Skyrim: Special Edition supports mods on consoles – but how do you actually get them?
Skyrim: Special Edition brings mods to console players at last. Unfortunately, it’s not super obvious how you actually get them, and Googling just generates a stack of headlines rather than anything useful.
Don’t worry, cats: I have wrestled the Internet into submission and figured out how you actually get console mods for Skyrim: Special Edition. All you have to do is visit the Skyrim mods section of Bethesda.net and set a filter for your platform of choice.
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Once you’ve found a mod you like (and any it depends on), you can click the “add to library” button to kick off the process of making it available in Skyrim: Special Edition on your console. You’ll need a Bethesda.net ID linked to your console ID to complete the process.
At time of writing there are 25 Skyrim: Special Edition mods for PS4, but 90+ for Xbox One.
The reason for the discrepancy is that Skyrim: Special Edition mod support is different on the two platforms – PS4 mods can’t use external assets, so that limits what creators are able to do. That’s why you only get 1GB for Skyrim mods on PS4, but 5GB on Xbox One.
This a bit disappointing for PS4 users but we should probably accept the compromise Bethesda and Sony settled on, since for a while there it looked like there would be no mod support on PS4 at all for Skyrim: Special Edition and Fallout 4.
Skyrim: Special Edition launches on Friday, but the demand for mods is already high – probably because console players have been gazing at the scene with longing for like, decades.
Expect both Skyrim: Special Edition mod lists to populate markedly over the next few weeks as mod authors bring the goods.
If, like 90% of the known world you're still playing, you'll probably want to know to install Skyrim mods. The Elder Scrolls Skyrim is renowned its fantastic, inventive and occasionally crazy mods. However, what’s the point in finding out about the best mods in Skyrim if you don’t know how to install them properly? Luckily, we’ve got you covered on that front. Here’s how to install Skyrim mods on your PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
If you're in the market for a console to play it on, be sure to check out our best PS4 bundle deals and best Xbox One bundle roundup, as well as the best Xbox One accessories you can find to accompany them.
How to install Skyrim mods on PS4 & Xbox One
Installing Skyrim mods on console is actually quite easy, but there are a few prerequisites you’ll need to take care of beforehand. First, you need to make a Bethesda.net account. To do this, all you have to do is visit the Bethesda website and click Log In/Sign Up. You’ll be prompted for a Username and Password, but just click Sign Up at the bottom of the pop-up and you’ll be transferred to a prompt for your email.
Add your email and decide whether you want to opt in or out of Bethesda’s newsletter. Click Continue, add a Username and Password, set a Security Question, sign the User Agreement, and you’re all set — you’re now an official member of Bethesda.net, meaning that you’re ready to install some mods.
The rest is easy. Next time you boot up Skyrim, load a game and go to the main menu. Here, you’ll see an option called “Mods,” which is obviously the one you need to click if you’re planning to mod Skyrim. The next thing that pops up will be a prompt to connect your Bethesda account to the platform and Skyrim account you want to mod. Sign in using your Bethesda account details and you’ll be all set up in no time.
The next thing you need to do is head back over to the Bethesda site. In the top-left corner, you’ll see a dashboard icon which will trigger a drop-down menu. At the bottom-left, you’ll see a “Mods” title, which has “Skyrim: Special Edition” as a subheader. Click this and, if you’re signed in, you’ll be able to start choosing mods you want to download and enable in your game. For convenience, you can access the Skyrim mods page here.
You can scroll through the mods for ages, as there are plenty of them to pick from. Clicking them will offer a description of what exactly they do — some make it easier to level up, others add in new companions or quests, and some even turn dragons into characters from Thomas the Tank Engine. Once you’ve found a few you like, download them and they should be available to access from the aforementioned in-game Mods section on the main menu.
After enabling/disabling mods, you’ll need to reload a save or create a new one to install them. Next time you play, you’ll notice the game is slightly, or perhaps even very different. For example, I installed a mod here that allowed me to craft a Spell Tome at a Forge, which taught me how to use magic to throw sweet rolls at people.
