The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is now ten years old, and sadly, its graphics are not quite up to par with todays standard of technology. Thanks to a variety of mods, players are able to tweak Skyrim to their satisfaction and this guide will show you how to mod Skyrim VR.
Where to buy Skyrim VR
As mods can only be applied to PC versions of games, Steam is where you can download Skyrim VR.
How to install Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE)
- This plugin will allow PC users to modify any mods that you download.
- Firstly, download the ‘7z archive’ for VR on the SKSE website and also download and install 7-Zip to open the files.
- Once 7-Zip is installed, right click on the SKSE folder and select ‘extract here’.
- Locate your Skyrim VR directory folder, usually located within the Steam directory, and copy the extracted .dll and .exe SKSE files to the Skyrim folder.
- Open the ‘Data/Scripts’ folders in both the Skyrim and SKSE folders and copy the .pex files from the SKSE folder to the Skyrim Scripts folder.
- You can then create a shortcut for the ‘skse_loader.exe’ for your desktop, located in the Skyrim directory.
- Start Steam before clicking on the skse_loader.exe and you will now be able to download mods.
How to install Vortex
The mod manager Vortex is your best bet for first-time modding.
Firstly, create a free Nexus Mods account and download Vortex, then authorize your Nexus account with the mod manager.
If Skyrim VR is stored on another drive, use the mods tab to locate where your game files are stored.
Where to find mods
As you become more experienced with modding, you will gradually find more and more places to download them.
However, Nexus Mods is the best place to download mods to begin with, as it is very easy to navigate.
How to download Mods
Once you find some mods to download, which could take a while as there are plenty, you can begin the tedious task of downloading them all.
Some downloads take hours to complete, however there is a new tool to help with this process.
Wabbajack
Wabbajack is a mod manager that organizes mod lists and downloads them in bulk, however a lot of room is needed on your PC to do this.
The mod manager allows you to download mod packs, essentially, created by experienced modders who know what individual mods would go with others. It really is a time saver.
Once you find the mods you want to download, go to the files and click Mod Manager Download. You will be prompted to download any additional mods needed to install the one selected.
Open Vortex and navigate to ‘download’, click install to download your selected mods and then click enable in the Mods tab to deploy them. They will now be ready for use.
The best Skyrim mods
VRIK Player Avatar
This introductory mod gives you a body to work with, instead of floating weapons in front of you. You’ll also be able to mine for clay more realistically with your pickaxe.
Various armor sets become animated and you can holster up to 12 weapons on your body, prompting the animation to unsheathe a sword from your hip or pull a bow from your back.
Simple Realistic Archery Mod
This mod does what it says on the tin, by adding life-like mechanics to firing arrows.
In addition to binding up to 25 arrows to various buttons, you can also reach over your shoulder to draw another arrow, instead of it just appearing.
Apocalypse – Magic of Skyrim
This mod adds 155 spells from various corners of magic, including Tornadoes and Infernos.
Each additional spell is also compatible with spell mods.
Weapon Throw VR
The Weapon Throw mod allows you to throw your sword or axe with a superhero-like auto-return.
The mod also has an auto-aim function for easy throwing.
Moonpath to Elsweyr
This mod allows you to travel to a new location where the Khajiit originated from in Elsweyr, accompanied by new enemies, weapons, quests and characters.
This was one of the first quest-based mods for Skyrim, with the Falskaar and Vigilant mods offering larger quests.
The Skyrim VR Configuration Tool
Skyrim players will agree that this is a very handy mod to have on board, as it can alter any setting in-game, including graphics and combat.
