If you like the work please leave a Thumbs up, Favorite and Rate the guide so it stays near the top and won't get buried so others can easily find it as well.

“What we find in books is like the fire in our hearths. We fetch it from our neighbors, we kindle it at home, we communicate it to others, and it becomes the property of all.” ~Voltaire

Thank you all for your support

---

I made this guide as simple as can be in order to successfully mod your game

Skyrim is a very enjoyable 10+ year old game that was initially made for consoles. Yes there are bugs but many of these bugs can be fixed with but a few mods. But what about earning achievements since adding mods removes that ability from the game? Simple answer is there is a mod that will re-enable your ability to earn achievements as you normally would but it's main feature is improving the game's performance. So thanks to mod authors we can improve this game in many ways from bug fixes to face lifts for the entire game including different role playing options and play styles.

This small simple mod list aims to provide a setup that includes the Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch and SSE Engine Fixes, SKSE64 as well as a few other minor tweaks and allows you to play the game while earning achievements as you normally would. There are also optional mods to improve graphics and gameplay. These mods are included in all my load orders regardless of the size of the mod list.

Should not take you long to set it up and in doing so you'll learn some basics of modding.

Success isn't always about greatness. It's about consistency. Consistent hard work leads to success. Greatness will come. ~Dwayne Johnson

Please see the following thread before contemplating removing Creation Club Content
(I never remove any of mine - just patch them with the proper patches I have listed later in the guide then either use the CC content in game or ignore them)
Caution: Removing Creation Club Content

---

Now let's make sure our PC can handle this game and has enough storage
RECOMMENDED PC SPECS FOR MODDING SSE 1.6.xxx (what some call "AE"):
Note: These are not SSE's minimum requirements for the base vanilla game
OS: Windows 7/8.1/10 (64-bit Version)
Processor: Intel i5-2400/AMD FX-8320
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 780 3GB /AMD R9 290 4GB
Storage: 25+ GB available space (including mods)

4 Main mods (+1)
Bethini - optional (recommended)
1. SKSE64
2. Address Library
3. Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch
4. SSE Engine Fixes
^These are the main mods^ in any build (so you can stop at this point in the guide or you can pick & choose from the optional choices (or take them all) as you progress through the guide).
+
Unofficial Creation Club Content Patches (if you purchased Anniversary DLC)
^this patch mod^ if you have the Anniversary DLC select "Merged" version.

Addtional mods to consider
15 Optional mods (All of these options can be used together or you can pick and choose)
Skyrim priority - optional (recommended)
Auto Input Switch (if you play with a controller)
SkyUI (optional)
RaceMenu (optional)
Static Mesh Improvement Mod SMIM (optional)
Noble Skyrim (optional)
SMIM - Noble Patch (if you installed both Noble and SMIM mods)
Alternate Start LAL (optional)
*JContainers SE (next mod requires it)
*VioLens - A Killmove Mod SE (optional)
Wildcat - Combat of Skyrim (optional)
Odin - Skyrim Magic Overhaul (optional)
Vokrii - Minimalistic Perks of Skyrim (optional)
Skyrim Rich Merchants (optional)
Survival Mode Prompt Removed (optional)

Preparation
Just as important as any mod you'll add to your game is the preparation so please follow everything in this guide leading up to installing your first mod

Have you played this game with no mods installed? It's not a bad idea and as a matter of fact it's recommended in order for you to get a better feel for what you're adding. You don't have to perform a complete playthrough, just long enough to get a feel for the game.

New or relatively new at building a load order?

Take time to learn good modding practices before getting started.
https://psteamcommunity.yuanyoumao.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2820697176

Let's clear up what the Anniversary Content is
(and if you didn't purchase it then this doesn't pertain to your game)

Base Game
First the latest version of the base game remains "Skyrim Special Edition". The game however now also comes with 4 Creation Club mods already installed, which are:

• Fishing
  
• Saints and Seducers
  
• Rare Curios
  
• Survival Mode

Anniversary DLC
The Anniversary Content is actually a package of 70 Creation Club mods in one DLC. Upon launching the game you'll be prompted at the main menu to install this purchase. This should take about 15 minutes give or take.

Link your Steam account to your Bethesda account
If you haven't already done so you must first link these 2 accounts in order to install the CC content.

