Just the Fixes Vanilla Oblivion Modlist 2023 (2024)

► INTRODUCTION (Read it)

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

[ The Guide ]
The main goal of this guide is to provide an up-to-date list of mods that simply serve to fix, tweak and improve the existing Oblivion experience for a modern day playthrough. With the end goal of keeping the original experience intact while also improving it's stability for the current year.

This guide is designed to be as simple as possible and avoid long and drawn out explanations and setup so you can get to
playing right away.

[ Why? ]
Oblivion is one of those games that I feel I don't need to mod very much as I like its interesting quirks and the old memories I have of it.
I recently played through the game and many of its side quests and activities with this simple list.

I encountered a total of

one crash and zero noticeable bugs, which is a win in my book for an old Bethesda Game, I'm kidding...[/spoiler][ Important Note ]
I would recommend using all of the mods listed here, but any mod with anasterix(*)beside it, I would consider them NECESSARY.

Anyways, lets get started...[/spoiler]

► SETUP / REQUIREMENTS (Read it)

This guide is written with the assumption that you already own and have installed,Oblivion Game of the Year Edition on Steam
(Make sure to run Oblivion at least once before installing mods)

* [ Mod Organizer 2 ]
A mod management software
(Makes management of any modlist much easier and less of a headache)

[Installation] (Note: Do NOT install MO2 in Program Files or any other UAC Folders)

Download the latest version from the releases section and follow the setup process
In the top left, click File > Manage Instances > Create New Instance
Create a Global Instance > Select Oblivion, then set the location where you'd like all of the mods and downloads to be stored
Next, in the top left, click Tools > Profiles, CHECK "Automatic Archive Invalidation" and UNCHECK "Use Profile-Specific INIs"
Click close and you are done.

[Notes]

Yes, you can use Vortex Mod Manager if you'd like, but I will not be covering it's setup or differences for installation here.
The GOG version as well as a physical copy of Oblivion will also work, but will require some extra setup that I will not be covering here.
(If you need extra help / information of MO2's setup for Oblivion please refer to the article on StepModifications for a simple tutorial.)

* [ Additional Setup ]
Next, I would recommend you disable Steam Overlay for Oblivion, it has been known to cause performance issues and even crashing.
This is optional, if you don't notice an impact with it on, you can leave it.

Open your Steam Library > right click on Oblivion > Select "Properties"
Under the General tab, uncheck "Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game" (see image below)

[/spoiler]

[ Oblivion.ini Configuration ](Optional)
Originally I was going to provide a custom setup Oblivion.ini file, in hindsight this would work but may not be compatible with everyones system (depending) so I thought I would instead provide optional / recommended ini tweaks here instead.
(This explanation is very basic as this step is optional, but may be useful to some)

Download BethINI, extract to desired location and run BethINI.exe
Choose "Oblivion" in the "Choose Game" dropdown menu
In the "presets" section, tick "BethINI Presets" and "Recommended Tweaks" (see image below)
From here you can go through each of the tabs and set your preferences accordingly
Save and exit when you are done

[/spoiler]

[Notes]

If you need extra help with BethINI, feel free to ask in the comments or check the "Articles" tab for a link that explains its use and tweaks.
[/spoiler]

► CORE (3 Mods)

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

* [ xOBSE - Oblivion Script Extender ]
An updated community fork of the original Oblivion Script Extender.
(Needed for most script related mods that use its new functions to work)

[Installation]

Copyobse_1_2_416.dllandData from xOBSE into theData folderin yourOblivion directory.

[Note]

If you want to use theConstruction Kitto make mods, copyobse_editor_1_2.dllandobse_loader.exeinto your Oblivion directory as well.
You DO NOT need to launch the game from "obse_loader.exe" nor should you, you can launch the game from Oblivion.exe in MO2

* [ 4GB RAM Patcher ]
Applies a >2gb patch to Oblivion, essentially allowing Oblivion to use more RAM.
(Improves stability and performance, required for any heavier mods, ideal for running Oblivion on a modern system even without mods)

[Installation]

Copy 4gb patch.exe to your Oblivion directory
Run 4gb patch.exe, when asked what files to patch, choose Oblivion.exe and OblivionLauncher.exe

[Note]

32 bit systems require a slightly different setup, see the mod page for details (most of you won’t be using 32 bit anyway to be honest)*[ Unofficial Oblivion Patch + Unofficial DLC Patches + Unofficial SI Patch ]
Unofficial community patches for both Oblivion and it’s DLC’s
(Fix a number of bugs and inconsistencies with Oblivion and its DLCs)

[Installation]
Download all three mods and install with Mod Manager
[/spoiler]

► TWEAKS / FIXES (7 Mods)

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬

* [ Engine Bug Fixes ]
Fixes a number of engine related bugs
(Prevents stuttering, common crashes and softlocks)

[Installation]
This one needs to be installedmanuallyas it sometimes doesn’t work with MO2, simply copy theData folderfrom the Engine Bug Fixes mod to yourOblivion Directory.

