STEP:Nexus Description/2.2.7

[center][URL=https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/Main_Page][img]https://stepmodifications.org/forum/images/STEP2/STEP_metallic_logo.png[/img][/URL][/center][center][size=4][color=#87CEFA]An enhanced Skyrim experience.[/color][/size][/center]

[color=#87CEFA]STEP is an extensive, STEP-by-STEP, guide to enhancing TESV Skyrim with the best mods, tweaks and settings. The focus is quality over quantity. STEP tries to stay as close to vanilla Skyrim as possible while improving visual quality and fixing game-play mechanics.[/color]

[size=6][b][color=#6D95AB]LATEST NEWS & FUTURE DIRECTION[/color][/b][/size]
[b][size=4]- September 28th, 2013[/size][/b]
STEP v2.2.7 has been released!  Check out the [url=https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/Changelog/2.2.7]changelog[/url] for details on how to update. With this release come many updates to STEP:Core in preparation for the 2.3.0 release as described below in the June 8th update.

[b][size=4]- August 24th, 2013[/size][/b]
We have completed our [url=https://skyrim.nexusmods.com/articles/1451/]article detailing the New STEP[/url] and the direction we are headed. Much more community involvement and mod 'recipes to come!.

[b][size=4]- June 8th, 2013[/size][/b]
STEP v2.2.6 has been released!  Check out the [url=https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/Changelog/2.2.6]changelog[/url] for details on how to update.  

The next release of STEP, version 2.3.0, will be a [b]major release[/b] that includes significant changes to the way STEP is currently being delivered. We will introduce "STEP:Core" in the strictest sense, according to the [url=https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/STEP:Mandate]New STEP:Core Mandate[/url]. Although most of STEP adheres to the Mandate, there are some inconsistencies that we feel should be excluded from the base installation of STEP in order to maximize effect, whilst minimizing and simplifying the process of installing STEP:Core. Additionally, to allow more options for our users, version 2.3.0 will be our first iteration "STEP:Packs" (optional mod compilations that follow a specific theme and function, having their own, unique, no-holds-barred "Pack Mandates"). All packs will start with STEP:Core as a base, and then add additional mods which do not necessarily adhere to the STEP:Core Mandates. Packs will be of interest to more advanced modders and those that want to affect various types and degrees of change to the vanilla Skyrim experience. ... [color=#e6b69e]And best of all: ANYONE can be a STEP:Pack author and host their guide on the STEP site![/color]

One of the first packs will be "STEP:Extended" (a more extensive change to vanilla with its own "STEP:Extended Mandate"). Step:Extended will include a number of the mods that were in STEP 2.2.6 that are not part of STEP:Core but are consistent with the somewhat less restrictive mandate being developed for STEP:Extended.

For the past year one of our veteran community contributors, Neovalen, has been working on integrating an extensive mod setup using advanced techniques and detailed installation guidelines. His project is called Skyrim Revisited (SR), and it uses almost all of the STEP:Core mods plus many additional mods in order to yield his own version of a more balanced, realistic and immersive Skyrim experience than that of vanilla Skyrim. While STEP:Core enhances, improves and corrects the vanilla experience of Skyrim for the PC, SR overhauls the game to provide the "SR experience," a unique vision of what Skyrim should be. SR is evolving and the new version of SR will also be one the packs, in this case a very extensive pack, available after STEP 2.3.0 is released.

STEP v2.3.0 will be the launch of much more than this. The next release of STEP will mark the beginning of many parallel projects to "customize" Skyrim in a variety of ways using the testing and collaborative development infrastructure that we have built (and continue to develop) on the STEP Community web site.

STEP:Core and STEP:Extended will always be available for purists and modders that either do not want to change the style and gameplay of vanilla Skyrim or that lack the time, patience or technical aptitude required to extensively modify the game. However, STEP will begin evolving into an applied community-mod-integration environment using the Nexus and other modding communities as a source to produce STEP Packs, yielding many pre-constructed options and overhauls built to articulate with STEP:Core for Skyrim. The project scope is still in development, so we do not have an ETA for 2.3.0, but keep your eye on the project for updates. 

