The one thing I can never get my head around no matter how much reading I do.... LOD replacers.

So, Optimised Distant Land MAX replaces the meshes to boost performance.

Deathb0rns Modified Qarls LOD Normal Maps replaces the normal maps.

Landscape LOD Textures by Xerus does textures and normal maps.

So I guess I could (should?) use all three together? Or I could skip Deathb0rns and use the normal maps from Xerus. Will they still look right on the replaced meshes? And should I Pyffi the meshes or are they already optimized?

Or should I use some other combination of mods entirely!

Thanks

Bump so this will get seen because I'm confused by them aswell.

Heh, I did a thorough "study" of the mystery of LODs myself half a year ago, but now I've forgotten most of it.

But the results of my studies was a BAIN package with the maximum eye candy for the VRAM on my system.
I'm using in this order (those at the end will overwrite some of the preceeding files):

http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2446
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=27023
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17300
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=27023
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9952
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15278


Still confused?
Not after reading http://devnull.sweetdanger.net/totoworld.html. Site is rather old, but Info is still valid, but the newer LOD replacers, like Xeru's and PK's are not mentioned.

I agree on the confusion. It would be very useful with an up to date guide on LOD alternatives/configuration.

I think one of Psymon's BAIN threads contain som very detailed comparsions and may be a good place to start.
Yes, http://www.gamesas.com/index.php?/topic/957424-custom-bain-projects/page__view__findpost__p__13834280

Thanks, I've missed that as I don't do anything other but very minor custom BAIN stuff. Useful - but still a bit outdated I guess. Hasn't there been several new LOD mods released the last 18 months? Seems like a perfect candidate for someone knowledgeable to make a separate thread about.

I know this isn't the best place to say it but after I got xeruses lod Elsweyr(I am use lliana's mod)is using vanilla oblivion lod so I was wondering if there is a fix for this or do I have to go back to normal lod?

Try http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=27023instead, or install it on top of Xerus. Xerus is more comprehensive, but PK is IMO slightly better and also has compatibility patches for Elsweyr.

I'm not knowledgeable enough; I don't even know what the letters LOD means.
But I'll share what I know in this thread.
In addition to the ones mentioned in Psymon's thread there's also http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=27023, which is my favourite LOD replacer, and the brand new http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=32709 of which I'm using the 512 version and loads after my old BAIN package.

The only way to get the best results is to compare all the replacers and judge for yourself. I did this by starting a new game, COC to Weye and then "fly" (by writing TCL in the console) to the top of the White Gold Tower. Then take a screenshot in the four directions, save, install a new LOD replacer and repeat the process. Then compare your own screenshots and what looks best on your system.
I HIGHLY recommend using BAIN for this. It makes installing and uninstalling mods and replacers so much more convenient, and it also makes you able to see with a glance excactly which files the various replacers replace.

Screenshot from others simply won't do, as some screenshots are with HDR, others with AA and yet others have a vaseline lens effect. Some prefer a bright and clean landscape, I prefer lush, dark and dirty/natural looking.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w179/octavius243/ScreenShot853_2.jpg?t=1283550215, with a 1650X1080 resolution and with all video options, except no HDR, Bloom or AA, maxed out.

Wait I got another idea(because the pk lod screenshots kinda confuse me)would I still get elsweyr lod and xeruses lod(for cyrodiil)if I installed elsweyr's lod again?