Even though Skyrim has been around for over twelve years, its community of modders is still thriving. Whether you’re looking to enhance the game’s visuals, recruit new companions, or explore new landscapes, there are plenty of Skyrim mods available to fulfill your desires.
However, with the increasing number of mods being released, it can be challenging to discover the top-quality ones. But don’t worry, we’ve done the work for you and gathered the very best Skyrim Mods.
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How to install Skyrim Mods
- Navigate to the Nexus Mods page of the mod you wish to download.
- Click the Manual download button.
- Click Slow Download.
- Open Steam and locate Skyrim in your game library, right-click it and navigate to Manage > Browse Local Files.
- Open the Mods folder.
- Extract the mods .zip file into the Mods folder
Best Skyrim Mods in 2024
Show Player In Menus
There are times when the most basic Skyrim mods can greatly enhance the game, giving it a more contemporary feel. One such mod is the Show Player in Menus mod, which does exactly what its name suggests.
This mod allows players to see their character, the Dragonborn, whenever they open their inventory. This proves to be quite useful as it allows players to easily assess the appearance of their character in real-time while they are changing and trading equipment.
With this mod, players can fully enjoy the experience of observing their Dragonborn in action.
Animation Queue Fix
Given Skyrim’s age, it’s no surprise that some of its mechanics may feel outdated. One aspect that showcases this is the game’s animations, which can become buggy if too many are queued simultaneously.
To address these issues, players can enhance their gaming experience by downloading the Animation Queue Fix mod. This essential mod is particularly useful for players who have incorporated numerous custom animations and wish to prevent NPCs from glitching out whenever multiple complex actions are happening simultaneously.
Vanargand Animations: Crossbows
The Dawnguard expansion introduced crossbows to Skyrim, which adds an enjoyable element to the game. However, modders have taken it a step further by enhancing the weapon’s animations and gameplay mechanics.
Vanargand Animations is one such mod that enhances the use of crossbows, making it a must-have for players who want to focus on this weapon during their playthrough.
SkyUI
Bethesda has had a recurring issue with the user interface (UI) in their games, making it difficult for players to navigate due to its unintuitive design. However, this problem can be resolved by installing one of the top Skyrim mods.
The SkyUI mod enhances the interface specifically for PC gamers, allowing them to effortlessly navigate menus using their mouse and keyboard.
Enderal
When discussing total conversion mods, it is impossible not to mention one of the most impressive mods for Skyrim. Enderal is the result of a great deal of effort and passion for the game, resulting in one of the largest conversion mods ever created for a video game.
The fact that players can experience an additional 100 hours of gameplay with this mod alone, not to mention the DLC that was also released for Enderal in the form of Enderal: Forgotten Stories, showcases the immense love that many people have for Skyrim in any version.
2K Textures
When it comes to open-world games, Skyrim is often praised for its stunning visuals. However, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the game’s graphics have not aged gracefully. Players who try the 2011 version will quickly notice the outdated and low-quality textures that no longer meet the standards of modern gaming.
Fortunately, there is a solution to this issue in the form of the Skyrim HD mod. This mod enhances the visual quality of the game by incorporating high-resolution 2K textures. With this mod, players can truly appreciate the stunning aesthetics of Skyrim as if it had just received a fresh, updated look.
Undoubtedly, the Skyrim HD mod continues to be one of the most trustworthy and outstanding mods available for Skyrim.
Immersive Armors
The assortment of armor available in Skyrim is undeniably impressive, giving players the opportunity to resemble legendary warriors. However, many individuals desired a greater selection of unique armor sets within the Skyrim universe.
Thankfully, the Immersive Armors mod solves this issue by seamlessly incorporating a wide range of diverse armor sets that perfectly complement the existing ones.
ApachiiSkyHair
Skyrim offers a wide range of customization options, which satisfy the majority of players. However, there are still some individuals who desire more diversity, particularly in terms of hairstyles. To address this concern, players can enhance their gaming experience by downloading the ApachiiSkyHair mod.