Here's the installation prompt you'll receive at the main menu
(click image to expand)

What's included in the DLC?
Here's a complete list of what's included.[en.uesp.net]

The naming of mods can be a bit of a mixed bag so mods that only distinguish their version by adding "AE" vs "SE" are not going to be much help when deciding which version you should install. The good news is that we look at the numerical game version of mods where version matters (many mods work on all game versions). This guide will indicate which version of each mod you should install where necessary.

This guide is usable regardless if you purchased the Anniversary DLC or not. We will address that where necessary.

Let's get setup for downloading and installing mods
There are very few sites that I download my mods from. That said we need to make sure the sites we use are not only reputable but also that they carry the correct mod versions for the game version we are playing. This guide will walk you through the process of getting setup properly and then once we start adding mods will make sure you are installing mods that work properly for this game.

THERE IS NO STEAM WORKSHOP FOR SKYRIM SE

If you can mod it, they'll host it.
"Nexus Mods host 320,082 files for 1,360 games from 130,728 authors serving 28,003,702 members with 4,895,643,266 downloads to date. They support modding for many PC games.

*Nexus Mods - Register Free [www.nexusmods.com]
Nexus is the largest site for mods with over 28 million users & over 4 Billion downloads to date.
Make sure you create a Nexus Account Before Proceeding

AFK Mods - Register Free[www.afkmods.com] This site hosts many of the best and well known mods and is run by Arthmoor one of the most reputable names in the modding community.

These sites do not require registration and also contain Free mods
SKSE includes a vital file we will be using:
Once we get started we will be downloading a file from:
skse.silverlock.com
(if you ever install an ENB there is one required binary file from enbdev.org)

Vortex
Requires: .NET 6.0 Desktop Runtime[dotnet.microsoft.com]
How do I know if I have Net 6[support.cch.com]
Download VORTEX [www.nexusmods.com]

Then watch these 2 videos for starters:
#1 : Getting Started | #2 : Installing Mods |
For the complete list of the above tutorials and more information on Vortex see my Vortex Guide
(I suggest watching all the videos in order to make sure your modding experience is a good one)

You'll also need 7zip
*7zip [www.7-zip.org] Get 64bit. FREE

Make sure you can view your file extensions in your Windows folders properly

1. Open Windows Explorer
   
2. Select the View tab at the top
   
3. Select Details
   
4. Check the box next to File name extensions
   
5. Check the box next to Hidden items

(File name extensions is the most important check box)

MUST HAVE Microsoft Visual C++
C++ v 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2022 (all-in-one package)
Visual Studio 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2022 [support.microsoft.com] and sometimes does not install properly. Also if you see a "Repair" option then choose that.
Install both the x64, and the x86 versions of 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2022
x64 & x86 each comes in all-in-one file packages from the page that is linked here (all you need for Skyrim SE is the 64 bit but some mods like Nemesis require x86 as well). I installed both because I also have original Skyrim which is 32bit (x86) and Skyrim SE of course is 64bit but some mods for SE require x86 as well. Plus many programs and games that run on your computer use Microsoft Visual C++ and there’s no easy way for you to tell which programs on your machine require which versions of the redistributables .

More imprtant info on Microsoft Visual C++
You can see the versions you have on your PC by going to settings on your computer and then "Apps" then "Apps & Features". You may see several. Do Not remove/delete any older versions of these redistributables. Leave them there as these files are not superseded when you download the next version. When you install software that needs code from the Microsoft visual C+ Runtime, it will install the version it relies on, if it is not already installed. Different software on your system requires different version(s) of this runtime If you uninstall any of these, some software on your system will stop working.
Long story short, these are nothing to worry about, they will not slow your system down and take up little space - best to leave well enough alone for the stability of your system!

A: NO. I don't because Visual C is not an All-in-one file, each version supports different games and different programs that might be on your PC. Not to mention removing them won’t give you back nearly as much disk space as you might expect (these are very small files), and remember they’re not impacting system performance unless the program or game that relies on that version of Visual C++ is not being used. See the link below for more info.

FAQ: Do I really need all those "Microsoft Visual C++" programs? A: YES [answers.microsoft.com]

A new game on a clean install is required.

Always do this before you start modding your game
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE NO LINGERING FILES AND ARE STARTING WITH A COMPLETELY CLEAN INSTALLATION MEANING NO MODS WERE EVER INSTALLED ON YOUR GAME.

