Hey guys, long time visitor but new user, Anyway - to kick things off I wanted to post a thread I've been maintaining somewhere else.
After ordering some new (and badly needed) computer hardware I recently decided to dive back into Oblivion courtesy of steams release. This time I thought I would take the time to fully mod the game to my liking - what a pain that turned out to be. There's a huge amount of mods out there and sifting through all of them was maddening. After a few days my bookmark page has been filled with mod-related content just to help me make an informed decision. So, to save everyone the trouble of weaving in and out of Google, I've added all the information I've come across into one thread.
This is a work in progress and any help is welcome.
Essential downloads even if you aren't planning on altering your game.
Unofficial Oblivion Patch [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5296]
Unofficial Shivering Isles Patch [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10739]
Unofficial Official Mods Patch [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9969]
Essential downloads if you're planning on adding mods
Oblivion Mod Manager [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2097]
Better Oblivion Sorting Software [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20516]
Some mods require
Oblivion Script Extender [http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=900993]
Wrye Bash [http://wrye.ufrealms.net/#WryeBash] (scroll down here [http://amito.freehostia.com/Oblivion/OB-mods-Part1.htm] to find step-by-step instructions)
Optimization
Mods which improve FPS with no loss visually
Streamline [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10400]
Operation Optimization [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10510]
Optimized Distant Land MAX [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15278]
Beginners
Where to download mods
TES Nexus
Planet Elder Scrolls [http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.HOF]
The most popular Oblivion mod sites. It's worth going through the most popular mods first to see if anything catches your attention.
Elder Scrolls Filefront [http://elderscrolls.filefront.com/]
Another mod website which, contrary to the previous 2, doesn't require a registration before you can start downloading.
Information on installing and loading mods
Mods 101 [http://amito.freehostia.com/Oblivion/OB-tips.htm#MODs]
Mod Order
Arwen's Oblivion MODs [http://amito.freehostia.com/Oblivion/OB-mods.htm]
It may be cumbersome to navigate but this site is filled to the brim with content. As well as providing a huge list of mods, the sites creator includes tutorials (shown above) as well as an in-game journal describing the various mods in action.
The Oblivion Texture Overhaul [http://devnull.sweetdanger.net/obliviontextureoverhaul.html]
Deals exclusively with visual mods. This site also offers an excellent comparison between some of the various LOD mods available.
Regarding Facial Textures: Many users prefer to use both the IFT [http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=1507] and Enayla [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14805] mods together as Enayla only updates the base skin texture while IFT includes updated age lines. First install IFT then Enayla to get the best of both worlds ? must be done in that order. (same procedure if you prefer Natural Faces [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1965] over IFT)
The Oblivion Quest List
Same author as the site above, this site exclusively lists quest mods.
Note: The Bartholm link is outdated, get the newest version here [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5022]
Oblivion Vampire Mod List
As the title suggests, all the mods listed deal exclusively with Vampires.
MORE [http://oblivionsrealestate.com/Resources/resources.html]
A large list of mods for Oblivion's real estate
Gyshall [http://gyshall.com/my-favorite-elder-scrolls-oblivion-mods/]
A solid and recently updated list of various mods which feature detailed descriptions.
A's List of Recommended Mods [http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Review:A%27s_List_of_Recommended_Mods]
An outdated but still decent mod list ? the author inserts icons alongside mods which are 'popular', 'outstanding', and his own 'personal favorites'.
Delte Thread of IMMERSION Mods [http://www.bethsoft.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=983734]
Amazing thread by Delte describing various immersion mods I might not have found otherwise. You might find this useful even if you aren't into complete realism.
Magic Overhaul Comparison
There are a multitude of mods which balance or completely revamp Oblivion's magic system. Bg2408 clearly outlines the differences between each one.
SD's SI Mod List [http://www.bethsoft.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=729907]
Smokindan lists mods used exclusively for Shivering Isles.
Environment Mod List [http://www.bethsoft.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=960829]
Wrinkly Ninja's huge post on environmental mods.
List of Offhand/Parry weapons
Buddah and Crowe's list of weapon mods.
Nanook's List of Pose Mods [http://dws.kikaimegami.com/viewtopic.php?t=841]
A list of mods dealing with poses and animations
Jack's List of Ayelid Mods [http://www.bethsoft.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=818598/]
'For the Ayelid enthusiast', get all your Ayelid-related mods here.
A Quick Word on the Big 3
There are 3 popular mods which promise to completely revamp your game, one of which can be used in combination with the others (Fran + MMM) (OOO + MMM). In addition, there's a mod which mixes these three together.
General Info
Francesco's Leveled Creatures [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2518]
Changes the leveling and looting system so you'll see more enemies and loot of all levels. Enemies which used to to have unrealistic stats/items at higher levels now have their levels capped; no more bandits with deadric armor. This mod comes with an additional loot/creature plugin which should be of high quality though there have been complaints of one disturbing creature design.
