How to Edit and Create Standalone Custom Followers - AIO Edition
⚪ Last updated 2021⚠️ Install Order · 5 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
- 👍 8.4% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #2 of 21 Modders Resources mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
2025 Update:
MXT's Resource Pool - How Does It Work?
This is a much more concise, lightweight and minimalist guide using my Resource Pool as a reference. I would highly recommend trying to understand this first, before jumping into the Google Doc.
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How to create standalone followers (Google Docs link):
(will always be newer than the downloadable version, see sticky for changelog)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W9PDpXHk4tJ1ModX4VrQiFjscddwVPBjpGa8jjxgYTs
(Desktop users) Please use the sidebar on the top left of the page to quickly skip to the section you need:
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Check the "Articles" tab for more guides.
The only purpose is to give you something to download if you want to endorse this file.
It doesn't give me a boner when you endorse it, but it will increase the visibility of the guide to people who may need it.
Here's the table of contents so you can see what is covered in a quick glance:
Table of Contents V3. 0
Introduction
Layman explanation of the creation process
What makes a follower ‘standalone’?
Homebrew mods and Power users
Required mods and tools
Crash course
Parts Layout
Creation Kit
Replace an NPC head with a preset I downloaded?
Convert ESP into ESP-FE?
Convert a basic follower mod from LE to SE?
Editing Custom Followers / Replacers
Changing bodyshape
Changing eye color / eyebrow texture
How to replace a head without NifMerge
How to test a standalone follower
End of the basic section
Advanced Add-on Guides:
High Poly Head
Adding standalone equipment
Adding optional files for your users
Updating your mod files
The Great UNP vs CBBE Conundrum
Creating a FOMOD installer
Adding custom bodypaint to an NPC
Cheat sheet
What files do I need when I pack mods?
Reminder for which program handles what
Common mistakes and FAQ
Tips & Good Habits
Basic Troubleshooting (for modders)
How it all works, conceptually.
A comprehensive modder's resource guide for creating standalone custom followers in Skyrim, featuring images and crash courses. Covers a wide range of NPC-related topics in its articles. Ideal for mod authors looking to learn follower creation, backed by 526 endorsements.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Solid community backing with 526 endorsements
- Covers a wide range of NPC topics, not just followers
- Visual aids and crash courses make it beginner-friendly
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2021, so some info may be outdated for current Skyrim versions
- As a guide, it doesn't add gameplay content directly
- Potential compatibility risk if you follow outdated methods with newer mods
For aspiring mod authors who want to create their own standalone followers in Skyrim. Also useful for modders looking to expand their NPC editing knowledge. Skip if you're a player seeking new follower content, as this is a resource, not a gameplay mod.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Read the articles in order to build a solid foundation before diving into creation
- Use the crash courses as quick references when you're stuck on a specific topic
- Check the mod's comments section for community tips and updates on compatibility
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim Mods
- Author
- maxiteo
- Version
- 3.0
- Downloads
- 6,229
- Endorsements
- 526
- Category
- Modders Resources
- Created
- 5/15/2021
- Updated
- 5/30/2021
🔧 How to Install Skyrim Mods
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