in just about every way. Far more versatile than Vortex, easier to manage etc. This was another thing I was a hold off on, finally took the plunge and yep... why on earth I frustrated myself with Vortex for so long I don't know but MO2 is definitely superior.
Just want to add a quick note that with the esl files some of them were esm files as well. Also what I consider a tip to save your eyes is go to settings and turn on 1809 dark mode.
Dark mode is a life saver for me. I stare at the MO2 more than anything else for writing and editing and it's harsh. I try to keep it as default for videos for clarity
very nice video he show something and in the mod manager show up different thinks and i dont know what to choose NICE NICE
Thanx again, cant wait for the next one
You’re very welcome! Can’t wait to share :-)
@@ADHDecent any idea when the next part is coming? kinda clueless without your guides.
24 hours to go :-) this time tomorrow. I’ll be doing everything I can to release this series on time each week at the same time :-)
@@ADHDecent great :) how many episodes are there gonna be in total? And what kinds thing will the next ep be about? If you can share that ofc
As far as number of episodes go that’s a tough one as each episode is a “step” rather than a set length to make it easier and more enjoyable for everyone. As I edit each one, I’ve moved things around from my original scripts so not sure how many episodes yet but there’s still a few planned. Tomorrows release covers SKSE (installation, testing etc)
Thanks for this guide! Avidly waiting for the next one. I've discovered that due to the recent 1.6.1 SE update, a lot of mods including essentials and patch fixes no longer work. Would you consider making a video about this too or include it in the next part of this tutorial?
Next episode focuses on SKSE for the latest version. Mods will be covered further into the series :-)
@@ADHDecent Thank you! I've also found that modding.wiki has added a compatibility table for the 1.6.1130 update for various mods
god i wish the full series was up, been trying to make things for for 6+ hours :( @@ADHDecent
if you plan to install every cc content,you can just create a separator and put it there for better navigation, no need for the content picker
my MO2 install sequence was different to your video.. it asked if I wanted GLobal or Portable instances before anything else.. .as it had a warning that global instances are saved in appdata and that is a system folder I chose Portable.. but later in the video install sequence you show that choice and choose Global... how do I swap back to global as per your install sequence?
if you follow the prompts you can fix it later
This is a great guide. Thank you so much. One thing: About the "148" items to add to the archive, if you add ALL of the *CC* files (the BSA, ESL, and ESM files), you end up with 148.
i only have 8😅 i have followed the video step by step just dont have all the cc files. do you know if me having mod organizer previously would affect this?
Appreciate your kind words thank you! You are right, ESLs are Light Plugins or Light ESMs so to speak. These don't take a slot in your Plugin limits
@@ADHDecent i accidentally skipped the first video was my issue
@@ADHDecent i did run into a problem where when download the 7zip file to mod organizer it says it isn’t valid game files
To my fellow modders who are trying to install MO2 like I did but found the steps weren't matching the video: go ahead and watch the whole video and come back, potentially even watch the other MO2 installation video on this channel. What I found was that, for me, many of the steps in the middle were just in a different order to what ADHDecent showed. Not sure how that happened, but hey, the joys of modding, learn and adapt.
Well said! It just so happened to be the order it appeared. I won’t jumble it all up for fun XD
I was hoping this would work for Skyrim VR as well, but I don't seem to have any BSA files w/ CC in them. Still learning how to mod...
so i have never successfully got mods working because....drumroll......of my ADHD, i get distracted so easily and need things basically spelled out for me every time lol, im following alongh with your videos and maaaaaaan, no hate to other creators but you have done this in a really easy to digest format!, Appreciate you!
