Lightning Rod - Metal Attracts Lightning
🟡 Updated this year⚠️ Install Order · 6 steps
Install in this order, then this mod last — most mods fail to load without their framework and dependencies in place.
Preview
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 0.3% endorsement rate
- 🏆 #133 of 166 Immersion mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
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Ever wondered why standing in a thunderstorm with a metal weapon drawn doesn’t have consequences?
Now it does!
Lightning Rod is a lightweight SKSE plugin that adds a chance for the player or NPCs to be struck by lightning during thunderstorms if they have a metal weapon drawn.
Will not be struck if weapon is sheathed.
Higher altitude = higher chance to be struck.
Targets hit by lightning while in water will receive extra damage.
The mod is fully configurable in included ini file.
Does it work with Mod added weapons?
As long as they use the proper keywords:
-WeapMaterialIron
-WeapMaterialSteel
-WeapMaterialOrcish
-WeapMaterialDwarven
-WeapMaterialSilver
-DLC2WeaponMaterialNordic
Compatibility?
Compatible with anything and everything.
Scripts?
Only if using MCM version.
Safe to install mid game?
Performance Impact?
None. It only runs during thunderstorms and checks a few simple conditions.
CREDITS:
Address Library, SKSE, and CommonLibSSENG.
Shizof for the source code of Storm Lightning for SSE.
(check it out if you want lightning in Skyrim!)
Shoutout to this SKSE Plugin tutorial Series on Youtube.
Source code here
Lightning Rod is an SKSE plugin for Skyrim SE, AE, and VR that adds a chance for the player or NPCs to be struck by lightning if they have a metal weapon drawn during a storm. It's configurable via an INI file, offering a fun immersion twist for stormy encounters. With 207 endorsements and 59,288 downloads, it's a niche but popular choice.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community-approved with 207 endorsements and nearly 60k downloads.
- Adds a unique immersion mechanic that makes storms actually dangerous.
- Works across SE, AE, and VR, so most players can use it.
⚠️ Cons
- Requires SKSE, so it won't work without that dependency.
- The lightning strikes might feel random and could hit NPCs in ways that break immersion or cause unintended deaths.
- Potential conflicts with other mods that alter weather or lightning effects.
For Skyrim players who want a bit of chaotic realism in their storms and enjoy mods that add environmental hazards. If you're tired of rain being purely cosmetic and want a reason to sheathe your sword during a thunderstorm, this is for you. Skip if you prefer a more predictable or less punishing experience.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Make sure you have SKSE installed and launch the game through SKSE's loader, not the default launcher.
- Check the INI file to adjust the lightning strike chance to your liking—start low if you don't want constant strikes.
- If you're on VR, double-check that your SKSE version matches your game version to avoid crashes.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim Mods
- Author
- Truman
- Version
- 2.3
- Downloads
- 59,288
- Endorsements
- 207
- Category
- Immersion
- Created
- 5/4/2025
- Updated
- 6/1/2026
🔧 How to Install Skyrim Mods
Download from Nexus.
📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Skyrim →
Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
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