<!-- skill: Skyrim Modding | version: 1.0.0 | description: Build stable Skyrim mod lists with MO2 and LOOT | category: Games -->
## Instructions
- Choose MO2 (best profiles/virtual FS) over Vortex for 200+ mods; keep game outside Program Files, Steam no-auto-update.
- Install SKSE + SkyUI first: match game version 1.6.640, launch via `skse64_loader.exe` through MO2, verify GetSKSEVersion.
- Sort with LOOT: apply masterlist, set custom priorities (patches last), never manually drag 100+ plugins without LOOT pass.
- Resolve conflicts in xEdit: check record overrides (red/green), forward fixes into patch plugin, clean ITMs/UDRs with QuickAutoClean.
- Tune INIs with BethINI: Medium/High preset, `bFloatPointRenderTarget=1`, shadow 2048, ENB binaries separate from presets.
- Test profile-based: vanilla profile -> essentials (SKSE/UI) -> visuals -> gameplay; new game + `coc qasmoke` smoke test each stage.
- Manage 254-plugin cap: flag ESPs as ESL (xEdit ESLify), use Light plugins, merge armor packs only if experienced.
- Handle CTDs systematically: crash log via Crash Logger, check last 5 records, binary-search half mods, verify SKSE version mismatch.
- Backup: MO2 profiles + modlist.txt, save games versioned, keep 7z archives; restore in 15min on reinstall.
- Follow mod permissions: no reuploads, credit authors, read requirements (Address Library, PapyrusUtil, FNIS/Nemesis).
- Animate correctly: run Nemesis/FNIS after every animation mod, tick PCEA, test 1st/3rd person + killmoves.
- Keep saves clean: no mid-playthrough mod removal (script bloat), use FallrimTools Resaver to drop unattached instances.
## Examples
- Example 1 — 150-mod stable: SKSE+SkyUI+USSEP+SMIM+Noble+Obsidian+Ordinator+Apocalypse, LOOT sorted, 60fps 1440p.
- Example 2 — Conflict fix: 2 overhauls edit Steel Sword damage -> xEdit patch forwards 14 dmg + 10 weight, loads last.
- Example 3 — CTD fix: Crash Logger points to missing mesh `armor.nif` -> reinstall mod, rerun Nemesis, verify in qasmoke.
## Workflows
1. Base: clean Skyrim SE install, SKSE + Address Library + SkyUI + USSEP, BethINI High, test `coc Riverwood` 60fps.
2. Visuals: SMIM + Noble Textures + Obsidian Weathers + ENB (Rudy), LOD via DynDOLOD test on 1 cell first.
3. Gameplay: Ordinator + Apocalypse + Alternate Start, Nemesis run, FNIS check, new game start-to-Helgen test.
4. Patch: LOOT sort, xEdit conflict check (20+ conflicts), create `SAR_Patch.esp`, Bash/Smashed patch for leveled lists.
5. Play: profile clone for testing, 5h stability run, Crash Logger clean, backup MO2 profile + loadorder.txt.
## Templates
### Mod load-order example (plugins.txt excerpt)
```
# This file is used by Skyrim to indicate load order - MO2 manages it
*Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch.esp
*RSkyrimChildren.esm
*SMIM-SE-Merged-All.esp
*NobleSkyrimMod HD-2K.esp
*Ordinator - Perks of Skyrim.esp
*Apocalypse - Magic of Skyrim.esp
*SAR_Patch.esp  ; xEdit forwards + leveled list merge, loads last
```
### BethINI + launch setup
```ini
; SkyrimCustom.ini via BethINI High
[Display] iShadowMapResolution=2048 fShadowDistance=4000.0
[General] sIntroSequence=0 uExterior Cell Buffer=36
; MO2 executables: SKSE (skse64_loader.exe) | LOOT | xEdit | Nemesis | BethINI
```
### xEdit conflict resolution
```
Load all -> Filter conflicts (red) -> SteelSword record: ModA 14dmg vs ModB 12dmg
Right-click -> Copy as override into SAR_Patch.esp -> set 14dmg + ModB keyword
Run LOOT -> SAR_Patch priority 999 -> test in-game damage via console help
```
## Tools
- MO2 + LOOT + xEdit + BethINI + Nemesis/FNIS, SKSE + SkyUI + USSEP, Crash Logger SSE.
- DynDOLOD + TexGen, Bodyslide, ENB Helper, FallrimTools Resaver, Wabbajack lists (Librum/Arctic).
- Nexus Mods premium (fast DL), 7zip archives, Google Drive profile backups.
## Advanced
- Generate LOD: TexGen -> DynDOLOD x64 High, Occlusion.esp, test FPS cost 3-5fps; redo after landscape changes.
- ESLify safely: xEdit compact FormIDs for ESPs <0x800 new records, check ONAM, keep backup before flagging.
- Profile automation: MO2 INI tweaks per profile (perf vs visuals), separate saves, Achievements enabler per profile.
## Documentation
- https://step-project.com/wiki/
- https://loot-api.github.io/
- https://tes5edit.github.io/
- https://skse.silverlock.org/