This incredible mod introduces a plethora of new hairstyles for both male and female characters in Skyrim, cleverly incorporating assets from popular games like The Sims 2 and The Sims 3.
RaceMenu
In Skyrim, character creation is a crucial aspect of the game. Therefore, it’s not surprising that players desire a more extensive and impressive system. For those who find the default character creation menu in Skyrim lacking, the RaceMenu mod is a great alternative.
This mod completely transforms the vanilla character creation menu, providing players with the ability to add war paint to different parts of their character’s body.
A Quality World Map And Solstheim Map
The original map of Skyrim in the base game is functional, but it lacks the level of detail, accessibility, and useful information that players might desire. However, with this mod, the map of the game has been significantly improved.
It addresses the minor issues that players may encounter with Skyrim’s overworld map and provides a redesigned version that offers clearer routes and more distinct landmarks.
Immersive Weapons
Experiencing the thrill of obtaining a formidable weapon in a role-playing game is incredibly gratifying. Skyrim also evokes this same feeling when players stumble upon extremely rare and powerful weapons.
However, these weapons can sometimes feel scarce and difficult to acquire, leading players to become bored with the limited selection of weapons available in the base game. Luckily, the Immersive Weapons mod addresses this issue by providing players with a wider range of weapon options that seamlessly integrate into their Skyrim experience.
Skyrim Flora Overhaul
As players explore the expansive and immersive world of Skyrim, they will find themselves surrounded by lush vegetation. However, over time, the default textures for the flora may start to feel dull and outdated.
To prevent this from becoming a prominent issue, players can enhance their gaming experience by installing the Skyrim Flora Overhaul mod. Considered one of the top mods for Skyrim, this mod ensures that the game’s greenery looks stunning and awe-inspiring regardless of the player’s location.
Climates Of Tamriel
Although Skyrim is undeniably a stunning land, it can occasionally become monotonous to explore due to the absence of distinctive weather. Fortunately, with the addition of the Climates of Tamriel mod, players can enhance their exploration experience by enjoying a wide variety of new weather effects.
This mod not only adds excitement to the game but also creates countless opportunities for capturing breathtaking moments.
Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch
When it comes to Bethesda games, one common characteristic is the presence of numerous bugs. Unfortunately, these bugs have become less charming over time, and players are becoming less tolerant of the games being released in a broken state.
For those who desire a seamless and bug-free experience while playing Skyrim, the Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition patch is the ideal mod to install. This mod ensures a smooth gameplay, eliminating any annoying glitches or game-breaking events that may occur in this exceptional game.
Alternate Start: Live Another Life
If you’re someone who constantly starts a new game in Skyrim but dislikes having to go through the introductory section repeatedly, then the ideal solution for you might be the Alternate Start mod.
This mod allows players to select their preferred background without being forced to be a prisoner every time. The way these alternative lifestyles are seamlessly integrated into the main game is skillfully done, offering fans a distinct and pleasurable experience for those who want to embark on a new life in Skyrim.
Serana Dialogue Add-On
There are many memorable companions in Skyrim, but one of the standout characters is Serana. Introduced in the Dawnguard expansion, Serana is a vampire with a compelling narrative that plays a crucial role in the game.
Thanks to this mod, players can now enjoy an even better experience with Serana as a companion. The mod expands and improves her dialogue and NPC behavior, making her interactions more satisfying and immersive.
Apocalypse: Magic of Skyrim
The magic system in Skyrim is known for its extensive capabilities, but there are always some players who feel restricted by the skill trees. Luckily, the Apocalypse mod addresses this issue by introducing approximately 155 new spells and incantations into the game.
This mod enables players to fully embrace their desired character roles and engage in immersive role-playing experiences.
Bandit Lines Expansion
In the vast world of Skyrim, players will come across a wide range of adversaries. While many of these foes are fearsome and colossal fantasy creatures capable of easily overpowering the player, there are also human adversaries that players may face.
