Guide - What Are Plugins in Skyrim?

Plugins are mod files that tell the game what exactly should be changed or added.

For example, a plugin can add:

• new weapons;

• armor;

• quests;

• NPCs;

• balance changes;

• new locations;

• bug fixes;

• changes to weather, lighting, or the interface.

Plugins usually have these file extensions:

.esp
.esm
.esl

What Is the Difference Between a Mod and a Plugin?

A mod is the whole downloaded archive or folder with files.

Inside a mod, there can be:

textures
meshes
scripts
sounds
plugin.esp

A plugin is a specific .esp, .esm, or .esl file that the game loads and uses to change game data.

So, simply:

Mod = the whole folder with files
Plugin = the file that the game loads

Main Types of Plugins

.esm

This is a master file. It is usually used as a base for other mods.

Examples:

Skyrim.esm
Update.esm
Dawnguard.esm

Some large mods can also use .esm files.

.esp

This is the most common type of plugin. Most mods use .esp files.

For example:

ArmorMod.esp
NewQuest.esp
WeatherMod.esp

.esl

This is a light plugin. It almost does not take space in the normal plugin limit.

Small mods or patches often use .esl files.

Why Is Load Order Important?

Skyrim loads plugins from top to bottom.

If two plugins change the same thing, the one placed lower in the load order usually wins.

Example:

ModA.esp — changes the iron sword
ModB.esp — also changes the iron sword

If ModB.esp is lower, the game will use the changes from ModB.esp.

That is why load order is very important. A bad load order can cause:

• bugs;

• missing items;

• broken quests;

• crashes;

• conflicts between mods.
  

What Are Patches?

A patch is a separate plugin that helps two or more mods work together.

For example, if one mod changes a city and another mod adds NPCs to the same place, you may need a patch so they do not conflict.

Patches are usually placed below the mods they are made for.

Example:

CityMod.esp
NPCMod.esp
CityMod_NPCMod_Patch.esp

What Should Beginners Remember?

A plugin is a file that Skyrim loads when the game starts.

Not every mod has a plugin. For example, simple texture mods often work without .esp files.

Load order affects which changes will work in the game.

If a mod requires another plugin, the game may not start without it.

Patches are needed to make different mods compatible.

In Simple Words

Plugins are like “instructions” for Skyrim. They tell the game which changes to apply.

Mods can contain textures, models, sounds, and scripts, but plugins are usually responsible for changes to the game world, items, NPCs, quests, and balance.