Unleash the full potential of Skyrim: Special Edition on PS4 with the best mods! Enhance your gameplay and explore new ways to enjoy the timeless RPG on your Console.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an epic action-adventure that first graced our screens in 2011 and received a subsequent remaster with Skyrim: Special Edition in 2016. After captivating gamers for over a decade, the game has started showing its age.
The Visual fidelity and mechanics of the game are nowhere near the current titles, but the vast Modding community aims to fix just that.
Read More: Skyrim: Special Edition – Modding Explained (Both PC and Console)
Previously, Skyrim Mods were exclusive to the PC platform due to technological limitations. But PS4 players now have the golden ticket to explore a reinvigorated Skyrim, thanks to the relentless efforts of the modding community, who’ve brought overhauls and bug fixes to the world of consoles.
This game is an absolute must-play even in 2023, and with a few of the mods we’ll list below, you can elevate your experience playing Skyrim: Special Edition on PS4. So, check out our modding guide to know how to install Mods for Skyrim: Special Edition on PS4.
How to Install for Skyrim: Special Edition on PS4
We will briefly review how you can set up and start downloading and installing mods for Skyrim: Special Edition on PS4. Do note that you cannot Mod the basic version of Skyrim. You need the 2016 Special Edition.
- First, open up a free account on Bethesda.net and link your Playstation account.
- Then, open up the game and scroll to the Mods section, where you’ll be prompted to log in to your Bethesda account.
- After doing so, you will be greeted with a selection of mods that you can simply choose and download.
For further details, check our guide on Skyrim: Special Edition – Modding Explained (Both PC and Console).
Top 25 Best PS4 Mods in Skyrim Special Edition
Skyrim: Special Edition is a great game in its own right. However, the Mods discussed in this guide will enhance your gameplay experience to the next level. The Mods here are from the Official Bethesda webpage, which you can visit to get the full library of all the mods.
But in this list, we have cherrypicked the very best from various categories, which will be all you need to get started Modding Skyrim: Special Edition on PS4.
Simply go to the mod of your choice from the website and select “add to library.” You can find all your mods neatly arranged in a folder from within the game’s mod menu, which can be easily downloaded.
So, without further ado, let’s get started on the best PS4 Mods in Skyrim: Special Edition. To simplify this list, we have divided it into 4 major sections: Bug Fixes/Quality of Life Improvements, Graphics Overhaul, Combat Overhaul, and Immersion.
Bug Fixes/Quality of Life Improvements
1. Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch [USSEP]
Download Link: Bethesda
We have the Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch to start our list. It is a mod dedicated to fixing every bug and glitch which were not officially addressed by the Bethesda developers in Skyrim: Special Edition on PS4. This is the simplest mod that improves quality of life to a great extent; no more of those pesky unpassable, bugged missions by Esbern!
2. Faster Leveling
Download Link: Bethesda
Faster Leveling is a simple yet very effective Mod for Skyrim: Special Edition on PS4. As fun of a game Skyrim is, once your stats reach around level 80-85, the time it takes to level them up is exponentially higher, leading to the game becoming boring for some of you. This mod increases the leveling speed but in a very balanced way.
All of your skills level up 2.5% faster, while lockpicking and Speechcraft gain a 5.5% and 15.1% boost, respectively. It’s enough to make a difference, but not so much that it breaks the game. This mod has compatibility issues with Ordinator, and if you have any other mods that change the leveling speed of a certain skill, it needs to be loaded After Faster Leveling.
3. Rich Merchants Of Skryim: Special Edtion
Download Link: Bethesda
Have a lot of loot that you want to get rid of and make coins in the process? Tired of the peasant traders of Skyrim? Try out the mod “Rich Merchants Of Skryim: Special Edtion.”
This simple mod increases the Gold capacity of the Merchants in Skyrim to 10,000. Now, you can sell your items to your heart’s content.
4. Better Loot (Treasure Hunter Edition)
Download Link: Bethesda
While rummaging around the countless Chests and Containers across Skyrim, have you ever found the rewards lacking? Well, this mod aims to change just that.
This mod tweaks over 7000+ containers, increasing their chances of having loot inside and also increasing the amount and rarity of the existing loot. It also makes gems/jewelry/gold more common in Bandit chests, along with Urns now having a variety of rare weapons.
5. Multiple Followers System
Ever wanted to wander Skyrim with a posse of strong followers and pets backing you up like your own hit squad? This mod expands your follower slots to five companions and five pet followers and overhauls their AI, making your entourage more talkative and engaging.
To use this feature, simply craft the “MFS: Basic Manual” book under the MISC category at a tanning rack, using a “Roll of Paper” as a material.
Then, create the spell tome “Stop Friendly Fire (Power)” in the same category to halt conflicts among your followers. Use it in conjunction with the next mod to have the most lively Skyrim experience.
6. GET No More Dead Followers (A Game Environment Tweaks Mod)
Download Link: Bethesda
Do you ever hold back on powerful spells or epic bow shots because you’re afraid of accidentally taking out your loyal followers? Do you worry about taking them to high-level areas as you question their survivability? Well, worry no more!
