Uploaded October 2016 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Morrowind Essentials Guide
"The best setup for a basic Morrowind installation."
A guide for setting up a clean installation of Morrowind with the Code Patch, Graphics Extender, and the essential mods that I think everyone should use, as well as an explanation for why I chose them.
VIDEO BREAKDOWN:
Start - Introduction
01:20 - Game Installation
02:58 - Morrowind Code Patch
04:44 - Morrowind Graphics Extender
08:30 - Installing Mods
10:37 - Mod List & Explanation
---------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
I - Installing Morrowind
II - MCP Recommended Patches
III - MGE XE Recommended Settings
IV - Mod List w/ Download Links
---------------------------------------
I - INSTALLING MORROWIND
Do NOT install to C:\Program Files\
Use something like C:\Games\
For Steam installations, disable the Steam Overlay from the game's properties
For CD installations, use the right order: Morrowind, Tribunal, Patch 1.4.1313, Bloodmoon, Patch 1.6.1820 (patches available at patches.bethsoft.com/).
After installing, be sure to run the game once and verify that it works, this also generates ini files.
---------------------------------------
II - MORROWIND CODE PATCH
nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/19510/?
Recommended Patches:
-Graphics Changes-
Rain/Snow Collision
Bump/reflect map local lighting
Reduce Camera Clipping
-Game Mechanic Changes-
Toggle Sneak
Swift casting
Pickpocket overhaul
Fortify maximum health
-Interface changes-
Disable map smoothing
UI display quality fix
Larger service/chargen menus
Level-up skills tooltip
Persuasion improvement
Better ingredient and item selector
Improved inventory filters
Display more accurate item weight
---------------------------------------
III - MORROWIND GRAPHICS EXTENDER
nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/41102/?
Recommended settings:
[ GRAPHICS ]
1920x1080
8x AA | 16x AF | VSync ON
Windowed mode ON | Borderless ON
*Shaders ON, setup as follows in this order:
{ SSAO HQ, Depth of Field, Underwater Effects, Underwater Interior Effects, Sunshafts, Bloom Fine, Eye Adaptation (HDR) }
Click Auto FOV (91.31)
Menu UI scaling = 1.50
FPS limiter = 60
[ DISTANT LAND ]
Draw Distance = 4.5 cells
Use Distant Statics ON
{ Near 150, Far 600, Very Far 800 }
Fog
Use high quality fog ON
Exponential distance multiplier = 4.0
High qualiy atmosphere & distance colouring ON
Auto set other distances ON, By Draw Distance
Reflections all ON
Dynamic Ripples ON (50)
Caustics 50% Brightness
Dynamic Solar shadows ON
Per-pixel lighting shader ON
[ IN-GAME ]
Custom Camera
25, -120, 0
Allow Yes To All for Load Errors
---------------------------------------
IV - MOD LIST w/ DOWNLOAD LINKS
Holy Trinity:
MCP - nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/19510/?
MGE XE - nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/41102/?
Patch Project - en.uesp.net/wiki/Tes3Mod:Morrowind_Patch_Project
Game Mechanic Mods:
Talrivian's State-Based HP - mw.modhistory.com/download-98-6521
Natural Magicka Regeneration - mw.modhistory.com/download-51-6332
Delayed DB Attack V2 - nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/14891/?
Illys Solstheim Rumour Fix - nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/42952/?
Graphical Mods:
Better Dialogue Font - nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/36873/?
Pluginless NoGlow - nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/20872/?
Jas Crosshairs - nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/42562/?
HD Concept-art splash screen & main menu - nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/43081/?
XE Sky Variations - (comes with MGE XE)
Other Mods:
Morrowind Acoustic Overhaul - download.fliggerty.com/download-76-1045
Better Chargen - nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/43995/?
