» Sun Sep 23, 2012 9:31 am I'm also in the process of making a new "revised" list, which should be done by next week. It took me around 3-4 hours to compile this list, as I put in neat hyperlinks for the mod names, brief descriptions, and video links (usually by Gopher, Brodual, or me) of the mods.
http://www.reddit.com/r/skyrim/comments/zw55w/a_detailed_list_with_links_and_explanations_to/
Here is a rough copy-pasta job done of the notepad document I used for the post to Reddit, though its best viewed by going to Reddit of course =)
My list of mostly essential Skyrim mods for the best possible Skyrim experience.
Also, check out [this YouTube channel for Skyrim mod videos](http://www.youtube.com/insane0hflex) to stay updated on the latest and greatest Skyrim mods.
For most of these mods - get the [Nexus Mod Manager - NMM](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/modmanager/), and use that to install them. Easy program to download, install and remove mods with a click of a button.
Then, get [Better Oblivion Sorting Software (BOSS)](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/6) - to keep your mods properly "load-ordered" and so that they play nicely with each other. Activate and install your mods with NMM, then run BOSS to sort the mods, then play! Very easy and user friendly.
**User Interface mods (at the very least get these 3 mods, even before you play Skyrim for the first time)**
* [Categorized Favorites Menu](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/4862) - makes the favorites menu a ton better for KB+M. Instead of a list you now get a - larger screen-sized list with categories for the favorites
* [iHuD](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/3222) - Removes the HUD when you don't need it (ie out of combat), and displays it when you do need it(combat) [Video by Gopher](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iffV57Z3nLc)
* [SkyUI](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/3863) - If I had to download one mod, this would be it. An amazing overhaul of the Skyrim inventory and magic menu (not crafting!). Do yourself a big favor and download this now.
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**Graphics**
* [All in One Face](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/17704) - install this after [Xenuis Character Enhancement](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/2356) - Both are texture mods that adds a lot of detail to male and female faces.
* [Booze Bottles HD](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/19922) - Replaces the textures of alcholic beverages with a unique and great looking label. [Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KQDwhcsujI)
* [Crimson Tide](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/12798) - A mod that that overhauls blood within the game, better texture, on-hit blood spray effects, pools blood on the ground, and more. Great mod, definitely pick this one up.
* ENB - top 3 picks - [Enhanced Motion Picture ENB](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMvXweP3Tpo&list=PL9FCDE9DDD9709AA3&index=1&feature=plpp_video) , [Countervibe ENB](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig-CyMukzcU&list=PL9FCDE9DDD9709AA3&index=1&feature=plpp_video), or [Enhanced Vanilla ENB](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/17326) - the latest ENB mods only tank performance about 3-7 FPS if you keep SSAO off, so now its relatively performance friendly and not the infamous "FPS Killer".
* [Radiant and Unique Potions and Poisons HD](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/18799) - adds custom labels to all potions and poisons in Skyrim. I highly recommend to download it. [Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpTyC3DvGWM)
* [Skyrim 2K HD](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/607) or [Skyrim Realistic Overhaul](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/5400) or [BOTH! - Texture Pack Combiner](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/20801/) - My favorite 2 "HD Texture Overhauls" of Skyrim. Both are good on their own, but you can combine them both for the best experience possible.
* [Vurt's Floral Overhaul](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/141) , [Lush Trees](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/3385) , and [Lush Grass](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/3288) makes the plants of Skyrim photo-gorgeous and really pretty.
* [W.A.T.E.R.](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/13268) - overhauls the waters in Skyrim - fixing flow, better textures, etc. Also adds cool touches like reeds.
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**Immersion**
* [Birds and Flocks](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/11555) - Adds many birds across Skyrim that add to the ambience and immersion.
* [Footprints](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/22745) - Now when you walk in snow, you leave a footprint behind! [Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MnUlMAY790&list=PL9FCDE9DDD9709AA3&index=1&feature=plpp_video)
* [Get Snowy](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/19660) - When its snowing, snow now shows on your armor/skin and other NPCs around you too! [Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkBnL8z9jvk&list=PL9FCDE9DDD9709AA3&index=1&feature=plpp_video)
* [No Spinning Death Animation](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/17214) - removes the wierd spinning death animation that happens when you or NPCs die, and replaces it with a realistic ragdoll. Must have mod.
* [Player Headtracking](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/23600/) - Your character turns his/her head to regard other NPCs when they are talking, passing by. Great immersion booster when in 3rd person. [Video demonstration](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZww2DTlfpA)
* [Run for Your Lives](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/23906) makes NPCs in cities and villages run inside their home when the city is attacked by a dragon. Cool immersion mod, although they walk instead of run, to their house for safety. [Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJXmWsCKrz0)
* Also, consider [Open cities](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/8058) - although I haven't used it for a while. Basically, it removes the "doors" before you enter a city like Whiterun, so you can seamlessly transition from the outside world to the city without a loading screen. (Arthmoor, the author of this mod, is a great modder btw)
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**Gameplay**
* [Apocalypse Spell Package](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/16225) - My favorite magic mod. Adds over 160+ fair and balanced spells across each school of magic. A must have for mages and spellswords. Well, heck, any class. [Video -old](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsRSogpIDGw&list=PL9FCDE9DDD9709AA3&index=1&feature=plpp_video)
* [Deadly Combat](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/5485) - Makes melee combat more challenging and rewarding, imo.
