This guide is made for the GOTY version of the game which is also the only variant on steam. This guide/mod list was also tested on pretty much exclusively on windows 10 (previously 7) and is for the steam version of this game. Should work with gog as well (If you want controller support via the method used in this guide you will need the steam version Or you may be able to get away with it via adding it as a non-steam game but that is not tested.) This guide will also be built on using MGE XE and not OpenMW.

You'll need an unzipping tool for manual mods as not every mod will be MM compliant. I use Winrar[www.win-rar.com] but many people prefer 7zip as usual use what you prefer. And of course you'll need a mod manager. Now most people today will use Vortex or MO2. I personally cannot recommend either even if the general population rides it. I understand why people may want to use those other two managers specifically as they don't touch your data folder unlike NMM that actually installs the mods into your folder but I personally think that's where problems arise and if you know what you are doing you'll never need to worry about that. I have used Nexus Mod Manager[github.com] for nearly a decade on many games not just bethesda titles and with very little to no issues. I cannot say the same for the other two managers with my personal experiences. It is also a common misconception that NMM is abandoned as it gets community updates regularly. Use what you prefer of course but I cannot help you troubleshoot very well if you use Vortex (which is probably the worst thing to use other than like FOMM) or MO2.

Alongside that stuff you may want to grab LOOT[loot.github.io] especially if your planning on heavy load orders. I generally will sort using loot and then manually move anything that needs to sit anywhere specifically. This tool works with all bethesda titles so its pretty damn useful. Use after finishing your load order and then move any specific esps as needed.

Finally you'll need a nexus account so you can download the mods on there. Nexus website for Morrowind[www.nexusmods.com]



I'll do my best to keep this guide updated if any mod becomes outdated and i haven't tweaked feel free to notify me. Whenever you download a mod whether its from this guide or on your own volition check the requirements and make sure you meet them ahead of time as some of these essential mods require files that aren't on nexus but they will give you a download link. I will of course list key information whenever possible.

Install your game. Preferably on a ssd to reduce load times. Once installed launch your game and once you get to the splash screen make sure your masters are selected in the data files and go ahead and toss the highest res possible in the options it isn't going to look pretty. You just want to generate your ini files and I suggest you run the game to make sure the game actually is working before you go tacking some mods up in it.

So as usual we need to grab ourselves a script extender. MGE XE actually comes with MWSE packaged so you can either install the one that comes with MGE XE, grab the standalone MWSE here[www.nexusmods.com] Or use the nightly variant which is updated more frequently and has LUA support Morrowind Script Extender Nightly (MWSE 2.1)[github.com] I am using the nightly variant. Click on the one that says mwse.zip. Whatever route you take you must install manually by dropping the files into your Morrowind directory. ...\Steam\steamapps\common\Morrowind. Run the MWSE-Update.exe as admin and it'll handle everything from there.

These mods will be mandatory for the game to run better and will fix bugs. As usual I will make note if a mod needs a manual installation so if I mention nothing about manual installation assume to install via a mod manager. When running any exe installers for any mod in this guide (and your modding tools ie. NMM & LOOT) make sure you run them on admin to avoid any issues. It is good practice to also backup your entire game folder before manually installing large mods that will place files in several locations just in case you need to revert that way you don't get screwed having to reinstall the game or deleting multiple files all over the place.

Patch for Purists[www.nexusmods.com]
This is essentially the unofficial patch for this game. If you end up using MCP (which you will) make sure to check these two settings Under the "Mod specific" tab, select the following:
Separate axe inventory sounds & Creature voiceover enable when using the MCP.exe

Morrowind Code Patch[www.nexusmods.com]
Manually install this as NMM will incorrectly place the files into the data folder. You'll want to unzip these files into the main directory ...\Steam\steamapps\common\Morrowind. Run the exe as admin and build your patch by selecting the things you want. Remember to check off separate axe inventory sounds & Creature voice over. This patcher will also apply a 4gb patch and redate your BSA files so you can use replacer mods with no issues as like oblivion (which has SkyBSA to fix that issue) the game will go off of the date of the files.