---------------------------------------
About MGSO:
I didn't mention this widely-known compilation in here, and I have reasons. I don't like MGSO at all; I think it's too unoptimized, there's too much junk, it ruins the atmosphere by straying too far from Morrowind's art style (both with visuals and audio), ruins performance, breaks a lot of the intended experience, causes other bugs and problems, it's way too overly recommended, and it's just out of date. It may be usable and some may like it, but it is far from an "essential".
---------------------------------------
Walk with virtue.
Morrowind Essentials Guide
"The best setup for a basic Morrowind installation."
A guide for setting up a clean installation of Morrowind with the Code Patch, Graphics Extender, and the essential mods that I think everyone should use, as well as an explanation for why I chose them.
VIDEO BREAKDOWN:
Start - Introduction
01:20 - Game Installation
02:58 - Morrowind Code Patch
04:44 - Morrowind Graphics Extender
08:30 - Installing Mods
10:37 - Mod List & Explanation
---------------------------------------
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
I - Installing Morrowind
II - MCP Recommended Patches
III - MGE XE Recommended Settings
IV - Mod List w/ Download Links
---------------------------------------
I - INSTALLING MORROWIND
Do NOT install to C:\Program Files\
Use something like C:\Games\
For Steam installations, disable the Steam Overlay from the game's properties
For CD installations, use the right order: Morrowind, Tribunal, Patch 1.4.1313, Bloodmoon, Patch 1.6.1820 (patches available at patches.bethsoft.com/).
After installing, be sure to run the game once and verify that it works, this also generates ini files.
---------------------------------------
II - MORROWIND CODE PATCH
nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/19510/?
Recommended Patches:
-Graphics Changes-
Rain/Snow Collision
Bump/reflect map local lighting
Reduce Camera Clipping
-Game Mechanic Changes-
Toggle Sneak
Swift casting
Pickpocket overhaul
Fortify maximum health
-Interface changes-
Disable map smoothing
UI display quality fix
Larger service/chargen menus
Level-up skills tooltip
Persuasion improvement
Better ingredient and item selector
Improved inventory filters
Display more accurate item weight
---------------------------------------
III - MORROWIND GRAPHICS EXTENDER
nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/41102/?
Recommended settings:
[ GRAPHICS ]
1920x1080
8x AA | 16x AF | VSync ON
Windowed mode ON | Borderless ON
*Shaders ON, setup as follows in this order:
{ SSAO HQ, Depth of Field, Underwater Effects, Underwater Interior Effects, Sunshafts, Bloom Fine, Eye Adaptation (HDR) }
Click Auto FOV (91.31)
Menu UI scaling = 1.50
FPS limiter = 60
[ DISTANT LAND ]
Draw Distance = 4.5 cells
Use Distant Statics ON
{ Near 150, Far 600, Very Far 800 }
Fog
Use high quality fog ON
Exponential distance multiplier = 4.0
High qualiy atmosphere & distance colouring ON
Auto set other distances ON, By Draw Distance
Reflections all ON
Dynamic Ripples ON (50)
Caustics 50% Brightness
Dynamic Solar shadows ON
Per-pixel lighting shader ON
[ IN-GAME ]
Custom Camera
25, -120, 0
Allow Yes To All for Load Errors
---------------------------------------
IV - MOD LIST w/ DOWNLOAD LINKS
Holy Trinity:
MCP - nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/19510/?
MGE XE - nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/41102/?
Patch Project - en.uesp.net/wiki/Tes3Mod:Morrowind_Patch_Project
Game Mechanic Mods:
Talrivian's State-Based HP - mw.modhistory.com/download-98-6521
Natural Magicka Regeneration - mw.modhistory.com/download-51-6332
Delayed DB Attack V2 - nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/14891/?
Illys Solstheim Rumour Fix - nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/42952/?
Graphical Mods:
Better Dialogue Font - nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/36873/?
Pluginless NoGlow - nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/20872/?
Jas Crosshairs - nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/42562/?
HD Concept-art splash screen & main menu - nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/43081/?
