Skyrim Script Extender 1.7.3

Modding in Skyrim is almost essential for making the game even more enjoyable than it is right now, but what if you wanted to make your own mods? How hard would that be? How would you even get started? Well, while you're trawling through all those different tutorials and whatnot, keep in mind that you'll need the Skyrim Script Extender.

Installing Skyrim Script Extender can get fairly convoluted. 

The extracted directory will contain a src directory, two dynamic link library files (skse_x_yy_zz.dll and skse_steam_loader.dll), an executable file (skse_loader.exe), and three text files (skse_docs.txt, skse_readme.txt and skse_whatsnew.txt.) The src directory and the file skse_docs.txt are not used in this tutorial and are only of interest to modders. The readme and whatsnew text files may be reviewed to see what may have changed since the last Skyrim update.

You'll need to copy the DLL files and the EXE file to your install folder, which can either be in your Steam folder or your Retail installation folder. Don't copy these files to the Data folder. Then, you can finally launch the game by using the SKSE_loader. This is absolutely essential to some mods, and even more so if you want to create your own mod.

Skyrim Script Extender will likely not be used by most users that aren't just installing it because their favorite mods say they need to, but if you're an aspiring mod creator, then you'll definitely need to install this. It isn't a quality of life improvement - it is literally essential.