means the world to me thank you I really appreciate your kind words! that unique ADHD ability! a blessing and a curse for sure but I'd rather focus on the positives as much as I'm able to! XD
Just realized from this vid and the first I goofed and loaded Skyrim in program files, will I have to do everything from scratch? I haven’t run the game or loaded any mods, just used MO2 and nexus to download them and start the sorting process
Does anyone know if the recent update consolidated the creation club data files? I'm looking at my file list, and there are significantly less (like 45 total) cc BSA and ESL files
Go ingame, creations, options and klick on something like "download all owned creations". Worked for me
wait your installation of MO2 missed a lil bit, im just getting back into modding skyrim and MO2 changed slightly so this bit confused the heck outta me 'configure your profile settings' which one of these do i choose? ive got both skyrim and MO2 installed on the same portable harddrive so its giving me three options and selecting 'automatic archive invalidation' (which is the default) sounds like the wrong choice to make here
I have a series on MO2 on my channel going into depth on the different features of MO2 that may help. however, I have heard that many have had difficulties modding Skyrim when using an external drive for their Steam installation, I also am aware that many have made it work too which is why I try to avoid mentioning it as I am unsure what causes the issues with it and why. It may be something to investigate further but I cannot say if it is the root cause
@@ADHDecent thats fair, im just trying not to mess up the new features that im not used to, been a while since ive walked in these territories and for something that seems like it should be easy to solve its creating enough doubt to get me second guessing, ill just experiment with it and see what happens
hi, I followed the guide, but when I try to log in with skese, once inside the game it asks me to re-download the contents. some idea?
Hi. Can this be done while keeping your saves? Too many hours getting half way thru. Also can this be done and still use the Steam remote play on local machine to tv in another room via lan? SKSE is installed on different SSD drive but there are still files in the AppData folders.. Steam and Skyrim Special Edition folder. Really want to keep my saves and the ones with the CC mods already installed and Quests.. WyrmsTooth, Midwood Isle etc. Thanks for the Super Great tutorials.
Perfect ^^ Does anyone know how to change the auto download settings to download through nexus mods manager and ignore vortex?
@8:08 When I select the three folders and choose Add to Archive, it turns them into a Compressed Archive Folder and not a 7zip file and it won't allow me to drag and drop the folder into Mod Organizer
is winrar suitable or we absolutely need 7-zip? (ps: thx for the vids bro)
You’re welcome! :-) Winrar should work for the Zip files and RAR files but some mods and applications are compressed into 7Z files which requires 7zip to extract. Seeing as 7Zip is free and can compress and extract more file types than Winrar, I’d say it’s worth just using 7zip. But of course you should be okay for the most part with Winrar until you come across a 7Z file
Why does, after I archived the mods file it always becoming “compressed archived folder” any suggestions to fix this problem?
1.6.1170 version of skyrim is stable ? did i need to downgrade to some older and stable version ? 1.6.640 for example
The only issue im having is that its not giving me the same options whenever im setting up an instance in MO2. :( Im sure i mustve done something wrong. This is a very helpful step-by-step and its very much appreciated.
same for me
when I created the 7 zip file for the content picker then copied it to downloads in mod organizer then downloaded it it has been flagged saying no valid game data. do you know of a way to fix this or am I able to just not use the content picker and everything work?
Hi there, thanks for doing this, I have bit of problem and may have done missed a step, on the part BSA and ESL files, I have only 5 BSA files and 2 ESL files in the skyrim folder for some reason, not sure what I did wrong.
same
Apparently, sometimes the content club stuff won't automatically download so you have to go into the creation club in the game, press "o", and hit download all content.
Can you mod Skyrim from the Microsoft Game Pass or does it have to be from Steam?
MO2 only shows SurvivalMode, Fish, Curious, AdvDSGS, ResourcePack for CC content, yet I do own everything that came with AE. Edit: It assumedly downloaded all the CC content after I started the game for the second time, but I only have 32 cc BSA/ESL files instead of 74 like you have. Am I missing something?
Sometimes the content club stuff won't automatically download so you have to go into the creation club in the game, press "o", and hit download all content.
is there gonna be pt3 for downloading off of nexus and using mo2 by chance, i dont want to f anything up and would be a great help
Absolutely. Pt3 will be covering SKSE but downloading and installing will be covered in another video
So you have to buy Skyrim anniversary edition for the CC files ?