This mod grants immortality to all your followers, including animal companions. This mod makes followers drop to one knee as their HP is reduced to 1. They are immobile for a while and cannot be killed in this state. This mod marks the 65 potential followers along with animals and makes them immortal.
7. Skyrim @ 60fps
Download Link: Bethesda
As the name suggests, this mod allows Skyrim to run seamlessly at a buttery 60 fps.
However, it’s important to remember that the PS4’s hardware limitations might restrict the number of mods you can load while enjoying that silky-smooth frame rate.
If you want to maximize your modding experience, having a more powerful PS4 Pro could be beneficial.
8. Player Carry Weight Increase
Download Link: Bethesda
Here’s a handy mod for all you treasure hunters and hoarders out there. It’s a simple quality-of-life improvement that boosts your carry weight by a whopping +10,000. Say goodbye to that annoying ‘Over-encumbered’ warning and loot to your heart’s content!
9. ALL Map Locations Discovered
Download Link: Bethesda
As the name suggests, this simple quality-of-life mod adds all the discoverable locations to your map right from the get-go.
It also adds map markers like Sovengarde Start, Mead Hall, Temple of Miraak Exit, Dragonborn Location: Bloodskull Barrow Exit, and 4 markers for Skudafn.
This mod is handy if you want to jump directly into the action instead of wandering about and exploring.
Graphics Overhaul
1. Obsidian Weathers
Download Link: Bethesda
From the Modders Dr. Megaloblast and Arindel, who are well known throughout the Skyrim Modding community for producing the best Lighting and Weather mods, comes Obsidian Weathers.
This Mod brings Sharp, Ominous, and Atmospheric lighting and weather to the world of Skyrim. Obsidian Weather accentuates proximal detail while obscuring distant landscapes in mysterious rolling fogs and atmospheric scattering.
Obsidian is a collaborative work that combines artistic styles that enhance Skyrim for her beauty while preserving her dated modesty.
2. Rain and Snow FX
Download Link: Bethesda
Next on our list is Rain and Snow FX. As the name suggests, this mod adds special effects to your character when subjected to frost and wetness (with dripping particle effects) in the rain and snowstorms.
The player’s skin will also be wet during and just after swimming. When the weather clears, or you walk into an interior, the effect will quickly disappear or “dry off”.
In the snow, your skin and armor will also ice over noticeably. The effect is more subtle when in the rain, but your skin will be shiny and dripping with rainwater.
3. Lively Graphics Overhaul
Download Link: Bethesda
Next up on our list is Lively Graphics Overhaul for PS4. This graphics mod injects life, vibrancy, and renewed energy into the game. Say goodbye to the tired, washed-out visuals of the past.
Once you’ve experienced it, you won’t need a side-by-side comparison; the transformation will be instantly noticeable when you enter Skyrim’s world. Immerse yourself in Skyrim’s revitalized and more colorful realm and the step up from the vanilla version.
4. WATER – Water And Terrain Enhancement Redux
Download Link: Bethesda
This mod adds crisp and vivid textures to Skyrim’s waters and fixes its interactions with the environment. After Skyrim SE was released, its water system was revamped to show the flow of water depending on the environment.
Although the rivers looked more immersive, the game added this flow to all bodies of water, including small ponds, which look bizarre. This mod fixes these issues by removing this flow effect from water bodies that shouldn’t have it and enhancing it for the ones that should.
5. Surreal Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important visual factors for Video games, and Skyrim is no exception. Surreal Lighting is a graphical mod that alters weather, and imagespaces and adds sun lens flares to achieve an overall vibrant lighting that is very pleasant to look at and brings a cheerful feeling to Skyrim.
Immersion
1. Immersive Citizens – AI Overhaul
Download Link: Bethesda
Next up on our list, we have Immersive Citizens – AI Overhaul [PS4]. This mod enhances the game’s overall immersion by significantly boosting the Artificial Intelligence of friendly citizens.
This improvement makes them behave and respond much more like real humans, adapting to their surroundings and reacting appropriately to threats.
The detailed list of changes can also be checked out here.
2. Immersive Movement
Download Link: Bethesda
This mod overhauls how your character, NPCs, animals, and creatures move in Skyrim, aiming for greater realism and immersion.
You’ll notice changes that make movement more natural, introduce a touch of challenge, and stay true to the game’s lore. Plus, it seamlessly integrates into your existing load order without conflicting with any other mods.
3. Realistic Conversations
As great of a game as Skyrim is, the game’s AI is quite backdated. For example, NPCs seem to have a longer between sentences, breaking immersion. This mod makes Skyrim’s NPCs talk more naturally and interact like real people.
They won’t shout greetings from afar or overdo it, making the world feel less robotic. NPCs are smarter, too; they remember previous conversations and adjust their interactions accordingly.
Moreover, their expressions and emotions are enhanced, making them feel alive and making your gameplay experience more immersive.
4. Better Combat AI
Download Link: Bethesda
This mod takes Skyrim’s combat to the next level by enhancing NPC combat AI in various ways. NPCs exhibit smarter combat behaviors: they use power attacks effectively, attack aggressively in groups, bash and stagger, and more.