[color=#e6b69e][b]We also want to remind everybody who may not be aware that by registering on our forums you will be notified of all future STEP releases immediately via email.  This is done as a helpful reminder for those who may not visit the Nexus often but wish to keep STEP up to date and is entirely optional.[/b][/color]

[size=4][color=#fb2]STEP versioning is as follows:
[i]{Major.Minor.Build{.revision}}[/i][/color] - resolves to: #.#.#x[/size]
[list][*] Specifically, Build version updates will occur every fourth weekend (usually on Sunday evening, United States time).
[*] [color=#efdf78][b]Build updates are optional for current STEP users[/b][/color], but should require very little effort.
[*] Build updates are 'safe' to apply to existing characters and save games.
[*] Minor version updates will occur irregularly as deemed appropriate, according to the more pronounced effect of cumulative Build changes (at least once every 10 months). Minor updates may or may not require starting a new game.
[*] Major version updates will occur only as a result of a major paradigm shift either in Skyrim source code, mod development, or STEP itself. Major updates will almost definitely require a fresh STEP install and a brand new game.[/list]
[i]We strongly recommend using Wrye Bash or Mod Organizer for mod management.  The ability to easily re-order, add, and remove mods will be essential to keeping STEP up to date and getting the best results.[/i]

[line]
[center][size=5]-> [b][url=https://stepmodifications.org/forum]STEP Forums[/url][/b] <-[/size]
[size=5]-> [b][url=https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/Changelog]Changelog[/url][/b] <-[/size]
[size=5]-> [b][url=https://stepmodifications.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=3]Bug Reports[/url][/b] <-[/size]
[size=5]-> [b][url=https://www.facebook.com/pages/STEP-Skyrim-Total-Enhancement-Project/175289219235392]Facebook[/url][/b] <-[/size][/center][line]
[size=5][color=#6D95AB]The New STEP Mandate[/color][/size]
[size=4][color=#84BBD8]STEP:Core[/color][/size]
Skyrim was originally created for the console, and while Bethesda has released official texture packs and patches to correct for the PC platform, they missed a great deal. Core STEP comprehensively enhances vanilla Skyrim for the PC in order to properly finish what Bethesda attempted. Specifically, ...

[size=3][color=#84BBD8]STEP:Core is about ...[/color][/size]
[list][*] ... bug fixes and corrections to malfunctioning aspects of vanilla Skyrim.
[*] ... HD asset replacements in the style of vanilla Skyrim.
[*] ... improvements to existing content that increases the consistency of vanilla Skyrim.
[*] ... interface mods that improve the menus and UI for the PC.
[*] ... new content that is interpreted as a "should have been included" resource and remains consistent with vanilla Skyrim. [/list]
[color=#e6b69e]STEP:Core is a comprehensive assemblage of game "corrections" with minimal potential for conflict with downstream Packs and mods. Another way to think of STEP:Core is that it simply takes the Unofficial Skyrim Patches a step further by integrating them all along with other miscellaneous fixes and vanilla-friendly asset enhancements. It serves as a stable base for adding existing or creating new Packs.[/color]

[size=3][color=#84BBD8]STEP:Core is NOT about ...[/color][/size]
[list][*] ... content that conflicts with TES lore or vanilla Skyrim lore.
[*] ... mods that subjectively alter or contrast with the style of vanilla Skyrim.
[*] ... new content that is out-of-scope with vanilla Skyrim.
[*] ... mods that subjectively alter gameplay mechanics.
[*] ... mods that have a high likelihood of having "data conflicts" with other mods.
[*] ... mods that have a high performance penalty.  [/list]
[URL=https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/][img]https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/images/f/f4/Core_STEP_Flowchart_80.png[/img][/URL]

