Dwemer Ballista Crash fix

⭐ ⭐⭐ (3,097 endorsements) 📥 1.0M downloads 📌 v1.0 📅 8/22/2022
⚪ Last updated 2022

By zhongjiedong · Bug Fixes

⬇ Download Mod Source: Nexus Mods ↗ 📅 Updated: 8/23/2022 📅 Created: 8/22/2022
⚠️ Install Order · 5 steps
1🛠️ SKSE64 — Skyrim Script Extender 64 Download ↗
2🔧 USSEP — Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch Download ↗
3🖥️ SkyUI — SkyUI (MCM framework) Download ↗
4🧩 Address Library — Address Library for SKSE Plugins Download ↗
5🔧 SSE Engine Fixes — SSE Engine Fixes Download ↗

Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.

🔍 Analysis

  • 👍 0.3% endorsement rate
  • 🏆 #153 of 156 Bug Fixes mods in this game by downloads

📋 About This Mod

So you ever randomly crash in Dwemer ruins? Maybe directly after killing a Dwemer Ballista?

Crash log look something like this?

Possible relevant objects (3)

[   0]    hkpRigidBody(Node: `NiNode(Name: `Pelvis`)`)

[   2]    hkpRigidBody(Node: `NiNode(Name: `RBackLeg3`)`)

[  29]    TESObjectCELL(Name: NchuandZel02 `Nchuand-Zel (20+)`, FormId: 00055215, File: `navpatch.esp <- Navigator-NavFixes.esp <- Synthesis.esp <- Lux.esp <- SkyrimSewers.esp <- 3DNPC.esp <- Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch.esp <- Skyrim.esm`)

Well I may have fixed it, either way it doesn't seem to have any negative effects, maybe some people with Havok knowledge can correct me but essentially all I've done is deleted the collision capsule for the RBackLeg3 node on the ballista skeleton.

Sure he might be missing a leg collider now, but did that ever matter?

Anyway let me know if it works for you, maybe his left leg will start crashing now, who knows.

Jelidity has discovered the reason is that they're supposed to have a death animation but this either doesn't exist or is buggy. So instead of modifying the skeleton, we can just prevent the animation from even attempting to play with an ESL-flagged plugin with 1 record modified. This preserves the ragdoll effect, I have uploaded it as an option so use that if you wish.

I was unable to spawn more than 100 ballistas without the game freezing though, but I'm fairly sure this is due to engine limitations processing physics for 200 ragdoll events.

Personally I'm a fan of the ballistas not just falling over when "dead" they look like very sturdy constructs so I'll keep both files up.

🤖 AI-enhanced — based on mod data

This small bug fix addresses crashes that occur after killing a Dwemer Ballista in Skyrim. With over 3,000 endorsements and a million downloads, it's a proven solution for a specific, annoying issue. Ideal for players who frequently encounter this crash and want a quick, reliable fix.

✨ Key Features

Fixes the crash that occurs after killing a Dwemer Ballista
Lightweight and focused solely on this specific bug
High community trust with 3,097 endorsements and 1.0M downloads

📊 Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

  • Community-approved with 3,097 endorsements and a million downloads—this fix is trusted
  • Targets a specific crash that can ruin a playthrough, so it's a must-have if you've hit it
  • Simple, no-frills solution—just install and forget

⚠️ Cons

  • Only addresses the ballista crash—if you have other CTD issues, this won't help
  • Last updated in 2022, so it might not be tested with the latest Skyrim updates or mods
  • No detailed documentation or troubleshooting provided by the author
🎯 Is This For You?
For Skyrim players who've experienced the frustrating crash after taking down a Dwemer Ballista and want a quick fix. Also for modders who want a stable base for their load order. Skip if you never fight Dwemer constructs or if you're looking for broader crash fixes.
📦 Install:Easy· Under 1 minute

💡 Beginner Tips

  • Install with your preferred mod manager (e.g., Vortex or Mod Organizer 2) to keep your load order clean.
  • Place this mod early in your load order, but after any major overhauls that might affect Dwemer ruins.
  • If you're still crashing after installing, check for conflicts with other mods that alter Dwemer creatures or combat.

📊 Mod Details

Game
Skyrim Mods
Author
zhongjiedong
Version
1.0
Downloads
1,031,105
Endorsements
3,097
Category
Bug Fixes
Created
8/22/2022
Updated
8/23/2022

🧩 Commonly Used Together

Users add these mods to the same collections — a real compatibility signal, not an AI guess.

🔧 How to Install Skyrim Mods

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