This particular update will focus on minor fixes to iron out some issues I've come across from testing, and major overhaul and improvement of distant terrain and LODs.
Keep in mind that with this update we are not done improving the distant terrain, as there are few more things that are possible to make it better, but few scripts are not updated for the Anniversary Edition of the game, especially now that BGS had updated the game once again.
Changelog:
- Added Engine Fixes to future proof mod list improvements.
- Added High Definition LODs and terrain to be generated with DynDOLOD.
- Added darker and "grassy" distant terrain for less obvious transition between loaded and unloaded terrain.
- Swapped to DynDOLOD v3, Alpha 60, away from DynDOLOD v2.97, as I am now confident that the tool has been relatively ironed out enough to be a beneficial improvement, since it offers 3D tree LODs, grass distant terrain and few other options.
- Added a snow shader to fix the issue with few buildings in the snowy areas not properly applying the shader, causing them to appear washed out. (even if not experiencing this issue, it's still a good practice to install the proper snow shader nevertheless).
- Exchanged the cloud texture due to few inconsistencies and personal preferences with Northern Realistic Clouds. However, keep in mind that Northern Realistic Clouds is still a viable option & perfectly fine to use.
- The game version remains SkyrimSE.exe 1.6.342 / SKSE 2.1.3 due to ENB Helper not being updated for the latest version of the game (updated yesterday), which is a core file to make the ENB Preset function as intended.
Minor Fixes and Additions:
1. Simplicity Of Snow - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/56235
2. Ethereal Clouds - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/2393
3. SSE Engine Fixes (SKSE64 Plugin) - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/17230
Installation Instructions: Install Part 1 File as you would normally using mod manager of choice (shown in the load order image), and manually extract the contents of Part 2 file in the root of you Skyrim folder (where Skyrim.exe is located).
DynDOLOD v3:
1. HD LODs Textures (1K Textures) - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/3333
2. HD LODs - Darker & Grassy Terrain - I've attached the archive of this file on this post as its not available on Nexus. If unable to download, use my Google Drive link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NxVZJ0b3lzRAanqJyVv3YLSOWXCjOlUn/view?usp=sharing
3. DynDOLOD v3 Resources - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/52897
4. DynDOLOD Files - https://www.nexusmods.com/skyrimspecialedition/mods/32382
Install both HD LODs Textures (1K Textures) & HD LODs - Darker & Grassy Terrain as you would any other mod using mod manager of choice.
As far as generating distant terrain using DynDOLOD, I suggest watching a guide on how to work with the tool and its installation processes, as it seems very daunting at the first glance, but it's actually quite easy once you get the hang of it.
I recommend the guide from my good friend GP right here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hMrjXivssso
I've attached the images showcasing the options I went for when I generated my LODs using TexGen and DynDOLOD, attempting to balance between good quality and performance.
I recommend this set up to be used by mid to high tier hardware set ups.
If this set up is too taxing for your system, delete all of the DynDOLOD files, and re - generate the distant terrain once again with medium or low settings.
DynDOLOD v3 generates additional .esp file (Occlusion.esp), and proper load order of all these files has been attached in the images above.
For the next distant terrain update, the mod list will be utilizing grass pre caching , and No Grass In Objects to increase the distance in which grass is loaded and topping that off with DynDOLOD grass generation for an even more improved LOD terrain.
The only obstacle at the moment is .NetScriptFramework not being updated for AE.
As mentioned previously, what I am doing is literally sharing every single change I've done with the mod list myself, just as I would do it without it being public, and that of course entails potential removal of mods, reintroductions or replacement mods, all done after extensive testing.
The picture uploaded with the mod list and plugin list is in 4K, so you are able to zoom in and make sure to replicate everything properly.
If you haven't already, please make sure to join the Discord, if you have any questions related to the update or if you need help.
DarthKilDu
2022-01-25 21:53:58 +0000 UTC