This small guide is intended for those who are just starting to build a modlist for Skyrim Special Edition / Anniversary Edition and are running into requirements such as SKSE, libraries, DLL plugins, engine fixes, and patches.

These mods do not directly improve graphics and do not add new combat, quests, or armor. Their purpose is different: they make sure the modlist launches properly, breaks less often, and is ready for installing more complex modifications.

Most of the mods from this list are installed through MO2 like regular mods. Cases where you need to place files into the game’s root folder or carefully choose the correct version will be mentioned separately.

1. SKSE64

SKSE64 is one of the main tools for modding Skyrim.

Simple textures, models, and some plugins can work without it, but a huge part of modern mods, especially complex gameplay mods and SKSE plugins, will not work without it.

SKSE itself does not visually change anything. It simply expands the capabilities of the game and allows mods to use functions that do not exist in regular Skyrim.

Installation

There are several ways to install it:

Extract the SKSE files into the Skyrim root folder, where TESV.exe is located.

Install it through Root Builder for MO2, if you use that method for managing root files.

After installation, the game must be launched not through the regular launcher, but through:

skse64_loader.exe

This is important: if you launch the game normally, many mods simply will not work.

2. Bug Fixes

Bug Fixes SSE is another set of fixes for the game engine.

In terms of purpose, it is similar to SSE Engine Fixes, but it fixes different problems. These mods are compatible with each other, so you can safely use them together.

Visually, the mod changes nothing, but it helps avoid a number of old and unpleasant Skyrim bugs.

3. Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch

Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch, or simply USSEP, is one of the most well-known patches for Skyrim.

It is a large unofficial package of fixes for the original game. It fixes quests, items, NPCs, scripts, locations, and many other errors in vanilla Skyrim.

It is installed through a mod manager like a regular mod.

4. Unofficial Skyrim Modder’s Patch

USMP is another collection of fixes, but it is more focused specifically on modding.

It includes many changes that can be useful when creating or using a large modlist. In terms of purpose, it is similar to USLEP, but it does not fully replace it — it complements it.

Before installing it, it is recommended to carefully read the list of fixes on the mod page. If you already have separate mods installed that fix the same things, conflicts may occur.

Recommended Installation Order

A rough order can look like this:

SKSE64

Bug Fixes

Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch

Unofficial Skyrim Modder’s Patch

This is not a strict MO2 load order, but rather the general installation logic: first basic tools and libraries, then engine fixes, and after that game and script patches.

Conclusion

Before installing graphics, combat, animations, and major gameplay mods, it is better to prepare the foundation first.

The minimum foundation for proper Skyrim modding looks like this:

SKSE;

engine fixes;

unofficial patches;

vanilla script fixes and optimization.

The main rule: do not install everything blindly.

Always check:

your Skyrim version;

mod requirements;

compatibility;

whether there are conflicts;

installation instructions.

This foundation will not make the game prettier by itself, but it will make further modlist building much easier and help you avoid many problems right from the start.