[size=4][color=#b0d864]STEP:Extended (aka: the STEP Pack)[/color][/size]
[size=3][color=#b0d864]STEP:Extended is about ...[/color][/size]
[list][*] ... content that is consistent with Skyrim and TES lore as established by Bethesda's creators and extrapolated on by the STEP community in accordance with the Imperial Library and the UESP.
[*] ... continuity and qualitative consistency of all in-game behaviors and assets (e.g., sounds, graphics, models, gameplay, etc.)
[*] ... new content, assets and effects that "fit" Skyrim and TES lore. [/list]
[color=#e6b69e]STEP:Extended is a complete Expansion Pack, meaning that it is intended to complete the entire STEP modded build. In addition to adding upon the visual and acoustic enhancements of vanilla Skyrim, STEP:Extended modifies aspects of the vanilla game in terms of gameplay mechanics and may include mods that add or subtract specific functionality to yield an overall more immersive experience. It is essentially an overhaul of the vanilla game.[/color]

[size=3][color=#b0d864]STEP:Extended is NOT about ...[/color][/size]
[list][*] ... Sex mods, body replacement mods or beauty mods that unrealistically affect or digress from the ambiance of the TES series.
[*] ... Music replacement mods or game style overhauls.
[*] ... Gameplay overhauls that affect a particular play style (i.e., gameplay alterations are chosen that affect all play styles without bias). [/list][line]
[size=5][color=#6D95AB]Performance, Baseline & Extreme STEP[/color][/size]
STEP provides an enhanced vanilla experience by utilizing a minimum or "Core" set of game enhancements adhering to the original vanilla feel of the game according to the STEP Mandate. All Core mods are considered essential to all STEP "versions". Non-Core mods are optional but highly recommended. STEP versions are delineated at three levels according to relative performance impacts:

[size=4][color=#C8BE78]Performance STEP[/color][/size] - Core mods only; performance options wherever possible.
[color=#E6B69E][i]My poor box needs all of the mercy that I can spare it, but I must have STEP![/i][/color]

[size=4][color=#82BE78]Baseline STEP[/color][/size] - Core and non-Core mods; performance/quality and balanced options wherever possible.
[color=#E6B69E][i]My box is decent, but I hate even the tiniest FPS drops and stuttering![/i][/color]

[size=4][color=#78afe1]Extreme STEP[/color][/size] - Core and non-Core mods; highest-quality options wherever possible.
[color=#E6B69E][i]My box is omnipotent![/i][/color][line]
Currently STEP is mostly focused on graphics, interface and polishing/refining the gameplay with bugfixes and small tweaks. STEP also does extensive reliability and compatibility testing and will be including optional gameplay packs in the future. If you have reached the point where you are able to do your own reliability and compatibility testing and are also interested in additional and deeper gameplay mods, check this out:

[URL=https://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/23826][img]https://www.skyrimgems.com/images/gems_logo_600.png[/img][/URL][line]
[size=5][color=#6D95AB]User Contributions - [b]How YOU Can Help[/b][/color][/size]
STEP can only get bigger and better with help from the user community. Even simply maintaining the current STEP is too much work for the core STEP team to ensure that the highest quality is maintained. We need people to help us identify mods that are thought to improve Skyrim while adhering to the STEP Mandate. We also need ongoing reviews and updates on mods that may be causing problems or that stray from the STEP philosophy. Finally, we need help from the community in terms of testing, benchmarking and analysis.

In order to suggest a mod, visit the [url=https://stepmodifications.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=43]Mod Suggestions[/url] section of the STEP Forums.[line]
[size=4][color=#9BC1D5][u]Call for Wiki Content Editors [/u][/color][/size]
The STEP Community Wiki is open to editing by all registered community members; however, we need assistance [url=https://stepmodifications.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=1241&pid=16772#pid16772]maintaining and creating new supporting content[/url]. We are particularly interested in obtaining a few people with a passion for writing and editing. Familiarity with wiki markup is preferable but not necessary. Interested parties please contact one of the STEP Admin (Farlo, z929669 and/or stoppingby4now) via PM on the forums (Please register on the forums and [url=https://stepmodifications.org/forum/showteam.php]see the very bottom of the Forum Team page[/url]).

