Dynamic Distant Objects LOD – DynDOLOD
DynDOLOD is a set of simple tools based on xEdit/xLODGen to automatically create a Skyrim mod based on the load order which adds distant LOD for objects and trees to Skyrim. By combining DynDOLOD with xLODGen users can create drastically enhanced static object LOD + tree LOD and the new, optional dynamic distant object LOD in a few simple steps.
Skyrim SE and Skyrim VR beta for experienced users. See the included docs\DynDOLOD_Manual_SSE.html and docs\DynDOLOD_Manual_TES5VR.html
For Enderal see included Docs\DynDOLOD_Manual.html “Enderal” section in “Custom Settings for Specific Mods”
Check the manual included in the DynDOLOD Standalone archive and FAQ first, then go to the Official DynDOLOD Forum to discuss and for help or feedback
Dynamic Distant Objects LOD (DynDOLOD) is a set of simple tools based on xEdit and xLODGen to automatically create a Skyrim mod based on the load order, which adds distant LOD for objects to Skyrim. By combining DynDOLOD with xLODGen users can create drastically enhanced traditional static object LOD plus tree LOD and a new, optional dynamic distant object LOD in a few simple steps.
DynDOLOD is meant for enthusiast modders who are familiar with using tools like xEdit. Enthusiast modders have a general knowledge of computers, folders and files, especially Skyrims ‘Data’ folders and how to install mods safely with a manager or manually. Enthusiast modders can read manuals and FAQs, can post questions on a forum where they get qualified support from the creators of the tools, use the memory patch build into SKSE, verified it works with memory blocks log and already submitted their firstborn.
To fully expand the visual experience and use the additional features offered by xLODGen, the DynDOLOD package comes with over 4500 updated or new LOD models for objects that were badly missing from the original game like the Skyhaven Temple or landscape features like roads, smaller rocks and dirt cliffs that simply make the distant landscape look much more natural and alive.
DynDOLOD combines generating tree LOD and object LOD into one process. Tree LOD generation is exactly the same as with TES5LODGen. It is started automatically from within the DynDOLOD process. Please check the TES5LODGen pages for how to successfully generate tree LOD for the load order.
DynDOLOD offers a plethora of settings and options, the visual result and performance impact is fully at the hands of the enthusiast modder. There is already a wealth of information how to fine tune every aspect in the included documents. Yes, that means if the game runs worse after using this you doing it wrong :p
Step-by-step tutorial from GamerPoets for MO/NMM
See GamerPoets channel for more great tutorials. Please consider supporting GamerPoets through PayPal or Patreon if you find the instructional videos useful.
Requirements
SKSE
PapyrusUtil 2.8 or higher
DynDOLOD Resources – Make sure to use DynDOLOD Resources version only with matching or higher DynDOLOD Standalone versions but never with older versions.
Vanilla Skyrim LOD Billboards from TES5LODGen, Indistinguishable Vanilla Tree Billboards, Indistinguishable Billboards for Skyrim Special Edition or Seamless Billboards. Then overwrite with any optional LOD Billboards for the load order
Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable for Visual Studio 2015, 2017 and 2019 – Required by LODGen.exe/LODGenx64.exe and Texconv.exe/Texconvx64.exe. Get matching platform x86/x64 depending on which DynDOLOD.exe/TexGen.exe (x86) or DynDOLODx64.exe/TexGenx64.exe (x64) is used. LODGen.exe will print an explanatory message in case it is missing. Texconv.exe will fail with error C0000135 or complain about missing DLL.
Installation
Install the Core Files from DynDOLOD Resources, which contain the folders ‘interface’, ‘meshes’, ‘textures’ and ‘scripts’ into Skyrims ‘Data’ folder. Typically overwrite any files or refer to the Manual – Overwrite Orders. Install other options from DynDOLOD Resources as desired.
