Content

• To step
• Tips

The Skyrim Script Extender, or SKSE, is a plugin for the PC version of Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It is one of the main programs that players need to create, change and update mods. Mods, which is an abbreviation of the English word "modifications", are changes to the game's code for the purpose of modifying the game. If you plan to update Skyrim on your computer, you can do this once you have installed SKSE.

To step

1. Download SKSE. You can download Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE) from the developer's website. Download the "7z archive", not the "installer". Automatic installation can cause problems, and the program is usually a lot more stable if you install the files yourself.
2. Download and install 7-Zip. This is a free file archiving program that allows you to open .7z files. You can get it from 7-zip.org to download.
3. Extract the SKSE files. After installing 7-Zip you need to right click on the archive file and 7-Zip → Extract Here Selecting. A folder will be created in the same place that contains the extracted files.
4. Find the Skyrim directory. Skyrim needs Steam to install so you need to look in your Steam directory. The most common default installation directory is:
   • C: Program Files Steam steammapps common skyrim
5. Open the folder with the extracted files in another window. You should now have two folders open: the Skyrim folder and the folder containing your SKSE files.
6. Copy all..dll- and.exefiles in the SKSE folder and place them in the Skyrim folder. These should be all SKSE files except the two directories.
   • Choose to overwrite or replace existing files, if a message appears about this.
7. Open the.Data Scripts folders in both the Skyrim folder and the SKSE folder.
8. Copy all..pexfiles in the SKSE folder and place them in the Skyrim Scripts folder.
   • Choose to overwrite or replace existing files, if a message appears about this.
   • You don't have to do anything with the rest of the files. They are only necessary if you plan on coding your own mods from scratch.
9. Go back to the Skyrim games directory.
10. Right click on.skse_loader.exeand then "Create Shortcut".
11. Drag the shortcut to your desktop.
12. Start Steam. Steam must be running to start your Skyrim custom game.
13. Double click the.skse_loader.exeshortcut to boot Skyrim. You can now download and install mods for Skyrim that require SKSE to run.

Tips

• Changing the game code can damage your saved game. Therefore, make sure you have a backup of your game progress before adjusting.