Skyrim special edition nif optimizer

WARNING

THIS IS NOT A GUIDE!

This is not a guide. It is only a storehouse for information. It may or may not be outdated!

Intro[edit]

This will be the storehouse for information regarding STEP and Skyrim:Special Edition (SSE).

Staff Discussion Forum | User Discussion Forum

Do NOT use the included archiving tools that come with the new CK! They do not work properly. Follow these procedures for properly archiving mods for use with SSE: via Nexus Forums.

Tools[edit]

Mod Organizer 2 is the recommended mod manager to use for this guide.

Wrye Bash is used for Bashed Patching.

Bethesda Archive Extractor is used to extract SSE archives.

NifModify is a tool which will fix missing tangent and bitangent data in meshes. This can be valuable to modders porting meshes over to SSE, but also to users who may experience rendering issues with meshes from mods they port for their personal use. It's only available in command line.

SSE NIF Optimizer is a tool which will convert meshes to the new SE format while cleaning and fixing various issues found on the mesh.

WARNING:

Using NIF Optimizer is a one way trip for the meshes. This means the new meshes from using the tool can no longer be used in Skyrim LE. They will only work in SE. Authors maintaining two versions of their mods for each platform, may want to try NifModify before using NIF Optimizer. If NifModify allows the meshes to render properly in SSE, then some maintenance work can be saved as the SE version of the mod will work in Skyrim LE. If not, then the author will have to maintain two separate versions of files for their mods. After converting many mods to SE, there's been very little reason to use NIF Optimizer.

LOOT is now available for Skyrim SE.

BethINI - just use it and save yourself some headache.

Known Issues[edit]

Certain older texture formats will cause CTD with the DirectX 11 version included with Windows 7: https://forums.nexusmods.com/index.php?/topic/skyrim-se-texture-formats-question/?p=

Converted STEP Mods[edit]

Below is a list of mods from the STEP Guide which have been converted to SSE or their current status for a port.

2.C. Extenders[edit]

ENBoost

ENBSeries has been ported (limited) to SSE; however, ENBoost is not needed with SSE and will be dropped from the SSE Guide. Maybe someone needs Skyrim particle patch for ENB.

Skyrim Script Extender 64

Has been released for SSE as a open alpha, a stable is eventually expected.

2.D Fixes[edit]

STEP Optimized Vanilla Textures

Temporary replacement: Template:SSE, Template:SSE.

Appropriately Attired Jarls

Currently not ported. Author will port when he/she has time.

Clothing and Clutter Fixes

Combined with Weapons and Armor Fixes.

Weapons and Armor Fixes

Combined with Clothing and Clutter Fixes.

Smart Souls

Currently not ported. Requires SKSE.

• Template:SSE - Author's port. Requires SKSE.
• Template:SSE - Author's port. - should be tested and included as a fix for the vanilla bookshelves.

Wiseman's Flora Fixes

Currently not ported. Possible replacement: Template:SSE

Complete Crafting Overhaul Remade

Currently not ported. Requires SKSE. Can be ported manually: Template:SSE

2.E Interface[edit]

Disease Descriptions for the Immersive Adventurer

Currently not ported. Unknown if works in SSE. William will be porting the mod. Included in the STEP Compilation.

EASIER LOCKPICKING - Without Cheating - Nordic Retexture

Currently not ported. Gamwich will be porting.

High Quality 3D Map

Currently not ported. Author isn't active much so no word on a port or not.

KenMOD - Time on loading screen

Currently not ported. No word if there will be one or not.

Main Font Replacement

Be ported below. Has been reported to work fine with SSE. Template:SSE is a very nice font overhaul and has the default font that STEP currently recommends for the UI. This could be a replacement.

RaceMenu

Need vanilla and skse64plugins.

Smaller Cursor

Be ported below. Works in SSE (confirmed by Tech). No word from the author. Included in the STEP Compilation.

2.F Conflicting Graphics[edit]

Ultimate HD Fire Effects (included in the STEP Compilation)

• Template:SSE Reported to work. Author has given someone else permission to port.

SkyFalls and SkyMills

Currently not ported. Author is working on a port. Not really needed anymore with DynDOLOD. However, larger windmill sails are possible (needs testing) with Template:SSE.

