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My main goal when modding Skyrim has always been to turn it into a hardcore RPG. This means high difficulty, graphical fidelity and all the little details that go along with it. Improved combat, crafting, weapons & armor, magic system, completely overhauled perk trees etc. Basically everything has been re-touched with the help of mods.
For The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition on the PlayStation 4, a GameFAQs message board topic titled 'Recommendations for Illusion Mage build with mods'.
However, since my full build has well over 600 plugins, writing a guide covering all of that would be tremendously time consuming, and as much as I’d like to do it, it’s just too much. It took me weeks of modding the game to get to that point, resolving all the conflicts, patching things up etc. It’s a lot of work. It felt like a job.
Spoiler: if you use 'T'Skyrim' this mod does overwrite its new Atronach Forge recipes, so you must sort this mod lower in the load order. Lastly, to start the quest you need to read a certain book which is found in common loot -this means touching two leveled loot lists: 'LItemBook0All' and 'LItemBookClutter'. Legendary Edition. Special Edition. This was a lot of work and I'm relieved to finally say it's done after 7 months. I hope you all enjoy. One thing to note, you shouldn't update to this release mid-playthrough of the mod. Meaning, if you already started the mod and you want to update to 1.1.0, it's going to cause problems.
So instead, I’ll give you my super short version of all the most important mods that you need to achieve something similar. You should of course add other mods as well, but this guide should get you started and pointed in the right direction.
I’ll be talking from a Skyrim SE (Special Edition) perspective, but this also works for LE (Legendary Edition) if that’s what you’re playing.
Also, if you never modded Skyrim and would like to get started, here’s my beginner modding guide that should bring you up to speed.
Contents
Must Have Mods
Let’s start with 3 mods everyone should be running at all times. They are:
- SkyUI.
- Unofficial Special Edition Patch.
- SSE Engine Fixes.
SkyUI will greatly improve the overall UI of the game, but also provide MCM menu capabilities for all other mods to utilize. It also has its own MCM menu so spend a few minutes there configuring things the way you see fit.
Unofficial patch will resolve hundreds of bugs and gameplay issues, and SSE Engine Fixes will do something similar, but with the engine of the game instead.
With these 3 mods alone, your game will be much better off.
Now that we’ve got the basics covered, let’s move on.
Audio Mods
Audio is often neglected and it can really help improve the overall atmosphere of the game. There’s only a few mods here that you need, and arguably not even all of them.
The first mod is Unofficial High Definition Audio Project.
It will provide us with high definition PS4 audio source which is much better than the one on PC. If you’re using headphones, there’s a big difference in terms of audio quality.
It affects all audio in the game. But it’s quite big so it might take you a bit to download.
Once we have that, we can add Audio Overhaul for Skyrim SE.
It’s 100% compatible with the first one. This is a big project that drastically improves audio and adds new stuff to the game. So load it after the first one. Read the mod’s description to get a better idea of all that it does.
Those are the main ones. I can also recommend Bow Before The Dead which makes Draugr sound much more sinister, and Softer Conjuration Sound which will make summoning a bit more enjoyable (including the ones done by the NPCs). The vanilla summoning effect is just annoying to listen to.
Now it’s time to move on to visuals and atmosphere.
Skyrim Special Edition Mage Mods
Visual Mods (Textures)
Let’s start with textures since they’re really important. I’ll assume you have at least 4 GBs of vRAM, but if not, then pass on most of these, with one exception.
First one is Noble Skyrim HD. It changes the architecture of the game a bit (I think it’s awesome) and provides high definition textures (even landscape) for most of the stuff that matters. If your vRam is low, go with performance edition (that’s the exception I mentioned).
Disregard all else except Total Character Makeover which will improve the way NPCs in the game look.
I can also recommend Majestic Mountains, Skyrim Flora Overhaul and Realistic Water Two to help improve the environment tremendously.
Another two mods I suggest you install are SMIM (Static Mesh Improvement Mod) and Ruins Clutter Improved.
These two will greatly improve the way smaller objects in the game look. There’s a SMIM patch for Noble Skyrim as well. Install Ruins Clutter Improved last.
You can do it like this: SMIM > Noble Skyrim > SMIM Patch > Ruins Clutter Improved. Then add all the rest I mentioned.
Visual Mods (Weather & Lighting)
This is a huge part of the atmosphere. Textures are important, but so is lighting and weathers. For this we are going to use Vivid Weathers Definitive Edition and Enhanced Lights & FX.