IF YOU HAVE PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED MODS MAKE SURE YOU ALSO FOLLOW THE VIDEO INCLUDED IN THE GUIDE BELOW TO THE LETTER BEFORE ADDING MODS TO YOUR GAME.
https://psteamcommunity.yuanyoumao.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2743619856
The following info is also included in the video included in the above^ guide.
Since you'll be modding your game move your game/library outside of Program Files
in order to release it from Windows User Account Control so you can mod properly
Moving a Steam Installation [Steam]

From your Steam Library Launch your game to the settings window only and choose "Options" where you'll make sure your Resolution is correct and choose "Ultra", "Medium" etc.

Make sure it looks like this by also selecting "Advanced" Note: I play @1440 so select your resolution
expand this picture if needed

We want TAA and we want the boxes to look like Below. (with your resolution)

Select OK and Exit.
One last time
Launch your game to the Main Menu (not just to the settings window)
Then quit the game and go to the next section of this guide.

DO NOT SKIP
Follow the simple steps in this guide to protect your modded game.
https://psteamcommunity.yuanyoumao.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2872091273

Please pay careful attention: At each mod page when using the popular mod hosting site Nexus always (which is 97% of the time) download your mods from the "Files" tab as many times there are multiple files to choose from and using the "Main Download" button at the top of the page may not give you the file you need. If by chance the mod only has a "Manual" download button read & follow the install instructions on the mod page. See below for more info:

Don't use these

Start in the mod page's "Files" section


THEN USE THE MOD MANAGER DOWNLOAD BUTTON IN THAT SECTION
unless of course you are installing a mod that must specifically be installed manually.
(usually in these instances (but not always) you will only see a MANUAL DOWNLOAD button)


FYI Occasionally you'll see the option to download either a "loose files" or a "bsa" version of a particular mod. The game loads the bsa's faster than loose files not to mention the game was designed to use bsa. So choose BSA. Each of my various load order guides will walk you through those steps as you go.

Important:

Are you sure you're ready to start? Did you follow the previous sections? If so let's go...

This Guide is for SSE (Anniversary) version 1.6.640

Before you start adding mods:
Go to the Vortex "Plugins" section and make sure you can see the games base files.
If you can see them then continue on with the next section of this guide.
If you can not see the files in The Plugin section then from the "Mods" section of Vortex use the Verify Steam Files button up top (see image).

You should now see the files in the plugin section of Vortex.

Note 1: Anytime you verify the integrity of your game files you have to redo your ini files and if you had previously ran Bethini you'll have to run it again as well.

Also:
Go to your Steam library, right click on Skyrim Special Edition and choose properties, uncheck Keep saves on Steam cloud. The steam cloud has been known to ruin many a game. Just be sure to make a backup folder for your game saves. Call it Backup Saves. Your game saves are stored here:
C:\Users\YOUR NAME\Documents\My Games\Skyrim Special Edition
(add the Backup folder there as well)

FPS
Skyrim was originally made for Consoles which run at 30FPS. PC version runs at 60FPS.
Make sure your FPS is set at 60 as you really don't want to go over that number, I set mine at 59.

You can check it in game either by accessing the Steam FPS counter by first enabling in your Steam settings along with setting a Hot Key to access it in game.

Nvidia has a FPS counter you can access in game thru GeForce Experience once you turn on their overlay, then once in game you hit Alt Z to set it up.

For AMD press Alt + R to open the Radeon Overlay during gaming to see the FPS counter. Alternatively you can also press "Ctrl + Shift + O" to open the overlay during gameplay.

You can cap your FPS at 60 (or 59) either thru your ENB if you use one, or thru your Nvidia or Radeon GPU.

Bethesda's INI configuration files could use some tweaking
BethINI optimizes the game for increased graphical fidelity and performance.

If you are not familiar with what .ini files do and the importance of the initial setup then you should install this tool. Please follow this section step by step.

Important Step
Launch the game one last time from your Steam Library and only run it to the Main Menu then exit the game. This configured your game's ini files. Now we should optimize them.
That will be the last time you'll launch this game from your Steam library.

Now that we have the above out of the way:

First - Bethini

IF YOU ARE NOT FAMILIAR WITH .INI SETTINGS

*This is optional but Recommended so if you're not sure about .ini settings or what they are then this mod will make a big difference in performance, lighting, and more. On the other hand if you are completely comfortable changing the .ini's and know what you are doing then you probably don't need Bethini.