Combat styles are diversified for a more immersive experience; for instance, berserker NPCs prioritize attacking, while tanks focus on defense. Creatures like wolves now circle their prey, dragons prefer aerial attacks, and giants can flee.
Additionally, passive animals have increased confidence when in groups, and Hagravens and Spriggans become more aggressive spellcasters. With these improvements, Skyrim’s combat world becomes richer and more challenging.
Combat Overhaul
1. Phenderix Magic Reloaded
Download Link Part 1: Bethesda
Download Link Part 2: Bethesda
As a successor to the most popular PS4 Magic Mod: Phenderix Magic Evolved, comes Phenderix Magic Reloaded Part 1 and 2. You need both Part 1 and 2 for this mod to work. This mod is incompatible with Phenderix Magic World, Magic Evolved, Arcane Archery, or Elemental Fighter.
This Mod adds a new location named Manantis, along with 250+ New Spells and 60+ New Arrows and Bolts. It also adds New Elemental Archetypes, Summons, Legendary Enchanted Weapons, Staffs, Enchanted Artifacts, Elemental Unarmed Martial Arts, Boss Encounters, Loading Screens, Player Home and much more!
A Video guide to this mod can also be found here.
2. More Blood And Gore!
Download Link: Bethesda
Whether you’re swinging a greatsword or dual-wielding daggers, have you ever thought that there is not enough bloodshed?
Look no further because this mod, ‘More Blood and Gore,’ is the perfect addition to the game to make your combat experience even more immersive.
This mod aims to enhance gameplay without altering mechanics or lore. ‘More Blood and Gore’ nails it by adding realistic, absolute carnage. Moreover, this mod increases blood frequency and volume, enhancing combat realism with added blood spatter on the screen.
3. BIG: More Kill Moves And Decapitations (A Better Improvement for Gameplay Mod)
This mod combines several BIG (Better Improvements for Gameplay) mods into a single, hassle-free package. No need to remove your existing BIG mods or tinker with the load order.
When you activate this mod, here’s what happens: your Kill Move Chance jumps from 50% to 75%, and you can perform multiple Kill Moves in a single battle, even while detected in sneak attacks.
It adds missing Kill Moves for various creatures, including Dawnguard and Dragonborn additions. Plus, you can now decapitate foes before hitting Level 50; no perks are required, and your decapitation chance rises from 40% to 60%.
4. Jewel Weapon Pack
Download Link: Bethesda
Dive into a world of bejeweled carnage with this mod, which adds stunning new weapons to Skyrim. The mod “Jewel Weapon Pack” adds 126 new weapons seamlessly added to the Glass Weapons Leveled list.
These weapons await discovery throughout the game world in various treasure troves. Crafting these Jewel Weapons requires the Glass smithing perk, or for perfectionists, the Ebony smithing perk for Flawless variants.
5. Katana Pack
Elevate your Skyrim combat experience with an exquisite katana collection. Craftable in various materials, including Wooden, Orcish, Steel, Skyforge Steel, Silver, Golden, Glass, Stalhrim, Ebony, and Daedric, this mod offers various options to suit your style.
With each material katana comes its specific crafting requirements, while Silver and Golden katanas are considered part of the Elven category.
Katanas provide a slight advantage in reach and swing speed compared to standard swords, making you the most powerful Samurai Warrior in Skyrim.
Bonus
1. Marry Me Serana
Download Link: Bethesda
Venturing through the treacherous landscapes of Skyrim’s Dawnguard expansion, you’ve undoubtedly crossed paths with Serana. A character steeped in a lonely existence, manipulated by her father, and entombed in suspended animation within Dimhollow Crypt for centuries until your arrival, the Dragonborn who sets her free.
Through shared quests, she nurtures a connection with you and establishes trust. Unfortunately, this seemingly perfect marriage option is unavailable in Skyrim. Paradoxically, this limitation only makes Serana more alluring.
Who wouldn’t want a badass Vampire wife, daughter to the most powerful Vampire lord? But thanks to Modders like UniSL, this is now possible. Upon completing the quest “Kindred Judgement,” Serana is available as an in-game marriage pick.
Ah, if only this mod existed back in my day.
2. Alidon’s Ultimate Armory
Download Link: Bethesda
This mod adds a plethora of exciting additions to Skyrim, including new followers, spells, an armory room, and more!
A brand-new village, “The Void,” is added next to Riverwood. As you enter, you’ll discover a teleportation hub that grants you instant access to holds, guilds, dungeons, player homes, etc. With over 100+ custom followers, 100+ spells, weapons, armor, enchantments, and more.
Whether you crave power or just a bit of fun, this mod offers boosted leveling, stat modifications, and a collection of all weapons and armor from the game. This is a one-stop shop if you want to play as the most OP Dragonborn with every single item/stat boost/weapon/armor all in one convenient place.
So that’s it for our favorite picks regarding the Best PS4 Mods for Skyrim: Special Edition in 2023. It’s important to remember that this list is subjective, and your opinions might differ from ours.
Whether you’re a returning veteran or a first-time player, incorporating one or more of these mods into your game will elevate your combat experience playing Skyrim: Special Edition in 2023 on the PlayStation 4.