Install Vanilla Skyrim LOD Billboards from TES5LODGen, Indistinguishable Vanilla Tree Billboards or Seamless Billboards and let them overwrite any DynDOLOD Resources files. Then overwrite with any LOD Billboards for mods in the the load order. For STEP users all billboards are included in STEP Texture Compilation.
Depending on the load order, install patches from DynDOLOD Patches. See Manual – Compatibility – Some Assembly Required if a patch is required.
From the DynDOLOD Standalone archive copy the content of the ‘DynDOLOD’ folder which contains the files DynDOLOD.exe, TexGen.exe, DynDOLOD_QuickStart.html and the sub folders ‘Docs’ and ‘Edit Scripts’ with all their content into a new ‘DynDOLOD’ folder outside of the game folders and Mod Organizers virtual file structure. Do not mix with old versions or xEdit/xLODGen installation.
If a texture replacer is used, consider updating LOD textures with TexGen.exe for the load order before running DynDOLOD.exe. It is a simple tool that generates some LOD textures based on the full textures of the current load order.
By default the tools start in Skyrim mode, which is the same as adding the -tes5 command line parameter. Add -sse as a command line parameter to DynDOLOD.exe or TexGen.exe to start the tools in Skyrim Special Edition mode. Add -tes5vr for Skyrim VR mode. Add -enderal for in Enderal mode in case the Steam version is used.
Generate LOD
If starting from scratch, remove all former generated output from the load order including DynDOLOD.esp – a new one will be created. If updating, keep the existing DynDOLOD.esp last in the load order.
Start DynDOLOD.exe. It will load the current load order, so add or remove mods as needed with the mod manager.
Wait for the the patcher to boot up and show the RTFM window. Wait until the OK button becomes available. Click OK.
Once the wizard options window is displayed, select worlds.
Select an output path. The output path should be outside of the game folders and Mod Organizers virtual file structure.
Start generating tree and object LOD by clicking on either ‘Low’, ‘Medium’ or ‘High’ button.
After generation completed with the message ‘DynDOLOD Worlds completed successfully’, close DynDOLOD.exe and save the newly created DynDOLOD.esp.
Copy/move generated files from output path including ‘DynDOLOD.esp’ and the folders ‘meshes’, ‘skse’ and ‘textures’ to Skyrim ‘Data’ directory. If updating an existing DynDOLOD.esp overwrite all older files. If using a mod manager compress the files into an archive and install the archive as a mod as shown in the videos.
Activate DynDOLOD.esp. Ignore any contradicting third party instructions from people that obviously did not RTFM.
Start a new game or load a save game and enter the worldspace. Wait for onscreen message top left and/or check MCM menu.
“Yeah it was ridiculously easy. I don’t understand why everyone makes it out to be fucking rocket science.” – Elianora
“… it requires installing dozens or even hundreds of texture/mesh mods to improve 60% of what you see, and only a single mod to improve 40%. This is a no brainer.” – zilav
“Skyrims LODs still suck veiny c*ck” – MxR
“I hate Skyrim LODs” – MxR
“You guys know how I always complain about the LODs” – MxR has been complaining for years and still believes covering up the LODs is “fixing that shit” – just use DynDOLOD to fix that shit for real, dude.
Compatibility
Any Mod with pre-generated LOD and instructions to overwrite the LOD generated by DynDOLOD.exe for the current load order is always wrong and incompatible and should be removed.
Instead acquire and install the LOD resources to generate compatible LOD for the current LOD order.
If billboards that were used for pre-made tree LOD are not available, split the tree LOD atlas as explained in the included manual or watch Tree LOD Billboard Creation : Start to Finish
Some mods are made with disregard to generating LOD or require updated rules and configs for best compatibility. This is especially true for example with
mods modifying the walled cities. User are asked to read the manual, but also welcome to provide
feedback to the Sheson’s DynDOLOD Support forum so the process can be improved or to learn how to make/patch mods that have better compatibility.
Ignore any instructions or comments made by anyone who has never used DynDOLOD or did not bother to read the included manuals. For example, temporarily disabling mods or plugins is not a fix but just a test or workaround. It means there is an issue that should be investigated and fixed.
