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 using tools like xEdit, the ability to read technical documentation including clicking links, hover hints, use external resources 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 and compatibility.
This website is a manual and documentation for the tools, their features and their use. This is not a modding guide, but there is information and tips for some mods.
The tools are shared for free with the specific requirement 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.
Pay attention to all instructions and information on this website and to all log messages and prompts from the tools.
Always use the latest version. Using the latest version and providing feedback or reporting problems is a requirement to participate in the alpha test. Do not waste time using older versions or reporting problems with older versions. Participating in the alpha test requires to report any problems to the official DynDOLOD support forum. The only sane and common sense modding and development method is to report bugs or problems, have them fixed in a new version and solved in the official DynDOLOD support forum.
Use the official DynDOLOD support forum to provide feedback, to report problems or to ask questions.
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, optional requirements like grass cache etc. Generate terrain LOD with xLODGen.
- Use TexGen and DynDOLOD to generate LOD assets and the LOD 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 and DynDOLOD DLL are updated for the latest runtime 1.6.640.
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
SKSE64GOG and DynDOLOD DLL are updated for the latest runtime 1.6.659.
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.