HD Misc

Currently not ported. Author is MIA. Has been reported to work in SSE. Template:SSE seems to be a possible replacement.

Tobes Highres Textures

Tobes Highres Textures. Currently not ported. Author claims that no port is needed and that they have tested it themselves in SSE for ~40 hours.

2.G. Landscape & Environment[edit]

aMidianBorn Caves and Mines

Currently not ported. Issues have been reported with SSE. No word from CaBaL whether a port will be made or not.

aMidianBorn Farmhouse

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from CaBaL whether a port will be made or not.

aMidianBorn Solstheim Landscape

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from CaBaL whether a port will be made or not.

aMidianBorn Whiterun

Currently not ported. Issues have been reported with SSE. No word from CaBaL whether a port will be made or not.

HD Dark brotherhood door

Currently not ported. No word if it will be or not. At least 1 user has reported that it works in SSE as-is.

HD Enhanced Terrain

Currently not ported. Report says it doesn't work with SSE. Author said in November he will port it; 3 months, no port. Possible replacement is Template:SSE

HD Stone Quarry and Clay Deposit for Hearthfire

Currently not ported. Mainly works in SSE besides the clay mesh. No word from the author.

High Quality LODs

Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE, as is. No word from the author.

HQ Snow Texture

See Nordic Snow below.

Hybrids HD Plants and Herbs Retexture

Currently not ported. Supposedly works with SSE, as is. No word from the author.

Improved Vanilla Mountains HD

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word form the author.

• Template:SSE - originally in The Ruffled Feather (Included in the STEP Compilation ).
• Template:SSE - Author's port.
• Template:SSE - originally part of The Ruffled Feather (Included in the STEP Compilation ).
• Template:SSE - Author's port. - aka HQ Snow (its just been renamed)

Northfire's Skidmarks 1K-2K

Currently not ported. I (TechAngel85) have been given permission to port this. Currently in testing.

Real Wood Textures - Farmhouses

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Re-Defined Dungeons WIP

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

RUSTIC MONUMENTS and TOMBSTONES

MOUNTAINS has been ported below. Unknown if old one works with SSE. Author will likely port.

TreesHD_Skyrim_Variation

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Vivid Clouds and Fogs

This mod is currently included in the Template:SSE mod below. Unknown if the author plans to do a separate release.

Whiterun Trellis Redesigned and HQ

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

2.H. Characters & Creatures[edit]

Brows

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. Author is planning to port it.

Coverkhajiits

Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE. No word from the author. Possible replacement: Template:SSE, Template:SSE.

High-Res Dartwing Texture

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

• Template:SSE - Author's port. - users can skip the patches included in the main file if they use the STEP SSE Patch.

Lepidoptera Of Skyrim

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

More Realistic Hair

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author. Permissions grant conversion.

PAINTERLY

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

PondFish and Salmon Replacer - texture

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

RUSTIC CHILDREN

Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE. Author will likely port.

RUSTIC DEATH HOUND

Combined with GARGOYLE.

RUSTIC GARGOYLE

Combined with DEATH HOUND.

Superior Lore-Friendly Hair - HD textures

Currently not ported. Mixed bag if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Wiseman's Critter Fixes

Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE. No word from the author.

• Template:SSE - Author's port.
• Template:SSE - Author's replacement. - Successor to WSCO; however, this version isn't a good "vanilla" replacement.

2.I. Clothing & Equipment[edit]

aMidianBorn Blade of Woe

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

aMidianBorn Book of Silence

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

aMidianBorn imperial light and studded

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

aMidianBorn stormcloak officer armour

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Dawnguard Crossbow Explosive Bolts Visualized

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Dragonborn Mages Robes Retexture Pack

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Skyrim Weapon De-LARP-ification Project

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author. It's probably just time to drop this mod. Currently there are only 54 meshes not covered by Better Shaped Weapons.

Template:SSE - Author's port.

Mage Outfit Texture Overhaul - Schools of Magic

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. Author seems to think it'll work, but plugins should be ran through the new CK.