Compatibility – Out With The Old, In With The New
Mods listed here are replaced by DynDOLOD. They should be removed from the load order.
Skyrim Distant Overhaul – SDO – both the static object LOD *.bto and all *.esps.
Expand Object LODs
Skyrim Distant Detail and Distant Detail Hearthfire Edition
Compatibility – Mods Requiring DynDOLOD
Mods listed here were created specifically with LOD generation in mind. They usually work right out of the box.
Enhanced Landscapes – Includes billboards and LOD textures that need to overwrite vanilla billboards and DynDOLOD Resources – Core Files textures. If LOD textures are generated with TexGen.exe, they should always overwrite everything else. Watch 2016 Skyrim Modding Guide Ep19 – Enhanced Landscapes and DynDOLOD video.
Enhanced Landscapes – Winter Edition – Includes billboards and LOD textures that need to overwrite vanilla billboards and DynDOLOD Resources – Core Files textures. If LOD textures are generated with TexGen.exe, they should always overwrite everything else.
HD-LOD Buildings – Overwrite any textures from DynDOLOD Resources but not TexGen output (future proof advise). and adjust Max tile size on advanced options to match the downloaded resolution or use it to shrink higher resolution back down to lower resolution automatically while the atlas is created.
Indistinguishable Vanilla Tree Billboards – Alternative which replaces Vanilla + DLC tree LOD billboards from TES5LODGen
Indistinguishable Billboards for Skyrim Special Edition – Alternative which replaces Vanilla + DLC tree LOD billboards from TES5LODGen
Mountains Enhanced
PETCAT – P.atch for E.xpanded T.owns and C.ities A.lternate T.extures
Regional Snow and Ice 2
Seamless Billboards – Alternative which replaces Vanilla + DLC tree LOD billboards from TES5LODGen
Solstheim Genesis
Spice of Life – Forts 2
Spice of Life – Orc Strongholds 2 – Includes LOD meshes that need to overwrite DynDOLOD Resources – Core Files meshes.
Winter Aspen Billboards
Compatibility – Some Assembly Required
Mods listed here need a bit of extra attention. The manual in the download archive explains it in further detail.
Beyond Reach – Billboards included
Caranthir Tower Reborn
Climates Of Tamriel – Winter Edition
Dark Fantasy Overhaul – Billboards
Enderal – Billboards
Falskaar
Immersive Content – Realistic Outdoor Lights
Lanterns of Skyrim
Molag Bal’s Inferno – Billboards
Open Cities Skyrim
Static Mesh Improvement Mod
SkyFalls and SkyMills
Skyrim Flora Overhaul – Billboards, Billboards
Skyrim Spring Overhaul – Billboards
Skyrim Winter Overhaul – Billboards
Towns and Villages Enhanced – Whiterun
Towns and Villages Enhanced – Riverwood
Compatibility – Ultra Trees
DynDOLOD Resources Core Files includes ultra trees for mods listed below
Realistic Aspen Trees
Enhanced Landscapes – Oaks installation option
Enhanced Landscapes Oaks Standalone
Mods listed below also offer ultra trees on their download page
Enhanced Vanilla Trees
Compatibility – Works Out Of the Box
Mods listed here are confirmed to just work. Only mods that add new objects that should have LOD are listed.