Among these human enemies, bandits are the most prevalent. However, it can become tiresome to constantly hear the same repetitive voice lines from these bandits. Fortunately, with the Bandit Lines Expansion mod, players can bid farewell to this annoyance.
This mod introduces a plethora of new dialogue lines for these bothersome enemies, ensuring a more immersive gaming experience.
Falskaar
The Skyrim modding community has done an exceptional job in creating numerous total conversion mods that provide players with a refreshing and distinctive gaming experience. Falskaar is a remarkable mod that stands out as an excellent fully-voiced conversion mod, catering to Skyrim fans.
For players who are tired of repeatedly exploring the same landscapes in Skyrim, Falskaar offers a new world to embark on, complete with over 20 hours of gameplay, voiced dialogue, and impressive level design.
Sofia – The Funny Fully Voiced Follower
There are numerous Skyrim mods created by fans that introduce new and distinct followers to enhance the gameplay. Among these followers, it is undeniably clear that Sofia stands out as the most widely loved and extensively developed one.
With exceptional voice acting and incredibly well-written dialogue, Sofia’s character almost surpasses the quality of Bethesda’s own character writing in many aspects. If players find the base game’s companions dull and lacking depth, Sofia is an excellent companion mod to add to their Skyrim experience.
Wyrmstooth
Skyrim offers a wide range of expansion mods, and one that stands out is Wyrmstooth. This mod immerses players in a thrilling quest where they must track down an exceptionally fierce dragon in an entirely new and meticulously crafted domain.
Wyrmstooth is truly an impressive technical accomplishment, making it a must-download for players seeking a fresh and exciting experience. Fans who have thoroughly explored Skyrim and its expansions will find this mod to be a fantastic opportunity to reignite their sense of adventure and rediscover the magic of exploration.
Precision – Accurate Melee Collisions
The melee combat in Skyrim is functional, but it can become repetitive and dull over time. Luckily, there are numerous mods available for Skyrim that enhance the combat experience, providing players with a wide array of options.
One such mod is Precision, which focuses on improving the mechanics of combat. With this mod, the hitboxes in the game are more precise, preventing players from feeling frustrated when they believe they have successfully dodged an attack but still end up taking damage.
Gesture Animation Remix
The non-player characters (NPCs) in Skyrim may lack vitality and individuality, which can detract from the overall immersion of the game. However, players can enhance their gaming experience by using the Gesture Animation Remix mod.
This mod is simple yet effective in bringing more life to the world of Skyrim and its inhabitants. It is particularly appealing to players who prioritize immersion and seek a more realistic and unique expression from the game’s characters.
LOOT
Many of the mods mentioned in this compilation can be used together, but even mods that are compatible with each other can create issues if they are not arranged in the correct order. LOOT is a tool that addresses this problem, as well as other potential issues.
It checks the load order of your mods, identifies any errors, and alerts you to any problematic mods that may be causing issues. Before testing any mods in your game, it is recommended to run LOOT, which only takes a few seconds.
Skyrim Script Extender
There are essential Skyrim mods that rely on the Skyrim Script Extender for their functionality. Initially, when Skyrim Special Edition was released, the absence of the script extender meant that many mods were incompatible or couldn’t be transferred over.
Therefore, the original Skyrim remained the preferred version for players seeking to enhance their gaming experience. Fortunately, the script extender has been updated and now works with both editions of the game.
It’s important to note that going forward, you will need to launch Skyrim using the script extender instead of Steam. You can launch it directly from the .EXE file or by linking it to the Nexus Mod Manager.
Cutting Room Floor
If you’re a fan of Skyrim and want to enhance your gaming experience without deviating from the original version, then you should definitely consider getting the Cutting Room Floor mod. This impressive compilation includes a vast amount of content that was initially planned by Bethesda but never made it into the final game.
It adds new villages, non-player characters (NPCs), quests, and various other elements that seamlessly integrate with the existing world of Skyrim, thanks to careful adjustments made by the mod developers. By installing this mod, you can enjoy all the hidden gems that were left out of the game’s official release.
