Load Order Limit in Skyrim
The load order limit in Skyrim is 255 active .esm and .esp plugins, which includes both ESM (Elder Scrolls Master) and ESP (Elder Scrolls Plugin) files, with the game using the load order form ID 0xFF for save game and temporary data. The load order is crucial in Skyrim as it determines which mods are loaded first and last, with mods at the top of the list being considered higher in the mod load order.
Understanding Load Order and Its Importance
What is Load Order?
The load order in Skyrim refers to the order in which the game loads mods and plugins. This order is essential because it determines which mods take precedence over others, especially when multiple mods modify the same aspects of the game.
FAQs
- What is the maximum load order in Skyrim? The maximum load order in Skyrim is 255, with the game using 0x00 to 0xFE for loading ESM and ESP plugins and 0xFF for save game and temporary data.
- What is the max mod limit in Skyrim? The max mod limit in Skyrim is technically 255 active .esp/.esm plugins, but there’s no actual limit on mods in general, as some mods do not add an .esp/.esm to the load order.
- What should my load order be for Skyrim mods? Mods at the top of the list are loaded first and are considered higher in the mod load order, while mods at the bottom are loaded last.
- What is the reference limit in Skyrim? There’s a cap of 2^20, or 1,048,576, active reference handles at any time, and exceeding this limit can cause the game to crash or exhibit strange errors.
- How many allies can you have in Skyrim? Generally, you can have only one humanoid follower and one animal follower at any given time, but there are exceptions.
- How much does load order matter? Load order matters if you have mods that change the same things, as only the change made by the mod loaded last will take effect.
- What is the rule of thumb for Skyrim load order? Mods at the top of the list are loaded first and are considered higher in the mod load order, while mods at the bottom are loaded last.
- How do I check my Skyrim load order? You can check your Skyrim load order in the %LOCALAPPDATA%
plugins.txt file or use modding utilities that access %LOCALAPPDATA%loadorder . - Is there a mod limit for Skyrim SE? Skyrim Special Edition has a total limit of 254 (0x00 to 0xFD) full plugins (ESM + ESP) and 4096 light plugins (ESL).
- Can you max all levels in Skyrim? You can max all skills, with the hard level cap being 81, which is reached when you max all skills.
- Can you max out a Skyrim character? You can max every skill, resulting in a character level of 81.5, but it requires time and grinding.
- Does mod load order matter? Yes, mod load order matters, especially when mods conflict or override each other’s changes.
- How many mods can Skyrim handle? There’s a technical limit of 255 active .esp/.esm’s, but no actual limit on mods in general, as some mods don’t add an .esp/.esm to the load order.
- What happens if you go over the Skyrim plugin limit? Going over the plugin limit can cause the game to load too many plugins, leading to strange errors, CTD (Crash To Desktop), or unrecoverable save problems.
- How long does it take to max out a Skyrim character? Maxing out a Skyrim character can take around 600 hours of gameplay, depending on your playstyle and the ** mods** you use.
Conclusion
Understanding the load order limit in Skyrim and managing your mods effectively is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. By following the rule of thumb for Skyrim load order and being mindful of the reference limit and plugin limit, you can create a rich and immersive world with mods without encountering performance issues or crashes.