Aemer’s Refuge 1
Alternate Start – Live Another Life
Apotheosis – Lifeless Vaults 1
Arthmoor’s Skyrim Villages – All In One
Ashlander Camp New Zainab 1
Ayleid Citadel – The new worldspace 00AyleidCitadelWorld typically fits into the loaded area and there is no need to update its LOD
Ayleid Palace
Ayleid Palace Remastered 1
Ayleid Sanctuary 1
Aurora Village
Azura’s Dawn 1
Bathing Beauties or Beefcake – Luxury Suite
Bee Hives
Beginner’s Shack – Starter home – Riverwood and Whiterun version
Better Fast Travel – Carriages and Ships – Overhauled
Belleteyn – Snowy Cabin 1
Better Tel Mithryn
Blackthorn – A Buildable Town in The Rift
Bluthanch – Tiny Dwemer home
Bring Out Your Dead
Broken Sky Cottage – Falskaar
Build Your Own Home
Cairnstone Tower 1
Camp Argentum 1
Camp Varglya
Campsites in Skyrim
Caranthir Tower
Castle Strunmah Redone
Castle Valdmire
Clearsky Hideout – Fully Animated Playerhouse
ClefJ’s Dragon Bridge 1
ClefJ’s Morthal
Cliffside Cottage 1
Coldwater Cabin 1
Complete Fast Travel Overhaul
Convenient Bridges
Cutting Room Floor
Daedric Castle 1
Darkwater Crossing
Dawn of Markarth
Dawn of Riften
Dawn of Skyrim Collection
Dawn of Skyrim (Director’s Cut) 1
Dawn of Solitude
Dawn of Windhelm 3
Dawn of Whiterun
Dawn Point Lighthouse 1
Dawnstar
Deus Mons
Distinct Skyrim Landscapes – Billboards included in mods download
Dolmen Ruins – ESO Dark Anchors 2
Dovahkiin’s Vault 1
Dragon Bridge
Dragon Tree Temple 1
Dragonfall Castle 1
Dragons Keep 1
Dragonstead
Draven Manor
Dread Prison
Druid’s Den – Collectors Edition 1
Dwemer Manor
Ebonvale Settlement
Elysium Estate
Embershard Cottage
Enhanced Landscapes Standalone Oaks – Billboards included in mods download
Enhanced Lights and FX
Enhanced Vanilla Trees – Billboards – install billboards in correct order selecting the same installation options like the full trees, then always generate tree LOD for the current load order for correct results
Evil Lair of Hydra
Expanded Towns and Cities – not need to install the included LOD since generated LOD overwrites it anyways
Expanded Winterhold Destruction Ruins
Expedition to Atmora
Fantasy Forest Overhaul – Billboards included in versions for DynDOLOD/TES5LODGen in optional files
Farmhouse Chimneys 1 – Medium and High add chimney smoke effect to dynamic object LOD
Farmhouse Chimneys – Optional Stacks
Frostvale Estate 1
Gildergreen Regrown
Goldenglow Dipper 1
Greater Saarthal
Greater Skaal Village
Haafinheim 1
Halamshiral – Mage Tower 1
Half-Moon Chalet Player Home 1
Hassildor – Player home for Vampires 1
Hearthfire Extended 1
Helarchen Creek
Heljarchen Farm 1
Helgen Reborn – Helgen Reborn should be disabled at the start of a new game, disable DynDOLOD.esp as well. Enable both once out of the cave.