Achievements Mods Enabler
When playing Skyrim Special Edition with mods, players are unable to earn achievements. However, a convenient mod has been developed to bypass this restriction. It is important to note that if you are playing the regular version of Skyrim, this mod is unnecessary.
RealVision ENB
When it comes to Skyrim mods, the ENBs and Reshade mods that involve lighting, post-processing, and color adjustments are primarily based on personal preference. Personally, I had a strong liking for the RealVision ENB mod in the original Skyrim, as it greatly enhanced the visual appeal of the game, despite being released seven years ago.
However, it does have a drawback in terms of performance, meaning that you will need a more powerful PC compared to the one you used to run Skyrim back in 2011.
FXAA Injector
FXAA Injector is a highly recommended tool for Dead End Thrills, a renowned videogame photographer. It enhances the image quality of Skyrim by implementing multiple anti-aliasing techniques, resulting in a sharper and more vibrant visual experience.
With a slider system, users can easily adjust post-processing effects such as bloom, technicolor, sharpen, and tone map to achieve their desired level of visual quality.
Realistic Ragdolls
To enhance your gaming experience in Skyrim, you have the option to install numerous mods. However, when it comes to witnessing the death of characters in the game, the physics system in Skyrim can sometimes be unrealistic and comical.
Realistic Ragdolls is a mod that addresses this issue by imposing limitations on the movement of limbs and bodies, making them more realistic. This means that the force you apply to characters will be more in line with real-world physics, except when you use the powerful Unrelenting Force Shout, which still has its own unpredictable effects.
Pure Waters
Creating realistic water effects can be quite difficult, and in Skyrim, the rivers may look appealing from afar but lack detail and fluidity up close. However, with the Pure Waters mod, you can transform these rivers into crystal-clear, refreshing wonders.
This mod enhances the water’s appearance, making it more fluid and adding beautiful wave and flow effects. It also ensures that the reflections on the water are perfectly rendered.
Pure Weather
When used alongside Pure Waters, Pure Weather is a fantastic mod that not only improves the appearance of rivers and their shores, but also introduces stunning rain, snow, and fog effects to the skies of Skyrim.
The fog clouds created by Pure Weather add a remarkable touch to the majestic mountains in the game.
Deeper Snow
In specific locations within Skyrim, the snow has a dynamic feature where it accumulates gradually over time. However, the visual representation of these snow piles is not very appealing, as they appear as a plain white texture resembling spilled paint on the landscape.
With the addition of the Deeper Snow mod, these areas can be transformed into visually pleasing blankets of fluffy snow, providing a more realistic and immersive experience.
Immersive Saturation Boost
While Skyrim’s visuals are impressive, it is evident that the colors can appear dull. While this may be suitable for the cold and mountainous regions, it hampers the immersive experience when exploring lush forests on a sunny day.
To address this issue, the Immersive Saturation Boost mod enhances the world by infusing vibrant hues reminiscent of melted crayons. It intensifies the autumn oranges and enhances the vibrant greens, making the environment more visually appealing.
While some may find the effect too bold, those seeking to escape the monotony will find this mod to be a miraculous solution.
Lightweight Potions
Playing Skyrim on a higher difficulty level can be quite challenging. As the enemies become more formidable, you are likely to sustain significant injuries that require constant healing. To ensure your survival, it is crucial to have an ample supply of healing potions at your disposal.
However, carrying a large number of potions can quickly become burdensome due to their weight. Thankfully, the Lightweight Potions mod offers a solution by reducing the weight of each potion to 0.1, allowing you to carry a greater quantity without being encumbered during your journey.
Interesting NPCs
In the vast world of Skyrim, there are numerous characters, but unfortunately, many of them lack depth and are simply labeled as generic, such as ‘old man’ or ‘farmer’. However, by installing the Interesting NPCs mod, you can introduce a sense of realism to the game.
This mod enhances the dialogue options for every character you encounter, allowing you to engage in immersive conversations and learn more about their backgrounds. What sets this mod apart is that it features a diverse cast of over 80 voice actors, breathing life into the citizens of Skyrim.
