# PROJECT Skyrim
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# 1 Introduction
**PROJECT Skyrim** is a content-rich, gameplay-focused modlist that aims to enhance the Skyrim experience through expansions, overhauls, and thoughtful adjustments to existing systems and features. It is designed to be played in __3rd person POV__.
Additionally, **PROJECT Skyrim** includes optional, unintrusive adult content. No NSFW content will appear in your game unless you actively choose to engage with it.
> However, this means you must be of legal age in your country of residence to play **PROJECT Skyrim**; it is your responsibility to be aware of your country's age requirements.
Project Skyrim requires the latest version of **Skyrim Special Edition (SSE)** from Steam. You do not need - but *can* have - Anniversary Edition (AE). The **free Creation Club (CC) content** is required; it is no problem if you own/have installed paid CC content, as well, it will just not be used in this mod list.
# 2 System Requirements
## 2.1 Recommended Hardware Specs
* VRAM
* 8 GB
* RAM
* 32 GB
### 2.2.1 **Performance Presets**
There are three versions of the Skyrim `.ini` configuration files available on Nexus; *low*, *medium*, and *high*. There is only a small difference between them in terms of visuals (texture resolution remains the same), but choosing a more performance-friendly preset may yield more FPS.
> The **PROJECT Skyrim** `.ini` files are located at `%ProjectSkyrimLocation%\profiles\Default`.
## 2.3 Disk Space Requirements
### PROJEKT Skyrim version [0.9.0.x]
* Disk Space as of PS version [0.9.0.7]:
* 10 GB for the WJ PS file from Nexus
* 220 GB for the mod downloads
* 350 GB for the installation folder
* 40 GB for the page file
* ...**so a total of 620 GB**
### PROJEKT Skyrim version [0.9.1.x]
* Disk Space as of PS version [0.9.1.9]:
* 10 GB for the WJ PS file from Nexus
* 265 GB for the mod downloads
* 445 GB for the installation folder
* 40 GB for the page file
* ...**so a total of 760 GB**
During the installation process, as archives get unpacked and files moved around, there will be some *temporary* overhead space needed. As much as 30GB has been reported.
Keep in mind that you should avoid filling your drives to full capacity. For optimal performance and system stability, it is generally recommended to maintain at least 10–15% of free space.
> **PROJECT Skyrim** must be installed on an **internal SSD**, it **cannot** be installed on an HDD or an external drive of any kind.
Your **downloads** can be stored on a different drive than the installation — this can even be an HDD. However, network and OneDrive locations are not supported.
Once installation is complete, the downloads folder can technically be deleted. However, it is recommended to keep them on an external drive if you are low on space, as they will be needed again when updating to a new version. Repairing the installation (by re-running it via WJ) only requires the downloads for any broken mods.
## 2.3 Other
* **Windows**
* Your operating system must be up-to-date; at least:
* **Windows 11**: Service pack 23H2 or 24H2 and no pending updates
* **Windows 10** - Home/Pro: Service pack 22H2 build 19045.5198
* **Windows 10 LTSC, IoT Enterprise & custom ISOs** (including the use of debloaters): these do not support .NET 9 which Wabbajack depends on
* To find what version of Windows you are running:
* Press `Windows + R`
* Type `Winver` and press `Enter`
* **Overclocking**
* Overclocking your GPU or CPU will often lead to instability and crashes. Restore your hardware to default settings.
* **.NET Framework**
* Wabbajack and Mod Organiser depend on specific versions of the .NET framework:
* [.NET 4.8]()
* [.NET 8]()
* [.NET 9]()
* **Visual Studio C++ Runtime**
* Wabbajack and Mod Organiser depend on the latest release of VS C++:
* [Visual Studio C++]()
* **Antivirus/Firewall**
* Third-party antivirus programs often interfere with installation and gameplay. Creating exceptions is usually ineffective and not recommended for security reasons. Windows Defender is sufficient and all you need — uninstall any other antivirus software.
* **OneDrive**
* Ensure that none of the folders involved are OneDrive locations - if your `My Documents` folder (where your save files are being stored) is synchronized with OneDrive, it will lead to memory access issues and potential save corruption.
* **Overlays**
* Game overlays have been under suspicion to cause instability, so it is generally recommended to turn them off.
* **[Skyrim Special Edition (Steam)](https://store.steampowered.com/app/489830/The_Elder_Scrolls_V_Skyrim_Special_Edition/)**
* Wabbajack does not support pirated copies of the game, and neither do we.