Helsmyrr Village
Hermit Mountain Cottage 1
High Hrothgar Overhaul
Hjaalmarch Redux
House for witches and druids – Mielikki 1
Hroldan Nightgate and Sawmill Villages
Hunting in Skyrim – A Hunting Guild
Igloo 1
Immersive College of Winterhold 2
Inns and Taverns
Interesting NPCs
Ivarstead
Jaggarsfeld – use with Jaggarsfeld Extended
JKs Cities – Lite and SuperLite 3, 4
JK’s Skyrim all in one 1, 3, 4
JK’s Skyrim all in one. Leafrest Riverwood 1, 3, 4
JK’s Skyrim major Cities only 3, 4
JK’s Skyrim Towns only 1
JK’s Skyrim Towns only. Leafrest Riverwood 1
JK’s Dawnstar
JK’s Dragonbridge
JK’s Falkreath
JK’s Ivarstead
JK’s Markarth 3
JK’s Morthal
JK’s Riften 3
JK’s Rorikstead
JK’s Riverwood
JK’s Solitude 3
JK’s Whiterun 4
JK’s Windhelm 3
JK’s Winterhold 1
JKs Skaal village
Karthwasten
Keld-Nar
Killian Castle
Knights of the Garter 1
Knight’s Rest 1
Kynesgrove
Lakeview Manor Evolution 1
Lances Expanded Whitewatch Tower with playerhome
Leaf Rest
Legacy of the Dragonborn (Dragonborn Gallery) 1, 2
Legend of the Eagles Nest
Light Moss Hall
Lokir’s House
Long Lost Smelters of Skyrim
Lush Vanilla Trees
Lyngwi – A Nordic Village
Marnya – My Hobbit Home 1
Millers Shack
Millwater Retreat 1
Mona Alta 1
Moonstone Castle 1
Morskom Estate 1
My Own Solitude Outskirts Improvement
Myrheim – Tiny Swamp House 1
Necromancer Hut 1
Nakahara – Akaviri House
No Snow Under The Roof
Oblivion Gates in Cities
Old Hroldan Ruins
Peak Aspens – Billboards included in versions for DynDOLOD/TES5LODGen in optional files
Perfect Whiterun 1
Pinegrove Lodge – Family house 1
Places in the North
Provincial Courier Service
Pure Waters – Waterfalls 1 – remove SkyFalls from load order
Purity 1 – remove SkyFalls from load order, Billboards
Raven Castle – Billboards included in mods download 1, 2
Ravenholm – Vampire House 1
Reach Tree Replacer – Billboards
Realistic Aspen Trees 4k 2k 1k – Billboards
Realistic Boat Bobbing
Reapers The Dark Tower 2
Red Mountain Erupts
Redspire Manor
Retirement
Riften Fishing Shack 1
Rift Treehouse 1
Rigmor of Bruma
Rigmor of Cyrodiil 1
River Estate 1
Riverside Lodge
Riverside Lodge – Buildable Edition
Riverside Lodge REDUX – Buildable Edition
Riverwood Keep 1
Routa – Stormcloak and Warrior cabin 1
Round Window Cabin – Player Home 1
Ruska – Riften Player Home
Serenity – player house ship
Settlements Expanded
Scoundrel’s Fall
Shadowstar Castle 1
Shezrie’s Old Hroldan Town
Shezrie’s Old Hroldan Town Ver 2.0
Shor’s Stone
Sicarius’ Refuge – A Hitman’s Hideout – Assassin Home 1
Silian Manor
Silverpeak Lodge 1, 2
Silverstead – A Buildable Dwemer Estate 1
Simple Raven Rock Expansion
Sjel Blad Castle
Skaal You Need – Skaal house and follower 1
Skyfall Estate 1
Skyfall Estate – Buildable Edition 1
Skyrim Bridges 1
Skyrim Better Roads
Skyrim Landscape Overhaul – No new asset version
Skyrim Radioactive
Skyrim Wayshrines – Immersive Fast Travel 1
Skyrim Wayshrines LITE – SWIFT LITE 1
Skysight – Simply Bigger Trees – Billboards
Skystone Castle
Snowbound Acres 1
Snow Elf Hut 1
Swamp Home – A House In Hjaalmarch 1
Snowdrift Manor
Solitude Skyway
Solitude Expansion 1
Solitude Docks District
Solitude Towers Flags
Soljund’s Sinkhole
Solstice Castle
Swamp Home – A House In Hjaalmarch 1
Temple of Kruziik
Terra Umbra – Mobile Floating Island 1
The Elder Scrolls V – Expanded
The Elder Scrolls V Expanded – Falkreath – Brdvhyn
The Elder Scrolls V Expanded – Falkreath – Viantlek
The Elder Scrolls V Expanded – Haafingar – Lainalten
The Elder Scrolls V Expanded – Haafingar – Nedenheim