Oscuros Oblivion Overhaul [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15256]
Gets rid of leveling completely - Monsters are now stuck at a static level and the world is a much harsher place. Dungeons now have varying difficulty, many of which are impossible to defeat at lower levels. Traps kill instantly and wild animals pose a real threat. OOO has various other mods already integrated and adds additional quests.
Martigens Monster Mod [http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=oblivionmods.detail&id=4226]
A huge content pack compatable with the previous two mods using Wrye. Adds many new monsters, revamps existing ones and adds optional adventurers who are also after riches and glory (watch out as they may compete with you for loot). Go to Delte's [http://www.bethsoft.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=983734] thread to better understand some of the interesting plug-ins included in this mod.
and finally...
FCOM: Convergence [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12249]
This final mod integrates the previous 3 together. From what I gather it uses the same mechanics as OOO but adds all the extra creatures/items from Francesco along with MMM's extra content.
A collection of recommended mods from myself and others - keep in mind that this will feature a wide range of tastes
Visual
Quarl's Texture Pack 3 - Redimized [http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?id=3813&view=OblivionMods.Detail]
Bombret's Texture Pack - Shivering Isles [http://www.elricm.com/nuke/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=Downloads&file=index&req=viewdownloaddetails&lid=4314]
Animated Window Lighting System [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19628]
Cyrodil NPC Remodeling Project (scroll down) [http://www.tesnexus.com/modules/members/index.php?id=534078]
Note: Fighters Guild pack must be run after all the others
Tamriel NPCs Revamped [http://www.oblivionmodwiki.com/index.php/Tamriel_NPCs_Revamped]
Kafeis Better Amulet Replacer [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=4126]
Kafeis Better Ring Replacer
Really AEVWD [http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20053]
All Natural [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=18305]
Better Nightsky
Visually Enchanted Customizer [http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2398]
Advanced Water Modification [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2734]
Quests
The Lost Spires [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12997]
The Fight For Castle Ravenpride [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11999]
Blood and Mud [http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12016]
Tamriel Rebuilt Map 1 - Stirk [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22401]
Tamriel Rebuilt Map 2 - Antediluvian Secrets [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=21154]
Gameplay
Less Annoying Magic Experience [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20371]
Deadly Reflex [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8273]
Enhanced Grabbing
SM Plugin Refurbish
Reneer's Guard Overhaul [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5977]
Weapons/Armor
Addonay's Elven Weaponry [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=4804]
Lost Paladins of the Divines
FrostMourne Sword [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17410]
Pit Armor [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8779]
Introduction
After ordering some new (and badly needed) computer hardware I recently decided to dive back into Oblivion courtesy of steams release. This time I thought I would take the time to fully mod the game to my liking - what a pain that turned out to be. There's a huge amount of mods out there and sifting through all of them was maddening. After a few days my bookmark page has been filled with mod-related content just to help me make an informed decision. So, to save everyone the trouble of weaving in and out of Google, I've added all the information I've come across into one thread.
This is a work in progress and any help is welcome.
Essential Mods
Essential downloads even if you aren't planning on altering your game.
Unofficial Oblivion Patch [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5296]
Unofficial Shivering Isles Patch [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10739]
Unofficial Official Mods Patch [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9969]
Essential downloads if you're planning on adding mods
Oblivion Mod Manager [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2097]
Better Oblivion Sorting Software [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20516]
Some mods require
Oblivion Script Extender [http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=900993]
Wrye Bash [http://wrye.ufrealms.net/#WryeBash] (scroll down here [http://amito.freehostia.com/Oblivion/OB-mods-Part1.htm] to find step-by-step instructions)
Optimization
Mods which improve FPS with no loss visually
Streamline [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10400]
Operation Optimization [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10510]
Optimized Distant Land MAX [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15278]
Beginners
Where to download mods
TES Nexus
Planet Elder Scrolls [http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.HOF]
The most popular Oblivion mod sites. It's worth going through the most popular mods first to see if anything catches your attention.
Elder Scrolls Filefront [http://elderscrolls.filefront.com/]
Another mod website which, contrary to the previous 2, doesn't require a registration before you can start downloading.
Information on installing and loading mods
Mods 101 [http://amito.freehostia.com/Oblivion/OB-tips.htm#MODs]
Mod Order
Mod Websites
Arwen's Oblivion MODs [http://amito.freehostia.com/Oblivion/OB-mods.htm]
It may be cumbersome to navigate but this site is filled to the brim with content. As well as providing a huge list of mods, the sites creator includes tutorials (shown above) as well as an in-game journal describing the various mods in action.
The Oblivion Texture Overhaul [http://devnull.sweetdanger.net/obliviontextureoverhaul.html]
Deals exclusively with visual mods. This site also offers an excellent comparison between some of the various LOD mods available.
Regarding Facial Textures: Many users prefer to use both the IFT [http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=1507] and Enayla [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14805] mods together as Enayla only updates the base skin texture while IFT includes updated age lines. First install IFT then Enayla to get the best of both worlds ? must be done in that order. (same procedure if you prefer Natural Faces [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1965] over IFT)
The Oblivion Quest List
Same author as the site above, this site exclusively lists quest mods.