New Thinner Torch

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Nightingale Prime HD

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Not Really HD Mask of Clavicus Vile

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

TDN Vampire Armor Retexture

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

2.J. Animations & Effects[edit]

Better Turn Animation only One pose

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

• Template:SSE - Third party port. - included in the STEP Compilation.

Burn Freeze Shock Effects

Currently not ported. Some report it works (loose files) with SSE while others have issues. No word from the author. Template:SSE as a possible replacement.

Dawnguard Rune Weapons FXS Replacer

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

DROPS

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Dual Wield Blocking Animations

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

NoMaaM Breathing Idles BBB

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author. Template:SSE

Realistic Boat Bobbing

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Running with your Bow Replacer

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Skyrim - Enhanced Camera

Reworked below by the author. Requires SKSE. No word from the author. Will likely be dropped anyway.

Smaller Ice Spike and Ice Spear

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

2.K. Clutter & Miscellaneous[edit]

The th Step

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Dark Brotherhood Tenets Restored

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author. Possible replacement: Template:SSE

Detailing the Eldrich - Higher-Res Riekling Architecture

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Gemling Queen Dragon Claws

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

HD Linens

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

HD Ore And Ingots

Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE. No word from the author.

• Template:SSE - Author's port.
• Template:SSE - Author's port.
• Template:SSE - Author's port. - but is likely to have some issues with bright textures and compatibility with Book Covers Skyrim.

N-R HD Display Case

Currently not ported. Works with SSE (confirmed by Tech). No word from the author.

Not Really HD Keys

Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE. No word from the author.

Not Really HD Leather Strips

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Pilgrims Delight - High Hrothgar Shrine Retextures

There is a Template:SSE, but unknown if it's legit. No word from the original author.

Radiant and Unique Potions and Poisons HD

Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE. No word from the author.

Realistic Instruments - Flute Lute and Drum HQ

Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE. No word from the author. Possible replacement: Template:SSE

Retexture for Bread - Hearthfire

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Retexture for Soup

Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE. No word from the author.

RUSTIC DRAGON CORPSE

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author, but Gamwich is slowly porting his mods over.

RUSTIC NORDIC MURALS

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author, but Gamwich is slowly porting his mods over.

RUSTIC POTIONS and POISONS

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author, but Gamwich is slowly porting his mods over. His animated version Template:SSE.

Septim HD

Currently not ported. Some issues reported with SSE. No word from the author. Possible replacement: Template:SSE

Silly Level of Detail - Wine Cellar -- SLOD WC

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Skyrim Redesigned WIP

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Super Realistic Ore Textures

Currently not ported. Reported to work with SSE. No word from the author.

Sweet Mother - the Night Mother Improvement

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

2.L. Sound[edit]

Only the linked mods below have been converted; however, all sounds should work as is in SSE. Be wary of using the mods listed below as needing some sort of conversion. The effects of using a non-converted plugin are still unknown. If a mod is not listed, then it's only loose files and can be used safely with SSE.

These mods have archives that require conversion:

• Better Weapon Swing Sounds

These mods have plugins that should be converted:

• Dragons Shout with Voice (loose version works, but he location optional needs converted)
• Immersive Skyrim Thunder V6
• Improved Combat Sounds
• Smooth blade draw and Sheathe

2.M. Gameplay[edit]

Auto Unequip Ammo

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author. Possible replacement: Template:SSE

ClamsDropPearls

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Come together N Out of the way - Nausicaa-S Tweaker

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

Dual Wield Parrying

Currently not ported. Requires SKSE. No word from the author. Template:SSE is a possible replacement.

Enhanced Skyrim Factions - The Companions Guild

Currently not ported. Requires SKSE. Author will likely port when SKSE64 is available.

Skyrim Coin Replacer Redux

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. Author is planning on porting.

Skyrim -Community- Uncapper

Currently not ported. Requires SKSE. Author has no plans to port the mod, but as opened permissions to allow someone to port it when SKSE64 is released.

Stealth Skills Rebalanced

Currently not ported. Requires SKSE. Author is planning on porting.

Thieves Guild Requirements

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. Author is planning on porting it.

Timing is Everything - Quest Delay and Timing Control

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. Author is planning on porting it.

Traps Make Noise - More Dangerous Traps

Reworked below by the author. Unknown if old one works with SSE. Author is planning on porting it.

