Fix 90% of Mod Conflicts EASILY | LOOT Mod Organizer 2 Skyrim SE Guide

This video is an introduction to load order and its management through the Load Order Optimization Tool (LOOT).
#LOOT #Skyrim #Modding

My PC Specs:

Fix 90% off Mod Conflicts EASILY | LOOT Mod Organizer 2 Skyrim SE Guide

I’m sure most of you have heard the term load order while modding your game, be it on a forum, mod page, or even my own Discord. But what does it do, and why is it important? More specifically, how does it compare to mod installation order?
What is Load Order?
Let’s start with the first question. Load order is exactly what it sounds like, it is the order ESP files and ESM files are loaded into the game. This process occurs when you first start the game. Recall that these files are what tell the game what changes are included in a mod. If you need a better refresher of what these files do, and what files mods consist of, check out the MO2 intro video in the top right. You should have the information down pat, at this point.
Alright well, the next logical question is why does the load order of these files matter? To answer that, let me give you a hypothetical. Let’s say you have 2 mods that change an NPC, Nazim for example. Well, the mod loaded last would get the final say in the changes. Sometimes, this kind of changes can cause game-breaking conflicts so a well-organized order can potentially remove many of these. But isn’t this conflict resolved by mod installation order? No. And this is where things can get a bit confusing.
Load Order VS Installation Order
To better understand the difference between load order and installation order, let’s break down game changes created by mods into two categories. The first type of change is one that is handled entirely by the plugin file, be it an ESM or ESP. Apart from that, these changes don’t need any other files to take effect.
The second type of change is one that is created with the help of other files, be it textures, meshes, scripts and so forth. These changes have pointers in the plugins that tell the game where the external files can be found. When we are dealing with installation order, we are only resolving the latter of these two types of changes. I.e only direct file name conflicts. With load order, on the other hand, we are dealing with the changes made internally, inside any of the plugin files we mentioned before. So, if plugins 1 and 2 both change Nazim’s clothes, only the plugin loaded last will have a noticeable effect in the game.
Now if that was confusing, bear with me because there’s a little bit more. Load order also affects the order BSA archives are loaded into the game. That means that if there are two identical files in each archive, the file contained in the last loaded plugin’s BSA will show up in-game. Again seriously go back and watch my MO2 intro video and really have these files memorized. Basically what this means is that first BSA archives are loaded followed by any loose files you may have. I.e. loose files always take priority over anything contained in a BSA archive.
Load Order is Very Important

Please follow me:

[benfrohlich]

Are you going to do any more Skyrim videos? I find yours so helpful. I'd love to see a video about installing FNIS and XP32. I've found other on youtube but I've been following your setup and no one else does things the same way. You are also better at explaining things.

[Kruuzx]

Ai Cave: "Before I go ahead and run LOOT, let me just point out the sort button right here"
Me: about to hit the button
Ai Cave: "For the love of God, don't use it!"
Me: ...

[xeriesdark]

“Now I know it’s really accessible and kinda clickbait-y, like this video’s title, but DON’T use it.” That got my subscribe. Your vids have been a huge help, even years later. Thanks!

[damonhawkes]

Bro I gotta say, you're my favorite. There are a lot of tutorials on modding out there, but none are as thorough and easy to understand as yours. Your approach of not just telling people the steps but helping people understand exactly what and why they are doing things, and your great degree of patience in explaining even the most basic things, puts your tutorials in a league of their own and is much appreciated.

[badcat]

i think im having more hours modding the game than playing the game itself, jesus

[tamarimitchell]

I have been thoroughly enjoying all of your videos. As a beginner, mods have always been extremely intimidating but your series is giving me the confidence to get my feet wet and learn how to mod! I’m prepared to hit a wall of regret but at least I know your community is out here to help with questions! Thank you so much for your time!

[kinggotenw]

One of the most comprehensive and easy to follow videos I've seen.. not just for Skyrim modding. You cover the important information, give some minor background knowledge, and tell the watcher it is THEIR responsibility to read and update their own stuff. good job!

[kruqtion]

This series looks amazing, reminds me of Gophers Guide when I started modding years ago. Hope you keep this series up.

[KitchenHooligan]

This is such an excellent video series. Thank you for producing it. In the last 24 hours I've decided to make the jump from NMM to MO2, and these vids have been invaluable. Looking forward to any coverage you do regarding xEdit. Cheers!

[legenjarey]

This is such a great guide for people that are inexperienced in modding, and a nice refresher of knowledge for us that are a bit experienced. Thanks for it!

[chrisa]

Thank you for crafting this video series with such deliberateness and care. It takes a lot of effort to structure and articulate concepts and instructions in a way that helps viewers establish a solid foundation that will make it easier to handle more complex situations down the road. Really nice job! Looking forward to the continuation of the series as your time allows. :)

[dharmeshmistry]

Just wanna take a moment to appreciate your attention to speaking clearly and concisely, in an understandable and relaxed manner. A lot of people just rush through videos because of the pressure of a mic and camera, but you actively took your time to make a brilliant tutorial. You're awesome man!

[blahblur]

Been loving this tutorial series and I have been looking forward to this!

[Brisenoix]

Thank you so much for those tutorials, I broke my game by using Skyrim in-game modding tool (lol) and lost all my saves. Now I know it won't happend again thanks to you!

[spencerfreeman]

I've been watching the previous videos in this series a couple of times now. Here is what I like most. I'm not playing Skyrim Special Edition, I'm playing Skyrim VR (which uses an older SE). And that you are constantly reminding your viewers to think for themselves is fantastic. You honestly can not over state that truth. I love the constant reminders to read everything; because too few people do. If I were not thinking for myself I would have F*ed my modding already.


I'm 3 days into modding, and your's were not the first videos I watched, but they are the ones I watch the most. Please continue reminding people that they are intelligent and can solve their own problems if they take the effort to do it themselves. You are a fantastic teacher for people who are (3 days) new to modding.


Thank you Ai Cave.

[brandiahenry]

I love following your videos. They are always informative and helpful. I would never have gotten as far as I have without your help. Thanks Again.

[simina]

Man, I watched all the modding series, it is AMAZING, it is the most complete one. Thank u so much.

[LotsOfWaffles]

Been so long since I played or modded Skyrim, your videos are exactly what I needed, thanks

[MrJoergerbomb]

After losing a week to modding as a complete noob, these videos have been amazing for filling in my knowledge gaps. thanks a ton!

[saltygoose]

From your first video to now, these are a must have for beginners. Thank you!