Better Dialogue Font[www.nexusmods.com]
High res replacer for Magic Cards font used in most of the UI.

MGE XE[www.nexusmods.com]
Install manually by dropping the exe into your Morrowind directory (Or move the exe from the data files to the main directory after NMM install I suggest the former.) Uncheck the MWSE option if you grabbed the nightly or the standalone. After installing you just run MGEXEgui.exe. This is not just a graphics extender and like OR will also allow you to do things to help the game run better like mirroring textures in your VRAM. Edit your settings according to preference and PC Specs. Use the distant lands generator wizard to increase your draw distance and introduce new shadows, lightning and reflections. If you do not like the fog because it takes away some draw distance you can turn it off at the expense of the atmosphere dropping a bit. You will have to redo the wizard everytime you add any world changing mods. You can also scale the UI to your preference. 2.5-3.0 is good for 4K users.

Morrowind Optimization Patch[www.nexusmods.com]
Performance mod that fixes vanilla meshes. Due to being a BAIN mod we will have to install manually. Drop the contents of folders 00 Core and optionally 04 Better Vanilla Textures (there's a good chance these may get overridden later) into your data folder. Make sure to manually install the 02 Weapon Sheathing Patch later if you end up using the Weapon Sheathing mod.

And thats about it for essential stuff. The game will run like a charm now and already look nicer thanks to MGE XE. If you are looking to spruce up your game further with some textures and gameplay changes head on to the next section.

Now we are getting into the mods that will make Morrowind less painful to play and also make the game a bit prettier while we're at it.

Textures

Morrowind Enhanced Textures[www.nexusmods.com]
Upscales textures significantly.

Better Bodies for NMM[www.nexusmods.com]
So for whatever reason the installer isn't working anymore. So manual it is unless you wanna sit there deleting textures manually. Basically pick which one you want as there is 3 variants (One sfw, one semi nsfw, and one fully nude) keep opening folders until you reach past the data files section and then drop all of those files into your data files.

New Beast Bodies by Liztail[www.nexusmods.com]
Better bodies doesn't effect beast races so here you go. And there is a sfw option as well for those who want it.

Improved Better Heads[www.nexusmods.com]
Replaces the potato faces of non beast races. Use the unpacked version.

Pluginless Khajiit Head Pack[www.nexusmods.com]
Head replacers for Khajilts.

Darknut's Better Clothes Textures[www.nexusmods.com]
Higher quality better clothes.

Better Morrowind Armor[www.nexusmods.com]
Grab the basic version that works with NMM. Afterwards grab Various Armor Improvements and Patches[www.nexusmods.com] Use the Better Morrowind Armor Fixes file and manually install (and replace) with folders 00 data files and 01 complete armor joints into the data files.

Game overhauls + QOL

Next Generation Combat[www.nexusmods.com]
Gets rid of that super dated morrowind combat for something more modern while not making weapon skills useless. Use both esps.

Join the Dark Brotherhood - Dark Brotherhood Faction Mod[www.nexusmods.com]
Allows you to join the dark brotherhood.

Andromedas Fast Travel[www.nexusmods.com]
Allows you to fast travel via signposts. Works with real signposts provided you install the patch and use that esp over the real signpost esp.

Weapon Sheathing[www.nexusmods.com]
You can now see weapons when they are unreadied. Make sure to grab the MWSE variant.
If using MOP make sure to manually install the 02 Weapon Sheathing Patch afterwards.

Expansion Delay[www.nexusmods.com]
This prevents the DB from attacking you so early on in the game. However this can keep you out of mournhold for a very long time so you can use either A Passage to Mournhold[www.nexusmods.com] That basically lets you go there via a teleporting NPC in Vivec City (Should work with NMM but if it doesn't just drop the esp into your data folder). Or Early Transport to Mournhold[www.nexusmods.com] where you have to do a bit more leg work in order to arrange transport. I use the latter.