The Elder Scrolls V Expanded – The Pale – Port Lysanvir
The Elder Scrolls V Expanded – Winterhold – Yorgrim Wall
The Great Forest of Whiterun Hold 1
The Forgotten City
The Full Moon 1
The Observatory 1
The Pale Redux
The People Of Skyrim Ultimate Edition 1
The Pines of Whiterun 1
The Rookery – Bard and thief loft in Solitude
The Shadow of Meresis 1
The WatchTowers
The WatchTowers Reborn fueled by Genesis
Thornrock – A no-frills player house
Thur’s Retreat
Tiny Calm Garden 1
Tiny Little Living – Origin and Alternate version
Tiny Shack 1
Tirashan – Necromancer Home
Towns and Villages Enhanced – Riften 3, 5
Towns and Villages Enhanced – Solitude 3, 5
Towns and Villages Enhanced – Windhelm 3, 5
Towns and Villages Enhanced – Villages 5
Towns and Villages Enhanced – Pro – Whiterun 3, 5
Trollstigen 1
Underground Dwelling – Ayleid Version 1
Underground Dwelling – Dwemer Version 1
Unique Border Gates
Unofficial Dawnguard Patch
Unofficial Dragonborn Patch 2
Unofficial Hearthfire Patch
Unofficial Skyrim Legendary Edition Patch 1, 2
Unofficial Skyrim Patch 2
Vjarkell Castle
Vellamo – Mage home in Winterhold 1
Velothi Palace 1
Viking’s Longhouse 1
Volundr 1
Waterfalls Retreat 1
Waves
Weissadler’s Hamlet – A Quest Mod 1
Western Watchtower Texture Mismatch Fix 2
Western Watchtower Rebuilt
Whistling Mine
White Lighthouse 2
White River Priory
White River Cottage 1
Whiteraven Manor
Whiterun Apartment 1
Whiterun Forest White Lighthouse
Whitewatch Tower Camp
Windhelm’s Ancient Lighthouse 1
Windhelm Cabin 1
Windhelm Lighthouse
Wind Path
Wind’s Rest Estate – A Whiterun Tundra Home 1
Winterhold – Expanded Ruins
Winterhold Rebuild
Winterstone Castle
Wyrmstooth 2
1) Custom mesh rules included in DynDOLOD. Rules for this mod are added to the mesh rules list automatically if needed when using the ‘Default’, ‘Low’, ‘Medium’ or ‘High’ buttons.
2) Contains new/updated LOD assets or defines full models as static LOD. New/updated LOD assets or full models defined as static LOD are used automatically.
3) For performance reasons some or all new objects added by this mod are ignored because they are hidden from view behind town walls.
4) A select list of objects added by this mod have LOD.
5) The mod needs to be cleaned
DynDOLOD includes LOD assets based on models and/or textures from
Skyrim, Dawnguard, Dragonborn, Hearthfire, High Resolution Texture Pack – Bethesda
Skyrim Vanilla LOD Source Files – Nico coiN (fixes included in Unofficial Patches carried forward)
Madcat221
3AM trees – 3AMt
Alternative Rock and Mountains 4K_2K_1K and watery Rock – Yuril
Building kits and other items – jet4571
Caranthir Tower Reborn – Darkfox127
Enderal – SureAI
HoddminirGroundTextures – elinen
Hoddminir Plants and Trees – Elinen and Ztree
Molag Bal’s Inferno – Association of Radical Skyrim Engineers – ARSE
Realistic Aspen Trees 4k 2k 1k – AceeQ
Ultra trees courtesy of kojak747
Additional Permission Notes
Everything in the DynDOLOD package is free to use, so if anything from DynDOLOD like scripts, meshes, textures, generated LOD, modified or not, is used in mods or as resources for mods it should be free as well.
If LOD generated by DynDOLOD is used in the game, you are required to make good looking videos and screenshots and upload them to the
Internet. As long as access to the good looking videos and screenshots is available for free and public consumption, they can be monetized and content/media creators can be compensated for their work.
Crediting DynDOLOD or Sheson is the right thing to do and appreciated.
CC BY-NC-SA