Valhalla Combat
The combat mechanics in Skyrim may feel outdated for new players, considering how much modern combat systems have advanced. However, there are mods available that aim to enhance and modernize the combat system in the game.
One such mod is Valhalla Combat, which introduces fast-paced combat mechanics like parrying, timed blocks, improved stamina system, and various other changes. It is a highly commendable mod that Skyrim players should definitely explore.
Skyrim Together Reborn
One of the most remarkable accomplishments in the Skyrim modding community is Skyrim Together Reborn. This mod deserves recognition due to its impressive technical skills needed to seamlessly incorporate a significant alteration.
The mod introduces cooperative gameplay to the Skyrim universe, which is undoubtedly a fantastic addition. However, it’s worth noting that this mod may have compatibility issues with other mods and may contain bugs, leading to its relatively lower ranking.
Better Dialogue Controls
When playing Skyrim with a keyboard and mouse, you may encounter issues where the game becomes confused while selecting dialogue options. It is evident that at times, when you choose a response, the game misconstrues it for a different one.
The dialogue controls in Skyrim are peculiar and cumbersome, but fortunately, this mod resolves those problems entirely. Additionally, the modder has also enhanced the controls for message boxes, providing an improved experience.
Better Free Camera
In order to capture the perfect screenshot in Skyrim, players usually rely on the use of console commands. However, with the help of the Better Free Camera mod, you can now set hotkeys to easily switch to free camera mode, hide the HUD, adjust clipping, pause time, control camera speed, and more.
This mod is a must-have for avid screenshot hunters, offering almost all the necessary features. For additional functionality, you can also combine the Better Free Camera mod with Project Proteus, which allows you to pose NPCs, override their AI, and choose specific animations for your screenshots.
Courier Shows Delivery
While walking down the street, a messenger approaches you with a sense of urgency. They inform you that they have been searching for you and have a delivery specifically meant for your eyes only.
Without hesitation, they discreetly place the item in your backpack, forcing you to rummage through your belongings to find it. However, with the help of the Courier Shows Delivery mod, this issue is resolved.
Now, when the courier hands you a message, their inventory will be accessible, allowing you to immediately read the important letter. It is worth mentioning that there might still be a problem with receiving the pamphlet concerning Dawnstar’s museum, as it will continue to be discreetly placed in your pocket.
Skip Bleak Falls Barrow
If you’re looking to skip the Helgen tutorial in Skyrim and jump right into being the Dragonborn, alternate start mods are a great option. However, even with these mods, you still have to go through the beginner’s dungeon, Bleak Falls Barrow, in order to obtain the Dragonstone and unlock the Fus shout.
Luckily, there is a mod that allows you to skip this step as well. This mod places the Dragonstone, the Golden Claw, and a piece of the Word Wall on a table upstairs at Dragonreach in Whiterun. In addition, if you walk a little further, you’ll come across a standing stone that can teleport you to High Hrothgar, saving you the trouble of climbing the mountain once again.
SkyTweak
SkyTweak offers 14 pages of customizable features for Skyrim mods. You have the ability to modify various aspects such as experience point gain, stealth mechanics, vendor behavior, combat dynamics, and magic abilities.
This comprehensive mod ensures that you will find essential options that you won’t be able to play without once you start experimenting with them. Do you want to change the distance at which NPCs greet you or reduce the pause between their dialogue lines? Perhaps you’re interested in tweaking the AI’s search time or determining how much light affects your ability to hide.
Additionally, you can adjust the time scale, fall damage, or arrow recovery chance. While some of these options may be available in other mods or Skyrim console commands, SkyTweak conveniently consolidates them into accessible menus, making it easy to modify even minor aspects that bother you, such as enemy dodging or follower aggression.
Total Character Makeover
The Total Character Makeover is a collection of modifications that enhance the appearance of non-playable characters in Skyrim. These modifications aim to make the characters look more appealing without going overboard.
There are no explicit or exaggerated features like nudity or anime-inspired hairstyles. Instead, the makeover includes a variety of new textures and adjustments to facial hair and vampire traits.
