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How to Launch Vortex in Skyrim: A Comprehensive Guide

Launching Vortex within Skyrim might sound like you’re opening a portal to another dimension, but it’s actually about ensuring your modded game launches correctly with all your modifications active. The key here is to understand that Vortex is a mod manager, not a direct launcher for the game itself. Instead, it orchestrates how your mods are applied and integrates with Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE64), which is crucial for many advanced mods. So, to “launch Vortex in Skyrim,” you’re actually launching Skyrim through Vortex to ensure all your mods work correctly. Here’s the process:

Set Up Your Game in Vortex:
- Open Vortex.
- Go to the Games section.
- Find Skyrim Special Edition (or Skyrim Legendary Edition) and click Manage. This tells Vortex that you plan to mod this game.
Install Mods using Vortex:
- Browse mods on Nexus Mods.
- Download mods via the Vortex download button (you might need to link your Nexus Mods account).
- Install the mods in Vortex by clicking Downloads and then Install. Ensure that they are enabled.
Configure SKSE64:
- Install SKSE64: Follow the manual installation instructions if you haven’t already:
  - Extract the downloaded SKSE64 archive.
  - Copy the contents (.dll files and skse64_loader.exe) directly into your Skyrim’s root folder (the same folder as SkyrimSE.exe).
- Run SKSE64 through Vortex: Vortex should automatically detect SKSE64. You’ll often see a custom launch option named Skyrim Script Extender 64 on the Vortex dashboard. Use this to launch the game.
Launch the Game:
- From the Vortex dashboard, select the “Skyrim Script Extender 64” launch option.
- Alternatively, you can create a Steam Collection for Skyrim with your mod-ready profile.
- Start the game normally from your Steam Collection. Vortex will then launch with the selected game preconfigured, ready to run with your mods.

In essence, you don’t launch Vortex in Skyrim; you launch Skyrim through Vortex to load your mods, specifically using SKSE64 for SKSE-dependent mods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What exactly is Vortex, and why is it important for Skyrim modding?

Vortex is a modern mod manager created by Nexus Mods. It’s designed to simplify the process of installing and managing mods for a variety of games, including Skyrim. It automates tasks like organizing mod files, handling dependencies, and managing load order. Essentially, it ensures your mods work together without causing conflicts, which makes it far less frustrating to mod your games than doing everything manually.

Do I always need to launch Skyrim through Vortex?

If you’re playing the unmodded version of Skyrim, you don’t need to use Vortex. However, if you’re using Vortex as your mod manager, then yes, you should launch the game through Vortex. This ensures that your mods are correctly loaded and SKSE64 is used if your mods require it.

Why can’t I launch Skyrim through SKSE?

Several reasons can cause this:

Corrupted mods: A recently installed, corrupted mod might cause issues with SKSE.
Incompatible mods: Mods might be out of date or incompatible with your version of Skyrim or SKSE.
Mod conflicts: Conflicts between newly added mods and existing mods can also prevent SKSE from working correctly.
SKSE not installed correctly: You might not have installed the SKSE64 files correctly in the Skyrim’s root folder.
Firewall Issue: Ensure that Steam, Skyrim and related applications have permission through your firewall.

How do I know if SKSE64 is correctly installed?

Look for the following signs that SKSE is installed correctly:

You should see the “Skyrim Script Extender 64” option on the Vortex dashboard.
When launching the game through SKSE64 via Vortex, your mods that require SKSE should load correctly, especially those using SkyUI, which will also show the SKSE version number on the main menu.

What if Vortex is not picking up Skyrim?

If Vortex isn’t detecting Skyrim, check:

Ensure that your mod staging folder is on the same drive as your Skyrim installation. This is crucial.
Make sure that Vortex has permissions to the location where the game is installed.
Try restarting Vortex.

Where do I place the Vortex mod folder?

By default, Vortex uses a folder inside AppData on your C: drive for your mod files. You can change this location to another drive if you have limited space on your C: drive. The important thing is to have the mod staging folder and the game installed on the same drive.

How do I use the Vortex mod manager for Skyrim on Steam?

Open Vortex and go to Games.
Locate Skyrim Special Edition and click Manage.
Download mods from Nexus Mods, using the Vortex download button.
Install downloaded mods in Vortex using the Downloads tab.

Where is the Launch Options section in Steam?

Open your Steam Library.
Right-click the game’s title and select Properties.
On the General tab, you’ll find the Launch Options section.
You will need this if you want to setup a custom Steam Collection.

How do I use Launch Options in Steam?

Open the Launch Options of your game.
Enter the launch options you want to apply. Ensure you separate each option with a space.
Close the game’s properties window and start the game from your custom Steam Collection.

How can I enable and disable mods in Vortex?

Enable: Ensure mods are enabled in the Mods tab in Vortex.
Disable: Disable mods in the Mods tab in Vortex.
Purge Mods: To disable all mods, use the Purge Mods button in the Mods tab. This will restore the game to an unmodded state.

What are some recommended Skyrim mods?

Some popular and well-regarded Skyrim mods include:

Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch: Fixes many in-game bugs.
SkyUI: Provides a more efficient user interface.
Skyrim HD – 2K Textures: Enhances the game’s visual appearance.
Apocalypse – Magic of Skyrim: Adds a wide array of new spells.

What is the difference between SKSE and SKSE64?

SKSE is for the original 32-bit Skyrim (also known as Oldrim or Legendary Edition).
SKSE64 is for Skyrim Special Edition and Skyrim Anniversary Edition which are both 64-bit programs. They are not compatible with each other.

Why is SKSE64 not opening?

There could be firewall restrictions, make sure Steam, Skyrim and the SKSE loader are not blocked by your firewall. Make sure the program is whitelisted in your antivirus program.

Do I have to launch Skyrim through SKSE?

It’s highly recommended, especially if you’re using mods that rely on SKSE (like SkyUI). While Skyrim can run without SKSE, many crucial mods won’t function without it.

How do I launch Skyrim Together Reborn with Vortex?

When setting up Skyrim Together Reborn through Vortex, you need to create a custom launcher:

Locate the custom launcher you created and click the play button.
A popup window will appear, asking you to select an executable.
Select the SkyrimTogether.exe from the Skyrim root folder. This is crucial for the mod to function correctly.

By understanding how Vortex, SKSE64, and Steam interact, you’ll be able to manage your Skyrim mods effectively and enjoy a richer, more personalized gaming experience.

How do I launch the vortex in Skyrim?