Uploaded January 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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A beginner's guide on how to mod Skyrim SE/AE in 2023 and the first mods you should be installing to set a good foundation to begin your modding journey. Skyrim modding guide that will help increase performance and stability.

All links below:

PLEASE READ: Almost all mods are now updated, downgrading is not necessary anymore and for beginners I would not recommend. Link is still below if you want to. 15/03/2023
(Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Downgrade Patcher nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/57618 )
If you do downgrade you will also need this: nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/106441

Mod Organizer 2
nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/6194
GamerPoets video on how to install and setup MO2: youtube.com/watch?v=4DEzehXK1TA&t=72s

Microsoft Visual Studio
learn.microsoft.com/en-US/cpp/windows/latest-supported-vc-redist?view=msvc-170

Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE)
skse.silverlock.org

Recommended Mods:
Address Library for SKSE Plugins
nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/32444
SSE Engine Fixes (skse64 plugin)
nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/17230
powerofthree's Tweaks
nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/51073
SSE Display Tweaks
nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/34705
Skyrim Priority SE AE - skse plugin
nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/50129
SkyUI
nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/12604
MCM Helper
nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/53000
Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch (you can use this version if you downgraded as well)
nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/266
USSEP for Skyrim SE 1.5.97 if you never upgraded (downgraded version use the above version): nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/266?tab=files&file_id=209150
SSE Fixes (1.5.97 ONLY)
nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/10547
DLL Plugin Loader Requirement: nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/10546

BethINI
nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/4875

LOOT
nexusmods.com/site/mods/439

DISCORD: discord.gg/HHxNnZyEGt
PATREON to support the channel: patreon.com/SoftGaming
MODLIST: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1lL-jNov_7QBZDqaE_B7OhNVJUeVWESlm67m8yZ9161c/edit#gid=0

Thanks for watching :)

#skyrim #skyrimmods #bestskyrimmods

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:33 Launch Skyrim
01:12 Version
01:58 Downgrading
02:36 How to Downgrade
03:23 Mod Manager
03:55 Microsoft Visual Studio
04:13 SKSE
05:50 Address Library + How to Install a Mod
06:45 Recommended Mods
10:21 BethINI
11:22 LOOT
13:09 Recap
13:54 Final Note

Skyrim SE
Skyrim AE