Ultimate Skyrim FAQ

Ultimate Skyrim Status: This modlist is no longer actively developed or supported. Installation support is limited to Discord archives. Use at your own risk. See Installation Guide for details.

Table of contents

Getting Started

Does this mod pack support SSE/AE?

Ultimate Skyrim is only for legal copies of Skyrim Classic Edition with all DLC’s, otherwise known as Skyrim Legendary Edition. It does not support Special Edition (SSE) or Anniversary Edition (AE).

Where can I buy Legendary Edition?

You can find purchase links through Wabbajack’s Reddit post: Wabbajack: How to get Skyrim LE in 2021

Installation & Setup

How do I setup a Steam library outside of Program Files?

The Wabbajack team has a handy utility to help you do that: Steam Library Setup Tool

Wabbajack Issues

Wabbajack Fails to install with GameFileSourceDownloader Error

Symptom: Installation fails with “GameFileSourceDownloader” error message

Four Known Causes:

1. Skyrim installed in Program Files
   • Solution: Use the Steam Library Setup Tool to create a new Steam library outside of Program Files, then move/install Skyrim into that library
2. You have previously “cleaned” your DLC
   • Solution: Have Steam verify the game files
3. You have manually moved your Skyrim install
   • Solution: Move it back, then use Steam to move it to the new location
4. You don’t have DLC installed
   • Solution: Install DLC; if you don’t own it, purchase from link above

After applying solutions 2, 3, or 4, restart Wabbajack.

Wabbajack Fails to download mods or hangs for a long time

Symptom: Wabbajack gets stuck downloading and won’t proceed

Solutions:

1. Restart Wabbajack - Close and restart, enter same criteria as before. Wabbajack will CRC check existing files and normally resume where it failed.

2. Try a VPN - If restart doesn’t work, try a VPN service such as Cloudflare WARP or ProtonVPN.

Note: Ultimate Skyrim is not affiliated with any VPN service and cannot provide user support for VPN usage. Use at your own discretion.

Installation Troubleshooting

I’m missing master for HighResTexturePack01-03 or game CTDs after Skyrim Logo

Solution (Easiest): Download and enable the High Res DLC from Steam

Alternative: Re-run the Reqtificator to generate a new Requiem For The Indifferent.esp (RFTI) without the High Res DLC as a master. (This will be fixed in the next release.)

If you have issues viewing the DLC, try this workaround

Game doesn’t boot when launching SKSE / Cannot Start SKSE_Loader Error

Checklist:

1. Check that your Anti-virus is not flagging SKSE or Skyrim files
   • Best solution: Add Anti-virus exceptions for Ultimate Skyrim & Skyrim folders
2. Verify your content folder contains:
   • usvfs_proxy_x64.exe
   • usvfs_proxy_x86.exe
   • If missing, Anti-virus likely moved them to virus vault
3. Restore missing files from Mod Organizer Zip in Ultimate Skyrim\download directory

Can’t Launch Ultimate Skyrim Bat file

Symptom: Screen flashes for half a second then disappears; launcher doesn’t start at all

Cause: Windows UAC is preventing the program from running

Solutions:

1. Open PowerShell as administrator and type: Set-ExecutionPolicy Bypass
   • Answer “yes” to any prompts
2. If #1 doesn’t work, navigate to \content\_shortcut folder and run batch file matching your graphics settings

If launcher starts but crashes after clicking “play”, see Game Hard CTD on Splashscreen

Game Hard CTD on Splashscreen

Symptom: Game crashes immediately after Skyrim logo splash screen

Note: You may see error about missing d3dx9_43.dll

Step 1 - Try vanilla Skyrim first:

• Launch Skyrim from Steam directly. If it also crashes, continue to Step 2.

