Realistic AI Detection (RAID)
⚪ Last updated 2022⚠️ Install Order · 3 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 2.9% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #4 of 6 Stealth mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
TL;DR: try the "Lite" version first. You can always install or uninstall different versions during a serious playthrough without any risk.
Introduction
This is a complete recalibration of Skyrim's detection formula, which improves the balanced and realism of sneaking. It is not a "hardcore" mod - sneaking is both harder and easier where necessary. You can use it by itself, or in combination with perk and gameplay overhaul mods.
Instead of making simple tweaks to the vanilla settings (like other detection mods do), this mod holistically re-calibrates the whole formula from the ground up. This represents over 350 hours of meticulous research and optimization work.
mSKtezWD8w4
Features
[]No scripts. No perk edits. No performance impact. 100% reliable.
[]NPC view cone is reduced to 160deg (from 190deg in vanilla).
[]Ambient light, equipment weight, and line-of-sight are now more important than your sneak skill level. Enemies won't become deaf and blind as you increase your sneak level and perks.
[]NPCs are much more sensitive to light. They can now see better in dimly lit environments, and will quickly spot you if you are carrying a light source. Even equipping a spell that lights up your hand will get you spotted. However, in total darkness (with a mod like ELFX Hardcore) NPCs will be blind.
[]A higher attenuation factor in the detection formula enables NPCs to see you realistically in very low light levels when very near, without making detection over-powered at further distances (same applies to hearing). It also makes this mod scale better to different perk, armor, and lighting mods.
[]The difference between NPC detection range for interiors and exteriors has been greatly reduced. (in vanilla, enemies had x2. 1 more detection range outside compared to inside. RAID increases interior ranges significantly, but reduces the outdoor range multiple to between x1. 1 or x1. 3 depending on the version). Overall this means RAID indoors detection range is about 30% higher than vanilla, while outdoor detection range is about the same as vanilla.[/fon
Realistic AI Detection (RAID) is a script-free overhaul of Skyrim's stealth detection formula, enhancing enemy sight and hearing while extending search durations when alerted. With over 5,000 endorsements and 175,000 downloads, it's a popular choice for players seeking more challenging and realistic sneaking. Last updated in April 2022.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Huge community trust with 5,025 endorsements and 175k downloads
- Script-free means no script lag or save bloat—performance-friendly
- Makes stealth actually challenging; no more god-mode sneaking
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2022—may not be fully compatible with the latest Skyrim patches or AE
- No detailed documentation on exact formula changes, so you'll need to test tweaks yourself
- Increased enemy detection can be frustrating if you prefer a more casual stealth experience
For stealth players who find vanilla Skyrim sneaking too easy and want a more tense, realistic experience. Also for modders who want a solid foundation for stealth overhauls. Skip if you prefer a relaxed, power-fantasy stealth or if you're on the latest Skyrim version without compatibility patches.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Since it's script-free, you can install and uninstall mid-playthrough without breaking saves, but test early to see if the difficulty suits you.
- Pair with a mod like SkyUI to adjust any MCM settings if the mod includes them—though it's script-free, so likely no MCM.
- If you're using a mod manager like Vortex or MO2, let it handle the file placement to avoid overwriting other stealth mods.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim LE Mods
- Author
- Olivier Doorenbos
- Version
- 3.0
- Downloads
- 175,467
- Endorsements
- 5,025
- Category
- Stealth
- Created
- 3/20/2016
- Updated
- 4/13/2022
🔧 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