Speed and Stamina[www.nexusmods.com]
So this mod makes the stamina/fatigue system work a bit more like oblivion. Comes with three esps so just use the one you want. For whatever reason I don't really get the speed boost even with extreme but I like the mod because of the system workaround. You could also do Player->setspeed 100 (or any speed your looking for. Heck you could probably uncap your skills with code patch and go above 100 if its not enough) to improve your speed if this mod isn't boosting your speeds.

Alternative Run Faster - Faster Running Speed[www.nexusmods.com]
Install manually by dropping the esp you want to use in the data folder. I actually like this mod and used it for a long time but it has two flaws. It effects everyone not just you and since it effects everyone it makes the animations look super unnatural since they are moving so fast. This is why I ended up using the previous mod.

Tamriel_Data[www.nexusmods.com]
Asset repository for Tamriel Rebuilt. Install the hotfix manually.
Afterwards go into your Morrowind.ini file located in the main directory and register the BSAs added from this mod by adding the following lines to the archives section.
Archive 2=PC_Data.bsa
Archive 3=TR_Data.bsa
Archive 4=Sky_Data.bsa
ini file will be up on the discord server for those who do not want to do this themselves.

Tamriel Rebuilt[www.nexusmods.com]
Adds the morrowind mainland into the game as the game itself only takes place on the island of Vvardenfell and not the entire providence like later TES titles. Either install manually or after NMM installation move the TR_factions.esp from the 01 faction integration folder to data folder.
If you want to use Morrowind Rebirth with no issues avoid using this mod as while you can use both mods at the same time you're going to run into some problems where they both meet and the balancing of rebirth can throw off aspects of TR. Can you use both at the same time? Yeah. Should you? Thats really up to you as it shouldn't CTD your game but won't exactly be a smooth experience.

Improved Ring of Teleportation[www.nexusmods.com]
Another tp mod but this also gives you the ability to tp into areas of the mainland. Ring is located in balmorra inside the council club in the basement room on the left on the shelf. Use only one of the esps.

Real Signposts[www.nexusmods.com]
Replaces vanilla signposts to be readable. This actually works with Andromedas fast travel provided you grab the optional real signpost patch and enable that plugin over the real signpost plugin (so after installing real signposts turn off the esp in favor for the esp that you get from the andromeda fast travel patch) signpost retextured looks better and works well with TR but does not work with the andromeda's fast travel so you'll have to make that call.

Discord Rich Presence for Morrowind[www.nexusmods.com]
Discord rich presence.

Kezyma's Voices of Vvardenfell[www.nexusmods.com]
a AI voice mod that adds voice acting to the game. Currently Contains 32,998 lines of dialogue, covering 42.27% of the game. So granted its not most lines but it is being worked on and it is nice to hear the occassional dialogue, It looks like this mod will eventually cover 100% of the main game. It takes quite some time to install this mod so don't fret if it doesn't install fast just wait.

This section is for mods I have replaced either due to finding an alternative or something is preventing me from using it with the current load order like possible bugs.

Romance English Version[www.nexusmods.com]
Solid romance mod and I didn't have too many issues other than weird bug messages when I fast traveled. Didn't want to look into it feel free to try it for yourself.

Morrowind Rebirth[www.nexusmods.com]
This is a really sick mod but it does not properly work with Tamriel Rebuilt anymore because the patch is heavily outdated. The visuals are amazing but it does change a lot of gameplay aspects. Its certainly worth a run but I prefer the expanded mainland that Tamriel Rebuilt includes and I'm not crazy about the rebalancing. If you decide to use this mod I suggest to not use it with TR even though technically it'll work. Some issues are just bound to be around. I probably would even also try to use both if the balances weren't apart of the mod.

Blood & Gore 2.01[www.nexusmods.com]
Used to use this mod but people have been having issues with it recently. I haven't bothered testing this mod and idk I want to go through the trouble. Perhaps I will at a later date.

