Skyrim Mod List
Making Skyrim SE Better
I like a more sandbox RPG with multiple viable builds and lots of exploration. Vanilla Skyrim was great but the skills weren’t balanced, crafting was broken in multiple ways, and the world didn’t feel like it existed separate from the Dragonborn and the main quest. When the Special Edition came out I got back into Skyrim. I also spent more time looking at mods to make it closer to my ideal.
Naturally I still don’t have things perfect, there are some mods currently in my list that I might not add again if I was starting over. There are some mods I would add to this list if I was started a new character but that I won’t add in the middle. Also, the big one, SKSE for the Special Edition has been out for months (as I write this). I have chosen not to install it at this time since my game is going well without it. Similarly, while I agree that MO might be a better option I still use NMM with LOOT and Wrye Bash.
Some notes -
I have not included all of the patches needed to make these mods work together.
These lists are not installation orders. While I have mentioned some texture conflicts I have been creating this list for two years. I am sure I have forgotten some conflicts. Generally install specific texture or animation mods after more general ones.