This is a manual download - install is also manual.

BethINI[www.nexusmods.com] an excellent tool which is kept up to date by the folks from S.T.E.P.

1. Download the Main file to either your downloads folder or your desktop.

2. We will be adding Bethini to your Modding Tools folder. If you don't have a folder for "Modding Tools" create one now somewhere outside of your Skyrim directory folder. (You can also put other tools there, or may already have them there, such as xEdit and Loot).

3. Unzip the main file and place it's content (will be one folder named "BethINI Standalone") inside the modding tools folder.

4. Once you've Download the "BethINI Standalone Version" & moved it to the modding tools folder you created you can run it from there thru the .exe (or from the Vortex dashboard by adding it there - MO2 users do not run this from your dashboard ). Earlier I mentioned you needed to start your game from Steam to the Skyrim settings window and exit your game and what that did was create your ini settings. Now we will optimize them with Bethini.

Launch Bethini:
5. Then make sure "Bethini Presets" is ticked and check the "Recommended" box which will immediately prompt Bethini to make it's Recommended changes.
Now we can make a couple of tweaks before we save
Make sure your screen Resolution is correct (example:1920x1080 or 2560x1440)
and if you want Med or High or Ultra it's selected properly
Make sure "Improved Shader" is off/unticked (because it's horrible)
Make sure to uncheck "Ambient Occlusion"
Make sure you select TAA for Antialiasing and make sure FXAA is off/unticked.
Make sure ProjectUV Diffuse Normals is enabled/ticked
You can untick 64bit rendering of targets as this is no noticeable visual change but can add FPS
Shadow Resolution - lower this to 2048 (4096 is too much) for some added FPS w/o visual loss
You can make NPCs use Ammo if you like
but DO NOT change FPS above 60 and DO NOT change Ugrids to load.
Other setting should left as is.
Then save which also closes Bethini.

Eventually you should learn what these settings do. Until then this will make a huge difference in the way your game runs and looks.

need more help with Bethini? see the mod page.

Be sure to check out Bethini in the previous section. Let's get into this:

IMPORTANT:
ALWAYS BE AWARE OF WHICH MOD VERSION YOU ARE INSTALLING.
We are looking for mods that are specifically for game version 1.6.640 or marked as for "1.6.629+" in the mod name or version nomenclature or some confirmation the mod works for this (1.6.640) version of the game.

If there are no notes, for example on texture mods there most likely will not be, then we are fine especially since the guide will provide notes wherever there may be some confusion.

Mod manager OR Manual install
1. SKSE: Preliminary AE build 2.2.3 (game version 1.6.640)[skse.silverlock.org]
Be sure to download and install the correct version for your game:
"Current Anniversary Edition build 2.2.3 (game version 1.6.640)" This is for the most recent game version (1.6.640) Regardless if you purchased the Anniversary DLC or not.
(or for users still using Skyrim SE 1.6.353
"Preliminary AE build 2.1.5 (runtime 1.6.353)" This version is outdated)
Vortex can install SKSE64 for you:
https://youtu.be/gz99xZGA0LA?t=14 (OR Step by step Instructions for manually installing SKSE64 found Here[drive.google.com])
+
Add SKSE64 to the "Tools" section of Vortex which is where you'll always launch this game
Follow these steps (you can refer to the image below for clarity).
Vortex users
1. Go to your Vortex Dashboard
2. On Dashboard there should be a tool for Skyrim Script Extender if not use the + to add it
3. once you've located it select the ellipsis (3 vertical dots) and Click Edit
4. Under the Target location, direct it to your skse64_loader.exe
(example: D:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition\skse64_loader.exe)
5. Make sure the "Name" field is filled in (Skyrim Script Extender 64)
6. Click Save
7. Select the ellipsis (3 vertical dots)
8. Select the option to Make Primary
This will allow you to run SKSE from Vortex (always be sure Steam is running in the background)

(select image to expand)
Once you've properly installed SKSE64 and added it to the "Tools" panel of Vortex and also marked it as "Primary" you should always launch your game from the top left hand section of Vortex either using the SKSE64 button or the button with the small arrow. These tools will always be accessible regardless of which section of Vortex you are in. See image below if you are not familiar.