To disable mods, you’ll need to access the mods section at the main menu. You can’t disable active mods from the “Mods” section on the pause screen — that’s just there to remind you which mods you have active at the moment.
How to install Skyrim mods on PC and use Nexus mods
Aside from having Skyrim itself installed, the very first thing you’ll need to do in order to install Skyrim mods on PC is install the Nexus Mod Manager. Here, you’ll have access to all kinds of Skyrim mods, which can all be downloaded and installed really easily.
Once you’ve installed Nexus, you’ll need to run it. From here, you’ll be asked which game you’d like to manage — if you’ve got Skyrim installed, it should show up as an option here. Click Skyrim and you’ll be asked to choose a destination folder for mods you download from the Nexus website. You may be prompted with an alert pop-up, but just click okay and move forward.
From here, you’ll be able to start downloading mods from Nexus. Each mod has its own description, so read through those and download whichever ones pique your curiosity. Once you’re satisfied you have all the mods you want to run, click “Files” in the top-left corner and you’ll see an installation option beside each mod in your library. Install these and then boot up the game, which should be a bit different now that you’ve got mods installed.
Something to bear in mind is that once you start to run several mods at a time, you’ll see an option to change the Load Order in Nexus. This is important because some mods interfere with the performance of others, so one might need to be loaded earlier than the rest. Most of this information is included in mod descriptions, so remember to keep an eye on those whenever you’re experimenting with new types.
That’s all there is to it! Mods are very easy to install — the most time-consuming aspect of the whole process is actually choosing which ones you want to use. There are so many fantastic mods to choose from, which is why we’ve taken the liberty to outline some of the best Skyrim mods today. That way, you don’t need to spend hours scrolling through loads of mods — you can just try these ones out and see for yourself how fresh Skyrim remains in 2019.
One last thing to note is that enabling mods disables trophies and achievements, so if you’re trying to get maximum completion, you’ll need to make sure you aren’t running any other mods. Otherwise, even if you fulfil the requirements of an achievement, it won’t be unlocked and you’ll just have to do it again anyway. If you’re not worried about this though, feel free to start downloading Skyrim mods to your heart’s content!
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The Best Skyrim Special Edition Armor Mods on Xbox One, PS4, and PC
Skyrim is packed with all sorts of different armors and items you can use on your character. However, with these mods on, you can expand your armory with all sorts of cool (and even weird) equipment. Here are the best Skyrim Special Edition armor mods on Xbox One, PS4, and PC.
BDO Shudad Armor v2 (PC, Xbox One)
This mod adds a new set of equipment imported from MMO Black Desert Online. You’ll be able to craft the armor, boots, gauntlets, and helmet – and all will work for either male or female models.
Darth Vader Armor (PC, Xbox One)
With this mod, you’ll be able to craft Darth Vader equipment as well as a saber hilt, which you can enchant with a saber blade once you pick up a lightsaber mod.
Ashara Princes of the Woods (Xbox One)
This mod adds Ashara Princes of the Woods armor to Skyrim through 17 different armor pieces, 6 fur complements, and 8 wigs. Between those pieces and various color options, there’s 122 new items to try out.
Nazgul Armor (Xbox One)
With Nazgul Armor, you can dress as the villainous Lord of the Rings riders. This set is light armor with Dragonscale-level stats and works for male and female characters. One of the best armor mods you can get.
Skyforge Dragonbone Weapons and Dragonplate Armor (PC, PS4, Xbox One)
Now you can wield the mythical Skyforge to create stronger versions of Dragonplate armor (and Dragonbone weapons, if you’re into that too).
Incarnate Creatures (PC)
Incarnate Creatures adds craftable armor that, when equipped, turns you into a fantastic creature. Here’s the list of possibilities: Minotaur, Dwarvcenturions, Dwarvcommander, Dwarvdolls, Dwarvgynoids, Dwarvtrooper, Ebony Knight, Flame Lord, Knight of Order, Malaburo, Mara, Molag Bal, Molag Bal Rusty, Skeletons, Chicken Man, Ashlotte, Draugir, Drowner, Drowned Dead, Rotfiend, and Greater Rotfiend. Hands down one of the better mods out there.