XE Sky Variations - (comes with MGE XE)
Other Mods:
Morrowind Acoustic Overhaul - download.fliggerty.com/download-76-1045
Better Chargen - nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/43995/?
---------------------------------------
About MGSO:
I didn't mention this widely-known compilation in here, and I have reasons. I don't like MGSO at all; I think it's too unoptimized, there's too much junk, it ruins the atmosphere by straying too far from Morrowind's art style (both with visuals and audio), ruins performance, breaks a lot of the intended experience, causes other bugs and problems, it's way too overly recommended, and it's just out of date. It may be usable and some may like it, but it is far from an "essential".
---------------------------------------
Walk with virtue.
![#27: Wake VS Mitch the Fighting Club Master — [Pokémon TCG]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cfI8D4k2RyQ/mqdefault.jpg "#27: Wake VS Mitch the Fighting Club Master — [Pokémon TCG]
Lets Play Pokémon: Trading Card Game (Gameboy Color)
#27: Wake VS Mitch the Fighting Club Master
Mitchs deck consists of Machamps, Hitmonchans, Hitmonlees, and maybe even some Primeape. Fighting types generally have good attack power, and are much better than the rock types.
SERIES PLAYLIST:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUycoBGiV0r-y1wshXaPLAnhR6BBxe-XW
SOCIAL:
https://twitter.com/helswake
ABOUT THE GAME:
Pokémon: Trading Card Game (JP:1998 NA:2000) is a digitized version of the crazy popular collection/battle phenomenon of the late 90s. This adaptation creates a familiar game-world where the trainer must battle their way to collecting 8 medals and rising to defeat the Grand Masters... collect em all, battle the best, and become the Grand Champion. The game also takes advantage of the Gameboy link-cables to allow friends to duel one another as well as trade cards, generate new cards, and swap deck configurations.")
![#16: Exploring the Nashkel Region — [Baldurs Gate: Enhanced Edition]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/cfykA_BO6Mg/mqdefault.jpg "#16: Exploring the Nashkel Region — [Baldurs Gate: Enhanced Edition]
Lets Play Baldurs Gate: Enhanced Edition (PC)
#16: Exploring the Nashkel Region
Cloudpeak Mountains are filled with a variety of interesting items and encounters... exploration is great for finding fortune and glory.
SERIES PLAYLIST:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUycoBGiV0r_mK-7m0EoaL1vtzC_Mm1cI
SOCIAL:
https://twitter.com/helswake
ABOUT THE GAME:
Baldurs Gate: Enhanced Edition (Beamdog, 2013) is a remastering of the original (Bioware, 1998). Baldurs Gate is an isometric, top-down, western-style RPG that is based on 2nd edition AD&D rules and set in the Forgotten Realms campaign. The Enhanced Edition includes the original expansion, Tales of the Sword Coast, new characters, a new adventure The Black Pits, as well as many graphical and gameplay improvements.")
![#22: Wake VS Isaac the Lightning Club Master & Ronald (Round 2) — [Pokémon TCG]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dOG-IU4hz7A/mqdefault.jpg "#22: Wake VS Isaac the Lightning Club Master & Ronald (Round 2) — [Pokémon TCG]
Lets Play Pokémon: Trading Card Game (Gameboy Color)
#22: Wake VS Isaac the Lightning Club Master & Ronald (Round 2)
Isaacs deck is centered around selfdestruct, but he also has 3 or 4 Electabuzz. Ronald intervenes to challenge me after obtaining my 5th medal.
SERIES PLAYLIST:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUycoBGiV0r-y1wshXaPLAnhR6BBxe-XW
SOCIAL:
https://twitter.com/helswake
ABOUT THE GAME:
Pokémon: Trading Card Game (JP:1998 NA:2000) is a digitized version of the crazy popular collection/battle phenomenon of the late 90s. This adaptation creates a familiar game-world where the trainer must battle their way to collecting 8 medals and rising to defeat the Grand Masters... collect em all, battle the best, and become the Grand Champion. The game also takes advantage of the Gameboy link-cables to allow friends to duel one another as well as trade cards, generate new cards, and swap deck configurations.")