* **[Nexus Account](https://www.nexusmods.com/)**
* Premium recommended for automated downloads and higher download speed. Otherwise, be prepared to click "*manual download*" 5k times.
* **[LoversLab Account](https://www.loverslab.com/)**
* You no longer need to log into LoversLab in Wabbajack *before* the installation, you will be prompted *during*, instead.
* **~~[VectorPlexus Account](https://vectorplexis.com/)~~**
* ~~VectorPlexus is permanently down, please join the Discord to acquire any missing mods from the backup links.~~ `no longer required from v0.9.0.7 upwards, site is dead`
* **[Mega Account](https://mega.io/)**
* Required for some files not hosted on Nexus. `no longer required for v0.9.1.x`
## 2.4 Vanilla Skyrim Setup
You will require an up-to-date installation of **[Skyrim Special Edition or Anniversary Edition](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition)**.
If starting from a fresh install:
* Launch the game from Steam.
* Let it download the free Creation Club content:
* Fishing
* Rare Curios
* Survival Mode
* Saints & Seducers
* Do not `alt + tab` out of the game while the files are downloading.
* Exit the game.
Set the game language to English - this is mandatory for installation:
* Open the Steam Skyrim "*Properties*" window.
* Navigate to the "*Language*" tab.
* Select "*English*" from the dropdown menu.
Once the modlist installation is complete, any changes to your Steam Skyrim installation will not affect **PROJECT Skyrim** — it is a self-contained instance. This also means you can have multiple WJ modlists installed simultaneously, though they __**cannot be merged**__.
# 3 Pre-Installation Preparations
## 3.1 Pagefile Configuration
### PROJEKT Skyrim version [0.9.0.x]
* Press `Windows + R` to open the "*run*" prompt.
* Type `sysdm.cpl ,3` and press `Enter`.
* In the "*Performance*" section, press "*Settings*".
* Select the "*Advanced*" tab at the top .
* In the "*Virtual memory*" section, press "*Change...*".
* Disable "*Automatically manage paging file size for all drives*".
* Select the drive that PROJECT Skyrim is installed on, and select "*Custom size:*".
* Set a mininum **and** maximum size of `40960 MB`.
* Click "*Set*" and "*OK*".
* Press "*Yes*" when prompted to reboot your computer.
> This is NOT OPTIONAL, you cannot skip this step no matter how big your RAM is.
### PROJEKT Skyrim version [0.9.1.x]
* As of version [0.9.1.x], the page file will be configured for you automatically towards the end of the installation process (40 GB).
## 3.2 Install SSE Creation Kit (Steam)
### PROJEKT Skyrim version [0.9.0.x]
For PS version [0.9.0.7], Creation Kit is no longer required.
### PROJEKT Skyrim version [0.9.1.x]
For PS version [0.9.1.x], Creation Kit is no longer required.
# 4 Installing the Modlist via Wabbajack
Make sure you have performed all the steps above before continuing with the installation!
> Check that you have .NET framework 4.8, 8, and 9 as well as the latest VS C++ runtime installed as mentioned above in section 2.3!
## 4.1 Create Folders
Create three new folders at (or close to) the root of your drive:
* `Project Skyrim`
* `Wabbajack`
* `Wabbajack Downloads`
> Do not put your downloads folder **inside** the installation folder, even if WJ suggests this automatically!
## 4.2 Download Wabbajack
Get the `.zip` file of the latest release of Wabbajack **[here from the homepage](https://www.wabbajack.org/)** or from the **[GitHub page](https://github.com/wabbajack-tools/wabbajack/releases)**, put it into your "*Wabbajack*" folder and extract it.
* It should include:
* `Wabbajack.exe`
* `wabbajack-cli.bat`
## 4.3 Download the PS WJ file & INIs
Download the **PROJECT Skyrim Wabbajack files** and the **ini files** **[here](https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/76466/?tab=description)** and put them into your "*Wabbajack*" folder.
Then extract the `PROJECT Skyrim x.x.x.x.zip` file.
* It will contain:
* `PROJECT SKYRIM.wabbajack`
* `PROJECT SKYRIM.wabbajack.meta.json`
## 4.4 Run Wabbajack
Open `Wabbajack.exe` in your "*Wabbajack*" folder.
Click the cog/settings button at the bottom left, and log into your Nexus and Mega accounts.
Select "*Browse Lists*" on the left side:
Select "*Install From Disk*" at the top right...