Climates of Tamriel
Experience a whole new level of immersion in Skyrim with this extensive mod. Featuring an extensive collection of weather systems, a vast array of cloud formations, an enhanced sun, improved lighting options for both those seeking a more fantastical atmosphere and those desiring a more realistic visual experience, and even upgraded audio effects, this mod is a must-have for any Skyrim player.
Real Clouds
Real Clouds is a mod that enhances the visual experience of Skyrim by adding realistic and three-dimensional clouds. This mod is designed to seamlessly work with popular weather mods like Climates of Tamriel.
With Real Clouds, players can enjoy the sight of volumetric clouds that appear to have depth and texture. These clouds not only add a sense of realism but also react to the current weather conditions, allowing players to witness distant rain showers and clouds at different altitudes.
Even if you’re not using any weather-altering mods, Real Clouds still offers a diverse and aesthetically pleasing cloud cover.
Sounds of Skyrim
Experience an immersive audio experience like never before with an abundance of new sound effects. This Skyrim mod brings hundreds of new sounds to enhance various aspects of the game.
From creating a more eerie atmosphere in dungeons and sewers, to making the wilderness and wildlife come alive, and even adding a sense of vibrancy and realism to cities and villages. With customizable modules available for different areas, this mod is a delightful treat for your ears.
JS Lockpicking UI
If you’re tired of constantly seeing a low-resolution circular lock whenever you need to unlock something that’s off-limits, give the JS Lockpicking UI a try. This mod enhances the appearance of locks, making them sleek and modern.
Additionally, it includes an upgraded version of Nocturnal’s Skeleton Key, allowing you to keep hold of this unique Daedric item.
Book Covers
While it may not appear to be a major improvement, these small high-resolution book covers truly provide a delightful enhancement compared to the default ones with blurry textures. Whether you’re unwinding at home or exploring a bookstore or library (possibly with some thieving involved), it is highly recommended to install this beautiful cover mod.
However, if you already have Legacy of the Dragonborn installed, be aware that it already includes Book Covers, and installing it separately may result in bugs.
Hearthfire Dolls Are Ugly
Parents who value their child’s playtime would not want to give them a dirty or damaged doll. Instead, they can opt for a charming and well-designed doll or a lovable teddy bear available in an array of colors. These options are far more appealing and enjoyable for children.
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I love the variety of Skyrim mods available! It’s great to see the community still thriving after so many years. The Show Player in Menus mod sounds really useful, I’ll definitely be downloading that one.
I love the variety of mods available for Skyrim! These mods really enhance the gameplay experience and add so much more customization options. I can’t wait to try them out!
I love the idea of the Interesting NPCs mod! It’s great to have more depth and realism in the characters of Skyrim. Can’t wait to try it out!
I love how these mods enhance the gameplay experience in Skyrim! The Immersive Armors and Immersive Weapons mods add so much variety and excitement to finding new gear. And the Climates of Tamriel mod really brings the world to life with its weather effects. Can’t wait to try them all out!
I’ve been playing Skyrim for years and I’m glad to see that the modding community is still going strong. These mods mentioned in the article sound really interesting, especially the Show Player in Menus mod and the Animation Queue Fix mod. I’ll definitely give them a try to enhance my gameplay experience.
The Interesting NPCs mod sounds like a great addition to Skyrim, adding depth to the characters. I also appreciate the Valhalla Combat mod for updating the combat mechanics. Can’t wait to try them out!
I love how these mods enhance the visual and audio experience of Skyrim. The Real Clouds mod and Sounds of Skyrim add so much depth and immersion to the game. And the Book Covers mod is a small but delightful improvement. Can’t wait to try them out!
These mods sound amazing! I especially love the Interesting NPCs mod for adding depth to the characters in Skyrim. Can’t wait to try them out!
I really appreciate the Interesting NPCs mod for adding depth and realism to Skyrim. It’s great to have more immersive conversations and learn about the backgrounds of the characters.