![#19: To Seek a Crown [ Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin — PC ]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dVKiz__FRJY/mqdefault.jpg "#19: To Seek a Crown [ Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin — PC ]
Lets Play Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin (PC)
#19: To Seek a Crown
With all five Souls of a Giant in our inventory, we can challenge the hollowed Vendrick no problem. His massive sword hits like a truck, but his attacks are luckily very telegraphed and easy to dodge; the go-to strat is to circle him counter-clockwise, effectively hugging his left ass-cheek. As long as he doesnt decide to jump backwards multiple times or into the walls, this fight is very easy with a bit of patience.
Inside Vendricks memory, we can speak with him in his final living moments; he says some interesting things about the Flame and the Crown, albeit the lore is still quite over my head. At any rate, he hints at gathering the crowns from the DLCs... and so off we go to prepare for the coming challenges.
SERIES PLAYLIST:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUycoBGiV0r8y55B6Cg0IpiAOKfRBOII2
ABOUT THIS SERIES:
This is a casual playthrough where I recreate my favorite old DEX/INT build. The pacing is a bit faster than my usual style; this is not a comprehensive walkthrough, and I will be skipping some items/enemies/sections. I will kill all bosses. I have not played DkS2 since before the release of the third game earlier this year, and in recent months Ive been very engrossed in DkS1; this is my revisitation of DkS2, to once and for all gain a proper perspective on all three games in the series.")
![#02: Pursuer & Dragonrider [ Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin — PC ]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/dYHxWeudgyk/mqdefault.jpg "#02: Pursuer & Dragonrider [ Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin — PC ]
Lets Play Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin (PC)
#02: Pursuer & Dragonrider
The next couple of bosses I also consider beginning-of-game bosses: Pursuer & Dragonrider; funny, they can both be easily cheesed for near-instant wins. Not like theyre hard anyway. I would normally do Old Dragon Slayer at this point as well, but because Fromsoft is rude, they plopped all kinds of bs, including a drake, right in the way, and thus its a lot harder to simply run up to him.
Ah well, off to the next zone: No Mans Wharf...
SERIES PLAYLIST:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUycoBGiV0r8y55B6Cg0IpiAOKfRBOII2
ABOUT THIS SERIES:
This is a casual playthrough where I recreate my favorite old DEX/INT build. The pacing is a bit faster than my usual style; this is not a comprehensive walkthrough, and I will be skipping some items/enemies/sections. I will kill all bosses. I have not played DkS2 since before the release of the third game earlier this year, and in recent months Ive been very engrossed in DkS1; this is my revisitation of DkS2, to once and for all gain a proper perspective on all three games in the series.")
![#12: Mystery of Lhotuns Brother — [Daggerfall]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/do_aubIeftU/mqdefault.jpg "#12: Mystery of Lhotuns Brother — [Daggerfall]
Lets Play The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall
#12: Mystery of Lhotuns Brother
Reny is sent by an unnamed servant of the Underking to Castle Faallem. There, he expects us to find evidence of the fate of Prince Carmt.
SERIES PLAYLIST:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUycoBGiV0r-u7I5Jz4Qh0Wbhu45OOfDg
CHARACTER BUILD:
http://imgur.com/a/JYH62
SOCIAL:
https://twitter.com/helswake
ABOUT THE GAME:
The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall
Prepare to experience your new obsession it claims on the box. Yes, but also confusion and frustration. Daggerfall is a first-person dungeon-crawler, second installment of the Elder Scrolls series, and it pioneered some of the elements that would become standard in later titles. It was a highly-ambitious project, and it did some interesting things that were never seen again within the series.
