Dynamic Distant Objects LOD (DynDOLOD) is a set of tools that is the advanced and easier version of xLODGen to generate a comprehensive LOD mod for the entire load order of the different Skyrim and Enderal game versions for drastically enhanced and better matching tree LOD and object LOD plus optional dynamic LOD (hence the name), glow LOD, grass LOD, occlusion data and terrain underside in a few simple steps.
Modding the game and using tools like DynDOLOD requires rudimentary computer and modding skills. Like general knowledge of folders, file types, how the game stores mods and assets and how to use a mod manager and tools like xEdit, the ability to read technical documentation including clicking links, read hover hints and use external resources. Like using internet search, modding guides etc. for learning required basic knowledge, follow instructions and the willingness to ask questions, report problems and provide feedback on the official DynDOLOD support forum for qualified help and advice and to improve the tools, processes, documentation and the compatibility with mods. While modding and using tools can be complex, it is not complicated. Once spending a bit of time to learn the basics including how to build a proper load order by following a modding guide, using tools like xEdit, xLODGen, DynDOLOD etc. becomes rather simple and straight forward.
This website is a manual and documentation for the tools, their features and their use. This is not a modding guide with instructions for a specific list of mods, but there is information and tips for some mods. Users are expected to have basic computer, OS and modding knowledge, including how to use the mod manager and be able to apply generic explanations to their specific situation and setup. If spoon feeding is required, including the use of MO2 or Vortex, see the Videos or consider following a modding guide. This documentation explains everything plainly, verbatim, straight forward, top to bottom, typically mod manager agnostic. Use the hover hints and links for further explanations. In case of step-by-step instructions, if a seemingly simple question or thing is not specifically mentioned, it usually means it is one of the millions of things that are irrelevant in the current context. Search the Internet, Wikis etc. for rudimentary computer and modding concepts and explanations and use the official DynDOLOD support forum if an instruction or explanation is not understood, requires further help or could be improved because it expects pre-existing knowledge without enough detail, links or hints.
The tools are shared for free with the specific requirement to use the latest version, to provide feedback and to report any problems including logs and other requested information to the official DynDOLOD support forum in order to advance their improve and advance their development for all users.
DynDOLOD 3 Alpha
This website and DynDOLOD 3 are currently an ALPHA version to test things and iron out bugs.
Certain things may be incomplete, not work as expected or change considerably between versions. While certain explanations and help topics might be incomplete, could explains things in more detail or link to better resources, they should be always up-to-date for the latest version.
Pay attention to all instructions and information on this website and to all log messages and prompts from the tools.
Always use the latest versions. Newer versions fix bugs, add new features, contain updated/new assets and configuration files to support the (sometimes still updated) vanilla game and for existing, new or updated mods. Using the latest version, providing feedback and reporting of all problems with requested logs to the official DynDOLOD support forum is a requirement to participate in the alpha test. Do not waste time using older versions or reporting problems with older versions. Older versions will automatically stop working after several months to facilitate the cathedral modding process and to protect the community from detrimental behavior and users from themselves.
Use the official DynDOLOD support forum to provide feedback, to report problems or to ask questions to help to improve the tools and the documentation or for qualified help and discussions.
Quickstart
The tools and instructions work basically the same for each supported game mode. Obviously different versions of the requirements need to be downloaded and installed. See additional notes for the different game versions and other mods in Mods.
The basic steps are:
- Download DynDOLOD Standalone and DynDOLOD Resources and the additional requirements
- Install the requirements, DynDOLOD Standalone and DynDOLOD Resources
- Finalize the load order, patches, generate optional requirements like grass cache etc. Generate terrain LOD with xLODGen
- Use TexGen to generate object LOD, tree LOD assets and then DynDOLOD to generate the LOD patch mod
Pay attention to all log messages, prompts and the summary of messages that might be presented when the tools finish their tasks.
Click the Help buttons in the GUI or browse Help to open contextual help and explanations for a tool or topic.
Browse Mods for additional information or instructions about mods.
Use the Click on this link for additional explanations and help for this message in case of pop-up messages or browse Messages to find explanations for a message.
In case of questions or problems in the game, check the DynDOLOD FAQ.
Use the official DynDOLOD support forum to report any problems, issues, to provide feedback or ask questions including problems with 3rd party mods or in case anything needs clarification in order to help to improve the tools and processes and to receive qualified answers and help.
In case these simple to use tools and the generic instructions seem complicated or overwhelming, consider following a detailed modding guide to learn how to mod first.
Skyrim Special Edition / Skyrim Anniversary Edition
SKSE64, DynDOLOD DLL SE and DynDOLOD DLL NG are all available for runtime 1.6.1170 on Steam.
Regardless of which runtime version is used for Skyrim Special Edition, if the Skyrim Anniversary Edition or Anniversary DLC is installed, the game mode is always SSE.
DynDOLOD works as always with or without the Anniversary DLC and also fixes a couple bugs, like wrong meshes or texture paths and stuck tree LOD.
Skyrim Special Edition GOG / Skyrim Anniversary Edition GOG
In case the Steam and GOG runtime versions are equal, each still requires its own SKSE and DLL plugin versions.
SKSE64GOG, DynDOLOD DLL SE are available available for runtime 1.6.1179. DynDOLOD DLL NG for 1.6.1130+ should work.
Regardless of which runtime version is used for Skyrim Special Edition GOG, if the Skyrim Anniversary Edition GOG or Anniversary DLC is installed, the game mode is always SSE.
Use the -m, -p and -d command line arguments to set the INI, plugins.txt and Data paths when starting the tools. For example:
-m:"c:\Users\[USERNAME]\Documents\My Games\Skyrim Special Edition GOG\" -p:"c:\Users\[USERNAME]\AppData\Local\Skyrim Special Edition GOG\plugins.txt" -d:"c:\GOG Games\Skyrim Special Edition GOG\Data\"
Replace [USERNAME] and the INI and Data folder paths accordingly for the actual setup.
Do not link to files or folders in mod manager profiles. Link to the files and folders used by the game.