Step 2 - Install DirectX Runtimes:

1. Download DirectX End-User Runtimes from:
   • Archive.org Mirror
   • CNET Mirror
   • Note: This gives you a zip file disguised as .EXE, not actual installer

2. Unpack into a directory (e.g., C:\directX\)

3. Run DXSetup.exe and follow on-screen instructions

4. (Optional but recommended) Reboot PC

Step 3 - Regional/Locale settings:

If Skyrim launches from Steam after Step 2:

1. Open Windows Control Panel → Region
2. Click “Additional settings…” at bottom
3. Click “Reset” in the window that opens

Other causes:

• ASUS GPU TweakII, Xtrem Tuner, or MSI Afterburner running
• “My Documents” folder moved to different hard drive (SKSE requires system drive)
• Overlays running (Steam, Discord, GeForce Experience, Overwolf, etc.)

Skyrim has failed to allocate memory! or running out of memory

Symptom: CTD with Crash Fixes error “Skyrim has failed to allocate memory” or crashes during/after character creation

Cause: Bad ENB installation (most common)

Solution: Open enblocal.ini in your Skyrim folder and configure according to this guide:

My game freezes during loading screens

Symptom: Game appears frozen or has unusually long loading time (may still be loading in background)

Causes & Solutions:

1. OneTweak Windowless Bordered mode issue:
   • Make sure Windows Task Manager is NOT running
   • Don’t Alt-tab out of loading screens
   • Disable “Save on wait” and “Save on travel”; use manual saves instead
2. Below minimum PC specs:
   • Check Installation Guide for minimum requirements
   • Try removing ENB using this method
3. Folder permission issues:
   • Ensure Ultimate Skyrim folder is NOT read-only
4. Drive location issues:
   • Ultimate Skyrim must be on SAME hard drive as Skyrim
   • Ultimate Skyrim CANNOT be in Program Files
5. Previous mods/subscriptions:
   • Remove any additional mods from skyrim\data folder from previous modding
6. AMD Driver conflict (5000 & 6000 series):
   • Roll back to working drivers OR disable ENB graphics
7. Corrupt Skyrim install:
   • Launch Skyrim from Steam directly and check for crashes
8. Antivirus scanning:
   • Add Ultimate Skyrim and Skyrim folders to antivirus exceptions
9. Missing C++ or DirectX:
   • Reinstall C++ 32-bit and 64-bit versions
   • Reinstall DirectX
10. Permission loss:
    • You’ve lost write permissions to My Documents\My Games\Skyrim or Ultimate Skyrim folder
11. OneDrive/Dropbox syncing:
    • OneDrive or Dropbox is syncing My Documents\My Games\Skyrim or Ultimate Skyrim folder (disable syncing for these)
12. Corrupt save file:
    • Try using Savetool.exe to recover save
    • If that fails, revert to previous save or start new game

Known Issues

Can I see a list of Known issues?

Yes: Known Issues Document

Updates & Uninstalling

How Do I Update to the current Version?

Important: Version 4.3 is NOT save game compatible. Updating requires a fresh game with new MCM setup.

Steps:

1. Delete contents of <Ultsky install folder>\content (EXCEPT the downloads folder)

2. Follow the installation guide from step 2.3

How do I Uninstall?

We’re sorry to see you leave!

Removing UltSky is simple:

1. Remove files from your Steam Skyrim folder that you copied from “Game Folder Files”
   • (See Installation Guide for reference)
2. Delete the Ultimate Skyrim installation folder

Configuration

What do the presets mean?

My PC can’t handle the ENB - Can I reduce the Settings?

Option 1 - Keep Dylan’s lighting:

Open ENBseries.ini in your Steam Skyrim folder and change the effects section to match this guide

Option 2 - Best performance (keep weather & lighting):

Switch your ENBseries.ini with this one in your Steam Skyrim folder

My PC Can’t handle the ENB Graphics even on low settings - Can I remove it?

Important: Skyrim can’t handle modern PC RAM capacity. If your PC has more than 4GB RAM, you cannot disable ENB entirely—only the graphics, keeping the memory boost (ENBboost).