Let's continue
Mod Manager install
2. Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch[www.nexusmods.com] (version 4.2.9a)
The USSEP now incorporates patches for Fishing, Rare Curios, Survival, and Saints & Seducers. "The goal of the Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch (aka USSEP) is to eventually fix every bug with Skyrim Special Edition not officially resolved by the developers."

We will install Creation Club Patches for the Anniversary DLC (IF you purchased it) later.

3. Address Library for SKSE Plugins[www.nexusmods.com] (version 8)
Install "All in one (Anniversary Edition)" (version 8). This mod Contains header file and a database to make SKSE DLL plugins version independent easily.

This Next Mod is a 2 part install - part 1 with Mod Manger and part 2 Manually
4. SSE Engine Fixes (skse64 plugin)[www.nexusmods.com] version 6.1.1
A) Install (with Vortex) "(Part 1) SSE Engine Fixes for 1.6.629 and newer" (should be 2nd file)
+
B) Manually Download "(Part 2) Engine Fixes - skse64 Preloader and TBB Lib".
Place on desktop /
extract with 7zip or Winrar /
drag the 3 .dll's: "d3dx9_42.dll", "tbb.dll", and "tbbmalloc.dll"
to your Skyrim Special Edition folder located in:
SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition
+
NEXT: Settings for SSE Engine Fixes (I use these settings which I highly recommend)
Go to: \steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition\Data\SKSE\Plugins
open EngineFixes.toml with Notepad or Notepad++ (++ will show line #'s)
Line 11: Set MaxStdio to 8192 (Raises max file handle limit from 512 to 2048, which should fix "False Save Corruption" bug in most cases
Line 13: Set RegularQuicksaves to true (I don't use QuickSaves but this is a precaution)
Line 66: Set SaveGameMaxSize to true (Changes max saves from 64MB to 124MB for large load orders and/or long playrthrough's)

---

That concludes the 4 main mods - if you purchased the Anniversary DLC install the Creation Club patcher in the next section - This guide also contains 15 optional mods, pick & choose or use them all

---

Note:
if you purchased the $20.00 Anniversary Upgrade see the Creation Club section of this guide for a very important patcher that you'll also need to install.

Optional but Recommended
Skyrim Priority - SKSE[www.nexusmods.com] Unless you set Skyrim SE as High Priority in Task Manager before each Launch THIS MOD Makes Skyrim always take most of CPU usage. Prevents sudden lag caused by other processes.

Optional - Do you play with a controller?
Ever get annoyed that you can't use your mouse with your gamepad plugged in?
Auto Input Switch[www.nexusmods.com] Now you can switch between them painlessly. I've been using this mod since it first came out and love it. Make sure you install the version For Skyrim Special Edition 1.6.318–1.6.659 which includes 1.6.640 (works as it should).

You do not need this if you only have the base game which comes with Fishing, Rare Curios, Saints & Seducers, and Survival Mode which are all covered by the USSEP.

This is a bundle of patches (recommended by the USSEP Team) to fix the bugs in the Skyrim Creation Club content as well as resolve conflicts between Creation Club mods and the Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch (USSEP).

Who needs this?
Anyone who purchased the Anniversary DLC for Skyrim Special Edition which includes an additional 70 CC mods. So if you ONLY have the base game which includes; Fishing, Saints & Seducers, Rare Curios, and Survival Mode, these patches are covered by the USSEP so you don’t need this patch (USSEP version history at the bottom of this section).

Mod manager install
*Unofficial Skyrim Creation Club Content Patches [www.nexusmods.com] v7.2
FOMOD: make sure you select "Merged" which covers the entire Anniversary DLC.
For a list of fixes that are included in this patch see the "Logs" tab on the mod page. Also, the Bugs tab found on the mod page is where the mod author asks users to report issues so he can easily keep track of and work on them.

Note:
*IF you mod your game to include Grass and Landscape mods
IF your purchased the Anniversary DLC and ALSO further mod your game to include grass mods you'll want to add the mod Grass Fixes for Creation Club Mods[www.nexusmods.com] in order to blend the terrain with some of the additions that come with that DLC. You do not need this mod unless you add a grass mod to your game. In that case the mod should be loaded after your grass mod.

You can find some mods to add in the following sections or you can get some suggestions from the following guide - or you can use the entire guide which contains the same 4 mods listed above.
https://psteamcommunity.yuanyoumao.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2944593951

Optional but Highly recommended for testing purposes if nothing else.

