How to Mod Oblivion on Steam: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re looking to enhance your gaming experience in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion on Steam by adding mods, this guide will walk you through the process. By following these steps, you’ll be able to install and manage mods effectively. Please note that this guide assumes you have a clean installation of the game and that you’re using the Steam version of Oblivion.

Preparations

1. Make sure you have a clean install of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion on your system.
   • Ensure that you have no existing mods or modifications installed.
2. Run the game at least once to generate .ini files and set your video settings.
   • This step is crucial for proper configuration and compatibility with mods.
   • Set your graphics settings to your desired preferences.
   • Disable any autosave options if desired.
3. Back up the game archive.
   • Creating a backup ensures that you can restore the original game files if needed.
   • Copy the entire Oblivion game folder and save it in a separate location.

Install Oblivion Script Extender (OBSE)

1. Download OBSE from Nexus Mods.
   • Visit the Nexus Mods website and search for “Oblivion Script Extender.”
   • Download the latest version of OBSE compatible with your game version.
2. Copy all the contents into the root folder where Oblivion.exe is located.
   • Locate the installation folder of Oblivion on your system.
   • Copy the extracted files from the OBSE download into this folder.
3. Retail versions should click on obse_loader.exe, while Steam users can launch Oblivion through Steam.
   • For retail versions, navigate to the Oblivion installation folder and run “obse_loader.exe” to launch the game with OBSE.
   • For Steam users, launch Oblivion directly through the Steam client, and OBSE will automatically be enabled.

Install LOOT

1. LOOT is a load order optimization tool that helps prevent conflicts between mods.
   • Download LOOT from the official website or Nexus Mods.
   • Follow the provided instructions to install LOOT using the easy-to-use installer.

Install TES4Edit

1. TES4Edit is a powerful tool for cleaning mods, checking for conflicts, and applying scripts.
   • Download TES4Edit from the Nexus Mods website.
   • Copy the TES4Edit executable file into the root folder where Oblivion.exe is located.

Install TES4LODGen

1. TES4LODGen is a distant LOD (Level of Detail) generator that adjusts the game’s distant terrain based on installed mods.
   • Download TES4LODGen from the Nexus Mods website.
   • Copy the TES4LODGen executable file into the root folder where Oblivion.exe is located.

Install the 4GB Patch

1. The 4GB Patch allows Oblivion to utilize up to 4GB of virtual memory, enhancing stability and performance.
   • Download the 4GB Patch from the provided source.
   • Copy the downloaded patch executable into the Oblivion installation folder.
   • Launch the patch executable and choose Oblivion.exe to apply the patch.

Install DXVK

1. DXVK is a Vulkan-based translation layer for Direct3D that can improve performance and stability.
   • Download the DXVK package from the provided source.
   • Locate the x32 folder within the package and extract the d3d9.dll file.
   • Copy the extracted d3d9.dll file to the root folder where Oblivion.exe is located.
   • Download or create an empty file named dxvk.conf and configure the desired settings.

Install Oblivion BSA Decompressor

1. Oblivion BSA Decompressor is a tool that reduces stuttering and loading times by decompressing game archives.
   • Ensure you have the unofficial Shivering Isles patch installed before using this tool.
   • Download the Oblivion BSA Decompressor from the provided source.
   • Extract the tool to a location of your choice.

Remember to use LOOT every time you install a new mod with a plugin, generate LOD with TES4LODGen after installing all your desired mods, and consider using the Oblivion BSA Decompressor early in your modding process for optimal performance.

Sources:

• Steam Community Guide: Oblivion “JUST PLAY THE GAME ALREADY” – Mod Guide. Retrieved from [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1125736723]
• Nexus Mods Wiki: How to Install Oblivion Mods. Retrieved from [https://wiki.nexusmods.com/index.php/How_to_install_Oblivion_mods]
• Steam Community Guide: Oblivion 2023 Essential Modding Guide. Retrieved from [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3009367763]

FAQs

Can I mod Oblivion on Steam?

Yes, you can mod Oblivion on the Steam version. The process for modding is the same regardless of whether you have the retail version or the Steam version of the game.

How do I install Oblivion mods on Steam?

To install mods for Oblivion on Steam, follow these general steps:

1. Find and download the mod files you want to install.
2. Extract the downloaded files if necessary.
3. Copy the mod files into the appropriate folder in your Oblivion installation directory.
4. Activate the mod in the game’s launcher or through a mod manager.

What tools do I need to mod Oblivion on Steam?

Here are some essential tools for modding Oblivion on Steam:

• Oblivion Script Extender (OBSE)
• LOOT (Load Order Optimization Tool)
• TES4Edit (The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Edit)
• TES4LODGen (LOD Generator)
• 4GB Patch
• DXVK (DirectX to Vulkan Translation Layer)
• Oblivion BSA Decompressor

How do I use LOOT to manage my mod load order?

LOOT is a tool that helps you optimize the load order of your mods to prevent conflicts and crashes. To use LOOT:

1. Download and install LOOT.
2. Launch LOOT and click on the “Sort” button.
3. LOOT will analyze your installed mods and recommend an optimized load order.
4. Click on “Apply” to update the load order in your mod manager or game’s launcher.

How do I generate LOD (Level of Detail) with TES4LODGen?

TES4LODGen is a tool that generates distant terrain LOD for your modded Oblivion. To generate LOD:

1. Download and install TES4LODGen.
2. Launch TES4LODGen and select the options you want for LOD generation.
3. Click on “Generate” to create the LOD files.
4. Copy the generated LOD files into the appropriate folder in your Oblivion installation directory.

What does the 4GB Patch do and how do I apply it?

The 4GB Patch allows Oblivion to utilize up to 4GB of virtual memory, improving stability and performance. To apply the patch:

1. Download the 4GB Patch.
2. Launch the patch executable and select the Oblivion.exe file in your Oblivion installation directory.
3. The patch will modify the game executable to enable the use of 4GB virtual memory.

How do I decompress Oblivion BSA files with the Oblivion BSA Decompressor?

The Oblivion BSA Decompressor reduces stuttering and loading times by decompressing game archives. To use the decompressor:

1. Download the Oblivion BSA Decompressor.
2. Extract the decompressor tool to a location of your choice.
3. Ensure that you have the unofficial Shivering Isles patch installed.
4. Launch the decompressor tool and follow the provided instructions to decompress the game archives.

Do I need to use all of these tools and steps to mod Oblivion on Steam?

The tools and steps mentioned in this guide are recommended for a comprehensive modding experience. However, depending on your specific modding goals and preferences, you may not need to use all of them. It’s important to assess your needs and choose the tools and steps that align with your desired modding experience.