Signposts Retextured[www.nexusmods.com]
You can now actually read signposts. Make sure to also get the optional TR variant if using Tamriel Reloaded. Afterwards get the edited TR esp from here[modding-openmw.com] and manually replace the one that you grabbed from the optional TR file as the original esp has TR_Data.esm as a master which will be marked as missing since Tamriel Data changed the name of that master to Tamriel_Data.esm
I Love how this mod looks and the fact that it works for Tamriel Rebuilt. But it does not work with Andromedas Fast Travel.

- If you do not disable steam overlay when playing this game you may get a black screen that is unresponsive and will not let you tab out, alt f4, or ctrl alt delete when you exit the game normally. Only way out is to either restart PC or ctrl+alt+del, then hit tab twice then enter to close all programs and force a sign out then you can sign back in. Alternative solutions is to tab out and close via task manager instead of regularly exiting if the disable steam overlay did not work for you.

- If you get the error "One or more plugins could not find the correct versions of the master files they depend on. Errors may occur during load or game play. Check the "Warnings.txt" file for more information." Just ignore it and agree to continue running executable. This is a default behavior of vanilla Morrowind. This is caused by certain mods masters not being updated to the ones we are currently using and so they do not match. So in order to make this go away you would need to update your masters for that mod via Wrye Mash. It is just an annoying popup so if you do not want to do that just hit yes on each launch. For those who want the thing gone and do not mind using Wrye Mash to do so since it is pretty simple download Wrye Mash Standalone v88[github.com] and once you are on the mods tab select any plugin that is red or yellow and go to the right where the masters list is located. Click on any of the afflicted masters and it'll ask you if you want to update them. Hit yes and save it. Apply to all masters that need to be updated and the error should go away. For those of you who do not want to do this but still want that pesky error to go away on launch I will have the edited esps on the YT/Modding Discord[discord.gg] available for download. You would just overwrite the afflicted esps in your data files.

- If you get any cannot load X file while playing the game (Especially during character creation) and you are asked to continue running executable you most likely did not register your BSAs properly. Make sure you named them properly and put them in the right spot. Check the Tamriel Data instructions in section 4 on the guide for an in-depth explanation on how to do this.

- If any replacer mods aren't actually working run MCP again (or for the first time if you haven't already) so it can redate the files accordingly.

- The teleporter ring for some locations will not actually take you to the proper destination and send you off to some weird spot. Most of the locations I tested do work though so I would quick save before traveling just in case.

- Not sure what causes this but sometimes after loading a game you will only be able to look around but cannot walk nor open any menus, pause or use the console. The only solution I've found to this so far is rebooting your computer.

- When loading a save game that didn't have the same mods that you are currently using you will often get an error. For me it often said Local count for script 'dbattackScript' differs from saved local count. (this specific error probably came from expansion delayed.) Generally this goes away on a new game. (or making a new save and loading that) It is also practice to start a new game after creating a fresh LO.

- When tabbing back in after an alt tab out of the game you will greeted with a black screen. Do not be alarmed give it a few seconds and everything will be back to normal. This isn't like the older MGE XE where tabbing out would basically make it stop working and go back to vanilla.

FAQ & Bugs/Errors Solutions

Q: I need further 1 on 1 help and this comment section won't cut it.

A: The random FRs are killing me so here is my YT/Modding Discord[discord.gg] I will be able to help you out much further if the situation is beyond comments and if you gotta upload photos for better support.

Q: I don't like the fog is there anyway to increase my draw distance?

A: Your draw distance is already good provided you ran the distance land wizard. You''ll have to turn off the use high quality (exponential) fog setting in MGE XE and at the cost of losing the atmospheric fog you will be able to see your DD at full potential. Ngl it does kill the mood a bit in certain spots but I had to personally turn it off myself since its too damn thicc.

Q: The vanilla map sucks I need map mod.

A: You could try Map and compass or Immersive maps. I just use the MCP option to zoom out as I am using TR. Doesn't really make the map any better but it is what it is.

