The Best Skyrim Mods: The Constellations Collection Is a Must-Install

How to Install Skyrim Mods: The Constellations Collection is the Closest Thing to The Elder Scrolls 6

Installing the Constellations Collection is no small task, but for players seeking the most comprehensive and immersive Skyrim modpack available, it’s worth the effort. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring you can experience the next-level RPG experience Constellations offers.

What Is the Constellations Collection?

Constellations is more than just a Skyrim modpack. It’s a meticulously crafted, cohesive overhaul of the game, featuring:

• 50+ custom-made and unreleased mods designed specifically for this collection.
• Comprehensive updates to Skyrim’s gameplay, graphics, UI, and mechanics.
• An unscaled world based on Requiem, making progression feel meaningful.
• Expanded quests, dungeons, and towns for endless replayability.

This modpack transforms Skyrim into a completely different experience, reminiscent of the highly anticipated Elder Scrolls 6.

System Requirements for Constellations

Before diving into installation, ensure your PC meets the following requirements:

Minimum Specs:

• Processor: Intel i5-7400 / AMD Ryzen 5 1400
• RAM: 8 GB
• Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1070 / AMD RX Vega 56
• Storage: 250 GB (SSD recommended)

Recommended Specs:

• Processor: Intel i5-11400 / AMD Ryzen 5 5600
• RAM: 16 GB
• Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 2070 / AMD RX 5700
• Storage: 250 GB (SSD recommended)

Preparation: Clean Install of Skyrim Special Edition (SE)

1. Uninstall Skyrim SE if it’s already installed. Remove these folders:
   • Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition
   • Documents\My Games\Skyrim Special Edition (Backup your saves if needed.)
2. If you’ve previously installed other collections with Vortex:
   • Close Vortex.
   • Press Windows + R, type %appdata%/Vortex/skyrimse, and delete the userlist file.
3. Reinstall Skyrim Special Edition (SE) on Steam in English.
4. Purchase and install the Anniversary Edition DLC.
5. Launch the game once to verify installation and download the DLC. You should see 148 files starting with ‘cc’ in your Data folder (Steam\steamapps\common\Skyrim Special Edition\Data).
6. Download and install the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package from Microsoft’s official website.

Installing Essential Tools

1. Download ENB files:
   • Visit the ENB website.
   • Scroll to “v0.499” and download the “Wrapper Version.”
   • Extract and place d3d11.dll and d3dcompiler_46e.dll in the Skyrim SE directory.
2. Install Vortex Mod Manager:
   • Download and install the latest version from the Nexus Mods website version of Vortex.
   • Open Vortex and update it to the latest version.
   • You will want a Nexus premium account so you don’t have to install 1500 mods manually. You can unsubscribe once you download the mod.

Installing the Constellations Collection

1. Prepare Vortex:
   • Go to the “Mods” section.
   • Select all mods with [Ctrl] + [A] and remove them to ensure a clean slate.
   • In the “Settings” section, disable the following:
     • “Install Mods when downloaded”
     • “Run FNIS on Deployment Event”
2. Add Constellations:
   • On the Nexus Mods page for Constellations, press “Add to Vortex.”
   • When prompted, create and switch to a new profile.
3. Install Mods:
   • Follow the prompts to download and install the required mods.
   • Avoid installing optional mods unless you’re confident in your choices.

Post-Installation Configuration

1. Resolve File Conflicts:
   • Refer to the FAQ on Discord if you encounter unresolved conflicts.
2. Deploy Mods:
   • Go to the “Mods” section in Vortex and press “Deploy Mods.”
3. Enable Plugins:
   • Open the “Plugins” section in Vortex.
   • Enable all disabled plugins.
   • Press “Sort Now.”
4. Set Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE) as Primary:
   • In the “Dashboard” section, click the three dots next to SKSE and select “Make Primary.”
5. Configure Graphics Settings:
   • Launch Skyrim Launcher via Vortex and set your graphics preferences.

Starting Your Adventure

1. Begin a New Game:
   • Open the Skyrim Unbound MCM menu to customize your starting experience.
   • Choose your character’s race, class, birthsign, and more.
2. Requiem Setup:
   • Wait for the Requiem configuration to complete.
3. Optional Configurations:
   • Import the ‘Constellations’ layout in the ‘Easy Wheel’ MCM.
   • Open your perk tree and allocate points.

Tips for Enjoying Constellations

• Save Often: Vanilla autosaves are disabled, so remember to save manually.
• Prepare for a Challenge: Enemies don’t scale to your level—sometimes, running away is the best option.
• Embrace the Survival Mechanics: Eat, sleep, and stay warm to survive Skyrim’s harsh environments.
• Explore Expanded Worlds: From Bruma to Wyrmstooth, the collection includes major expansions and reimagined landscapes.

For detailed discussions, troubleshooting, and updates, join the Constellations Discord server. Happy adventuring!

Support the Creator

Support the creator who assembled the modpack on their Patreon or on Ko-fi.

Learn more and download the mod pack here.