Ok, I need some help. I did everything that was stated in the video, but when I open mo2 every cc content is still there. What did I miss? Please help
After I do all the steps and move the new CC Archive to keep it safe, when I open MOD2 the CC content is still listed. What did I do wrong?
When setting up MO2, creating an instance doesn't immediately take me to the point where I can choose steam, but rather has me choose to create either a global instance or a portable instance, and then has some more options not shown in the video, did I mess up a step somewhere?
This is shown further into the video in case that happened for someone
same here... what is the fix?
I have anniversary, but I only have 8 CC files instead of 74. I downloaded everything at the start like stated in the first video and even logged onto Bethesda and went into the creation hub or whatever it's called to confirm I had access to it. Is this fine/normal or did I do something wrong? Edit: Fixed it. Apparently, sometimes the content club stuff won't automatically download so you have to go into the creation club in the game, press "o", and hit download all content.
I just bought the anniversary edition upgrade. On steam it says it's installed (it shows up as such under Manage my DLCs), but when I open MO2 don't get any new files. Whenever I open Skyrim and try to select the creation club, the game gives me a generic error prompt (cannot connect to Bethesda's servers). Not sure if I'm doing this right, any advice?
I get white squares and can’t anything , any fixes ? it loads just the beggining then the text is white squares
If I don't wish to have the AE content, should I simply skip the part with the cc folders and just add the mods themselves which are made for SE?
You can skip it if you don’t want the AECP :-)
@@ADHDecent would you suggest getting the aecp and if so how do you get them if you dont have them?
AECP is a mod. I’m guessing you mean AECC the actual files? These make up the Anniversary Edition DLC which you would need to purchase on Steam if you want then
I was trying to follow along, however I noticed that my files when dragging the cc content from the data folder to the empty one, I could only copy the files not move them entirely like you did. How can I fix that?
Do you have a genuine Steam copy? Is it installed inside program files? Do you have any antivirus installed?
Do you just delete the downloaded files after?
What does it mean if you don't see all the creation item's within this area?
Hi, a question, I have the Special Edition and in Mod Organizer I don't have all those files called "Creation club: cc..." I only have 5 of those. How do I proceed without having the Anniversary?
Thats okay. If you have no Creation Club content at all, simply skip the Content Picker installation. I do believe however that you get a few Anniversary Edition DLC for free even with the Special Edition which you could leave as they are or use the Content Picker on those to bundle them together.
@@ADHDecent but I didn't understand one thing, if I skip the "Content Picker" installation, what is the next step?
Yea, I have version 1.61130 too. It’s special edition but with AE content. Idk if it’s better to mod this version or downgrade to clean SE… 😩
@Pr3DaTor7777 that’ll be the apps in the next episode
I cover this point in the next video but basically: Anniversary Edition is not an “Edition”. It’s just DLC. If you’ve installed anything 1.6 and above. It’s Anniversary Edition regardless. It’s either AE with or without the DLC. Bethesda knew what they were doing with this one and it really gets to me. They know they wouldn’t have sold as many copies if they just said DLC so they mislead gamers by parcelling it as a new “Edition”.
will the content picker mod work for fallout 4?
how do you transfer your vortex mods to mo2 im trying to switch
i dont understand why in the first video you tell us to put in d storge and have the rest worked on c storge
Hi. I got anniversary edition but instead of 74 files I got only 31. What did I do wrong or where I can get the remaining ones ?
alot of the cc content got put into one file called update.esm for me moving that into the cc content folder made my MO2 look his .
@marcus, Have you launched Skyrim through its own launcher after installation? You need to download all CC content within the game before you set it up for modding. Edit: are you using a genuine copy of the game from Steam too? (This is all covered in Part 1 of the series. Please refer to that video)
@@ADHDecent yup :/
Ok this is a dumb question, but if i wish can i disable the cc creations by not adding it. Will it break my game?
Not a dumb question :) you'd have to use AECP and select none or whichever you wish when installing as the game automatically downloads the files upon initial launch. This means the files are present so the game doesn't freak out but the content isn't in the game
@@ADHDecent thanks a lot bro for replying ☺️
You're welcome! :) happy modding
so if i dnt hv annivc edition content i dnt need content picker?