Q: I turned off steam overlay to avoid the unclosable black screen bug so now I have no frame counter what can I do?

A: MGE XE has 2 frame counters in it one from the game itself and one from MGE XE I use the one from MGE XE just fine you just need to toggle it on.

Q: Controller mod?

A: See the next section.

Q: Autosave mod?

A: I looked for one myself the only one I found the comment section was filled with people complaining about their game freezing. Just try to save as often as you can and rest occasionally as that's the only auto saving this game really has provided you turned it on.

Q: The game is too hard with the mods that are included.

A: Play the game without Next Gen Combat on a new character and you'll see why that statement is funny.

Q: NMM sucks use MO2

A: You couldn't pay me to use MO2

Q: LOOT does not work

A: LOOT does work just use it as intended.

Q: Why do I need to do so much work to play this game? This is ridiculous

A: Technically you only need to do sections 1-3 for the game to work just fine. That does not take a long time. Its not a lot of work. You know what is a lot of work. Figuring out what mods work together, testing mod combinations for hours to make sure they work together and troubleshooting to fix any issues. Or better yet the people that actually sat down to create these mods and the tools to use them. It is a privilege to mod our games and it is very nice of the creators of these mods to not only make these mods for free (as some of them eventually start to gate their mods through paywalls) but to maintain these mods, update them, and keep working on them to make them better and reduce bugs on their own time. So no I wouldn't call it so much work.

Q: Why are there "Sex mods" in this guide?

A: There are zero sex mods in this guide nudity does not equate "sex". You need full blown animations for that and this guide does not have this. This is a rated M title so if you are "afraid" of nudity or just don't like it you can just not get the mod wow I know right? Better Bodies even has an underwear option for the record. Don't need a whole paragraph on why some pixels on a screen enrage you.

Q: why use X over Y?

A: Usually when there are multiple mods that do the same thing I will often pick one over the other because maybe the mod i'm using works better with other mods in the LO. Or it has better performance.

Q: (Basically a follow up to the previous question) OpenMW is better than MGE XE why is this Guide/yourself using it?

A: I prefer MGE XE and OpenMW is not compatible with MWSE, (so any MWSE mods are off the table) MCP or MGE XE itself. And you have to look for mods that work with OpenMW. Do they exist? Sure I just don't want to deal with the hassle for something I don't even like that much.

Q: But OpenMW has multiplayer. Don't you want to play with others?

A: Hell no. MP games are fine and you can call me a purist for this statement IDC but I do not like SP titles becoming MP. 76 and ESO are great examples on how amazing series can become trash in a milisecond when you want to incorporate MP and/or MMO aspects.

Q: My performance tanked after getting X mod

A: When you set up your MGE XE settings be mindful of your specs. Also make sure to grab all the section 3 mods.

Q: X mod isn essential this guide sucks.

A: All mods after section 3 are not mandatory. The guides in my essential guide collection are named so due to the fact that the first 3 sections are Essential. Anything in those sections are required.

Q: I'm missing an esp or master in my LO.

A: In the morrowind launcher go to data files and check to see any unchecked plugins (that you yourself haven't unchecked)

Q: This guide helped me how I can show my thanks?

A: Leaving feedback and a Thank you is more than enough for me. I made these guides to help people so by leaving feedback you make the guide more visible to more people that could use the help. And if that's not enough for you I do make content on YT checking out a video would mean a lot to me but do not feel obligated to do so. As I said before feedback and a thank you is already more than enough.

Q: Can I use X mod with this guide/LO?

A: I won't always have an answer for that some mods are new and I've never used them or I just don't have experience with x mod. But it does not hurt to ask. Generally you'll want to pick the comments apart and look to see if any major issues are going on or if it clashes with a mod you already use. Also there are just certain older outdated mods you shouldn't be using period. Comments will sometimes reflect that. Other times there will be notoriously older broken mods most users know about.

Q: Can I clean X?

A: I strongly suggest against cleaning anything.

