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 SkyrimSE.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.exeThis is important: if you launch the game normally, many mods simply will not work.
2. Address Library for SKSE Plugins
Address Library for SKSE Plugins is a required library for a huge number of SKSE plugins.
This mod does not change anything visually, but thousands of other mods require it. Even if you currently do not have any mods that need it, it is better to install it in advance.
It does not take much space and does not interfere with the modlist.
The main thing is to choose the version that matches your Skyrim version.
3. SSE Display Tweaks
SSE Display Tweaks is a useful mod for adjusting display settings, FPS, and the game’s behavior in borderless windowed mode.
With it, you can configure:
FPS limit;
refresh rate;
game behavior in borderless fullscreen;
some physics fixes;
performance improvements in borderless fullscreen mode.
After installing it, keep in mind that the settings from SSE Display Tweaks may overwrite the game’s default settings. So, if you change FPS or screen parameters, check the mod’s own config file.
4. SSE Engine Fixes
SSE Engine Fixes is one of the most important sets of fixes for the Skyrim engine.
It fixes many problems related to how the game works, plugins, memory, and various internal limitations.
This is not just a “install and forget” mod: it has settings that are worth reading through.
For example, through it you can configure some convenient things, including the speed of time skipping in the game.
Important Installation Note
SSE Engine Fixes has two parts:
Main File — installed through MO2 like a regular mod.
Preloader — manually placed into the Skyrim root folder, where SkyrimSE.exe is located.
If you do not install the second part, the mod will not work properly.
5. Bug Fixes SSE
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.
6. Scrambled Bugs
Scrambled Bugs is a useful set of fixes for old engine bugs.
This mod is often skipped because it does not add anything noticeable at first glance. But it is exactly these kinds of mods that help a modlist work more stably and prevent errors that may only appear after installing a large number of modifications.
It is recommended to install it together with other engine fixes.
7. Unofficial Skyrim Special 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.
Important
Before installing it, make sure to check your game version.
Current versions of USSEP require newer versions of Skyrim. If you are using an older version, for example 1.5.97, do not blindly install the latest version of the patch.
First, check whether USSEP is compatible with your game version.
8. Unofficial Skyrim Modder’s Patch — USMP SE
USMP SE 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 USSEP, 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.
9. Ultimate Optimized Scripts Compilation
Ultimate Optimized Scripts Compilation is a collection of optimized vanilla scripts.
Its purpose is to replace some of Skyrim’s original scripts with cleaner and fixed versions. This can help reduce the number of script-related problems, especially in large modlists.
However, you need to install it carefully. If you already have another mod that changes the same scripts, a conflict may occur.
Installation
In the installer, you need to choose the appropriate option:
the first option — if you have the unofficial patch for Anniversary Edition installed;
the second option — if you do not have Anniversary Edition, or if you do not use the unofficial patch.
Before installing, make sure to check the list of included fixes and confirm that they do not conflict with your already installed mods.
Recommended Installation Order
A rough order can look like this:
SKSE64
Address Library for SKSE Plugins
SSE Display Tweaks
SSE Engine Fixes
Bug Fixes SSE
Scrambled Bugs
Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch
Unofficial Skyrim Modder’s Patch
Ultimate Optimized Scripts Compilation
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;
Address Library;
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.