Can You Still Use Mods on Skyrim Special Edition in 2024?
Yes, absolutely. Not only can you mod Skyrim Special Edition (SSE), but it remains one of the best versions of Skyrim for modding to this day. SSE makes the entire process far easier with its built-in support and introduces fewer issues compared to the original 2011 release.
A Look Back: Modding Skyrim Through the Years
Ever since launch over a decade ago, modding has been a huge part of what gives Skyrim enduring replay value. Let‘s quickly recap how we got to where we are today with SSE.
Skyrim (2011 Release)
The vanilla 2011 edition of Skyrim gained quick traction in modding circles due to:
- flexibility stemming from scripts not hard-coded into engine
- Construction Set editor allowing deep access
- Dedicated fans expressing creativity through custom mods
It remained a top choice for the ambitious modder in subsequent years. But age started to show in stability issues – LE runs only in 32-bit, allowing a mere 4GB for modded content before encountering crashes.
Skyrim Legendary Edition (2013) and Expanded Script Extender (SKSE)
The Legendary Edition compiled the game with its DLC for discounted purchase. It retained the highest degree of backward compatibility with older mods. A game extender called SKSE unlocked added scripting functionality leveraged by many mods through the years.
But even with community patches, the aging 32-bit engine struggled under the weight of mods piling up. Crashes remained an irritation over time.
Skyrim Special Edition (2016 Remastered Release)
SSE represented a major upgrade targeted in part at improving technical capabilities for modding uses. Key enhancements included:
- 64-bit engine allowing greater stability for heavy mod loads
- Integrated Bethesda.net mod browser supporting one-click downloads
- Official Creation Kit optimizing mods for remastered visuals and effects
- "Mods" menu handling load order/conflict detection/activation
SSE quickly gained feature parity with LE in terms of top mods ported over. And it introduced a golden age of stable modding that continues to this day.
Installing Skyrim SE Mods Step-by-Step
Thanks to native support added specifically with enthusiasts in mind, installing mods could hardly be easier on the Special Edition. Simply:
- Launch Skyrim SE and click "Mods" at the main menu
- Select "Get Mods" to open Bethesda.net‘s mod browser
- Browse top mods, choosing filtering and search to find desired ones
- Subscribe to any mod you wish to download – this adds it to your library
- Return to Mods menu and activate mods to add them to your load order
- Rearrange load order and resolve conflicts as needed
And that‘s it – one-click simplicity to mod SE. The rest of this post dives deeper across all aspects of SSE modding.
Bethesda.net vs Nexus Mods vs Manual
While the embedded browser offers convenience downloading top mods, advanced users generally install manually from the venerable Nexus Mods archive. Perks include:
- Broader mod selection with 35K+ SSE files vs 5K on Bethesda
- Better organizing of load order via manager tools like Vortex
- Adding SKSE script extender essential to many mod packages
Downloading manually takes a few extra steps but enables more control. Note the Special Edition Nexus section focuses specifically on SSE-compatible files vs originals requiring conversion.
Essential Modding Utilities
Serious modders use supporting tools like:
- SKSE – Skyrim Script Extender, enables mods needing expanded scripting functions
- SkyUI – Custom UI overhaul required by many mods
- SSE Engine Fixes – Crucial technical bug fixes improving stability
Learning to install these properly is key to a stable long-term modded SSE setup.
SSE vs Original Skyrim: Mod Support & Capabilities
While Skyrim SE already dominates for most players today, a common question is how capabilities compare to the legacy 32-bit editions (Legendary/original). Let‘s break down key factors:
| Factor | Skyrim SSE | Original Skyrim |
|---|---|---|
| Script Extender | SKSE well supported | Heavily used but can‘t fix engine limits |
| Stability | Excellent even with 200+ mods | Crashes/corrupts more easily |
| Mod Selection | Nearly all top mods ported over | Larger back catalog but becoming outdated |
| Graphics/Textures | Sometimes upscaled by authors | Often low-res looking if not improved |
| Simplicity | Built-in one-click modding | More difficult manual installs |
| Community Size | ~2.5M SSE Nexus users | Shrinking slowly to SSE migration |
In summary – SSE has clear advantages in nearly all technical respects, though Skyrim original preserves (for now) a deeper pool of mods not yet ported over. This trickle of older unsupported mods likely persists as long as people still play the 2011 release.
Top Skyrim SE Mods in 2024
Now let‘s highlight plugins helping customize and upgrade gameplay in exciting ways today. Skyrim legend DarkFox127 curates lists of top mods for major updates through the years – we‘ll sample from their widely-followed 2022 recap for recent hits:
Graphics & Immersion
- [Enhanced Vanilla Trees SSE] – overhauls forests and trees with beautiful realism
- [[relaxed sneak animations]]() – smoother, less restrictive sneaking movement
- [[Dirt and Blood – Dynamic Visual Effects]]() – accumulate battle damage until you wash off!
Magic & Combat
- [[Mysticism – A Magic Overhaul]]() – reinvented spell system staying lore-friendly
- [[Blade and Blunt – A Combat Overhaul]]() – weapons impact feels realistically weighty
- [[Frozen Electrocuted Combustion]]() – enemies explode in visually impressive ways when you defeat them!
Quests & Followers
- [[Inigo]]() – fan favorite Khajiit follower with thousands of unique voiced lines
- [[Moon and Star]]() – extensive new questline featuring Morrowind callbacks
- [[Clockwork]]() – custom quest taking you to new realm reminiscent of Soul Cairn
Check DarkFox127‘s video for gameplay of these mods demonstrated in action.
The Future: Modding Anniversary & AE Updates
Lastly, let‘s address Skyrim Anniversary Edition – what changes for mod support? The short answer is AE functions identically to SSE, backwards compatible with all existing mods, while bundling in Creation Club content introducing minor new variables.
The included CC content adds mostly self-contained elements that minimize interference issues:
- separate worldspaces for larger quest expansions (ex: Fishing)
- armor/weapons slotting into existing frameworks organically
- small touches like decorative home items
There remain a few known specific CC mod conflicts to note covered here.
But the underlying news is positive – AE preserves the full flexibility and stability that makes Skyrim SE such a remarkable canvas for creative modding. Existing guides and top mod lists all still apply perfectly to the Anniversary Edition that adds sprinkles of official content on top of the core remastered experience.