Q: Can I update mods mid save/playthrough?

A: I've done it so many times with no issues (recently I did brick a skyrim save tho) but you always risk ruining a save file so only do it knowing the risk that it may work out, you might have bugs later or you may lose the file.

Q: Can I remove mods or add mods mid save/playthrough?

A: See previous question. Certain mods though are safe for removal mid run and the mod author will make note of that. YMMV at the end of the day.

Q: Can you make a modding guide for X game?

A: If there is demand for it and I have experience modding the game. Yes I will. Just bear in mind these guides are a massive time sink and helping people troubleshoot does take a lot of time so you guys gotta let me know. Put the demand into it. You want a modding guide for a game please comment, let me know on the discord etc. The more demand it has the higher it will go on.

Q: Wabbajack?

A: Don't know how to use or create anything with wabbajack. Not looking to learn how to use wabbajack either as a mod manager is already more than enough for me in terms of "assisting tools". If somebody wants to make a wabbajack with this modding guide feel free to do so. I will gladly add a link to it in the guide for those that don't want to actually learn how to mod but want to reap the rewards and credit you provided it has the full LO. Obviously I will not be able to give any support on this matter with any bugs or issues if someone actually were to do this.

So I took a gander looking for controller mods and tbh most if not all of them require third party software plus the mod ie. Morrowblivrim - Xbox 360 Controls For Morrowind On A PC[www.nexusmods.com] (I guess thats the path GOG guys will have to take) As for steam users I found the path of least resistance.

First make sure controller support is enabled. Right click on the game inside of the steam cilent. Click on properties and select the controller option on the bottom. Either have default settings on or enable steam input (me personally I only have support for xbox and ps4 controllers turned on.) Afterwards exit out and look all the way to the right of the play button you'll see a controller icon go ahead and click on that (Your controller will have to be plugged in/recognized for this icon to appear.) Once the menu pops open click on the current controller layout and select community layouts. You can basically use whichever one you want especially if you plan to customize but I did make custom layouts (for both DS4 and 360) named DrakePlatinum's Skyrim Style Morrowind Control Scheme. I however do have a peculiar control scheme for KB/M as a left handed gamer so you will most likely need to rebind the keyboard buttons on my control scheme to what you use. Unless you decide to rebind to what I have.

When its all set and done the controls are pretty close to Skyrim with some slight differences considering how the controls are for this game. If there is anything that you don't like or want to change you can. That is the beauty of this system. For Dualsense users you will have to use a third party software such as DSX to emulate a DS4 or 360 controller (This is what I do)

And that's about it on this front. It ain't pretty but it gets the job done and can help all of us gamers that struggle to play extended hours on KB/M because we're getting old lol. A good way to play with this is to use the mouse for menus and talking and the other aspects of gameplay with the controller.

And thats about it for now at least. May add or remove things as time goes on. But all the mods that aren't labeled untested have had many hours put through them with little to no issues. So in theory you guys should be good. But mods don't get installed properly sometimes or more often than not another mod that a person has from their own order can clash. Having a bad load order can cause issues. Or even just missing one little step can sometimes cause a bug.

So if you do run into issues feel free to drop a comment I'll do my best to help troubleshooting but if you are not using NMM I may or may not be able to help you depending on what the situation is. Thanks for reading everyone and I hope this helped your Morrowind. Whether you came here for the whole enchilada or 1 small piece of information or mod thats enough for me knowing I helped you out just a little.



As I write up more mod guides I will link them below:

Oblivion 2024 Essential Modding Guide

Fallout 3 2024 Essential Modding Guide

Fallout New Vegas 2024 Essential Modding Guide

Fallout 4 2024 Essential Modding Guide

Skyrim SE 2024 Essential Modding Guide

Starfield 2024 Essential Modding Guide (WIP)

Baldur's Gate 3 2024 Modding Guide (WIP)

The Witcher 3 2024 Modding Guide

Cyberpunk 2077 Modding Guide