* [Deadly Dragon Spells](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/16481) and [Deadly Dragon Armory](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/16474) - [Video explaining/showing both mods](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-LRp0eyMv4)
* [Deadly Dragons](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/3829) - adds several new dragon types, makes dragons deadlier. Worth checking out.
* [Smash Locks and Lock Doors](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAZHJoiAP30) - Now you can break locks with your melee weapon. Great for brutes or those tired of the lock picking minigame. [Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAZHJoiAP30&list=PL9FCDE9DDD9709AA3&index=1&feature=plpp_video)
* [Sneak Tools](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/19447) - Knock someone out, slit their throat from behind, use masks to clear your bounty, etc. [Video by Brodual](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sf3BINEv0Ds)
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**Best Armor and Weapon Mods**
* [Bandolier](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/16438) - Increase your carrywieght capacity by crafting bandoliers, bags and pouches. Great for hoarders.
* [Cloaks of Skyrim](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/12092) - Adds many different types of cloaks to many NPCs and the crafting menu. Fantastic mod.
* [Chronicles of Steel - Realswords](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/12506) - Implements over 70 new and realistic swords into the leveled list of Skyrim, cannot forge these weapons so the only way to find them is by killing bandits =)
* [JaySuS Swords](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/1002) - Many great looking swords are available to craft, although you can add them to the leveled list with an optional download.
* [Immersive Armors](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/19733) - Tons of great lore friendly armor items are added by this excellent mod, by hothtrooper44 who is very well known for his great armor mods. [Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OV5MYTdau8)
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**House mods**
* [Grey Ledge Manor](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/18112) - Great medium-sized player home located in the worldspace so no loading doors or interior cells to load. Simply walk right into your house! Also includes a blacksmith merchant and all the player home essentials. [Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7y8skifirc&list=PL9FCDE9DDD9709AA3&index=1&feature=plpp_video)
* [Stag's Rest](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/23847) - Another great medium-sized player home with all crafting utilities, 9 shrines, all the guardian stones, named storage areas. [Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l8WGCsY9EM)
* [Windmill Shelter](http://www.skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/17742) - Small compact home with everything you need. No clutter and placed in a great location in the Rift. [Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR3Ul5ugBZ4)
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**Miscellaneous Cool Mods**
* [Amethyst Dreamworld Hollows](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjJ8iZHa0Vk&list=PL9FCDE9DDD9709AA3&index=1&feature=plpp_video) - Cool player mansion that has several unique features like a quest, NPCs, changable scenery, on/off lights, a mark-and-recall spell, an archery range, and more.
* [Atvir Dres](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/19348) - Night Elf male follower with full-voice dialogue (well done too), excellent follower mod.
* [CLARALUX](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/17605) - Adds light sources via torches, lanterns, fires, etc to the roads, towns, and cities of Skyrim. Highly, highly recommended.
* [Lost Art of the Blacksmith](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/1020) - Adds many missing items that should be craftable, to the forge.
* [Lost Magic](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/22753) - Another neat little spell mod. [Video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMOmAEL4BpY&list=PL9FCDE9DDD9709AA3&index=1&feature=plpp_video)
* [Skyrim Monster Mod](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/9694) - adds tons of new monsters to the game. Lore friendly patches available.[Video by Brodual](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjOIlAuUwY0)
* [UFO](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/14037) - Have more than 1 follower and a bunch of new options. [Video by Gopher](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aC1Z2A0Lws8)
* [Wearable Lanterns](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/17416) - add an attachable lantern to your belt, so you don't have to carry a torch when exploring dark areas, perfect for combat in the dark.
* [Warzones: Civil Unrest](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/9494) - adds a ton of warring NPCs in many locations across Skyrim, so now you can see battles between factions like the Imperials and Stormcloaks and participate in them!
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Thanks for reading! I'll try to help anyone that has questions - either leave a comment or PM me. This list will also be updated from time to time, but this should keep you busy for a while =)
Also, feel free to suggest mods that you really like that you feel should be included in this list.
Note: I don't personally use the workshop often - hence the lack of SteamWorkshop mods/links. I fully support the Nexus network, ever since my early days of modding Morrowind back in the day =)
TL;DR: [Skyrim Nexus - go here to download mods](http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/), watch Skyrim mod videos to learn about the best mods [here - insane0hflex](http://www.youtube.com/insane0hflex), [here - Brodual](http://www.youtube.com/Brodual), and [here - GophersVids](http://www.youtube.com/GophersVids), and [here](http://www.youtube.com/GophersVids).