Mod Manager install
Alternate Start includes a wide variety of role playing choices a alternate starts to the game (including the vanilla start). Great for role playing and of course for testing as well.
Alternate Start - Live Another Life[www.afkmods.com]

Installation: Simply download the file to your desktop then drag and drop it into the bottom of the "Mods" section of Vortex. Once it's downloaded to Vortex you make have to click on the file to install it depending on your Vortex preferences setup.

These mods provide an excellent base texture upgrade and cover a large portion of the game.

Mod Manager install
1. Static Mesh Improvement Mod - SMIM [www.nexusmods.com] FOMOD install Choose Everything SMIM covers so many details that other mods don't address.

Mod Manager install
2. Noble Skyrim (NSM) [www.nexusmods.com]
use 2K version (or Performance version (1K) for weaker systems)
RULE: AFTER SMIM . This mod gives all of Skyrim's architecture a complete new look by changing its textures to custom ones. Also retextures, landscape, dungeons etc. Later we will let some mods override some parts of this mod. This and SMIM is our base.
(GOING FORWARD Always let anything Vortex asks overwrite Noble Skyrim (Same with SMIM)
+
Mod Manager install
3. NSM - SMIM Patch* [www.nexusmods.com] Do not use the Update file. Only use the Patch.
RULE: AFTER Noble Skyrim, and SMIM.
ALWAYS PLACE YOUR PATCH AFTER THE MODS YOU ARE PATCHING

The above 2 files are the only 2 files you need to use from the Noble Skyrim mod page - Do not install the update file listed on it's mod page as the main file has already been updated.

Skip this section if you're not playing on a Ultra Widescreen

I play at 2560X1440 and do not need to make any *special adjustments to do so. But before we get into the User Interface section of this guide I suggest if you are planning on playing at say for example 3440x1440 and are unsure of what you need to do use this section as a reference point. You should still follow the UI sections of this guide but you may need an adjustment that you are unsure of and this may help you.

See this mod page for instructions:
Complete Widescreen Fix for Vanilla and SkyUI 2.2 and 5.2 SE[www.nexusmods.com]

Guides with Additional info for Ultra Widescreen
Widescreen for Skyrim SE 1.6 and Anniversary Edition How to get Skyrim SE 1.6 and Anniversary Edition working on ultrawide monitors. This guide uses SkyUI, Complete Widescreen Fix, and several UI tweaks.

Running Skyrim AE in ultrawidescreen without stretching and cutting off the UI A quick guide to help set up Skyrim Anniversary Edition for ultrawidescreen usage, without stretching or cutting off the UI. This should be very simple and take about 10 minutes or so and the game will then run full screen - in ultrawide (21:9) aspect ratio - with readable text at the bottom of the UI.

And finally
Ultrawide Intro Video Fix[www.nexusmods.com] a fix for the the ugly grey bars that appear on ultrawide monitors in the intro sequence. Ultra scriptless, ultra easy installation, ultra wide. Includes a patch for "Ultrawide Logo Fix (24-10)"

Also you can check out Flawless Widescreen[www.flawlesswidescreen.org] which I know supports Skyrim I'm just not sure if it supports SSE since I don't use Wide or Ultrawide. (I play at 2560x1440)
Then proceed to the next section in this guide.

Mod Manager Install
5. SkyUI[www.nexusmods.com] use "SkyUI_5_2_SE"
PC-friendly interface mod with many advanced features. SkyUI also gives us the MCM (used by some mods for additional configuration.

Mod Manager Install
6. SkyUI 5.2 SE Plugin with Master Added[www.nexusmods.com]
Use the 2nd file "SkyUI_SE.esp Plugin with Skyrim.esm Master ESPFE'

If you'd like a very good kill move mod I recommend "Violens".
You'll need to install "JContainers" for the profile system to function
Mod Manager install
JContainers SE[www.nexusmods.com] Only install the 2nd file which is version "4.2.3" (2nd file)

Mod Manager install
VioLens - A Killmove Mod SE[www.nexusmods.com] VioLens - A Killmove Mod gives you in-game control over both Ranged and Melee Killmoves with control over the cinematic camera. Best to turn off slow motion effect in the MCM as this effect can cause some stuttering/lag on killmoves in game version 1.6.xxx See Mod page for MCM setting details

My recommended mod for Combat
Mod Manager install
From the same mod author of Violens.
You can install this mod with or without Violens - (Wildcat has no requirements)
Wildcat - Combat of Skyrim[www.nexusmods.com] Wildcat is a streamlined, yet full featured combat overhaul. It makes combat more dangerous and visceral by increasing lethality, adding injuries and context sensitive stagger and making combat AI more responsive and aggressive. It accomplishes this with minimal scripting and no save bloat.

