Skyrim Exteriors - Featuring Project ENB

[Aereldor]

Greetings to the community here at the Linus Tech Tips Forum.

I've tried several mod configurations to find a sweet spot between visuals and performance on my GTX 960, and I think I've managed to make the game look pretty spectacular while still maintaining a stable 30FPS on my GTX 960, with 45 in dungeons and a solid 60 in smaller interiors. I thought it might be nice to show you guys.

For your viewing pleasure-

Constructive criticism and tips are more than welcome. If you're interested in the graphics mods I'm using, they are-

Project ENB - http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/20781/?
Static Mesh Improvement Mod - http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/8655/?
Skyrim HD 2K Textures - http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/607/?
Climates of Tamriel - http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/17802/?
Skyrim Flora Overhaul - http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/141/?
Pure Waters - http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/1111/?
Xenius Character Enhancement - http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/2356/?
Expanded Towns and Cities - http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/13608/?

Regards,
Aereldor.

[EscalatorBoy]

I'd recommend ditching Xenius for some of the more modern character texture replacers. Xenius is quite old by now.

 

Specifically, I'd recommend Skysight Skins from males - for females it's all a matter of taste, but there's loads of good ones that vary from over the top to immersive and gritty.

[Captnbrilliant]

I was watching dansgaming on twitch because he was modding skyrim last night kinda got me inspired to try it myself ill try yours later

Simple to install right never done it before tbh

[SkilledRebuilds]

Looks swank as hell, I like it.

Plus.. with VR, Skyrim ruins shorts.

[Aereldor]

I'd recommend ditching Xenius for some of the more modern character texture replacers. Xenius is quite old by now.

 

Specifically, I'd recommend Skysight Skins from males - for females it's all a matter of taste, but there's loads of good ones that vary from over the top to immersive and gritty.

Honestly, I don't want to deviate too far from what the game's artists and mod authors intended. NPCs added by mods like Interesting NPCs and Inconsequential NPCs don't have custom meshes, and will use the base assets. New models and textures might not play so well with those.

Furthermore, Xenius stays more true to the game's original aesthetic than more modern character remodel mods, making his work feel more like an enhancement than an overhaul, which is why I chose it. And honestly, from what my characters look with that and the Superior Lore-friendly Hair mod, I'm quite happy.

Perhaps on my next modded playthrough after I've discovered all the new content in the Interesting NPCs mod.

[Aereldor]

I was watching dansgaming on twitch because he was modding skyrim last night kinda got me inspired to try it myself ill try yours later

Simple to install right never done it before tbh

ENBs are probably the easiest part. What does your mod list look like now?

[Captnbrilliant]

Currently empty haven't started yet

[BobbyG2]

That looks pretty good, esp for running on a 960. Only thing I'd change is reduce the DoF. I'm not a fan of DoF lol

[MoonSpot]

 after I've discovered all the new content in the Interesting NPCs mod.

 

Good luck, there's a LOT to find and a lot to have lined up before some story archs will even be available to start.  The ones I have done were awesome though.  Honestly I wouldn't use completion of 3DNPCs as a meter for using a more diverse selection of visual mods, it'll take forever if you manage to do it (I haven't).