* [ Oblivion Display Tweaks ]
Provides a number of fixes relating to FPS, crashes etc. along with many stability improvements
(Provides QoL fixes, prevents stuttering, common crashes and softlocks)

[Installation]

Download and install with M02 (Can be tweaked via .ini file, tweaked version provided in files section, see below)
(OPTIONAL) In MO2, right-click the mod, choose "Open in explorer" to find the ini folder
(OPTIONAL) Download the ini provided and replace "oblivion_display_tweaks.ini" located in "OBSE\Plugins" folder

* [ Blue’s Engine Fixes ]
Fixes an infamous crash bug relating to memory issues with Oblivion's Engine
(Prevents common crashes)

[Installation]
Download and install with MO2

[ SB Weapon Drop Fix ]
Prevents NPCs from dropping their weapons so they don't fall through the map / disappear
(Common bug, very annoying when you lose a good weapon to this)

[Installation]
Download and install with MO2

[ Mercantile Experience Fix ]
Fixes mercantile experience gain during barter, an oversight by developers
(Mercantile XP would be granted based on amount of transactions rather than items sold)

[Installation]
Download and install with MO2

[ Complete Clutter and Crop Ownership ]
Adds ownership to clutter and crops
(No more stealing everything for some early game loot)

[Installation]
Download and install with MO2

~~[ Creature Spawn Chance Fix ]~~
*This mod is no longer needed, as it has been found to be redundant*
(Author's note on the mod page)

[Installation]
Don't, lol

▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
[/url][ Vanilla Combat Enhanced ]*𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴*
Balances / tweaks the combat system without adding any major new features or mechanics

[Installation]

[/size]

Download and install with M02 (Can be tweaked via .ini file, tweaked version provided in files section, see below)

(OPTIONAL) In MO2, right-click the mod, choose "Open in explorer" to find the ini folder

(OPTIONAL) Download the ini provided and replace "VanillaCombatEnhanced.ini" located in "Vanilla Combat Enhanced\ini" folder

[ Balanced Magic ] *𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴*
Balances / tweaks the magic system without adding any major new features or mechanics

[Installation]
Download Main file and install with MO2

[size=4][ Real Retroactive Health Formula ] *𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴*
Recalculates HP based on attribute points and level, not solely on Endurance

[Installation]
Download Main file and install with MO2

[ More Effective Enchantments ]
Tweaks all enchanted items to have more total uses before recharge is needed

[Installation]
Download and install with MO2

[ No Start Game Fast Travel ]
Removes ability to fast travel to any major city after leaving the sewers

[Installation]
Download and install with MO2

[ Balanced Unleveled Rewards ]
Removes level scaling from all leveled quest rewards and items to balance drops

[Installation]
Download "All-in-one" version and install with MO2

[ Balanced Creature Stats ]
Balances creature levels to scale better with the player

[Installation]
Download"Main File"and"DLC Patch"and install with MO2

[ Balanced NPC Level Cap ]
Balances difficulty and reward by adding level caps to NPCs and tweaking loot drops

[Installation]
Download"Main File"and"DLC Patch"and install with MO2[/spoiler]

► QUALITY OF LIFE (8 Mods)

This section isentirely optional but recommended, it’s for mods that make the experience smoother, adding basic QoL fixes
and tweaks that don't change the core game at all.

[ Simple Saves Plus ]
Automatically creates save files at custom time intervals

[Installation]
Download and install with MO2
(Can be tweaked via .ini file, tweaked version provided in files section)

[ Simple Better Inventory And Map ]
Tweaks proportions of inventory items / spells / maps to make it less convoluted

[Installation]
Download and install with MO2

[ R to Take All ]
Take all items in a menu by pressing "R", like in Skyrim

[Installation]
Download and install with MO2

[ De-nock Arrows ]
Allows you to de-nock arrows when drawn by pressing "R", like in Skyrim

[Installation]
Download and install with MO2

[ Quest NPCs Run ]
Quest NPCs will now run to their objective instead of slowly walking

[Installation]
Download and install with MO2

[ Faster Sleep Wait ]
Makes Sleep Wait menu faster, no more waiting for each hour to slowly tick by

[Installation]
Download and install with MO2

[ Keychain ]
Stores all keys in a keychain in your inventory for organization

[Installation]
Download and install with MO2

[ Toggleable Quantity Prompt ]
Allows you to auto-confirm the quantity prompt in inventory / barter menus

[Installation]
Download and install with MO2[/spoiler]

► IMPORTANT NOTES (Read it)

The list is also meant to bemodular, meaning that not only are all these mods compatible with one another, but you can also choosenotto install certain mods in the list if the changes don't suit your taste.(Excluding the mods deemed necessary, see below)

Once again, the mods with theasterix (*)beside them I would deem to be NECESSARY for this list, if you choose to ignore them, I cannot and will not provide support.

As for mods that makesomewhat substantialtweaks or changes, they have been marked with: *𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘭 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦s

In case you want to keep your experience 100% vanilla, the mods with this marking all told are still very vanilla friendly, but just for those that only want the straight up no-nonsense fixes only, I put this tag there just so you know.

[/spoiler]
► CLOSING (Read it)

Any questions, comments or suggestions are more than welcome in the here, or you can find me at the links below.

I will try to keep the list clean and updated for the foreseeable future.
Thanks all for reading, and have fun.

 → Talos guide you, now go re-experience this old gem of a game. ←

[url=https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2973420228]

Just the Fixes Vanilla Oblivion Modlist 2023 (2024)

References