Animunculi Override - Dwemer Automaton Hacking Minigame
⚪ Last updated 2024⚠️ Install Order · 5 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview

🔍 Analysis
- 👍 0.0% endorsement rate
- 🏆 #18 of 113 Gameplay mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
This mods adds a minigame to Skyrim. If you're sneaking and not detected, you can activate dwarven animunculi (ie, automatons) to disable them if you win.
How to play
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After you select the "Hack" option, mouse over to the four knobs at the edge of the panel. You see a highlight of the path that you need to trace. Click on the knob to start. You have to reach the soul gem at the center without touching outside the path. You have 8 seconds before the animunculi is alerted of your presence. An hourglass in the top left corner shows the time you have left.
Attempting to hack requires a new item called Surge Module. Calcelmo always sells some, it can also be crafted in the forge with either the Ancient Knowledge or Clockwork Calibration perks. Some can be found in dwarven boss chests.
I recommend using Nordic UI, its cursor fits the minigame so well. It's what you see in the video above.
Optional Integration
Optional files provides patch for both Ordinator and Vokrii mods, so that its automaton hacking perks in Lockpicking tree show the minigame in this mod instead. An important change is unlike Ordinator's or Vokrii's perk where you have to be in combat to activate the automaton, you have to be in stealth. This is more immersive in my mind than frantically trying to hack hardware in the midst of combat. Also removed the XP gain for mere attempting to hack from Ordinator: you actually have to successfully finish the minigame in order to gain Lockpicking XP.
Custom Perk Tree
An optional file in the mod provides a custom perk tree utilizing the amazing Custom Skills Framework. After successfully hacking 10 animuncli a new perk point is unlocked (these are separate from your regular perk points) and you will see a message to open the mod's custom perk menu. This message will not show if you have Custom Skills Menu mod installed. Also you can go to Calcelmo and get training for this skill.
I would not recommend mixing this with the optional integration patches for Ordinator and Vokrii, since they have their own progression system.
Perks are as followed:
[]Clockwork Calibration: You're learning the art of hacking! Now you have more time before animunculi are alerted of your presence, and with the right materials you can craft them yourself at the forge.
[]Enhanced Surge: You can now use your Surge Modules more efficiently. Successful hack attempt do not destroy the Surge Module.
[]Gem Extraction: You're able to pull out the soul gem inside the animunculus before it's destroyed.
[]Mechanized Madness: Rewrire the internal logic of animunculi, thus they cannot distinguish between friend or foe for a short time.
[*]Master Tinkerer: Your advanced knowledge of anim
Adds a small minigame for hacking dwarven automatons to disable them, offering a new tactical option in combat. With 360 endorsements and frequent updates, it's a niche but popular gameplay tweak for Skyrim players seeking alternative approaches to Dwemer constructs.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community-approved with 360 endorsements
- High download count (836k) shows broad interest
- Adds a fresh twist to fighting Dwemer constructs
⚠️ Cons
- Only affects dwarven automatons, so limited scope
- Minigame may not appeal to players who prefer direct combat
- No detailed documentation on how the minigame works or its balance
For Skyrim players who enjoy stealth or tactical approaches and want a new way to deal with Dwemer automatons. Also for modders looking for creative gameplay mechanics. Skip if you prefer straightforward combat or don't encounter many automatons.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Make sure to read the mod's description for any specific key bindings or activation requirements.
- Test the minigame on a single automaton first to understand the mechanics before relying on it in tough fights.
- If you use a mod manager, let it handle the installation to avoid file conflicts.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim Mods
- Author
- Shazdeh2
- Version
- 1.0.2
- Downloads
- 836,854
- Endorsements
- 360
- Category
- Gameplay
- Created
- 3/20/2024
- Updated
- 9/1/2024
🔧 How to Install Skyrim Mods
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Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
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