Greetings.

After I get my computer fixed I would like to download some mods from Skyrim Nexus (since I have never downloaded any mods from the site, and I have only downloaded mods from the Steam Workshop), mainly because I don't know how and where to extract them to. I know it would be easier with Nexus Mod Manager but I never really thought that it would make things easier.

First, I have some questions about mods.

Q1) I heard that certain mods have 'scripts' in them can be dangerous if you don't un - install or update them correctly and can corrupt your game files. Does this happen often? Any tips to prevent it? Should I be backing up my game files often so there isn't a chance of that happening?

Q2) What does Nexus Mod Manager exactly do? Does it extract the mods to the correct directory automatically? Does it update the mods you have as well automatically?

Q3) I have heard of this thing to do with mods that is called 'load order'. Apparently some mods won't work if you load them before or after others. How would I load them before one another? Would I load them through Nexus Mod Manager?

Secondly, this is more opinionated and basically I need some opinions on certain mods.

1) Is there really much difference between these types of massive overhauls. They seem the same but with different perks and effects to me.

- SkyrimRe

- Requiem

- ASIS

- ACE

2) What are some of the best combat mods out there? I have heard of;

- Ultimate Combat

- Duel - Combat Realism (Hard core and non - hardcoe versions).

- SkyrimRe Combat

- Requiems Combat

- (Also, is Locational Damage considered a combat mod?)

I honestly can't tell much difference between these mods. I was looking for a combat mod that makes it, not so much harder, but more realistic.

Lastly, anyone recommend mods that would improve the game, that not lore breaking? Such as;

- Mods that improve Enhance enemy AI

- Mods that improve Dragons

- Mods that improve realism.

- Mods that help me being immersed.

Basically any mod that is not lore breaking, makes the game more immersive and realistic with opinions on them would be great.

Thanks in advance!

Q1:

Because scripts get baked into the saves, uninstalling a mod can indeed do some serious and permanent damage to saves. Thus mods should not be uninstalled midgame. If you uninstall a mod, revert to an earlier save. Some mods could technically be uninstalled but it's still not recommended since scripts are not the only things that get baked into the save.

Q2:

NMM ensures proper installation by making sure all files go to correct folders. NMM does not automatically update mods but does inform if there's an updated version available.

Q3:

Load order defines the order the game loads esm- and esp-files. It is very important to make sure they are loaded in the correct order because if two files modify same variable, the one loaded later will always supersede the former. Fortunately you don't need to thin too much about load order since tools like BOSS and LOOT can arrange mods into correct order.

About mods, start with unofficial patches and SkyUI. Then and only think about others.