From the same mod author of Wildcat, Vokrii, and Violens.
Mod Manager install
Odin - Skyrim Magic Overhaul[www.nexusmods.com] Odin is what magic in Skyrim should have been. It improves and fixes vanilla Skyrim spells, makes scrolls and staves viable, and adds new spells, scrolls and staves inspired by previous Elder Scrolls magic. The new content is balanced and seamlessly integrated into the game.

Looking for a lightweight upgrade to Skyrim's Perk System?

From the same mod author of Wildcat, Odin, and Violens.
Mod Manager install
Vokrii - Minimalistic Perks of Skyrim[www.nexusmods.com]. Vokrii is a lightweight "vanilla-plus" perk overhaul that improves build diversity, but respects the vanilla vision and balance. It is lightweight and uses clean scripting.

Bethesda really did not give Skyrim's Merchants enough gold. We carry all this merchandise to a shop only to discover we are not be able to sell much of what we have. This mod helps with that.

Rich Skyrim Merchants[www.nexusmods.com] FOMOD Installer: I would NOT take more than 5x gold (you can pick 2x, 5x, or 10x) otherwise you risk receiving NO gold when you sell to a merchant that has over $32,767 gold which can happen later in the game. 5x more is plenty, heck so is 2x.

The mod author has released an updated RaceMenu for the latest version of Skyrim SE (1.6.640)

RaceMenu[www.nexusmods.com] use RaceMenu Anniversary Edition v0-4-19-14

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If you own the GOG version of Skyrim SE use:
RaceMenu RaceMenu Anniversary Edition v0-4-19-13 GOG

Some City and Farmhouse retextures to add on top of Noble Skyrim.

Skyland Whiterun[www.nexusmods.com] Rules: AFTER Everything. A complete texture overhaul of Whiterun utilizing real world 3D scanned textures.

*WiZkiD Riften and Ratway[www.nexusmods.com] Do NOT use the Parallax version unless you are running a parallax build.
(Texture and Mesh replacer for the city of Riften and the Ratway, its underground area)
Rules: AFTER Noble Skyrim, and SMIM.

Skyland - Solitude[www.nexusmods.com] Rules: AFTER Noble, SMIM.
A texture overhaul of the city of Solitude & the Blue Palace along with surrounding areas

This next mod will also cover towns like Riverwood.
MD's HD Farmhouses[www.nexusmods.com] Rules: AFTER Noble Skim, Noble Patch, and SMIM.
Weather worn textures with 4k-2k options. Crafted with realism in mind.

There are many City retextures out there but for a simple and lore friendly setup that also looks amazing you really can't go wrong with any of the Skyland retextures from the highly talented mod author Skyking2020[www.nexusmods.com] for cities like Windhelm, and Markarth.

Here are a few mods that if you decide to add other mods to this build that may require them

No need to install any of these for this guide as it's written. However, I wanted to include these mods in order to make sure you use the correct link and use the proper version IF you need to install any of them. You'll know it if you need any of these mods by looking at the requirements of the mod you are installing. All of them are installed using a mod manager.

Here's what to look for when installing them and what they actually do:

Spell Perk Item Distributor (SPID)[www.nexusmods.com] Installation is a FOMOD: Make sure v1.6.629+ is selected.
This is a SKSE plugin that can be used to add spells /perks /items /shouts /packages /outfits /keywords /factions to every NPC in the game or to worldspace. This is accomplished using config files which the mod that is utilizing it will provide. The ini's can also be edited if you know what you are doing.

Base Object Swapper[www.nexusmods.com] Installation is a FOMOD: Make sure v1.6.629+ is selected.
This is a SKSE plugin and framework for swapping base objects and references, using config files.

MCM Helper[www.nexusmods.com]
Install the file "MCM Helper SE
MCM Helper simplifies the creation of Mod Configuration Menus and extends them with powerful new features.