Played using the DaggerfallSetup.exe found on the Unofficial Elder Scrolls Pages:
http://en.uesp.net/wiki/Daggerfall:Files")
![#16: Assassin | Normal — All Acts [Diablo II: Going through Hell]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fajY51ne4wU/mqdefault.jpg "#16: Assassin | Normal — All Acts [Diablo II: Going through Hell]
Diablo II: Going through HELL
( All Classes Solo Hell Difficulty )
Part 16: Assassin | Normal — All Acts
An abridged series wherein I complete Hell difficulty with each of the games 7 classes: Amazon, Assassin, Barbarian, Druid, Necromancer, Paladin, and Sorceress. The characters are chosen at random, and each playthrough must use self-found gear only. Played on singleplayer using PlugY.
PLAYLIST:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUycoBGiV0r8FTnrC4tdIzI0L6DO1Ge14")
![#24: Confronting Sarevok — [Baldurs Gate: Enhanced Edition]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fbBn0sgj_BA/mqdefault.jpg "#24: Confronting Sarevok — [Baldurs Gate: Enhanced Edition]
Lets Play Baldurs Gate: Enhanced Edition (PC)
#24: Confronting Sarevok
Sarevok has gone into the Undercity. Ive leveled our party to 7 across the board, and I think were ready to take him on.
SERIES PLAYLIST:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUycoBGiV0r_mK-7m0EoaL1vtzC_Mm1cI
SOCIAL:
https://twitter.com/helswake
ABOUT THE GAME:
Baldurs Gate: Enhanced Edition (Beamdog, 2013) is a remastering of the original (Bioware, 1998). Baldurs Gate is an isometric, top-down, western-style RPG that is based on 2nd edition AD&D rules and set in the Forgotten Realms campaign. The Enhanced Edition includes the original expansion, Tales of the Sword Coast, new characters, a new adventure The Black Pits, as well as many graphical and gameplay improvements.")
![#09: Science Duels — [Pokémon TCG]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fzIK-uaA9_I/mqdefault.jpg "#09: Science Duels — [Pokémon TCG]
Lets Play Pokémon: Trading Card Game (Gameboy Color)
#09: Science Duels
Colosseum, Evolution, and Mystery... there is one more pack type that I would like to see the contents of: Laboratory. I believe they can be gotten from the Science Club.
SERIES PLAYLIST:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUycoBGiV0r-y1wshXaPLAnhR6BBxe-XW
SOCIAL:
https://twitter.com/helswake
ABOUT THE GAME:
Pokémon: Trading Card Game (JP:1998 NA:2000) is a digitized version of the crazy popular collection/battle phenomenon of the late 90s. This adaptation creates a familiar game-world where the trainer must battle their way to collecting 8 medals and rising to defeat the Grand Masters... collect em all, battle the best, and become the Grand Champion. The game also takes advantage of the Gameboy link-cables to allow friends to duel one another as well as trade cards, generate new cards, and swap deck configurations.")
![#11: Drangleic Castle [ Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin — PC ]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/g-aeaj1CBJ8/mqdefault.jpg "#11: Drangleic Castle [ Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin — PC ]
Lets Play Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin (PC)
#11: Drangleic Castle
With the four Old Souls in hand, the Shrine of Winter shall open... and the way forth will be shown. Drangleic Castle lies ahead, and the King... Vendrick. But where is he? The Queen greets us shortly into the castle, but no King is to be found. Woman, what have you done?!
This place is very grandiose and intimidating looking from the approach, but in earnest, the exploration of the Castle is rather unimpressive.
SERIES PLAYLIST:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUycoBGiV0r8y55B6Cg0IpiAOKfRBOII2
ABOUT THIS SERIES:
This is a casual playthrough where I recreate my favorite old DEX/INT build. The pacing is a bit faster than my usual style; this is not a comprehensive walkthrough, and I will be skipping some items/enemies/sections. I will kill all bosses. I have not played DkS2 since before the release of the third game earlier this year, and in recent months Ive been very engrossed in DkS1; this is my revisitation of DkS2, to once and for all gain a proper perspective on all three games in the series.")