For Vivid Weathers I can recommend the classic shader optional plugin, and for ELFX I can recommend the hardcore module (you’ll see it in the installer).
This will make the game look extremely well, and much more intense. Dungeons will be super dark unless there’s actual light sources, so we’ll need to bring our own. More on that below.
We can also add True Storms (there’s a patch for Vivid Weathers) and this will make storms insanely intense and realistic.
Light Source Mods
Since our game is super dark and creepy at this point (indoors at least), we need to improve some stuff with regards to light sources and how we play.
For that I can recommend Wearable Lanterns and Wearable Lanterns MCM Menu Fix. This is what I use most of the time.
But I also have Simply Better Torches (SSE). I don’t really use a torch since I like having both hands available, but this affects all torches in the world, including the ones carried by the NPCs so it’s 100% worth it.
On the other hand, sometimes when I want even more light, or underwater light, I use candlelight & magelight. However, vanilla spells are terrible so we need a couple of mods to fix them up and remove that ugly blue aura.
For that I can recommend Enhanced CandleLight & MageLight and Candlelight Magelight No Ugly Glow FX. Second link is for Skyrim LE but it works on SE too.
Now we’re properly equipped to explore any dungeon or cave in our creepy version of Skyrim.
Magic & Crafting Mods
It’s time to add some magic and crafting mods to help improve how these systems work in the game. Crafting in vanilla is quite bad so for that we are going to use two phenomenal mods from the same author (please read their descriptions, they do so much).
Complete Crafting Overhaul Remastered and Complete Alchemy & Cooking Overhaul.
After that, we are going to add Apocalypse (Magic of Skyrim) and Summermyst (Enchantments of Skyrim). This will give us tons of new spells and enchantments and NPCs will be using them too.
Even if you don’t like playing as a mage or enchanting things, it’s still worth it because there will be a lot of new stuff happening in combat.
Perks & Respec Mods
When it comes to perks and perk resetting, I can recommend Ordinator (Perks of Skyrim) and Ish’s Respec Mod.
Respec mod is very useful because everyone likes to change things around here and there, and if we don’t have the respec mod, we’ll have to make skills legendary and that is going to take a long time to do.
Especially since Ordinator has a million perks and build options (and some optional plugins you should take a look at).
Another useful thing is called Perks Unlinked.
This is not really a mod, it’s actually a patcher. But it can create a mod out of your perk mods (the final result) and then unlink the perks so you don’t have to linearly progress. So if your skill tree is leveled sufficiently, you can unlock a certain perk without having to unlock the previous ones.
This is pretty cool and helps streamline your build. It also matters more with Ordinator, because again, it has a million perks in all skill trees.
And while they’re all much better than vanilla, it’s still way too many with some builds. Besides, we might also want to do some crafting (since it’s pretty cool now).
So if you can bother to learn how to use it (it’s pretty easy actually), go for it.
Combat & Difficulty Mods
Finally, probably the most important segment of the guide. Combat and difficulty. If this is not taken cared of, it’s still basically vanilla Skyrim in terms of actual difficulty.
The first mod on our list is High Level Enemies Redux. This will add a bunch of new enemies to the game, as well as scale them all up (and vanilla ones) to make them follow our character’s level.
It won’t de-level them, but later when we’re high level, we won’t be fighting level 1 enemies anymore. For that, you need the appropriate version of the mod so read the description carefully. This will help a bit with overall difficulty.
Now comes the most important combat mod, Wildcat (Combat of Skyrim).
Wildcat does a ton of stuff. Even without all the sub-systems that it features, it still acts as an AI improvement mod, so there’s no reason not to use it even if you literally don’t want anything else it offers.
Things such as timed blocking, attacks of opportunity, stamina costs for all actors on the battlefield etc. and much more.
It has an MCM menu where you can enable/disable and fine tune all of these systems. I also recommend you install the optional 100% increased damage plugin because the next mod on our list is going to slow down combat by default.
That one would be True Armor SE.
To put it shortly, this is a complete armor functionality overhaul and it makes all armor in the game act differently and (relatively) uniquely. You need to read its description page because it does a lot. Thankfully none of this stuff has to be configured manually because the author has been kind enough to make a few presets for us to choose from.
After that, we are also going to add Mortal Enemies and load it last. This will help improve some combat speeds and also remove aim botting capabilities of NPCs.
What’s Next?
Want to know more about Skyrim SE (Special Edition) & Mods? Check out my other Skyrim SE Guides & Skyrim SE Playlist on Youtube.