FileAccess Interface for Skyrim SE Scripts[www.nexusmods.com]
Install "FileAccess Interface for Skyrim SE Scripts - FISSES (Anniversary Edition) BETA"
Easy to use interface for modders to save&reload in-game variables (e.g. MCM settings) to/from file.

UIExtensions[www.nexusmods.com] Adds various custom menus to Skyrim for modder use for mods such as "AddItemMenu - Ultimate Mod Explorer" and others.

IF your purchased the Anniversary DLC and ALSO further mod your game to include grass mods you'll want to add the mod Grass Fixes for Creation Club Mods[www.nexusmods.com] in order to blend the terrain with some of the additions that come with that DLC. You do not need this mod unless you add a grass mod to your game. In that case the mod should be loaded after your grass mod.

Choose the first version Disable By Default so that Survival Mode will be disabled unless you manually enable it in the Gameplay Settings menu.
Survival Mode Prompt Removed[www.nexusmods.com] Get rid of the prompt that asks you if you want to enable Survival Mode at the start of a new game. Includes options to enable by default, disable by default, or permanently disable the mode.

For a larger guide (approx 500+ mods) for Skyrim SE 1.6.640 (Anniversary Edition)?
This works with or without the Anniversary DLC and those mods are clearly marked as such.
https://psteamcommunity.yuanyoumao.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2944593951
Did you skip "Good Modding Practices"
I highly suggest reading this guide first.
Also see the "My other Guide's" section of this guide

First - Are you New or relatively New to modding Skyrim SE?
https://psteamcommunity.yuanyoumao.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2820697176
A larger load order guide for the current game version https://psteamcommunity.yuanyoumao.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2944593951
This Load Order Guide is for the previous game version 1.6.353 https://psteamcommunity.yuanyoumao.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2636368499
My Help Guides for Skyrim Special Edition 1.5 and 1.6
https://psteamcommunity.yuanyoumao.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2266129651 https://psteamcommunity.yuanyoumao.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2225149260 https://psteamcommunity.yuanyoumao.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1977191236

Starfield Guides
https://psteamcommunity.yuanyoumao.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3213331733 https://psteamcommunity.yuanyoumao.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3199872428 https://psteamcommunity.yuanyoumao.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3200826503

05/15/2023

• Added a section for Ultra Widescreen
  
• Added some City & Farm Retextures

04/17/2023

• Added "Grass Fixes for Creation Club Mods"

04/16/2023

• Added a new section title "Other mods"

01/18/2023

• Added Survival Mode Prompt Removed

01/05/2023

• Added Skyrim Rich Merchants as optional

10/19/2022

• Added Microsoft x86 of 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2022 Redist package to required files

10/17/2022

• Added JContainers SE (required for Violens for Profile System)
  
• Added Violens a Killmove Mod SE as optional
  
• Added Wildcat - Combat of Skyrim as optional

10/16/2022

• Added Guide: Protect Your Game from Updates
  
• Added RaceMenu as optional
  
• Added Bethini as optional
  
• Added Alternate Start - Live Another Life as optional

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I do not recommend downgrading your game for various reasons but the fact is the vast majority of mods have been updated for the latest game version (1.6.640) and keep in mind that most never required an update in the first place, not to mention that if anything the latest version runs better than any of the previous versions of this game.

I feel it's always best to run the latest version when it comes to modding Skyrim and the fact that some of the new mods that have come out in the last year require the latest version, we will most likely see this trend continue. Updates don't break your game but poor mod management will and that starts with protecting your game.

I know there's much drama on-line regarding downgrading and the bottom line is it's simply drama. And definitely ignore the comments you see in chat forums and user comments on mod pages suggesting you "roll-back" your game. There is absolutely no need to do so, especially for a new or relatively new mod user.

Solution
The best solution has always been protecting your game from updates and because we've been doing so since 2019 many of us have never encountered an issue due to Bethesda updating Skyrim Special Edition. So stop the madness from ever happening again by protecting your game. We'll cover the simple steps involved in protecting your game a bit further down in this guide where we prepare the game for modding.

And please, for your own good, stop watching those click bait YouTube downgrade videos ;-)
I highly recommend GamerPoets or Gopher's videos of which you'll find throughout my guides.

https://psteamcommunity.yuanyoumao.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3111663148