Tutorial - Creating Standalone NPCs
⚪ Last updated 2012⚠️ 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
- 👍 6.8% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #4 of 21 Modders Resources and Tutorials mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
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- I AM NOT ACTIVELY MODDING SKYRIM AT THE MOMENT.
Anything I created is free for use and derivitive work. None of mods were complete and I apologize that some of them were never finished. If someone wants to pick up where I left off, they are welcome to use my work by either uploading their own mod or I can give them access to that mod's page.
My custom work will continue as planned.
Thanks everyone for your support and hopefully I will come back soon. But alas, I have a seasonal job and until April 15th, I don't know how much time I will have, or when I do have time, if I'll want to return to skyrim modding. ********************************************************
UPDATE 1. 1 - Fixed link between pages 4 and 5, and added an appendix on facetint, changing haircolor, and much more!
UPDATE 1. 2 - Fixed broken images and link between pages 5 and 6.
Big thanks to Insane0hFlex for featuring my tutorial: xO96h_UE1A8
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- My attempt to share my knowledge on creating NPC's with customized appearances. This will allow your followers to have their appearance 'out of the box' without any other mods installed.
I do ask that if you use my tutorial to create a follower that you link back to it, I like to know that I've helped others!
Note/disclaimer: I am new to modding, and this is my very first tutorial on ANYTHING EVER. There are other ways to do just about everything in this tutorial, and I'm sure there are faster/better ways. I'm just offering my knowledge, I don't pretend to know all. Please keep that in mind, and let me know if there's something I can improve upon. Also this has NOT been proofread, and i did a lot of it in the wee hours of the morning.
Credits (aka the mods I ripped apart to see how to do this!): Basskimm - http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/21038 Grospolina - http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/23337 Mayatola - http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/24664 hellosanta - http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/24061 and http://skyrim.nexusmods.com/mods/24881
Planned Updates: Appendix A: Consolidating Folders to Save Time/Disk Space Appendix B: Appearance Mod Guide
DONE 10/19 UPDATE 1. 1 - Appendix C: Facegen Tweaks: -Optional - Edit facetint -Optional - Changing Haircolor -Optional - Opening Head in Photoshop 3D
A step-by-step tutorial for Skyrim modders on converting a player character into a standalone follower with a custom appearance, independent of other appearance mods. With 2,885 endorsements and 42,159 downloads, it's a well-regarded resource for mod authors.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community-approved (2,885 endorsements) — clearly a go-to resource for modders
- Huge download count (42,159) shows it's been used by many
- Teaches a specific, useful skill: making standalone NPCs without external mods
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2012 — may not cover newer Skyrim Special Edition or Anniversary Edition tools
- No screenshots or video included in the description, so you're working from text only
- Assumes you already know basic modding concepts — not for total beginners
For Skyrim mod authors who want to create standalone followers with custom looks. Skip if you're a player looking for new NPCs — this is a tutorial, not a mod.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Read the tutorial fully before starting — it's from 2012, so some steps may reference old Creation Kit versions.
- If you're on Skyrim Special Edition, check if the tutorial's steps still apply; you may need to adapt for SSE's Creation Kit.
- Practice on a copy of your character save to avoid messing up your main game.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim LE Mods
- Author
- Natilde
- Version
- 1.2
- Downloads
- 42,159
- Endorsements
- 2,885
- Category
- Modders Resources and Tutorials
- Created
- 10/18/2012
- Updated
- 11/17/2012
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