Look Around - Searching Animations For NPCs

⭐ ⭐⭐ (3,513 endorsements) 📥 1.9M downloads 📌 v1.1 📅 12/9/2022
⚪ Last updated 2023

By TheCyclist · Animation

⬇ Download Mod Source: Nexus Mods 📅 Updated: 6/17/2023 📅 Created: 12/9/2022
⚠️ 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

  • 👍 0.2% endorsement rate
  • 🏆 #85 of 201 Animation mods in this game by downloads

📋 About This Mod

Descriptions

  • []Animation will be applied to NPCs who are searching for someone hiding.

    []Includes one handed weapon, two handed weapon, hand to hand, bow, crossbow, magic, dual magic, dual wielded, staff and torch Idle.

    []DAR version - ESP-FE (ESL-Flagged ESP)

    []OAR version has no esp.

    []Safe to install mid-playthrough.

    []Read Q&A for more infos.

    Requirements - Choose OAR or DAR, don't use both.

    • []Open Animation Replacer - Recommended. Requires v1. 1. 0+

    • []Or Dynamic Animation Replacer & Spell Perk Item Distributor (SPID) - Not needed for OAR users

      Video Preview - Animation and Gameplay

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      Gif Preview - Animation

      Compatibility

      • []Should be compatible with most mods.

        Q&A

        • []Q. It's not working.

          []A1. You didn't install the requirement - Install it (also its requirements), restart a game.

          []A2. NPCs are not in alert mode. You won't see any animations if you are already in combat.

          []In combat = NPCs have found you and charged toward you.

          • []Q. Why DAR?

            []A. Idk how to make this work with FNIS/Nemesis.

            • []Q. Is it okay to install the mod mid-playthrough?

              []A. Yes.

              • []Q. Is the mod compatible with X Mod?

                []A. Probably. But i'm not sure. You might wanna try it by yourself.

                • []Q. I don't see any difference.

                  []A. Ok.

                  • []Q. Can you make an animation like this for creatures (draugr, beasts...)

                    []A. I can't. There are no available rigs for them.

                    • []Q. Is this script-heavy?

                      []A. No. Just one simple script to get combat state and activate animations. It's necessary because DAR has no combatstate condition.

                      []I know there's IsInCombat() but it has no use for this mod.

                      • []Q. Why esp?

                        []A. Without a plugin, the script won't work. If you want to remove the mod mid-playthrough, just delete Look Around_DISTR.ini.

                        []And delete the rest of the files before you start a new playthrough.

                        • []Q. I don't like certain animation.

                          []A. Get DAR Explorer to find the animation you don't like and delete that hkx file. Or you can make a new animation or something.

                          Credits

                          • []Felisky384 - Dynamic Animation Replacer

                            []powerofthree - Spell Perk Item Distributor (SPID)

                            []idextroyer - Animation/Annotation Imp

🤖 AI-enhanced — based on mod data

This animation mod makes NPCs appear to search for the player, adding new searching animations. With 3,513 endorsements and 1.9 million downloads, it's a popular choice for players seeking more immersive NPC behavior. Last updated in June 2023.

✨ Key Features

Adds new searching animations for NPCs
Makes NPCs feel like they are actively looking for the player
Popular animation mod with 3,513 endorsements

📊 Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

  • Huge community trust (3,513 endorsements, 1.9M downloads)
  • Simple concept that adds a lot of immersion
  • Lightweight animation mod that doesn't overhaul the game

⚠️ Cons

  • Last updated June 2023 — may need compatibility checks with newer game versions
  • Only affects NPC searching behavior, not other animations
🎯 Is This For You?
For players who want more lifelike NPC reactions during stealth or pursuit scenarios. If you're tired of NPCs standing still when they should be hunting you, this mod adds that tension. Skip if you're looking for combat or movement overhauls.
📦 Install:Easy· Under 1 minute

💡 Beginner Tips

  • Check if your game version is compatible with the mod's last update (June 2023) before installing.
  • If you use other animation mods, load this one after them to avoid conflicts.
  • Test in a small area first to see how the new animations feel in-game.

📊 Mod Details

Game
Skyrim Mods
Author
TheCyclist
Version
1.1
Downloads
1,867,397
Endorsements
3,513
Category
Animation
Created
12/9/2022
Updated
6/17/2023

🔧 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.

🎮 Need cheat codes or console commands? Check ur gaming wiki for Skyrim commands, item IDs, and more.

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