Steps:

1. Delete ENBseries folder and ENBseries.ini from Steam Skyrim folder

2. Open Content\ModOrganiser.exe

3. Select graphics profile from profiles dropdown

4. On left side: Untick “Snowfall weathers”

5. On right side: Untick “ultimate skyrim - snowfall weathers.esp”

6. Setup and run Reqtificator per instructions

7. Open Skyrim\Enblocal.ini and change UsePatchSpeedhackWithoutGraphics to true

It’s too dark at night, can I make it brighter?

For regular vision:

1. Open ENB GUI in-game with Shift+Enter
2. In ENBseries window, find weather toggle and turn ON
3. In weather pane, find Environment section → Point Lighting
4. Adjust settings to your preference
5. Hit “Save” then “Apply” in ENBlocal window

For Nighteye:

See ENNE NightEye Settings Guide

Reqtificator

How do I Install the Reqtificator?

Prerequisites:

• Java MUST be installed in Program Files (NOT Program Files(x86))
• If you don’t have it, download Windows Offline 64-bit version

Steps:

1. Watch this video guide

2. When patcher asks if you’re running new game: Select “Yes, this is a new game”

3. When patcher notifies about 100+ plugins: Select “Ignore from now on”

4. Leave all options at defaults and click patch button

There was no consistency file found

Solution: Select “Yes, this is a new game”

Automatically allocating memory failed

Cause: Your Java binary path is wrong; you’re using 32-bit Java instead of 64-bit

Solution: Check your paths per Step 5 in Requiem Wiki

It says I am using more than 100 plugins

Solution: Select “Ignore from now on”

The Reqtificator won’t start. MO2 locks up or returns “Directory name is invalid” error

Cause: Typo in folder path for Requiem Skyproc patcher

Solution: Verify path is exactly: \<path to your Skyrim installation>\Data\SkyProc Patchers\Requiem

Common mistake: Omitting the ‘s’ at end of “SkyProc Patchers”

Also confirm the “Start in” path in MO2 Reqtificator configuration matches.

MCM & Gameplay Configuration

What does the MCM guide mean about template saves?

There is no way to copy MCM settings to new characters for every mod.

Workaround - Create a “template save”:

1. Configure bulk of MCM’s
2. Load this template save every time you start new character
3. You’ll only need to do “post-Start” MCM setups (last ~2 pages)

Template save definition: A save game made BEFORE clicking “Begin My Adventure” in Ultimate Skyrim MCM menu. This avoids reconfiguring everything for future characters.

Disclaimer: Certain game elements are “baked” into Skyrim the moment “Start New Game” is clicked, including: Locations of certain items, starting inventory, initial stats

iNeeds MCM page is blank OR Requiem Cannot be added to existing save

Cause: You started MCM config before mod finished initializing (scrolling messages in top left)

Fix:

1. Close and re-open Skyrim to remove partially loaded scripts
2. Start new game
3. Wait for ALL messages in top left to disappear
4. Start MCM setup again

Once this error occurs, the save is corrupted and cannot be recovered.

Customization

Can someone help with my load order?

The Ultimate Skyrim Support Team cannot assist due to too many variables.

⚠️ DO NOT use L.O.O.T or rearrange Ultimate Skyrim’s default mods unless a guide specifically tells you to!

If you’ve broken your load order:

1. Close Mod Organizer

2. Back up profile-specific saves (located at <install path>\content\profiles\<profile>\saves)

3. Delete everything from <install path>\content\profiles\

4. Download profiles zip for your UltSky version:
   • 4.0.7
   • 4.1
   • 4.2
   • 4.3

5. Unpack into <install path>\content\profiles\

6. If you added mods: re-enable and reorganize load order

7. If you had profile saves: restore from backup

Mod X has been updated, can I install that?

No. For stability reasons, only the versions installed by Wabbajack are supported.

Can I remove/disable mod X?

Many mods have MCM options for disabling. Some mods are marked optional and can be disabled in Mod Organizer.

Important: If you remove optional mods with .esp plugins, you must run Reqtificator and possibly Automatic Variants patcher.

Can I Add Additional mods?

