VSU Degradation - Visual Armor Degradation
⚪ Last updated 2022⚠️ 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
- 👍 2.2% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #152 of 157 Immersion mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
Dev note: Update released with a full plugin set up for damaged versions of vanilla clothing and armor, so you can easily drop in replacement meshes! Check out the VSU Degradation Armors subsection for all the details! Damaged armor now has lower stats, and supports different meshes for the damaged versions.
Also updated a small bugfix to the main files, the MCM setting to enable/disable VSU armor changes was not updating.
v1. 2 was released to support the new version of VSU Framework. Requires the latest version of VSU Framework. I will no longer be supporting the No Widgets version. You will need to rebuild the VSU Database after updating.
Why this durability mod?
There are a lot of durability mods out there. This one can visually update armor as it is damaged. NPC armor can get damaged or broken as well from player attacks. Armors that support visual degradation are also entirely configurable through config files. This means it's really easy to add support for armor items from any mods that have damaged versions of armor, and there won't be conflicts from multiple patches trying to modify the framework directly.
Demonstration of a VSU rule to change Leather Armor to Forsworn Armor when it is damaged.
Ideally, meshes will be built for damaged versions of common vanilla armors.
Until then, you can configure armor from any mods that have damaged versions of their armors.
What this does:
Weapons and armor tempering degrades as they are used, and they eventually break. Broken weapons and armor can simply be tempered to return them to working order. NPC armor also takes damage from Player attacks, and can be switched to damaged versions or removed when broken. Any armor sets can be configured with VSU Framework to visually display damage. The VSU Degradation Armors file sets up damaged versions of all the vanilla Skyrim armor and clothing, with reduced armor rating for the armors. Clothing takes damage and can break as well. Weapons and armor will need to be regularly tempered to maintain good condition. While clothing cannot be tempered at a workbench, a Sewing Kit item was added to repair clothing. Sewing Kits were not placed in the world anywhere, but they can be crafted at a forge from 4 Leather Strips and an Iron Ingot. To use a sewing kit, equip it and then equip the clothing you wish to repair. Improved weapons and armor can also be distributed to NPCs without modifying any forms or leveled lists. When an NPC with default condition armor is hit (meaning they were hit for the first time by the player), their weapon and armor condition is randomly updated, within configurable parameters. This will let you
VSU Degradation is a Skyrim mod that adds visual armor and weapon degradation, showing damage on gear as it wears down. It supports configurable rules for damaged armor meshes, including NPC armor, and requires the VSU Framework. With 174 endorsements and regular updates, it offers a unique durability experience for immersion-focused players.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Unique visual degradation system that actually shows wear on your gear—no other durability mod does this.
- Configurable rules mean you can add support for your favorite armor mods without patch conflicts.
- NPC armor degradation adds a new layer of immersion to combat encounters.
⚠️ Cons
- Requires the VSU Framework, so you need to install and maintain an extra dependency.
- The No Widgets version is no longer supported, so you're locked into the latest framework.
- Potential compatibility issues with other mods that alter armor stats or durability systems.
For Skyrim players who want a more immersive durability system that shows physical damage on armor and weapons. If you're into survival or realism mods and don't mind managing a framework dependency, this is a solid pick. Skip if you prefer simple durability mods without visual changes or don't want to deal with config files.
💡 Beginner Tips
- After updating, you'll need to rebuild the VSU Database in-game via the MCM to apply changes.
- Check the VSU Degradation Armors section on the mod page for pre-configured damaged meshes for vanilla armor.
- If you use other armor mods, look for damaged versions of those armors and add config rules to integrate them.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Skyrim Mods
- Author
- v2099
- Version
- 1.2
- Downloads
- 7,917
- Endorsements
- 174
- Category
- Immersion
- Created
- 9/22/2022
- Updated
- 9/29/2022
🔧 How to Install Skyrim Mods
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