What is the cause for not having all 148 files in the data folder?
yo bro, i can't find that cc files in my skyrim directory:( can you help me?
Let's goo, I'm early!
I’m honoured :D
Yeah, at 7:00 I don't even have that many BSA and ESL files... Better yet, It wont let me move the files from Data folder into the CC Content folder. I guess I'm not meant to mod this game. I've been struggling with it all day.
That’s only if you have creation club content for the anniversary edition if it’s just the special edition you should still be good 👍
Can someone pls tell me why when i open the Game direcotory folder i dont have cc and esl files?
do i have to do everything with CC if i dont have anniversary edition?
wondering the same
Help. The link to MO2 says the mod contains adult content?
SKSE64 launcher is launching a command prompt instead of the game - anyone else? Game 1.6.1170 + SKSE64 AE 2.2.6
I'm starting to lose my mind as to why I'm getting different popups when I try starting it, why I can't seem to find the folders needed tho I'm pretty sure I did it right in the first video, and why nothing is working for me :(
Plz send help
i don’t have anywhere near 74 CC items.
Is this is series on how to create mods?
This series focuses on the entire installation and running process of mods and not the creation of mods themselves. Hope this helps clarify :-)
@@ADHDecent Thanks for ur fast answer. Was a bit confused cause your title is "Ultimate Modding Guide"
@sunriseeuw7363 “Modding” refers to the altering of game files or code by means of modification. You may be better looking for videos on Mod Creation/Coding or guides on the Creation Kit for example
@@sunriseeuw7363 If you want a more in-depth guide about technical modding Skyrim and/or Mod Organizer in general, do search for "GamerPoets" here on KZhead. ADHDecent did a good work to cover the basics, so people could get started.
My Skyrim loads with no mods and crashes when I hit ESC…
I got 77 BSA files is that okay?
Instead of the 148 CC items, I only have 140 of them. Will this be an issue?
If you have the anneversary edition you should just select all your BSA and ESL/ESM files starting with "cc". If you didn't download all of the Cc content, that's fine, just select what you have
I don’t have a mod folder what do I do???
Why??????? Why does no one use Vortex
Bruuuh. Just put the creation club under a separator, and click the down arrow so it's one line. I've been following along, but this guy makes it way more complicated than it needs to be.
Actually, the Content Picker allows you to choose which of the Creation Club content you wish to install. Allowing you to leave content out should you choose. You cannot do this otherwise
Instead of moving the files, just create a separator for the CC Content. Voilá, problem solved.
This is an option if you want all content, however this would prevent you from selecting which CC Content you would like to install and which you want to leave out. By using the AECC Picker, you can customize which ones to install and it keeps it neatly under one mod in the left hand pane on MO2 instead of multiple
cant copy my files ccv help with my 7 zip on windows 11
possibly you need first to unpack the zip archive with an option like 'extract to...' if not it will prevent cping files
Pt 3?
3 days :-)
I DoNt HaVe AE version Bruh
Man i jus wanted to make my character look a little nicer tf is all this??
ts mad confusing
tried like 5 different videos and it still just does not work at all. modding used to be so easy and simple. how did it turn to this cancerous bs???
Nice video but that 'content picker' mod doesn't work as described, not even close. Been playing Skyrim since the month it was originally released, and have been modding for over 3 years, operating on a high end gaming computer purchased less than a year ago. Did everything described in the video, step by step, and nothing changed. This should be a simple process but isn't worth the hassle and extensive time required. This game USED to be fun and a blast to incorporate new/updated mods to improve the playing experience, that's just not the case any longer. I appreciate your efforts on producing this series, but at this juncture, I think it's best to shelve this game for awhile, it stopped being entertaining when I realized I was spending an enormous amount of time into modding than in playing the game itself. Just say'n.
holy shit this was a waste of time. 20 mins for 3 part video explaining a whole lot of nothing.