Before you start:

1. Check known incompatibilities list

2. Read the modding basics

3. ⚠️ YOU CANNOT USE LOOT ⚠️

The Support Team has created guides for popular mods at this page or ask in Wildlander Discord #ultsky-customization channel.

Does this mod pack support other languages?

No. SKSE crashes if you try non-English Skyrim. Install English Skyrim to play this modpack.

Can I backup and restore Ultimate Skyrim?

Yes: Backup Guide

I want to setup rodericktech guide for fancy graphics - where are the patcher instructions?

• Reqtificator: See instructions
• Other Patchers (AV, Dyndolod, etc): See Patchers Page

Gameplay Issues

Why are auto-saves disabled or quicksaves not recommended for use in Ultsky?

The Problem:

Heavily modded setups have many script-heavy mods. Sometimes a script pauses during saving and can’t recover properly, causing corrupted saves. Additionally, heavy script load can cause CTD during save function.

Auto-saves also increase cell loading times by 500%, making manual saves preferred over integrated loading screen saves.

Safe Save Practice:

• Wait at least 1 minute after loading before saving (some scripts break if you save too soon)
• Avoid saving during combat or heavy script load
• Never save more than once per minute
• Never save within 30 seconds of entering building/cell/dungeon

Auto/Quicksaves Verdict:

• Auto/Quicksaves are OK, but timing determines safety
• Having multiple saves limits playtime loss if corruption occurs
• Better safe than sorry

My Keyboard isn’t working

Usual cause: You ran Special Edition version of Skyrim prior to UltSky. SE doesn’t release all files LE needs, disabling keyboard.

Solutions:

1. Close and reopen Steam itself (sometimes sufficient)
2. Reboot your PC

My Compass has disappeared!

This is intentional. Immersive HUD hides the compass by default.

To make it temporarily visible: Press ‘N’ key

To make it permanently visible: Change MCM setting in Immersive HUD → Compass Activation → Key Press Toggles

Why can’t I select the first crafting perk?

You need a book called The Craftsman’s Manual in your inventory. Most blacksmiths sell it. Requiem crafting perks each require their own books (some purchased, others found in world).

Why Can’t I Run or Why is my stamina going down for no reason?

Requiem applies stamina drain when you run OR wear armor without first Heavy/Evasion Armor perk. Running is normal speed (not sprinting or walking).

Solution: Buy food with “Regenerate 1 stamina per second for X seconds” effect and keep buff active at all times.

NO YOU CANNOT DISABLE IT, PLEASE DON’T ASK!

Why can’t I get a blessing at a shrine?

Requiem’s Gods are unforgiving. Too much crime = no blessings or healing.

Why aren’t I healing?

Requiem disables passive health regen. You need healing poultice or potion to regenerate health.

My character is glowing ugly orange patches at night

This is how ENB expresses the dirt shader: Take a bath!

Error: Incompatible menu file(Map.swf) when opening the map

Solution: Open SkyUI MCM Menu → Advanced → Uncheck ‘Map menu’ in SWF Version Checking section

My vision is all Blurry/Messed up!

Cause 1: You ate too many alchemy ingredients too quickly

• Solution: Find and eat Nirnroot to remove effect

Cause 2: You picked up a disease

• Solution: Check active effects, use potion of cleansing

The screen randomly went dark shortly after I entered

Cause: Darker Dungeons mod

Solution: Open Darker Dungeons MCM → General Configuration → Untick “Do Fadeout On Dungeon Entry”

Lights are Flickering on and off

Cause: Skyrim’s engine limitation of 4 lightsources max in an area. When 4+ lightsources exist, they alternate/cycle on and off.

Only Resolution: Use Cobb Positioner to identify and delete extra lightsources

I tried to learn a spell from a Tome - the book disappeared but I still don’t know it

Cause: You missed loading SV Mods Preset during Post-Start MCM Setup

Fix: Navigate to SV’s MCM menu → Save/Load Preset → FISS → Click ‘Load Preset’

Why does the NPC dialogue cut out when talking to Aela?