Auroran Armory (PC, Xbox One)
The Aurorans are special Daedric creations that have appeared in past Elder Scrolls games. This mod places Auroran equipment pieces in dungeons throughout Skyrim, meaning you not only get to don their iconic gear, but also will have to work appropriately to acquire it.
Ebony Archmage Armor (PC, Xbox One)
It’s hard to feel like a badass mage in Skyrim, given you’ll be walking around in nothing but cloth. It may be time to take up the Ebony Archmage armor set and let Tamriel know who’s boss. Cons: the helmet does not always seem to work on Argonians and Khajiit. Pros: comes with a scythe.
Armored Robes (PlayStation 4, Xbox One)
Armored Robes is another great mod for mages, adding robes with armor ratings to your crafting options. It’s one of the best mods you can download.
Witcher 3 Viper Armor (PC, Xbox One)
Witcher 3 Viper Armor lets you run around in the Viper school garb of Geralt, the protagonist of last year’s hit RPG, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Note: the set is made for only male character models.
Morag Tong Master Assassin Armor (PS4, Xbox One)
The Morag Tong is a powerful secret society, and as such, Morag Tong armor should pack a little more of a punch. This mod adds a set specially enchanted for assassins and with stats equivalent to Glass tier.
Heavy Armor Hood (PC)
For those who enjoy the strength of Heavy Armor, but don’t enjoy covering their faces with giant metal blocks, there’s Heavy Armor Hood. This mod drops a Deadric-level hood near Windhelm with the stats of heavy armor, but the appearance of a cloth hood. Definitely one of the best mods worth getting.
Daedric Blue Light Armor (Xbox One)
With the Daedric Blue Light Armor mod, you can craft awesome Daedric gear that weighs half as much as the standard armor. Also, it glows blue!
Skyrim Ps4 Body Mods Free
Hello Dovahkiins Ehh X-Men (Xbox One)
This mod adds three Wolverine equipment sets, a Wolverine follower, Wolverine claws, a Wolverine chest — basically all the Wolverine you could need. One of the best X-Men mods out there for sure.
Soul Eater Armor (PC, Xbox One)
Another custom equipment set, Soul Eater armor is attained by slaying Crusix, soul eater and angel of death.
Crom (PC, Xbox One)
Unable to execute command left4dead2.exe. The Crom mod adds a number of craftable armors that turn your hero into a skeleton, either clothed or bare bones (hah). Basically, putting on this armor takes off your skin. One of the best freaky mods you can get your hands on.
Craftable Nocturnal Robes (PS4)
The PS4 doesn’t get a lot of armor mod love because of Sony’s restrictions on the use of external assets. This mod looks to help by providing craftable Nocturnal Robes.
Death Knight of Tamriel (PC, Xbox One)
Conquer Skyrim as an icy Death Knight with this mod. Defeat the ominous Ashenrune at Arcwind Point to claim his armor and learn to summon a fittingly spectral horse.
Witcher 3 Feline Armor (PC, Xbox One)
Need even more Witcher 3? This mod adds the Feline armor set to Skyrim: Special Edition.
Ciri Armor Mod (Xbox One)
For the female Witchers out there, this Ciri armor mod will put you right on The Path.
Triss & Yennefer Armor Mod (PC, Xbox One)
Skyrim has room for sorceresses as well. This mod will grant you armor that decks you out as either Triss or Yennefer from The Witcher 3. Skyrim remastered race mods. Witcher fans definitely shouldn’t miss out on one of the best mods in the game.
Knight of Molag Bal Armor (PC, Xbox One)
Molag Bal, the Daedric Prince of domination, harvests souls and created Vampires. If you hope to be even half as hardcore as him, you’ll need this Knight of Molag Bal armor.
Corvo Armor (PC, Xbox One)
Corvo is the assassin protagonist of another Bethesda game, Dishonored. You can bring him right over to Skyrim with this mod.
