RaceCompatibility for Skyrim and Dawnguard
⚪ Last updated 2023⚠️ Install Order · 3 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
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🔍 Analysis
- 👍 3.0% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #2 of 26 Modders Resources and Tutorials mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
Go HERE for the Special Edition version!
If you use this mod in your custom race mod, please let me know, so I can add a link on this page and because I love seeing your work.
Version 1. 112: Updated to Better Vampires 8. 8.
=== INTRODUCTION ===
This package allows mod authors to make their custom races based on the RaceCompatibility.esm (please consider endorsing expired6978's original mod, since without that we wouldn't be able to play with all these custom races) to work properly with the Dawnguard DLC. As such mod authors should follow the instructions included with that mod to make their mod.
StackEmHigh has created a guide that you may find useful in creating a custom race as well.
Dawnguard changed several scripts involving vampirism and lycanthropy (werewolves) that meant custom races would not be able to fully benefit/experience the DLC. This mod merges the Dawnguard scripts with the Race Compatibility scripts.
The RaceCompatibility.esm file included in this package also fixes the missing WoodElf (Bosmer) race entry in the file and adds an optional compatibility script for the Unofficial Skyrim patch.
=== INSTALLATION ===
To install just overwrite the files from the RaceCompatibility mod with the files in this package; install the optional script if you are also using the USKP or USLEEP. To make your custom race fully compatible ensure that your vampire race has the "vampire" keyword, if you had not added that already. If you are using UFO as well an optional file as been added that merges the changes it makes with this mod.
=== NOTE ===
Note that because the esm file modifies a formlist from the original mod it may be necessary to start a fresh game to fully benefit from the changes unless they were already using a fixed version of this file (adding the WoodElfRace to the list); a fixed version for Skyrim without Dawnguard can be found under optional files of the Belua Sanguinare mod is included in this mod.
=== HOW TO MAKE A CUSTOM RACE BASED ON THIS MOD ===
1. Follow the instructions on the RaceCompatibility.esm page to construct your race.
2. To make your mod Dawnguard compatible overwrite the vanilla scripts and RaceCompatibility.esm.
3. (OPTIONAL) To ensure UFO and/or USKP compatibility add the optional scripts as an optional install.
4. Optional Better vampires scripts are now included. Only use these if you are using Better Vampires.
If you wish to create a custom race mod that is both vanilla and DG compatible you will need to distribute both the vanilla scripts + RaceCompatibility.esm and the ones included in this mod. You could wrap this up in a fancy NMM script or just a set of instructions on how (and when) to replace the files.
Alternatively direct users to this mod and let them overwrite t
RaceCompatibility for Skyrim and Dawnguard is a modder's resource that enables mods based on RaceCompatibility.esm to work with Dawnguard, with optional patches for popular vampire mods. It has 92,055 endorsements and 3.1M downloads, last updated in April 2023.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Massive community trust with 92,055 endorsements and 3.1M downloads.
- Essential for mod authors creating custom races that need Dawnguard compatibility.
- Actively maintained, last updated April 2023.
⚠️ Cons
- Not for end users—requires modding knowledge to utilize effectively.
- Optional patches require additional mods (UFO, USKP, etc.) to be installed.
For Skyrim mod authors who create custom races and need Dawnguard compatibility. Also for mod users who want to ensure their custom race mods work with Dawnguard. Skip if you don't use custom race mods or aren't a mod author.
💡 Beginner Tips
- If you're a mod author, place RaceCompatibility.esm in your load order before Dawnguard.esm to ensure proper compatibility.
- For optional patches, install the corresponding mod (e.g., Better Vampires) first, then the patch.
- Use a mod manager like Mod Organizer 2 to keep track of the esm and patches.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim LE Mods
- Author
- TMPhoenix
- Version
- 1.112
- Downloads
- 3,077,219
- Endorsements
- 92,055
- Category
- Modders Resources and Tutorials
- Created
- 9/15/2012
- Updated
- 4/25/2023
🧩 Commonly Used Together
Users add these mods to the same collections — a real compatibility signal, not an AI guess.
🔧 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.
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