Enhanced Skyrim Factions - The Companions Guild adds new dialogue options to NPCs that aren’t voiced. Other NPCs have same behavior.

My game has no grass or has very little grass

Ensure these settings in Content\Profiles\<Profile you play>\:

1. In skyrim.ini: Set bAllowCreateGrass, bAllowLoadGrass, and bDrawShaderGrass to 1

2. Decrease iMinGrassSize= (default Skyrim = 20, recommended with Verdant plugin = 60)

3. Change iMaxGrassTypesPerTexure= (default = 5, max = 15)

   • Note: “Texure” misspelling is Bethesda’s mistake; replicate it

Why is everything so expensive in shops?

You’re naked! Put some clothes on, ya filthy animal!

I am getting a lot of stutter / CTD / Low FPS?

FPS CAP: Ultimate Skyrim maxes at 60 FPS due to Skyrim’s engine limitations. If 60fps seems low, too bad. Cannot run higher.

Checklist:

1. Don’t have Task Manager open (not even minimized to taskbar)
   • If CTD occurs during loading screens, this is likely the cause

2. Check ENBlocal.ini - No comma in “VideoMemorySizeMb” field

3. Don’t change “FPSLimit” field in limiter section (default: 59.900002)

4. Try turning off vsync & g-sync for TESV.exe in GPU settings

5. Close background programs injecting into DirectX:
   • GeForce Experience
   • MSI Afterburn
   • Similar tools

6. Check background processes - Skyrim heavily relies on CPU Core 0

7. Run Bmxfreestyle’s Stability Guide and follow tweaks

Advanced Optimizations (after checking above):

1. Disable borderless window (gives ~10 FPS boost):
   • Edit <ultimate Skyrim>\content\mods\UltSky (Version) Core Files\SKSE\Plugins\OneTweak.ini
   • Optional: Set BFullScreen to 1 in content\profiles\UltSky (preset)\Skyrimpref.ini for fullscreen
2. Lower graphics preset or adjust content\profiles\UltSky (preset)\Skyrimpref.ini:
   • Reduce iShadowMapResolution (try 1024 or 512)
   • Lower fShadowDistance
   • Lower fGrassMaxStartFadeDistance
3. Lower or remove ENB

When I equip my Lantern/Backpack I get a pouch/book/holder/carpet appearing in my inventory

Cause: Unknown bug

Workaround (may solve): Drop and buy new item, OR drop and use console to create one

When I equip my Belt items it doesn’t ask me which slot I want to put it in

Solution: Drop the item and pick it back up—it will ask you where to place it

When I drop items on the ground, they sometimes vanish

Cause 1: Dropping in 1st person view (common)

• Solution: Switch to 3rd person before dropping

Cause 2: Item from Campfire, Wearable Lanterns, or Bandoleers - Bad editor ID

• Solution: Drop and reconsole item in, or if craftable, remake it

My Lantern/Tent is asking me where I’d like it equipped

Cause: Bad ID

Solution: Break down lantern and re-craft in crafting ledger, or purchase new tent from vendor

How do I re-enable menus pausing?

SkyrimSouls.ini controls pause functions. Edit from Mod Organiser:

1. Right-click mod (e.g., Ultimate Skyrim 4.x Core Files) in left pane
2. Select Information → ini files tab

My character’s animations are stuck

Vanilla Skyrim bug, exacerbated by scripted mods. If jumping doesn’t fix:

Pushactoraway 14 1
SetPlayerAIDriven 0

I keep hearing strange noises around me or objects floating around

Cause: Physics engine limitation at framerates higher than 60 FPS

Solution: Limit framerate to 60 FPS via ENB config (Shift+Enter in-game) or GPU software

My Character Spawned Underwater

Symptom: Character loads underwater outside, usually near Whiterun or Markarth bridges

Fix: Enter nearby building then exit to force cell reload

Why Can’t I Fast Travel?

Requiem disables Fast Travel. Multiple alternatives:

• Boats near large water areas
• Carriage drivers at cities

How do I change the difficulty?

