Splendor - Dragon Variants SE
⚪ Last updated 2017⚠️ 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 (5 images)
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 1.1% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #45 of 50 Creatures and Mounts mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
-
[]784 Dragons (from 14 in vanilla game)
[
]Greatly enhanced visual diversity[]
Using no external resources
[]
Extremely Compatible
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Splendor at 8:26
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Splendor with Artistic Skyrim Overhaul
I originally wanted to design this mod for PS4 users since they can't have DDC; however, it turned out really great even for PC.
By recombining all dragon models and textures included in the vanilla game and DLCs, I was able to make 56 unique model-texture combos.
Multiply that by 2 breath types (fire and frost) and 7 levels of strength, this maximizes variety while sticking entirely to vanilla mechanics and resources.
Best of all, it's:
100% compatible with any mod that alters the strength/abilities of vanilla dragons.
100% compatible with retextures of vanilla dragons.
100% compatible with Diverse Dragons Collection SE.
Requirements, Installation & Compatibility
Requirements:
-Dragonborn
Installation:
Standard. Use a mod manager or extract the plugin to your Data folder.
Uninstallation:
Revert to an old save from before installation, and disable/delete the mod.
Compatibility:
100% compatible with any mod that alters the strength/abilities of vanilla dragons.
100% compatible with retextures of vanilla dragons.
100% compatible with Diverse Dragons Collection 3 without a patch.
Requires a Bashed Patch to be compatible with other mods that add dragons to the leveled lists.
If you don't make a Bashed Patch, place this at the bottom of your load order to ensure that other mods don't overwrite it.
Testing:
I included a neat little trick for testing...open the console (~) then type:
help "random dragon"
player.placeatme xxxxxx
Replace the x's with the code that shows up after the first command.
This will randomly spawn one of the dragons added by this mod. It will not give you a soul.
Naming/Strength
Splendor - Dragon Variants SE is a lightweight mod that adds visual variety to enemy dragons using only vanilla resources. It boasts high compatibility with other dragon mods, making it a safe addition to any modded Skyrim setup. With over 12,000 endorsements and 1.1 million downloads, it's a proven community favorite.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community-approved with 12,627 endorsements and over a million downloads—this is a staple mod.
- Uses only vanilla resources, so it's lightweight and won't bloat your load order.
- Designed to play nice with other dragon mods, so you can stack it without headaches.
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2017—might have issues with the latest Skyrim SE patches, though many still use it fine.
- Only changes visuals, so if you're after new dragon behaviors or abilities, this isn't it.
- No detailed documentation on which specific variants are added—you'll have to see them in-game.
For Skyrim players who want more visual variety in dragon encounters without adding heavy new assets or risking conflicts. If you're already using other dragon mods, this is a safe cosmetic addition. Skip if you want gameplay changes—this is purely visual.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Since it uses only vanilla resources, you can install it anytime without worrying about missing meshes or textures.
- If you use a mod manager like Vortex or MO2, just download and enable—no special load order needed, but keeping it near other dragon mods is fine.
- Check the mod page for any compatibility notes with your specific dragon overhaul, though the author claims broad compatibility.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim Mods
- Author
- opusGlass
- Version
- 1.0.1
- Downloads
- 1,131,420
- Endorsements
- 12,627
- Category
- Creatures and Mounts
- Created
- 4/30/2017
- Updated
- 9/23/2017
🔧 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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