The 15 Best Skyrim Mods

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I’ve always looked to the console to get my video game fix. Like most people there was a brief time in college where I “experimented” with other options but I’ve always found my way back to the big comfy couch. All this changed this past Christmas. I got this urge to build a new PC after checking out an article on how to build a budget gaming PC. Being a strictly Mac guy for the past 6 years or so I have been out of the PC gaming culture pretty much completely so it was almost like starting from scratch again. Building this monster is another article I hope to write down the line but let me tell you, things sure have changed since I first started building my own franken-machines back in the early 2000’s. The great thing is, as the hardware has advanced the games have definitely improved by leaps and bounds. If you’re a console gamer these days, chances are you playing games on hardware that’s almost 7 years old. If you ever get a chance to play a modern game like Skyrim or The Witcher 2 on a PC that can handle a 1080p output with all the settings maxed, it’s going to be hard to play that same game on a console ever again.

So, ever since I dove head first into the land of Steam and on demand games I’ve learned about one other HUGE advantage PC games have over the console only crowd, and that’s the modding community. I’ve seen first hand how after adding a few mods to your favorite games it can take your experience to a whole new level. I’m the happy owner of a few games where the modders never seem to sleep and continuously put out killer, game changing updates. But in all honesty, Skyrim has to the be the biggest and best – at least most recently. So sit back, relax and scroll through what I think are some of the biggest and best Skyrim mods… so far.

1. Skyrim HD

It was a tough choice between this and my choice for #2. I think the reason this one wins for me is I’m primarily an Xbox controller user and not so much a mouse and keyboard kind of guy. Don’t get too excited though, I DID tell you I was primarily a console user for many years… baby steps. I’m a sucker for HD graphics, it’s 90% of the reason I built a new PC. While the game is no slouch “Vanilla” (for fellow n3wbs, that means un-modded) , there is no doubt that the game looks absolutely astounding once this graphical overhaul is applied. I mean honestly, just look at that screenshot!

To download this mod created by NebuLa, click here.

2. SkyrimUI

Like I just said, it was a toss up as to this or the Skyrim HD mod grabbing first place. This UI change is a HUGE improvement to the existing inventory management in the retail version. Having designed this game for both the consoles and the PC it looks like some concessions were made to allow the same menu work just as well with a mouse and keyboard as it does with a traditional controller. If you’re a strictly PC user, this is an absolute MUST have.

To download this mod created by SkyUI Team, click here

3. XCE – Xenius Character Enhancement

Bethesda makes beautiful games, there is no way to dispute that. What they don’t always do so well is make the NPC’s and other characters look as well designed as they do the architecture and overall world. Once again, thank you modders. This update will greatly improve everything from the shapes of faces down to the detail on fingernails of each and every character.

To download this mod created by Xenius, click here

4. ENBSeries

In all honesty, this video above doesn’t do this mod justice. The ENB series of mods have been famous for adding improved post processing and lighting effects to games in the past. Just look at what he did with Grand Theft Auto 4. Jaw droppingly amazing. Trust me, if you love colour, you will love this update. If you’re still unsure, do a google image search for “Skyrim ENB“. You won’t be disappointed.

To download this mod created by Boris Vorontsov, click here

5. Quality World Map with Roads

This game is HUGE. Even if you’ve logged some serious play time it’s not unusual to find ourself wondering “hmmm… didn’t I just pass this same rock structure THREE DAMN TIMES IN THE LAST 10 MINUTES!?”. Since you can’t find a Garmin GPS on some random dead skeleton you’re going to have to use the map you’ve been provided with. The problem is, that map isn’t exactly detailed enough to be helpful. That’s where IcePenguin steps in. He not only created a super detailed version of the birds eye view style map the game ships with, but he also made a more tradition paper version (that looks and works great!). So whatever your flavour, IcePenguin has you covered.

To download this mod created by IcePenguin, click here

6. FXAA Post Process Injector

As I said before, I’m a sucker for great, HD graphics. This amazing mod really makes the colours jump off your screen. If you weren’t in love with ENBSeries mod above, maybe this will be more your speed. Just look at that video. How you can you NOT want to see a game that looks this amazing?

