K pretty new to the whole modding in Oblivion. I can Run Vanilla Maxeed out (x4AA) with no drop in FPS in any places and it idles at 60, with x8AA it doesn't go below 30 but in random areas.

So basically which are the most reccomended mods in this list that cover:

Environment, Lighting, Weather, Characters and buldings? this is a great list but i don't know which ones to choose.

And I would also liek to know a little more about editing .ini to get better visuals in Oblivion.

Tyvm

Hi Jassinlive

Weather mods:
Definitely http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=18305, no contest.
It actually incorporates a number of the others within it giving a much more diverse set of weathers. Then add the fact that it also includes sounds for the weathers in buildings (much trickier than it sounds) and "natural interiors" that means you can actually look out through the windows! (very cool) PLUS a Real lights feature making lighting much more realistic! And it is still a very much active mod, so updates and improvements are always coming out.

With that are a number of other mods, which are detailed in its readme, which can be added as well to make the experience even greater. Such as "storms and sound" and "Animated Window Lighting System and Chimneys " and the "Rainbows In Tamriel" mod mentioned in this thread.

Lighting:
With those above you are already set. Use the "Real Lights" that comes with "Weather -All Natural" (with or without the rest of the mod) as it doesn't have the problems the original stand-alone version has.

A good realistic darkness mod (adds to the realism) is http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22819


Characters:
First I would check out

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=21104
Which does a whole bunch of things. Including making characters look a whole lot better, and adding hairs and eyes etc.

There are a few body mods out there (for both player and NPCs)
For males it's pretty much "Roberts Male Body" or nothing.
For females there is more options, but personally I prefer the http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15802 along with the http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=24078


I would also recommend:
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19370 (this link is to the compilation OMOD - almost up-to-date - but look around for it's Compatibility patch page and it's various mods, and the thread for it here.)
Which is actually a project of a bunch of mods that improve the landscapes (also adding nifty things) to a whole lot of the areas.

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16513
Really improves the look and feel of the cities in the game.


And This http://www.tweakguides.com/Oblivion_8.html should help for the .ini settings.

cheers mate legend

Another Lava mod
Better Lava by elveon - http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17818
4096x4096 Texture

At long last, another update:

- Added Echo's Chapel Chant, Distant Chapel Bells, MrPwner's Ambient Churches, MrPwner's Ambient Inns, Varied Spell Sounds, Quiter Varied Spell Sounds and Even Quieter Varied Spell Sounds, all from Koddiak's post.
- Updated descriptions on a few mods, including Enhanced Weather, All Natural and Ambient Dungeons to reflect recent changes.
- Added a few links to mentioned mods/utilities where appropriate, such as the link to Wrye Bash in All Natural's description, etc.

Just an FYI, the water part of AWS is not incompatible with water mods as such you just have to make sure they are below AWS in the load order if you want to use others. Thinking of updating AWS and making it a separate esp, I will let you know if I do.

OK, I'll update that info. Good to hear from you again.

One of my favorite list threads buried so deep. I wonder if there's a version of More Immersive Sound that has even lower wind sounds than you get with MIS Low Wind.esp? I like several of the other sounds but the wind is kind of immersion breaking IMO.

Not to my knowledge. I'm guessing that the low wind plugin just raises the value of the static attenuation property of the sounds to make them quieter, so it shouldn't be difficult if you want to edit the levels yourself. IIRC the scale is logarithmic though, so bear that in mind.

Thanks. Yes, I might edit the levels myself sometime. Meanwhile, I'll let it rest in the BAIN folder.

Thanks for this well written list, I found it very helpful, especially the sounds section. My oblivion got a sound overhaul

The ambient town one is really nice when you install it along side Crowded Cities and City Life. The AA Footsteps mod is nice too but I had to remove the jump land part of it. Was kind of too loud for my lightweight character.

I let that one go after one minute or so. My unarmored char with sandals sounded like she was weariing really heavy metal boots. Not really an improvement IMO.

List updated, added Immersive Interiors and updated All Natural's description now it's out of beta.

I've been meaning to try out Aragorn Speed's thunder sounds mod for a while now, that'll also be added once I've had the chance. I'll also review the footsteps part of AA.

List updated with entry for Cava Obscura. Hopefully I've remained relatively unbiased.

This list has been extremely valuable to me while trying to evaluate all of the environmental mod options.

I did find one sound mod that isn't currently on your list that I would nominate for addition. It's "No More Annoying Alchemical Sounds" which can be found at http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=31387

It's a very small sound mod that just replaces three sounds associated with brewing potions and harvesting ingredients. There is no ESP file.

With respect to OSSO, there's also a Quieter Wind and Dungeon Ambiance option at: http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11720

Thanks for those. I'll look at them when I get time.

After some years away from Oblivion i've come back for more.

And with all these mod updates from back when i used to play, i've felt a bit overwhelmed.

Its threads like these that help me to get back on track with all the updates to mods i used to use, and anything new.

So i just wanted to say thanks, cause enviroment mods are my favourite.

Bump for excellence, and thank you; nice and clear descriptions and comparisons.

I had no idea some of those mods existed. Thanks for the list.