Wiseman's Trap Fixes

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works with SSE. No word from the author.

• Template:SSE - Author's port. - users can skip the patches if the use the STEP SSE Patch. Users should still download the "Dark Brotherhood Forever to Misc Quests - Addon" file.

2.N. Patches[edit]

• Template:SSE - Author's port. - this mod is now included in EBT.

STEP Compilation

This will be available when the SSE Guide is available.

STEP SSE Patch - This patch can be used as long as the user follows the advice provided below.

Bashed Patch

WB works for SSE and this will be available when the SSE Guide is available. Template:SSE here.

Dual Sheath Redux

Currently not ported. Requires SKSE. Author is planning on porting. Possible replacement: Template:SSE

Dynamic Distant Objects LOD - DynDOLOD

Currently working in a limited fashion.

Using the STEP SSE Patch[edit]

First this patch has only been made for the current list of ported mods provided above. This means if the mod isn't linked to a SSE Nexus page above, then it hasn't been included within this SSE Patch. Users can skip all patches provided by the mods because they have been included in the STEP SSE Patch, unless otherwise stated within the list above. Mods in testing have NOT been included in the patch with the following exceptions. Users should have these mods installed, as well, if they are going to use the patch:

• Template:SSE has been used because it is a straightforward mod that fixes bookshelves; thus, should have no issues being accepted into STEP.
• Template:SSE has been used over Ultimate Fire Effects due to it actually being ported over and the other not, yet.
• Template:SSE has been used over SFO, for now, to maintain STEP's mandate of staying as close to vanilla as possible.

I've made this setup as simple as possible. Simply load LOOT, add the following meta rule, and sort:

LOOT:

Books Cover Skyrim.esp

Load after:

STEP Compilation Mods[edit]

Better Circlets

Better Shadowmarks

has been fixed in USLEEP so this mod is no longer needed.

Disease Descriptions

Currently not ported. Unknown if works in SSE. William will be porting the mod.

Distant Decal Fix

Dragon Glyphs-Fixed

Enchantment Effect Replacer

Finer Dust

Frost Atronach HD

HD Sacks

HiRes Legible Road Signs

Improved Foot Wraps for Females

Realistic Smoke and Embers

Realistic Wolf Howls

Serious HD

This is likely to be replaced by SRO.

Skyrim Performance Plus

This is really no longer needed. It'll likely be dropped.

Smaller Cursor

This works out of the box from classic Skyrim.

The Beauty of Skyrim-Dungeons

Currently not ported. Unknown if it works in SSE. Author is likely to port.

The Ruffled Feather

This will eventually be converted. Currently Moss Rocks is ported. Decrease Those Plants will not likely be ported. Just Ice and Stalhrim will be ported.

Visible Windows

Potential Mods[edit]

This is a list of mods that could have potential in a STEP:SSE.

Goal: scan mesh files (nif) to ensure compatibility with Skyrim Special Edition and update unsupported meshes.

This tutorial is aimed at the beginner using “Blades Hakama” by atomec as an example, and assumes familiarity working with folders and files. I do not cover HDT outfits here.

prerequisites

There are alternative tools available including automated batching.

What’s a mesh? It’s shape data that may be a piece of armor, a wall, a backpack, or a weapon. The files have the extension .nif.

Note: you do not need to scan or update FaceGen nif-files. Let Creation Kit generate new FaceGen data. See “Convert Old Skyrim Mods to SE” for more about FaceGen files.

I recieved a request from Patton for this tutorial so here it is. Follow along with the steps desribed below.

Update meshes for Skyrim SE from David Shrock on Vimeo.

In the video I’m loading into NifSkope nif-files from my Skyrim game-data folder and saving to my matching Skyrim Special Edition game-data folder and overwriting with the updated files. You may work from a clean folder somewhere. Keep a backup of your files in case something goes wrong.

1. find the meshes

Focus on custom armors and weapons where you’re likely to encounter unsupported meshes.

The hakama outfit meshes are loose files found under \Data\meshes\armor\atomec\ folder. Your mod may also contain meshes found inside a BSA-file which needs unpacking then repacking after you finish scanning and converting. See the previous article “Convert Black Sacrament Armor to SE” for instructions on unpacking a BSA.