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Practicing magic in Skyrim is easily one of the main reasons why so many people love the game.
Embarking on a journey across the cold region of northern Tamriel can be fun when you’re slaying foes left and right with the power of your spells. Mastering the various schools of magic also gives you enough variety to keep you entertained for hours.
But now that Skyrim has been a thing for almost a decade, it’s only natural that people are looking to add more spells and learn new magical goodies to keep the game fun and fresh.
That’s where magic mods come in! Many of the spells included in these mods are as balanced as you get from the ones included in the base game, so balance won’t be a thing to worry about.
In any case, not every mod in this list is about adding new spells to the game. Some of these add amazing mechanics that greatly improve magic in general, so be sure to check out everything here and download anything that catches your eye.
20. Colorful Magic
Colorful magic gives a new taste to the way spell casting works in Skyrim.
Firstly it aims to add a plethora of new unique spells and enchantments, all of which can be freely used depending on your school of preference.
It also adds many enemies to the game, amongst which you’ll find some very colorful foes that give you a magic vibe like no other creatures in the game.
In general, even though this mod isn’t the most balanced on this list, it does give you over 350 unique spells to add to your large arsenal.
19. Face Light
Face Light makes this list because of its magical principles, but not mainly because of how effective or powerful it is.
It simply makes the lighting of your character’s face much more realistic upon activation, which makes this one of the best mods for people that need to take close-up pictures of their characters for one reason or another.
Face Light is a custom spell that you can choose to activate during any time in the game, as long as you have it equipped. And as long as you get this mod installed.
18. Enchanted Arsenal
Sure enough, you’ll come across various enchantment mods during your search for magic mods online.
However out of all those mods that change the way enchantments look, the Enchanted Arsenal mod is a fan-favorite. Mainly because of how easily customizable it is.
The mod gives you access to a variety of animations that you can add to any of your weapons, giving them a unique feel that the base game fails to provide.
It’s awesome and the best enchantment mod for those who want full customization of their weaponry.
Although there are some better mods on this list when it comes to the quality of visual effects added to the game, this one is worth looking into.
17. Spell Crafting for Skyrim
One of the features that you might be missing the most is spell crafting.
This mod adds the ability back into the game so you can create your own spells and abilities based on powers that the mod has included.
Skyrim Special Edition Mage Robe Mods
I mean really, you can create your own spells however you want them to look. That’s pretty boss.
16. Animated Enchantments Overhaul
If you want unique-looking weapons and enchanted weaponry to look like no other in the game, then this is the mod for you.
It will make your weapons look unique depending on the type of enchantment that they have, whilst also projecting a different vibe while wielding them that no other mod in the game is capable of achieving.
Easy but definitely a noticeable difference.
15. The Way of The Force
Are you a Star Wars fan?
I’m gonna guess yes and say you’ll absolutely love this mod.
With this you’ll be able to learn the ways of the Force thanks to a series of quests that get added to the game, and you’ll also be able to choose whether you want to be a Sith Lord or a Jedi Master with the powers that you’ll learn.
The mod adds countless new abilities to the game as well as many weapons fitting of a Force user.
14. Spellmaking in Skyrim – The Last Altar
Spellmaking in Skyrim makes it a little bit better to craft spells than the first mod that we reviewed on this list.
For starters, this makes it for players to go to an altar if they are to craft spells, which means you won’t be able to make spells wherever you go.
Although that’s a bit more inconvenient, it does make it fairer and more balanced. Sometimes mods try to do that!
In any case, this mod will allow you to combine abilities and spells to enhance your powers and come up with unique abilities that only you will be able to use. So there are plenty of upsides to try it out.
13. Elemental Destruction Magic
Have you ever wondered why there are so few natural abilities to attack with?
Wouldn’t it be better if you could summon rocks and other natural elements to cast powerful spells of the School of Destruction?
The answer is most definitely, yes.
With this mod, you’ll be incorporating countless of new powers and abilities to the game based on some elements that the School of Destruction should be able to control in the base game.
That means that this mod is fully lore-friendly and really fun to play with.
12. Skyrim Spells and Powers
Made by the same author of the Bend Time mod, this one incorporates a ton of new spells to be used by mighty mages that have already reached higher levels in Skyrim.
As you might know, one of the main problems of vanilla magic is that some abilities get extremely repetitive and boring when you reach the higher levels.
So this mod is specifically meant to combat that little issue. Pros will love it.
11. Bend Time
As its name suggests, this mod allows you to play with time and bend it at your will.