.... then point it to your "*Wabbajack*" folder and select the `Project Skyrim x.x.x.x.wabbajack` file:
Set your `Project Skyrim` folder as the installation location, and `Wabbajack Downloads` as the downloads location:
Then press the "*Install*" button in the bottom right.
> Some mods may have to be downloaded manually. A window will pop up with the site to download the mod from. **Pay attention**: At the top of the window, it will tell you which file exactly to download. If you have downloaded the wrong file it will let you know at the end.
## 4.5 Installation Complete
If the installation finished successfully - great! Press "*Create Shortcut*" to create a shortcut to the custom instance of Mod Organizer that you will be using to launch **PROJECT Skyrim**, and then close Wabbajack.
> You must use the instance of Mod Organiser that comes with PROJECT Skyrim, easily recognizable by the dark mode UI.
### 4.5.1 Installation Failed?
There may be some mods or files missing, giving you an error; Wabbajack will let you know which mods have issues.
> The WJ log can also be found at `%locationOfYourWabbajackFolder%\Wabbajack\%version#%\logs\Wabbajack.current.log`.
Our community has compiled a list of mods that often give users trouble. Join the Discord and find them in the *backup links channel*. Download any that you have an issue with and put them in the "*Wabbajack downloads*" directory (do not unpack them), then resume the installation process by restarting WJ and repeating the steps under "*4.4 Run Wabbajack*".
> If you need to restart Wabbajack for any reason, you won't need to re-acquire any mods you have already downloaded, WJ will continue where it left off.
### 4.5.2 If Wabbajack is complaining about the "*Curios*"
* Go to your Steam Skyrim SSE `Data` folder, and locate:
* `ccbgssse037-curios.bsa` and
* `ccbgssse037-curios.esl`
* Note whether the file name is spelled lower-case-c "curios" or upper-case-C "Curios", then delete these two files.
* If the file name was lower-case-c "curios":
* Open Steam, go to `Skyrim -> Properties -> Installed Files`.
* Click on "*Verify integrity of game files*".
* Once the files have been downloaded, rerun the Wabbajack installation.
* If the file name was upper-case-C "Curios":
* Launch Skyrim SSE via Steam.
* Click on `Creations` in the main menu.
* Select `Options` from the menu at the bottom.
* Select `Download all owned Creation Club Creations`.
* DO NOT Alt+Tab out, leave the game window active until the download is finished.
* Exit the game, DO NOT verify game files.
* Rerun the Wabbajack installation.
### 4.5.3 Other Installation Errors
If you are still having issues, join our **[Discord](https://discord.gg/hBMst84gUp)** server and check out the *faq-installation* and the *installation support channel*.
## 4.6 INI files
Now choose the correct `.ini` files for your setup: Extract the .zip archive with the `.ini` files you downloaded from Nexus; go to the subfolder with your screen's native resolution, and then choose a performance preset.
Copy the three files contained within to `%ProjectSkyrimLocation%\profiles\Default`, overwriting the existing files:
* `Skyrim.ini`
* `SkyrimCustom.ini`
* `SkyrimPrefs.ini`
## 4.7 ENB Frame Generation
### PROJEKT Skyrim version [0.9.0.x]
Below version [0.9.1.x], PROJECT Skyrim does not come with built-in frame generation.
### PROJEKT Skyrim version [0.9.1.x]
Starting from version [0.9.1.x], ENB Frame Generation is active by default.
* If your monitor has a **refresh rate of 120 Hz or above**:
* No additional action on your part is required.
* If your monitor has a **refresh rate of less than 120 Hz**:
* Frame generation may still work for you if you force enable it in the in-game ENB options:
* Press `L-Shift + Enter` to open the ENB GUI.
* In the top left pane, expand the `Performance` section.
* Enable the option `Force Enable Frame Generation`.
* Click `Save and Apply Changes` at the top of the pane.
* Press `L-Shift + Enter` to close the ENB GUI.
* May require a game reboot to take effect.
* 
* If this does not work for you, disable Frame Generation in Mod Organizer:
* Go to the separator `ENB Frame Generation and Display Tweaks Settings - ONLY FOR 120HZ or above` (use the search filter if you cannot find it).
* disable:
* `ENB Frame Generation` and
* `DisplayTweaks settings for Frame Generation (CS or ENB)`
* 
> If you experience noticeable **input lag** while using Frame Generation at lower frame rates, you may want to turn it off. It works best when the game runs at a steady 60 FPS and is interpolated up to 120 FPS.