Animated Dragon Wings (Xbox One)
You’re the Dovakiin, so you better look the part. This amazing mod grants you dragon wings that not only make you look cool, but also increase the following stats: health, magicka, stamina, and shout recovery rate. One of the best mods you should have on your list.
Battlemage Armor (PC, Xbox One)
Another great option for spellcasters, this mage armor set is well hidden within the College questline, and offers great stats and starting enchantments at either light or heavy weight classes.
Northborn Fur Hoods (PC, Xbox One)
This mod adds a series of craftable fur hoods, so that your character has something more realistic to wear during the cold seasons of Skyrim. It’s also compatible with the famed Frostfall mod, offering maximum cold protection.
Ezio’s Brotherhood Armor (Xbox One)
If you spend most of your time in Skyrim stabbing things, you might as well do it dressed as Ezio from Assassin’s Creed.
Mortal Kombat Scorpion Trilogy (PC, Xbox One)
Be Scorpion from Mortal Kombat. If you want to tear your enemies apart and pull of fatalities, now you can do it with style with one of the best mods.
Armor All Playable (PC, PS4, Xbox One)
Turn any armor into either light or heavy equipment with this mod, ideal for anyone looking for more equipment freedom. Hands down one of the best mods you can get. Cost drivers of internationalisation chicago.
Legend of the Beast Slayer (Xbox One)
Become a Beast Slayer with this custom heavy armor set, craftable after completing a special quest picked up from books in Whiterun.
BDO Shudad Armor v2 (PC, Xbox One)
This mod adds a new set of armor imported from MMO Black Desert Online. You'll be able to craft the armor, boots, gauntlets, and helmet - and all will work for either male or female models.
Darth Vader armor (PC, Xbox One)
With this mod, you'll be able to craft Darth Vader armor as well as a saber hilt, which you can enchant with a saber blade once you pick up a lightsaber mod.
Ashara Princes of the Woods (Xbox One)
This mod adds Ashara Princes of the Woods armor to Skyrim through 17 different armor pieces, 6 fur complements, and 8 wigs. Between those pieces and various color options, there's 122 new items to try out.
Nazgul Armor (Xbox One)
With Nazgul Armor, you can dress as the villainous Lord of the Rings riders. This set is light armor with Dragonscale-level stats and works for male and female characters.
Skyforge Dragonbone Weapons and Dragonplate Armor (PC, PS4, Xbox One)
Now you can wield the mythical Skyforge to create stronger versions of Dragonplate armor (and Dragonbone weapons, if you're into that too).
Incarnate Creatures (PC)
Incarnate Creatures adds craftable armor that, when equipped, turns you into a fantastic creature. Here's the list of possibilities: Minotaur, Dwarvcenturions, Dwarvcommander, Dwarvdolls, Dwarvgynoids, Dwarvtrooper, Ebony Knight, Flame Lord, Knight of Order, Malaburo, Mara, Molag Bal, Molag Bal Rusty, Skeletons, Chicken Man, Ashlotte, Draugir, Drowner, Drowned Dead, Rotfiend, and Greater Rotfiend.
Auroran Armory (PC, Xbox One)
The Aurorans are special Daedric creations that have appeared in past Elder Scrolls games. This mod places Auroran armor pieces in dungeons throughout Skyrim, meaning you not only get to don their iconic gear, but also will have to work appropriately to acquire it.
Ebony Archmage Armor (PC, Xbox One)
It's hard to feel like a badass mage in Skyrim, given you'll be walking around in nothing but cloth. It may be time to take up the Ebony Archmage armor set and let Tamriel know who's boss. Cons: the helmet does not always seem to work on Argonians and Khajiit. Pros: comes with a scythe.
Armored Robes (PlayStation 4, Xbox One)
Armored Robes is another great mod for mages, adding robes with armor ratings to your crafting options.
Witcher 3 Viper Armor (PC, Xbox One)
Witcher 3 Viper Armor lets you run around in the Viper school garb of Geralt, the protagonist of last year's hit RPG, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Note: the set is made for only male character models.
