Skyrim Modding Showdown: SE or Legendary Edition – Which Reigns Supreme?

So, you’re itching to transform the frigid lands of Skyrim into your own personal playground, a glorious mishmash of dragons, daedra, and… well, whatever your imagination cooks up. But a crucial question looms: Should you mod Skyrim (Legendary Edition – “Oldrim”) or Skyrim Special Edition (SE)?

The answer, in almost every scenario, is a resounding Skyrim Special Edition (SE).

While the original Skyrim (Legendary Edition) held the modding crown for years, the landscape has dramatically shifted. Skyrim SE offers a more stable, optimized, and future-proof modding experience. Let’s dive into why.

The 64-bit Advantage

The single biggest difference and the primary reason to choose SE is its 64-bit architecture. Oldrim runs on a 32-bit engine, which is inherently limited in the amount of memory it can access. This limitation leads to crashes, stuttering, and an overall unstable experience, especially when you start loading up on mods.

Skyrim SE, with its 64-bit engine, can utilize much more memory. This translates to:

• Increased stability: Say goodbye to random crashes and frustrating freezes.
• Better performance: Enjoy smoother gameplay, even with hundreds of mods installed.
• Larger, more complex mods: Push the boundaries of what’s possible with mods that would simply be impossible in Oldrim.

The Modding Community Has Migrated

While Oldrim boasts a larger raw number of mods, the vast majority of active mod authors have moved their focus to Skyrim SE. This means:

• Higher quality mods: Modders are dedicating their time and expertise to SE, resulting in more polished and feature-rich creations.
• Better support: If you run into issues, you’re more likely to find help and updated versions from mod authors actively supporting SE.
• The best mods are on SE: Many of the most popular and transformative mods have been ported to SE, and new, cutting-edge mods are almost exclusively being developed for it.

Improved Graphics and Optimization

Skyrim SE isn’t just about stability; it also features a visual upgrade over Oldrim. While not a radical overhaul, it includes:

• Enhanced lighting and shadows: Experience a more immersive and visually appealing world.
• Improved textures: Enjoy sharper and more detailed environments.
• Better performance even without mods: SE is simply better optimized than Oldrim, even before you start adding mods.

The Anniversary Edition Complication

The Anniversary Edition (AE) is essentially a Skyrim SE bundle that includes a massive amount of Creation Club content (official, Bethesda-approved mods). While AE can initially break some mods that rely on the Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE), almost every mod has been updated to be used with AE.

What About Low-End PCs?

Traditionally, Oldrim was considered the better choice for low-end PCs. While this might have been true at launch, SE’s superior optimization often results in better performance, even on less powerful machines. The 64-bit architecture plays a significant role here, allowing SE to manage resources more efficiently.

Bottom Line

While Oldrim still holds a place in the hearts of some die-hard modders, Skyrim SE is the clear winner for most players. Its superior stability, performance, graphics, and the active modding community make it the definitive platform for experiencing the boundless possibilities of Skyrim modding. So, fire up that copy of SE, prepare for a bit of initial setup, and get ready to embark on a modding adventure! Remember, you can learn more about the wider impact of games and learning at the Games Learning Society website.

Skyrim Modding FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

Still have questions? Here are 15 common queries regarding modding Skyrim and Skyrim SE:

1. Can Skyrim SE use regular Skyrim mods?

Generally, no. Mods created for Oldrim are not directly compatible with Skyrim SE due to the engine differences. Some simple mods might work with minimal tweaking, but it’s best to assume that Oldrim mods will cause issues in SE.

2. Is Oldrim better for modding because it has more mods available?

While Oldrim boasts a higher raw number of mods, the quality and support for SE mods are generally superior. The active modding community has largely migrated to SE, focusing on creating new and updating existing mods for the 64-bit engine.

3. Which Skyrim version is best overall?

For new players, the Anniversary Edition (which is based on SE) provides the most comprehensive experience with all DLCs and a vast amount of additional content. For modding, SE (with or without the Anniversary Edition upgrade) is the better choice.

4. Should I play Skyrim before modding it?

It’s highly recommended to play through the vanilla game at least once before diving into modding. This allows you to appreciate the core gameplay and identify areas you want to improve or expand upon.

5. Is Skyrim Special Edition worth it for mods?

Absolutely. The stability improvements, better performance, and active modding community make SSE worth the investment. If you are a newcomer to Skyrim it is recommended to buy.

6. Which Skyrim is better for modding on a low-end PC?

While Oldrim was once the go-to choice for low-end PCs, Skyrim SE’s improved optimization often results in better performance, even on less powerful machines. It is recommended to choose Special Edition for low end PC.

7. What is the difference between Skyrim and Skyrim SE?

Skyrim SE is a remastered version of the original Skyrim. Key differences include:

• 64-bit engine: This leads to greater stability and performance.
• Improved graphics: Enhanced lighting, shadows, and textures.
• All DLCs included: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn are bundled with SE.

8. What Skyrim should I buy for mods in 2024?

Skyrim Special Edition is the recommended version for modding in 2024. The benefits of the 64-bit engine far outweigh any perceived advantage of Oldrim’s larger mod library.

9. Why is Skyrim so popular for modding?

Skyrim’s popularity for modding stems from several factors:

• Engaging world and gameplay: The base game provides a solid foundation for modders to build upon.
• Extensive modding tools: Bethesda provides a Creation Kit that allows modders to create and share their creations.
• Dedicated community: A passionate and creative community continuously contributes to the modding scene.

10. Does Skyrim have the best modding community?

Skyrim boasts one of the largest and most active modding communities in gaming. This community has kept the game fresh and relevant for over a decade, continuously expanding its possibilities.

11. How many mods can Skyrim SE handle?

While there isn’t a hard limit on the number of mods you can install, Skyrim SE has a plugin limit of 255. This includes the official DLCs and any mods that add new plugins. Light plugins (ESLs) do not count toward this limit.

12. How do I convert mods to Skyrim SE?

Converting Oldrim mods to SE can be a complex process that requires some technical knowledge. Some mods can be converted using tools like the Cathedral Assets Optimizer (CAO), while others may require more extensive modifications.

13. What is the best way to install Skyrim mods?

The best way to install Skyrim mods is by using a mod manager. Popular options include:

• Vortex: A user-friendly and feature-rich mod manager developed by Nexus Mods.
• Mod Organizer 2 (MO2): A more advanced mod manager that uses a virtual file system to keep your game files clean.

14. How many Skyrim mods exist?

There are tens of thousands of Skyrim mods available on various platforms. Nexus Mods alone hosts nearly 70,000 mod submissions, and the Steam Workshop contains thousands more.

15. Does Skyrim SE include Dragonborn?

Skyrim Special Edition includes all three official DLCs: Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and Dragonborn.