Skyrim and High Performance Dynamic LODs using DynDOLOD

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This is a cross-post from 4chan for posterity.  I regularly get 55FPS (capped) using the following procedure, which is a mash of STEP instructions, DynDOLOD install procedures, and personal experience.  LODs are still pretty crappy-looking, but it’s a Gamebryo game, and they at least match up with what’s actually in the world.

  1. First, ensure shit works before installing DynDOLOD.
  2. Install the latest development release of FO4Edit and rename it to TES5Edit.exe. As of right now, that would be FO4Edit 3.1.3.
  3. Install TES5LODGen, plus any of the optional components. I use Skyrim Flora Overhaul and Simply Bigger Trees, so I use the corresponding optional downloads.
  4. Install DynDOLOD.
  5. For easier updates, save the following in ModOrganizer/mods/DynDOLOD/POSTUPDATE.bat:
    move DynDOLOD.esp "..\DynDOLOD - Output\"
    copy DynDOLOD.esp.bak DynDOLOD.esp
    pause
  6. Make a copy of DynDOLOD.esp called DynDOLOD.esp.bak.
  7. Add TES5Edit to MO with arguments: “-tes5 -edit”
  8. Sort your load order with LOOT.
  9. Fire up TES5Edit.
  10. Uncheck everything that you KNOW does not contribute things to LOD, plus anything after DynDOLOD.esp in the load order.
  11. Hit OK and wait for the background loader to finish.
  12. Select DynDOLOD.esp, right-click and select “Apply Script.”
  13. Select “DynDOLOD Worlds” from the dropdown and hit OK.
  14. These steps are only needed for first-time setup:
    1. Select Medium or High.  I personally use Medium since my motherboard only supports PCIe x8 and I get screen-tearing with higher quality settings.
    2. Choose Advanced >>>.
    3. Output Path: MO\mods\DynDOLOD – Output\
    4. IMPORTANT: UNCHECK GENERATE DYNDOLOD. This will prevent the mod from spamming your save with scripts and robbing you of performance.  I’ve noticed no difference other than higher FPS and more stable saves with this setting disabled.
  15. Check Tamriel in the worldspace list.
  16. Save Preset, and hit OK.
  17. After it’s done, exit TES5Edit. Save DynDOLOD.esp when prompted.
  18. Run POSTPROCESS.bat. This copies the modified ESP to the new mod and restores the original.
  19. Restart MO and enable DynDOLOD – Output.
  20. Sort your load order with LOOT again.
  21. ENJOY.