Eye Normal Map Fix SSE
⚪ Last updated 2016⚠️ Install Order · 5 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
🖼️ Gallery (2 images)
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 1.0% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #35 of 108 Body, Face, and Hair mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
EYE NORMAL MAP FIX SSE
There is now a version for True Eyes 2. 0 in both the main and optional categories.
The main True Eyes file is the standard DXT5 compression. The optional file is the DX11 BC7 compression for those who think it makes a difference.
Only use one file. Use either the main or optional True Eyes version if you are using True Eyes 2. 0.
The True Eyes versions are independent of the original main and optional files. They contain both human and beast normal maps now.
This port of my original mod is different than the one for original Skyrim. If you are using the original Skyrim uncompressed version for SSE, please use this one instead. Bethesda has caused some instability issues in their latest engine involving ARGB8x32 uncompressed textures, which can cause CTDs. This happened with their first update to Fallout 4 and has carried over to SSE. This version guarantees those instability issues will not happen.
DESCRIPTION:
This mod alters the human and beast race normal maps to reflect light correctly. It is just a pair of textures and will not impact performance, or conflict with anything else, like modified character creation.
It is compatible with pretty much every eye mod out there, and has been based on the majority of the eye textures in Eyes of Beauty, since that is the most popular.
Some of the eye mods out have included my original version ( which they were not supposed to ) , or a modified variant, but those too have been left uncompressed. They need to be replaced with this version, or removed completely.
The main file is saved in the standard DXT5ARGB format, and works just fine. Due to being twice the size of the vanilla file of the same compression, the artifacts from being compressed don't show.
There is a BC7 file in the Optional section for those wanting it. Visually, there is no difference between the two in game.
This fix can also be applied to any custom follower by simply replacing the same texture in its respective standalone folder.
It works on humans, elves, orcs, beasts and any custom race or follower who uses the vanilla eye maps.
Shinji's Great Video. Thank you, Shinji!
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My really choppy video. I found a patrolling guard at night so it enhances the effect.
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Usage and permissions:
DO NOT include this with eye mods. Period.
DO NOT UPLOAD MY ASSETS TO THE STEAM WORKSHOP.
You will be hit with a DMCA take down.
Originally posted March 4, 2012
"due to the conflict of i
A tiny but essential fix for Skyrim Special Edition that adjusts eye normal maps so irises appear concave, making them catch light realistically. With 25,611 endorsements and 2.5M downloads, it's a community staple for anyone who wants more lifelike character eyes.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Huge community trust: 25,611 endorsements and 2.5M downloads prove it's a must-have.
- One-file fix that just works—no patches or compatibility headaches.
- Subtle but noticeable improvement: eyes catch light like real ones, not flat stickers.
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2016—might be fine for SSE, but no guarantees for future updates.
- It's a one-trick pony: only affects eye normal maps, so don't expect any other changes.
For Skyrim SE players who obsess over character realism and want eyes that reflect light naturally. If you're a modder or just a casual player who notices eye shading, this is a no-brainer. Skip if you want gameplay changes—this is purely cosmetic.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Just drop the file into your Data folder or use your mod manager—no load order worries.
- If you use an eye texture replacer, install this after so it overrides the normal map.
- Test in a well-lit area like Riften to see the difference; it's subtle but worth it.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim Mods
- Author
- Mr Dave
- Version
- 1SE
- Downloads
- 2,530,671
- Endorsements
- 25,611
- Category
- Body, Face, and Hair
- Created
- 12/1/2016
- Updated
- 12/29/2016
🧩 Commonly Used Together
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🔧 How to Install Skyrim Mods
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