Hi guys,

I finally have Skyrim for pc, and I want to install some mods now. The problem is that I don;t have an idea what I should download, some maybe you guys know some essential mods. Also, I read something about 'load orders', what's that, and how does it affect me? And should I download the high-res texture pack from Bethesda, or should I use user ones?

http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1398036-no-mods-what-are-the-must-haves/

This is a variation on a recent post of mine. I think most people would agree with the "Absolute Essentials". If you're playing a pure mage, I'd suggest including the magic mod options.

I left out graphics mods, because that's a huge issue by itself, so the list below is about fixing things and improving gameplay. Start out slow with a few mods to get used to how modding works, and take your time when installing them. It's always a good idea to read the README, too. That will save you a lot of headache in the long run.

Absolute Essentials:

User Interface
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/3863 and http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/4862 and http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/4929 - Note that there are good optional categorized favorites mods, too
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/2730 or http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/14412 (absolutely required, IMO)

Fixes
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/4719
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/601
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/19
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/9557 - great mod AFTER you've played Skyrim with a couple of characters (skips the default start)

Utilities (to help modding)
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/1840 (when you have a fair number of mods, you need this if you want them to work right)
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/6- required to load mods in the correct order (prevent mod conflicts)

Not as Essential (for your first play through):

Combat
(Choose any one, they're all really good)
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/3646 - slower, more tactical combat, increases difficulty and complexity of combat (tries to remove button-mashing from combat, and make it as truly realistic as possible)
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/2700- increased action combat with some RPG elements (percent chance)
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/5485 - faster, more action-oriented combat

Also http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/10037(general overhaul, can work with Duel or Deadly Combat easily)
And http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/10906 works with any of the above

Magic
Use one of these:
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/11139 (great magic overhaul)
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/4374 (vanilla magic tweaked to be better)
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/2275 (older, popular, well-designed mod, but it hasn't been updated since Feb.)

..plus..
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/16225 - many more spells, the best of breed mod that adds a lot of new, useful, well-thought out spells


Armor
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/19733 - great collection of extra armor
...there are many other great ones, but I'll stick with the above for a minimum, because it provides a lot of new, very well done armors

New Monsters, Better Monster and Enemy Encounters
Use any (or all) of these:
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/9694 (essential) with (optional) http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/16411
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/3829 and/or http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/13423
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/9494 - this can eat CPU and grind the game on older hardware, otherwise no problem
http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/12479