Blocking combat behavior improvement for Skyrim
⚪ Last updated 2014⚠️ Install Order · 3 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 3.8% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #1 of 21 Combat mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
For the few people that will stumble into this,
The aim of this mod is to improve vanilla combat in skyrim by making it faster, more interesting. This is done by tweaking a few things in the behavior files without touching the vanilla combat mechanics. This was designed to work in tandem with this mod (http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/51920/?)
Check the video for an example: 1JuT65wT7BA
For the record: the vid also includes some other mods (like cloaks) wich are not mine and are not included in this mod.
Installation: Extract the files that you wish to use (see below) to the appropriate folders in /data. BE SURE TO BACK-UP THE ORIGINAL FILES IF YOU FIND ANY IN THE FOLDERS. (to de-install: remove said files.)
This mod should be compatible with any other mods that do not touch the vanilla 1hm_behavior & blockbehavior files. This mod should not have any effect on saved games.
This mod essentially exists of 2 behavior files which don't depend on each other. This means you can choose whether you use all 3, or just one of em. The files included are:
1. 1hm_behavior.hkx: in vanilla skyrim, normal righthanded swings with 1 handed weapons would apply damage to the target almost immediately. This meant that players to had to have inhuman reflexes to block the hit in time. Either that, or the player would have to press block before the enemy started the attack. Adding this behavior file will increase the time between when an enemy starts swinging his 1handed weapon and the moment at which the damage is applied by roughly 120 milliseconds. (this only applies to the righthanded swings with 1h weapons like swords/maces)
2. blockbehavior.hkx: This file simply decreases the time your character and npcs spend on 'blockhit' animations, allowing you to strike back at your foe immediately after blocking his hit. (applies to all weapons) TWO versions of this file are contained in this mod, 1 for 3rd person gameplay, and 1 for 1st person gameplay. I almost never play in first person, if you find any problems with the first person version, please post about it.
I recommend using the 'Pseudo parry animation' mod by topeira and Krish698 (found here: http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/44014/?)
i also recommend using Enemy AI OverHaul---Revenge Of the Enemies---No Scripts Version by by MyEvergreenHometown (http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/40491/?).
These mods are NOT included on here, so visit those links if you are interested.
Discaimer: As far as i know no one has made a similar mod yet. If you have made something similar already, send me a message.
This mod tweaks vanilla Skyrim combat behavior files (1hm_behavior and blockbehavior) to make combat faster and more interesting while staying close to vanilla gameplay. It's a lightweight tweak for players who want improved combat pacing without overhaul mods. With 1,878 endorsements and 49,093 downloads, it's a well-received niche mod, though it hasn't been updated since 2014.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community-approved with 1,878 endorsements and 49,093 downloads
- Stays true to vanilla feel—no drastic changes, just faster pacing
- Lightweight tweak that doesn't require a full combat overhaul
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2014—may be incompatible with current Skyrim versions or other mods
- Only affects one-handed and blocking behavior; no changes to other combat styles
- No detailed documentation or install instructions provided by the author
For Skyrim players who want snappier, more engaging combat without overhauling the whole system. If you're a purist who likes vanilla but wishes it were faster, this is for you. Skip if you want comprehensive combat changes or use modern combat mods that might conflict.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Since this mod edits behavior files, make sure to place it in your load order after any mods that also modify combat behaviors to avoid conflicts.
- If you're using a mod manager, you can easily disable this mod if you notice issues—it's a simple file replacement.
- Test combat with a one-handed weapon and shield to see the blocking improvements right away.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim LE Mods
- Author
- Moljka
- Version
- 1.0
- Downloads
- 49,093
- Endorsements
- 1,878
- Category
- Combat
- Created
- 10/29/2014
- Updated
- 10/29/2014
🔧 How to Install Skyrim LE Mods
Download from Nexus.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Skyrim LE →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
🎮 Need cheat codes or console commands? Check ur gaming wiki for Skyrim LE commands, item IDs, and more.
Keep browsing — more Skyrim LE mods await