Note: The Bartholm link is outdated, get the newest version here [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5022]
Oblivion Vampire Mod List
As the title suggests, all the mods listed deal exclusively with Vampires.
MORE [http://oblivionsrealestate.com/Resources/resources.html]
A large list of mods for Oblivion's real estate
Gyshall [http://gyshall.com/my-favorite-elder-scrolls-oblivion-mods/]
A solid and recently updated list of various mods which feature detailed descriptions.
A's List of Recommended Mods [http://www.uesp.net/wiki/Review:A%27s_List_of_Recommended_Mods]
An outdated but still decent mod list ? the author inserts icons alongside mods which are 'popular', 'outstanding', and his own 'personal favorites'.
Forums
Delte Thread of IMMERSION Mods [http://www.bethsoft.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=983734]
Amazing thread by Delte describing various immersion mods I might not have found otherwise. You might find this useful even if you aren't into complete realism.
Magic Overhaul Comparison
There are a multitude of mods which balance or completely revamp Oblivion's magic system. Bg2408 clearly outlines the differences between each one.
SD's SI Mod List [http://www.bethsoft.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=729907]
Smokindan lists mods used exclusively for Shivering Isles.
Environment Mod List [http://www.bethsoft.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=960829]
Wrinkly Ninja's huge post on environmental mods.
List of Offhand/Parry weapons
Buddah and Crowe's list of weapon mods.
Nanook's List of Pose Mods [http://dws.kikaimegami.com/viewtopic.php?t=841]
A list of mods dealing with poses and animations
Jack's List of Ayelid Mods [http://www.bethsoft.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=818598/]
'For the Ayelid enthusiast', get all your Ayelid-related mods here.
A Quick Word on the Big 3
There are 3 popular mods which promise to completely revamp your game, one of which can be used in combination with the others (Fran + MMM) (OOO + MMM). In addition, there's a mod which mixes these three together.
General Info
Francesco's Leveled Creatures [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2518]
Changes the leveling and looting system so you'll see more enemies and loot of all levels. Enemies which used to to have unrealistic stats/items at higher levels now have their levels capped; no more bandits with deadric armor. This mod comes with an additional loot/creature plugin which should be of high quality though there have been complaints of one disturbing creature design.
Oscuros Oblivion Overhaul [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15256]
Gets rid of leveling completely - Monsters are now stuck at a static level and the world is a much harsher place. Dungeons now have varying difficulty, many of which are impossible to defeat at lower levels. Traps kill instantly and wild animals pose a real threat. OOO has various other mods already integrated and adds additional quests.
Martigens Monster Mod [http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=oblivionmods.detail&id=4226]
A huge content pack compatable with the previous two mods using Wrye. Adds many new monsters, revamps existing ones and adds optional adventurers who are also after riches and glory (watch out as they may compete with you for loot). Go to Delte's [http://www.bethsoft.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=983734] thread to better understand some of the interesting plug-ins included in this mod.
and finally...
FCOM: Convergence [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12249]
This final mod integrates the previous 3 together. From what I gather it uses the same mechanics as OOO but adds all the extra creatures/items from Francesco along with MMM's extra content.
Recommended Mods
A collection of recommended mods from myself and others - keep in mind that this will feature a wide range of tastes
Visual
Quarl's Texture Pack 3 - Redimized [http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?id=3813&view=OblivionMods.Detail]
Bombret's Texture Pack - Shivering Isles [http://www.elricm.com/nuke/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=Downloads&file=index&req=viewdownloaddetails&lid=4314]
Animated Window Lighting System [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19628]
Cyrodil NPC Remodeling Project (scroll down) [http://www.tesnexus.com/modules/members/index.php?id=534078]
Note: Fighters Guild pack must be run after all the others
Tamriel NPCs Revamped [http://www.oblivionmodwiki.com/index.php/Tamriel_NPCs_Revamped]
Kafeis Better Amulet Replacer [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=4126]
Kafeis Better Ring Replacer
Really AEVWD [http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20053]
All Natural [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=18305]
Better Nightsky
Visually Enchanted Customizer [http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2398]
Advanced Water Modification [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2734]
Quests
The Lost Spires [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12997]
The Fight For Castle Ravenpride [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11999]
Blood and Mud [http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12016]
Tamriel Rebuilt Map 1 - Stirk [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=22401]
Tamriel Rebuilt Map 2 - Antediluvian Secrets [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=21154]
Gameplay
Less Annoying Magic Experience [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20371]
Deadly Reflex [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8273]
Enhanced Grabbing
SM Plugin Refurbish
Reneer's Guard Overhaul [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5977]
Weapons/Armor
Addonay's Elven Weaponry [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=4804]
Lost Paladins of the Divines
FrostMourne Sword [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17410]
Pit Armor [http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8779]