In-game difficulty sliders do NOT work with Requiem.

Use Requiem MCM instead: Set Damage Dealt/Taken sliders

Recommended: 100% for both (Requiem already increases difficulty significantly)

If struggling: See Beginner Guide for New Requiem Players

I contracted Sanguinare Vampiris and now I can’t sleep!

Intentional change: Weak characters can’t instantly become vampires

What happens: Spend 3 days while Sanguinare slowly drains health and negates natural healing. Then you become a Vampire.

My Grass/Tree’s in distance are shimmering/flickering

Cause: ENB on some graphics cards

Solutions:

1. Add “max FPS limit” of 59 for TESV.exe in GPU settings (helps high-refresh monitors)

2. Follow this guide (+ user comments)

   • Original site gone; antialiasing injector mirror here

This is the only known fix; support cannot assist if it doesn’t work

Eorlund Graymane won’t temper/craft stuff for me

Reason: Eorlund is the best smith and reserves services for Companions Circle members

Requirement: Must be at “Kill the werewolf hunters” stage of “The Silver Hand” quest

How Do I Enable Permadeath?

Short answer: You can’t (mod was removed in 4.0.7)

Instead: Requiem presents death dialog asking you to load save. To simulate permadeath, manually delete all saves for dead character and load template save to start new character.

Questing

How do I start the main quest?

Kill a dragon (make sure you’re set as Dragonborn in Ultimate Skyrim MCM)

Why can’t I obtain the dragonstone?

This quest auto-completes when you kill a dragon

How Do I Become Thane of Whiterun?

New way in UltSky:

1. Complete “The Blessings of Nature” quest (start with Danica at Gildergreen tree)
2. Talk to Jarl Balgruuf when Gildergreen is repaired/sapling blooms
3. He thanks you and lets you buy Breezehome
4. Standard thaneship quest now available (help people + buy house)

I can’t start the Thieves Guild through Brynjolf

Requirement: “Thieves Guild Requirements” mod requires certain amount of pockets picked/items stolen

How do I start the Dragonborn questline?

Dragonborn content available after completing “A Blade in the Dark” (main quest)

How do I start the Undeath questline?

Undeath content available after level 30. Quest will appear in journal with further instructions.

Version-Specific Issues (4.0.6)

I have this really weird red/green/brown/black graphical issue on the bottom half of my screen

Version: 4.0.6 Issue

Cause: Messed up installing custom INI files

Solution: Ensure you’re installing Skyrim.ini and SkyrimPrefs.ini in \Ultimate Skyrim 4.0.x\profiles\Ultimate Skyrim 4.0.x (Full) folder

My rain splashes are purple/pink!

Version: 4.0.6 Issue

Solution: You need a patch! Install [US 406 HF2] Fix for purple/pink rain splashes (Wonders of Weather) with MO2 at end of mod list on left side (no esp)

Find on Official UltSy Discord #ultsky-bug-submission channel

Why am I not leveling up!

Version: 4.0.6 Issue

Solution: You only get experience while sleeping. Take a nap!

My character is invincible - I get to zero health but don’t die!

Version: 4.0.6 Issue

Solution: You need patch [US 406 HF2] Ashes 0.02 patch v0.6

Find on Official UltSy Discord #ultsky-bug-submission channel

I’m trying to load my template save and it says my character is dead

Version: 4.0.6 Issue

Cause: Character named default name “Adventurer” killed by permadeath

Fix: Delete .dead file in steamapps\common\Skyrim folder; can now load save

My Character takes off his/her clothes when swimming

Version: 4.0.6 Issue

Solution: Open Bathing in Skyrim MCM → Player Animations → Untick everything in “Undress Before Bathing - Standard” and “Undress Before Bathing - Extended”

Why isn’t my compass showing undiscovered locations?

Cause: iCompass hides locations by default

Solution: Uninstall by unchecking iCompass in MO2 and rerun Reqtificator

Note: Installing/uninstalling mods during playthrough may break game; not recommended