Morag Tong Master Assassin Armor (PS4, Xbox One)
The Morag Tong is a powerful secret society, and as such, Morag Tong armor should pack a little more of a punch. This mod adds a set specially enchanted for assassins and with stats equivalent to Glass tier.
Heavy Armor Hood (PC)
For those who enjoy the strength of Heavy Armor, but don't enjoy covering their faces with giant metal blocks, there's Heavy Armor Hood. This mod drops a Deadric-level hood near Windhelm with the stats of heavy armor, but appearance of a cloth hood.
Daedric Blue Light Armor (Xbox One)
With the Daedric Blue Light Armor mod, you can craft awesome Daedric gear that weighs half as much as the standard armor. Also, it glows blue!
Hello Dovahkiins ehh X-Men (Xbox One)
This mod adds three Wolverine armor sets, a Wolverine follower, Wolverine claws, a Wolverine chest -- basically all the Wolverine you could need.
Soul Eater Armor (PC, Xbox One)
Another custom armor set, Soul Eater armor is attained by slaying Crusix, soul eater and angel of death.
Crom (PC, Xbox One)
The Crom mod adds a number of craftable armors that turn your hero into a skeleton, either clothed or bare bones (hah). Basically, putting on this armor takes off your skin.
Craftable Nocturnal Robes (PS4)
The PS4 doesn't get a lot of armor mod love because of Sony's restrictions on the use of external assets. This mod looks to help by providing craftable Nocturnal Robes.
Death Knight of Tamriel (PC, Xbox One)
Conquer Skyrim as an icy Death Knight with this mod. Defeat the ominous Ashenrune at Arcwind Point to claim his armor and learn to summon a fittingly spectral horse.
Skyrim Ps4 Mods List
Witcher 3 Feline Armor (PC, Xbox One)
Need even more Witcher 3? This mod adds the Feline armor set to Skyrim: Special Edition.
Ciri Armor Mod (Xbox One)
For the female Witchers out there, this Ciri armor mod will put you right on The Path.
Triss & Yennefer Armor Mod (PC, Xbox One)
Skyrim has room for sorceresses as well. This mod will grant you armor that decks you out as either Triss or Yennefer from The Witcher 3.
Knight of Molag Bal Armor (PC, Xbox One)
Molag Bal, the Daedric Prince of domination, harvests souls and created Vampires. If you hope to be even half as hardcore as him, you'll need this Knight of Molag Bal armor.
Corvo Armor (PC, Xbox One)
Corvo is the assassin protagonist of another Bethesda game, Dishonored. You can bring him right over to Skyrim with this armor mod.
Animated Dragon Wings (Xbox One)
You're the Dovakiin, so you better look the part. This amazing mod grants you dragon wings that not only make you look cool, but also increase the following stats: health, magicka, stamina, and shout recovery rate. One of the best mods you should have on your list.
Battlemage Armor (PC, Xbox One)
Another great option for spellcasters, this mage armor set is well hidden within the College questline, and offers great stats and starting enchantments at either light or heavy weight classes.
Northborn Fur Hoods (PC, Xbox One)
Skyrim Ps4 Body Mods 1
This mod adds a series of craftable fur hoods, so that your character has something more realistic to wear during the cold seasons of Skyrim. It's also compatible with the famed Frostfall mod, offering maximum cold protection.
Ezio's Brotherhood Armor (Xbox One)
If you spend most of your time in Skyrim stabbing things, you might as well do it dressed as Ezio from Assassin's Creed.
Mortal Kombat Scorpion Trilogy (PC, Xbox One)
Be Scorpion from Mortal Kombat. If you want to tear your enemies apart and pull of fatalities, now you can do it with style with one of the best mods.
Armor All Playable (PC, PS4, Xbox One)
Turn any armor into either light or heavy armor with this mod, ideal for anyone looking for more equipment freedom.
Legend of the Beast Slayer (Xbox One)
Become a Beast Slayer with this custom heavy armor set, craftable after completing a special quest picked up from books in Whiterun.
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