When you cast this spell you’ll be able to stop time(as the name kinda suggests).
This ability comes to be extremely useful in any type of combat situation as you’ll be able to freeze over your enemies and deal damage fast. And they only get hit once time resumes.
Furthermore, you aren’t affected by the time-bending itself. Which means that you can freely walk and shoot arrows and steal all while your enemies are frozen in time.
10. Bat Travel Power
This mod is ideal to be used by players who are working on a lore-friendly vampire character.
This is a special type of fast travel that is meant to be used by vampires, as it turns them into a cloud of bats and helps them traverse Skyrim much quicker without having to discover some locations first.
You can even set your own markers and decide where you want to go on the map!
9. Midas Magic Evolved
Summon new creatures, destroy foes with powerful beams of energy, and use new conjuration spells with the Midas Magic Evolved pack of over 250 new abilities.
You can even shoot magic arrows with the new powers that you’re given, but beware!
Some of them can be very strong if your mage is a highly leveled up being. Be sure to use the powers wisely and don’t let things get out of control.
8. No Enchantment Restrictions
This mod allows you to enchant and disenchant items that the base game wouldn’t naturally allow you to do.
Which is highly convenient as it unlocks many more features that you can work with when crafting new pieces of armor and magical weaponry.
This also removes restrictions regarding the type of armor or weapon that you’re enchanting.
With this mod you might create enchantments that would be exclusive to armor that matches your build. It’s highly convenient, although some might consider it a bit overpowered.
7. Lost Grimoire of Skyrim
Lost Grimoire of Skyrim is carefully created to allow players to add a plethora of new spells to the game, all of which you can use in a balanced environment without having to worry about the spells being broken or too overpowered.
In fact, this mod is one of the best at keeping things balanced and in check when adding new stuff to the game.
If you want to add a bunch of new mechanics to your magical repertoire and not having to worry about discarding the ones that are overpowered then this mod is exactly what you’re after.
6. Phenderix Magic Evolved
One of the largest additions of spells to the game, Phenderix Magic Evolved is a gigantic project that adds a lot of variety to the spells that come with base game Skyrim and introduces many new features.
One of the coolest features is spell combos that you can create with the many magical spells combined together.
You’ll be able to come across new spells by approaching magic vendor throughout Skyrim, and the best thing about this mod is that it also makes them appear as random loot too.
This means that you’ll be able to encounter new, powerful spells as you traverse the realm and slay foes with your magical prowess. Just play the game as normal and be pleasantly surprised along the way.
5. Forgotten Magic
Forgotten Magic isn’t made to introduce a lot of spells into the game as most other magic mods do.
In fact, it does the exact opposite.
The main purpose of Forgotten Magic is to provide the player with a small roster of new spells to cast, all of which feel like they belong in the game and complement each other surprisingly well.
4. Wintermyst – Enchantments of Skyrim
Sure, base game Skyrim does have its fair share of enchantments to make your weapons and armor as powerful as can be.
But how cool would it be for you to enchant your armor with Overbearing spells?
How about arrows that do piercing frost damage?
All of this can be done with the Wintermyst set of enchantments which add over 120 different enchantments to the game. Neat!
3. Flying Mod
Riding a dragon is cool and all, but you know what’s even cooler?
Blasting past dragons by flying like a demigod across the lands of Skyrim!
The Flying Mod, although it remains in beta, is currently the best option that you have to traverse the skies of Tamriel with the sheer power of magic – no mount required!
The mod provides you with a powerful spell that lets you lift off from the ground with ease.
And it has a ton of different animations included to make you feel more immersed in your newfound abilities.
2. Deadly Spell Impacts
One of the major flaws of Skyrim (which might limit your immersion level) is that all spells leave the same mark when you cast them toward something.
Deadly Spell Impacts changes the damage done to structures and items when a spell hits them, making it more accurate to the type of spell that was cast.
As such, frozen spells will leave an icy mark on the surface that they land. And fire spells will make it even more clear that a blaze of flame has passed through the targeted point.
Maybe not a required addition but certainly adds more realism to this already incredible game.
1. Apocalypse – Magic of Skyrim
I really don’t want to spoil the magnificence that is the Apocalypse magic mod. So I say download it and try it for yourself first.
But it adds over 100 spells, all of which are carefully crafted and balanced, and they include amazing textures that you won’t find anywhere else in the game.
The creators of the mod have also made sure to make it compatible with other spell mods on this list so feel free to install it with other mods if you like!
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