## 4.7 Optional Mods and Modifications
In MO you will notice a separator called `Optional Packages`, under which you will find mods that are not enabled by default. If you want to use any of them: Enable them, and check for errors (triangle in top right of MO) in case you missed any that need to be activated together. Then go to `tools -> plugin tools -> sync plugins` to send the newly enabled plugins to the appropriate spot in the load order.
> The mods pane must be ordered by the `Priority` column (far right).
The list is structured so that mod order corresponds to plugin order. If you want to add any mods, yourself: **Group similar mods together**. You can use `RMB -> Send to... -> Separator` to quickly move your additions to the appropriate section. Then, sync the order using `tools -> plugin tools -> sync plugins`. It is good practice to prefix custom additions with [NoDelete] to prevent WJ from removing them if re-run, and to make them easy to find via the search filter.
> **Never** use LOOT to rearrange the load order, __sync plugins__ only!
For more details, visit the *modify support* channel on our Discord server. However, please note that modifying the list assumes a solid understanding of modding and the risks thereof, since general modding assistance is beyond the scope of support we can provide.
# 5 Launching the Game
You can now launch **PROJECT Skyrim** from Mod Organizer by clicking the "*Run*" button at the top right; make sure the `SKSE` executable is selected from the dropdown menu.
The first boot might take a while to get going, so be patient; 5+ minutes are normal.
> On your first launch, a pop-up may appear prompting you to log into Bethesda.net and download the creations - press `ok` and then `esc` to back out of it, no need to download anything.
## 5.1 Starting a New Game
> You cannot reuse any old saves from vanilla Skyrim or other modlists, and even updated versions of the same modlist are often not "save safe".
When starting a new game, you will first be stuck staring at Helgen for a while.
> Be patient, you must wait here for about 5 minutes (until the "Museum" pop-up appears) in order to allow all scripts and other content to load. This is not optional.
After closing the pop-up, to begin the game:
* Press `escape` to open the System Menu, navigate to the Mod Configurtion Menu (MCM), and select the first mod, "*Skyrim Unbound*".
* From here you can configure your starting conditions.
* It is recommened you do not touch the dragon timer, however anything else can be changed to your liking.
Once you are finished, click "*Begin Adventure*", you will now be moved to character creation.
> Before getting started, check out the **sticky posts** in the support channels on discord for known bug fixes, some of which may require a new game.
# 6 Final Things
Skyrim's script engine struggles already when dealing with a vanilla game - in a modded experience, any little instability becomes magnified. Therefore: Do not change cells multiple times in quick succession, give scripts a chance to **catch up**.
Additionally:
## 6.1 Safe Save Guidelines
To avoid save game corruption, follow these guidelines for **safe saving practice**:
* Never **quicksave** (even if you have the ability to do so, and definitely don't turn it back on if it's off).
* Never **reload** in game - quit to desktop and boot up the game fresh if you want to load a different save.
* Never **overwrite** a save, new saves only.
* Do not save during **script-heavy** moments, such as:
* during or immediately after combat
* moving at high speeds
* immediately after changing cells (better *before* changing cells)
* during dialogue, crafting, photo mode
* during animations
## 6.2 Death Alternatives
Keep a **death alternative** enabled to prevent reloads on death.
### PROJEKT Skyrim version [0.9.0.x]
* `Stay in the Fight`
"*Stay in the Fight*" is currently bugged and must be disabled and re-enabled via its MCM:
* Go to the "*Stay in the Fight*" MCM, find "*Pact with the Gods*" and disable it.
* Close the menu completely.
* Go back to the MCM and re-enable "*Pact with the Gods*".
> If you do not do this, your game will crash when you die, and/or your save will get corrupted!
### PROJEKT Skyrim version [0.9.1.x]
* `Soul Resurrection`
Works as intended out of the box.
# 7 Discord
For additional information and support, we invite you to join our **[Discord](https://discord.gg/hBMst84gUp)** server. There, you will find FAQs addressing common questions, support channels for assistance with installation, gameplay, and modifications, as well as sticky posts with the latest important information.
If you fail to join successfully, a bot will inform you of the reason (provided your DMs are open). Your account must be at least 2 days old to join, and you will need to complete a verification step within 10 minutes of joining.
# Legal
If anything happens to Charolas and he cannot continue PROJECT Skyrim, anyone is free to continue as long as they contact the team first, or the team can continue if they wish to do so. Any remaining funds that Charolas did not redeem can be shared between the team members.