[size=4][color=#9BC1D5][u]Call for STEP Mod Testers [/u][/color][/size]
STEP users interested in becoming testers, please contact one of the STEP Admin (Farlo, z929669 and/or stoppingby4now) via PM on the forums (Please register on the forums and [url=https://stepmodifications.org/forum/showteam.php]see the very bottom of the Forum Team page[/url]). Once registered, [url=https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/STEP:Main]your system specs[/url] by clicking on the button and filling out the form. These specs will be associated with performance data by tester.

[size=4][color=#9BC1D5][u]Call for STEP Benchmarks [/u][/color][/size]
Users interested in helping out with the STEP Benchmarking Project, see our [url=https://stepmodifications.org/wiki/STEP:2.2.1#1.D._Performance_Benchmarking]benchmarking guidelines[/url] and submit results on the forums (see link at upper left of site header bar).

[size=4][color=#9BC1D5][u]Call for Forum Moderators [/u][/color][/size]
Regular STEP forum users interested in becoming moderators, please contact one of the STEP Admin (Farlo, z929669 and/or stoppingby4now) via PM on the forums (Please register on the forums and [url=https://stepmodifications.org/forum/showteam.php]see the very bottom of the Forum Team page[/url]).[line]
[size=5][color=#6D95AB]Special Credits[/color][/size]
[color=#CCC]The STEP administrators would sincerely like to thank (from the bottoms of our fuzzy little hearts):[/color]
[list][*] The authors of mods recommended in STEP
[*] The core STEP Community for feedback, suggestions and input
[*] The STEP beta testers ... for their good humor and rigorous analyses
[*] The Nexus community
[*] Bealdwine, frihyland & EisDrache- site founders on indefinite leave (we hope you guys are well!)
[*] Outstanding v2.2.6 contributors - EssArrBee, gamingsrc, Omalong, Quitch, rpsgc, W3aponiz3d, Wormheart, and many others.
[*] Bethesda Softworks for Skyrim (and TES in general)[/list]
[size=4][color=#6D95AB]Site Donors[/color][/size]
We have had a handful of generous user donations in support of the STEP Community website. Most have not left their STEP user names, so they will remain anonymous:
[list][*] geeee785
[*] Lauren
[*] solist
[*] 24 anonymous persons[/list]
[size=3][color=#8DABBC]The core STEP team is:[/color][/size]
[list][*] [color=#e6b69e]Farlo[/color] - Mediawiki developer & extraordinaire, Mod-list co-compiler, forums admin, site founder
[*] [color=#e6b69e]stoppingby4now[/color] - Main site developer, Semantic Mediawiki developer & extraordinaire, site founder
[*] [color=#e6b69e]TheCompiler[/color] - STEP creator, mod-list extraordinaire
[*][color=#e6b69e]z929669[/color] - Wiki & forums content editor, main site administrator, hosting maintenance, site founder
[*] [url=https://stepmodifications.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=2086]STEP Forum moderators[/url]: Aiyen, EssArrBee, rootsrat (aka Elenear), torminater[/list]
[size=3][color=#8DABBC]... and please welcome our newest staff, whose roles are still evolving:[/color][/size]
[list][*] [color=#e6b69e]Kelmych[/color] (Previously, one of our moderators and significant contributor to the wiki and support forums)
[*] [color=#e6b69e]kryptopyr[/color] (Respected mod author and site contributor)
[*] [color=#e6b69e]Neovalen[/color] (Skyrim Revisited author & modding aficionado)
[*] [color=#e6b69e]techangel85[/color] (Previously, also a moderator and significant contributor to the wiki and support forums)
[*] [color=#e6b69e]Solist[/color] (A respected contributor to Skyrim Revisited and an honored STEP supporter)
[*] [color=#e6b69e]WilliamImm[/color] (BOSS Masterlist contributor and compulsive mod author/patch-BCF creator)[/list]

[center][URL=https://stepmodifications.org/forum/][img=800x156]https://stepmodifications.org/forum/images/STEP2/STEP_metallic_logo.png[/img][/URL][/center]