Warning: If using HDT/BPP outfits or HDT hair, ensure support in both games or consider working from non-HDT first.

2 & 3. SSE Nif Optimizer (easy way)

Instead of the doing the following optional steps, much easier to run SSE Nif Optimizer. An external log file (located in same folder as your exe) will show what it did to the meshes. If you prefer more control, you may try scanning and editing the meshes yourself by following the next two steps.

2. run Nifscan (optional)

Copy Nifscan.exe to the highest level desired for your mod. The program scans the current folder and all sub-folders. If there are hundreds of nif-files then you may prefer to work at lower levels a few at time. In this example all of the files we need to scan are armor pieces so we can scan them at once. Copy Nifscan.exe to \Data\meshes\armor\atomec\ folder.

Open Command Prompt and change directory (cd ) to the same folder where Nifscan is located.

A quick way to get to the folder in Command Prompt is to copy the full path from explorer window into Command Prompt. Change drives if necessary then type cd space-bar and paste (Ctrl+V), followed by enter-key.

Enter the following to run Nifscan:

(The pipe character with “more” pauses the text. Use space-bar to continue scrolling the text.)

Nifscan notes any files that are not compatible with SE, such as “contains strips unsupported by SSE” after the filename. The primary incompatibility is the existence of skin-strips which need to be converted into triangles.

According to Nifscan, the files with strips are just the male and female hakamas (and hakamavars) in low-weight (\_0) and high-weight (\_1); 12 files in all.

3. use NifSkope 2 to turn strips into triangles (optional)

Load a mesh file containing strips into NifSkope and perform the following:

• Select from menu, Spells -> Batch -> Make All Skin Partitions.
• In “Number of Bones per Partiion” enter 60, and click OK.
• NifSkope reports number of changes.
• Select Spells -> Batch -> Update All Tangent Spaces.
• Save the mesh. I saved to the matching folder under Skyrim Special Edition.

Repeat for each mesh (12 total for “Blades Hakama”).

4. test

Check it out in game to make sure the mesh is visible.

Questions or suggestions?

You may contact me using the form, on Nexusmods, on Twitter @dracotorre, or dracotorre gmail.

Skyrim, Skyrim Special Edition, Creation Kit, and The Elder Scrolls are trademarks of Bethesda Softworks LLC. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

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Free Skyrim NIF optimizer

SSE NIF Optimizer is a free mod for Skyrim Special Edition that helps modders optimize NIF files for the new SSE format from the original Skyrim game. It handles the textures and meshes from the old format and transforms them into the new one. In this way, it makes mods more compatible with SSE.

There are plenty of tasks it performs to make this successful. For instance, it alters the head components to BSDynamicTriShape or triangulates skin partitions. It also adds tangents to any of your meshes that require them. If you’re looking for SSE mods that give you more features as a player, you can try Unique Uniques, Dark Face Fix, and MorrowLoot Ultimate.

Upgrade your mods to SSE

There are many developers who work with NetImmerse Files (NIFs) from the previous game engines. These files store meshes and data about game characters, weapons, creatures, and scenery, which is what gives the player the entire experience. With newer engines available, SSE NIF Optimizer lets you update your meshes and attributes for the latest versions, such as mods for Skyrim to Skyrim Special Edition.

Some of the top features

Besides upgrading your meshes, there are plenty of other features available. SSE NIF Optimizer eliminates all-white vertex hues from the meshes, while it also gives new unique names to duplicate as it has to be unique for each one. It also reduces file size, thanks to the optimization of the textures and details. Finally, the mod will scan all your textures to ensure that they’re compatible with Skyrim Special Edition.

Create backups

It’s essential that you make backups of NIFs so that you don’t lose valuable data. Also, you won’t be able to scan all your mesh folders simultaneously, as it may cause SSE NIF Optimizer to crash. 

Update your Skyrim mods

SSE NIF Optimizer is ideal for Skyrim developers who want to move their mods to Skyrim Special Edition. There are many features you can use to make it more effective, but you’ll need to know what you’re doing so that you don’t lose your hard work. In the end, you can offer SSE gamers the same extensions as you did for the original game.