Hey guys I just ordered a copy of the vanilla versh of Morrowind. I don't want to get to heavily into modding, I want to play the game, but can you experts kindlly recommend a few mods that will really enhance the game experience? Also, never modded before and not really a massive PC gamer so any advice on modding process would also be most gratefully received, thanks guys

First off congratulations on ordering one of the best games ever

For mods i'd get a graphical overhaul and body enhancers first and depending on how your computer is maybe a steamlining or FPS booster mod. Besides that i wouldn't recommend any mods, i would just say play through the game a bit so you can find out what you like and dont like. Since that varies per person some people might suggest a combat enhancer, others a magic mod. Mods are personal preferences. So play the game, find what you dont like and what you would like more of, then come back and ask around. Thats my opinion at least.

Oh and when you do, you would probably have better luck in the Morrowind Mods section, they'll also be able to explain just how to install mods.

Yes, this belongs in Morrowind Mods.

Pretty much this. I'd get MGE and put the view to 1.0 cells, 1.5 at the most if you want to experience it the way it was meant to be experienced, 3.5 if you want a larger view. 1080p if you have the option. I wouldn't alter any models ingane my first time, just so you experience the core game. Get the latest version of MCP too.

you might want to expand those acronyms since he's a first time player. I know MGE is Morrowind Graphics Extender. Is MCP Morrowind Code Patch?

You can simply google the acronyms followed or preceded by 'Morrowind.'

Yes, you are correct on both.

Don't play with mods your first time. That's my only advise.

You can check out the Morrowind Mods FAQ for some Frequently Asked Questions.

I would suggest two mods - Morrowind Code Patch (MCP) and Morrowind Patch Project. MCP changes Morrowind's executable file to fix bugs and offers a list of options that you can choose to install or not. Morrowind Patch Project is a mod to fix typos, etc. The Morrowind Mods forum has a number of pinned threads to help new players to deal with mods; The main thread about MCP is titled Repairing the Cogs of Morrowind, IIRC.

You said you're buying the vanilla version, but I'll assume that means the GOTY edition which has all three components - Morrowind, Tribunal and Bloodmoon. If you bought the Steam edition, just be aware that it may require some additional care to install if you're O/S is Win 7. There's been quite a few posts dealing with that, but people will help you work through it if need be.

Have fun.

Yes, the Morrowind Code Patch (with the bugfixes, and some of the graphical tweaks like the clearer text) and the Morrowind Patch Project are both worth including on a vanilla playthrough for pretty much anyone I think. Even MGE or MGEXE would be worth adding even if you don't want distant land or shadows, simply to be able to set resolution and FOV properly. Beyond that, jump in and give the game a try for a while, and then if you are like me, you will have to install Better Bodies and Vvardenfel Visages (my choice for pluginless better faces) in order to keep going. Oh, and Better Skulls (see below), because no one should be subjected to the horror that is a vanilla skull if they don't have to - I should really add a before and after shot to the screenshots.

http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1305729-mod-recommendations-for-new-players/ might prove helpful. It has links to the above mentioned mods, as well as links to the best tutorials for installing and using mods, along with a lot of other very useful information.

Great, many thanks indeed guys! And yes, sorry realise i should have posted this in, and indeed looked at, the mod forum.
thanks again

Now why people keep advising this, I have no idea. Yes, there's a certain nostalgic charm in vanilla Morrowind, but those vanilla bodies are hideous! Plus http://btb2.free.fr/morrowind.html is essential whether or not anything else is added.

I agree with Raveblack. Playing any game without the fixes is just tying your hands behind your back. Playing Morrowind without graphical replacers would turn any gamer off who is used to the modern graphics of Skyrim and and others. Playing without quest mods and landmasses can be good to get a feel for the original, but it certainly doesn't benefit the game experience to to have to suffer through 11 year old graphics when you don't have to.

People say dont play with mods because like has been said, the original has a certain charm to it that gets taken away by mods. The original wasnt that terrible, but if you have never ever played an old game, then you may indeed think of updating it some.

If you are also getting Tribunal and bloodmoon (and you really should), you should look for a mod called "DB_Attack_Mod3.esp" trying hard not to include spoilers here, but you'll likely see the problem really really fast if you don't use a mod like this. Its one of the few mods I never stop using.

It completely unbalances the game, in my opinion. Others may disagree.

Edit: er..sorry, wrong words. The thing you are modding with that completely unbalances the game. The mod removes a lot of that imbalance. (This is really hard to word concisely for some resaon!)

You could just say the mod rebalances the game.

As for why people say dont play with mods I, for one, am talking about game changing mods. Graphics and bug fixes are fine. It's the ones that change things like add new landmasses, change the combat, add spells, add animations, add quests, stuff like that. I just suggest play for a while then change the things you dont like before you just go changing things based on other peoples say so since they dont know what you like, and what they like might be the opposite of what you like.

MGE 3.8.0.

The Unofficial Expansions. 8 in total. Morrowind Code Patch. And your good to go.

Now about Mods. There is tons.

As a person who is so addicted to mods they have never even beaten the game, I would absolutely positively never play without these:

1. Better bodies
2. Better heads and faces and hair (tons of mods for this)
3. GRAPHICAL ENHANCEMENTS! I use MGSO / MGE and the game is breathtaking. The sunset alone made me stop and stare in 2012.
4. BTB game improvements or something like it. It doesn't change the 'feel' of the game, rather it makes things more intuitive and immersive.
5. Morrowind Necessities! So fun if you're into immersion. Adds new depth and realism.

MGE is no longer being developed, but http://www.gamesas.com/topic/1331115-shelter-from-magnus-blaze-8/ is. I would use the later over the former. It's easier to install in that you only need DirectX 9.0c and not the C++ extensions or .Net 2.0 (or higher). Also, Hrnchamd is very active here and has included a number of UI hints that explain how to set it up properly. MGE lacks that feature and the sheer number of shaders can be overwhelming to the uninitiated.