To download this mod created by, Click here

7. Proudspire Manor – Dragonborn Edition

Sure Proudspire Manor is the most expensive house you can purchase in game, but it sure doesn’t look like it. This great mod not only expands and renovates your property but it adds a built in smithy, along with extra mannequins and weapon plaques. Basically, this is what the Skyrim version of Cribs would look like. Go ahead and add this one to your game, you deserve it.

To download this mod created by Shittakaburi, click here

8. Realistic Water Textures

These next 4 Mods are going to be graphical upgrades to various parts of the amazing world those talented artists and designers at Bethesda have created. It’s not that the originals were in any way bad, it’s just that these are better. Modders don’t care what the console versions look like or if these textures will play nice with that ancient hardware, they don’t have to. Just imagine what Bethesda could do if they made a PC only version of this game. I would imagine if they did, their water would look a little something like this.

To download this mod created by isoku, click here

9. Skyrim Flora Overhaul

I’m also going to go out on a limb and say that if they were to make a PC only version of Skyrim, this is what foliage and greenery would look like. Everything from different coloured trees in different areas, to higher rez textures to the amount of snow coverage varying by tree to tree and branch to branch. Now THAT’s attention to detail. With plans to even start including higher poly count trees and shrubs down the line, this is one mod to keep your eye on.

To download this mod created by vurt, click here

10. Real Ice

If you thought the ice looked good before, wait until you see this. With more than a couple options you’re going to be sure to find the perfect ice texture to match the other lighting mods you may have added along the way. Real Ice adds parallax texturing, so it reflects the environmental light a lot better than the vanilla version. ICEBERG, RIGHT AHEAD!

To download this mod created by Yuril, click here

11. Enhanced Night Skyrim

I’m a sucker for a beautiful night. Skyrim has it’s fair share, but once you see this mod you wont want to ever go back. You can choose between four varieties of nebula (colorful, icy blue, aquamarine, or green) and four levels of star field density. Also, you can use it as a combination, or just the star or galaxy replacement on their own. Best of all, it doesn’t mess with the built-in constellations. Awesome.

To download this mod created by CptJoker, click here

12. World Map in Full 3D

We’ve already pointed out that the map in Skyrim could use a bit of an update. Turns out Mikanoshi couldn’t agree more and made this awesome mod. What’s it do you ask? It basically takes the existing map and turns it into a Google style map. That means you can now zoom in so close you can pretty much do a google street style walk around pretty much every area of the game. It even renders the weather in real time. What more could you ask for?

To download this mod created by Mikanoshi, click here

13. SkyBoost

If you’ve been having some slow down while running Skyrim, either before or after installing some of these mods, this is the mod for you. The creator, Alexander Blade, claims “Boosts your Skyrim via replacing most bottleneck code parts in the executable at runtime. Grants you major fps improvement , for ex. +50% fps gain in huge locations like Markath or Whiterun !” How can you argue with that? That’s right, you can’t. It’s science.

To download this mod created by Alexander Blade, click here

14. Better Females

Now before you guys out there get too excited, this is NOT one of those nude mods. If you’re looking for one of those you’re going to have to check another list. (If you happen to find a good one, hit me up via email!). What this mod does is… well just look at that screen shot. It will replace default female face texture lips eyebrows and eye make up with an improved high rez version. This mod will apply its self to all female characters and NPC’s in the game.

To download this mod created by BellaGail, click here

15. Glowing Ore Veins 300

If you’re like most people playing Skyrim, you probably haven’t even SEEN ore veins. Especially in the darker areas of the world. With this cool mod you’re well on your way to fame and fortune!

To download this mod created by Baratan, click here

Well, I hope you enjoyed the list and maybe even found a few new mods you haven’t seen before. If you think my list is missing a mod that should be included, please leave a comment and let me know! There are only so many hours in the day and I’m sure I’ve missed a few great ones.