[Skyrim] An actually decent NPC overhaul?

[loregamer]

All the current ones suck as far as I'm aware

It'd be nice to install a Wabbajack modlist and then add at the end a HQ Skyrim NPC overhaul at the end that makes them not have super smooth skin and anime hair

Skyrim definitely needs a Realms Restored equivalent imo

[Xenich]

I am always overwhelmed every time I consider a Skyrim play. I usually get bogged down by mods vs version release, trying to find something that turns off a lot of the garbage (ie level scaling) and then when I get into the graphics portion, it becomes a nightmare to deal with all the mods to make it look nice. By the time I get about 1/3rd of the way into setting it all up, I just give up and move on.

Would be nice though to have a nice Wabbajack modlist to implement as I would eventually like to actually play through the game (barely have even finished the intro).

[loregamer]

There's a tool, EasyNPC, that can be used to select which version of NPCs you want. I think at least a "Vanilla NPCs Restored" mod would be neat (All of them look terrible on the very screenshot showcasing the NPCs)

[Nessa]

Largely depends on how nice you want things looking. The better ones in my view are Kallilies and Pandorable. Other facemakers like Coldsun are better than the awful Toddcursed (or trash, synonyms) vanilla buuut suffer from the everyone looks the same after awhile issue. So... here's a rough who's who off the top of my head. Along with some notes. Also I'm only focusing on NPCs here. For the player you'll want things like Aesthetic Elves, Fair Skin Complexion (or your skin tone of choice) and there's a whole host of options now for guys as well which is great.

Sidenote: Writing on this forum is like a trip in a time machine!



General NPCs

---

Most of these have patches for HDT hair, some require patches to make them use standard skin tones (Bijin's). I mention this because it's better to use standard "vanilla" skin tones on makeovers because then whatever you replace vanilla with will also apply to your makeovers. When choosing a skin (guys and girls) you want to make sure it is compatible with your chosen body type for both genders. There are way too many options to go over in a list like this. Pick what you prefer for your game!

• Bijin Collection - There are updated add-ons now that switch their skin tones to standard. (In my case I use a modified version of Fair Skin Complexion along with my own not-fatty non-implant 3BA preset body for wahmenz.) Important: Bijin didn't do elves well, I overwrite all of them with others. Some of the faces I don't like I overwrite as well. There is a high-poly conversion out there, but I don't use it. High poly versions don't look significantly better in-game so I see no point to it. Bijin makes the definitive Ysolda in my view:
  ► Show Spoiler

  
• Kallilies Collection - One of the better ones in my view. Very grounded while still looking great. Important: does elves well but I remove all hideous klingon ridges from Dunmer. The definitive Minorne, Angi and Narri in my view:
  ► Show Spoiler

  
• Pandorable Collection - The largest probably outside of maybe Coldsun. This is the best overall collection and I use almost everything. Definitive Brynolf, Siddgeir, Maven, Brelyna, and probably a dozen others I can't think of at the moment.
  ► Show Spoiler

  
• Froztee Collection - A newish one here. I personally use the Taarie and Endarie makeover along with Froztee's Auri makeover.
• Metalsaber's Orc Women - A one off here for anyone who wants orc women to look more mer than troll. Makes other faces but I'm not a fan.
• Coldsun Collection - I actually only use 1 of his followers. An elf healer. A huge facemaker but I find the faces all start looking the same after awhile. Included here because when talking faces, Coldsun should be mentioned regardless if I use them or not.
• Modpocalypse NPCs - Included for completeness sake. Not as skilled as the other facemakers listed (including Coldsun) however this covers every, single NPC in the whole game. Good base to start from then replace with better facemakers in the list above.

Vampires

---

Yes they get their own category. Note: Pandorable has excellent vamp replacers as well!

• Seranaholic - The one I personally use for Serana. (One of the earlier ones, I think 1.6.) Has a whole range of options. There are also new add-ons for each face that gives her proper HDT hair.
• Cosmetic Vampire Overhaul SE - This is strangely missing from the Nexus. I -think- this is the right one on Modbb. This turns generic vamps back into real vamps instead of disgusting caricatures of Todd's inner self.
• Pan's Nameless Vampires - Although included above, drawing special attention here as this really makes vamps vamps again.
• Normal Vampire Face for High Poly Head - Including this as it can be hard to find. A must if you don't want Todd-cursed mutants as generic vampires. Note: This is for the player. Which is also another topic and mega post entirely!

Kids

---

I tend to either ignore, erase, or fry (that brat in Whiterun) annoying kids as soon as they're annoying. However I do use the below for making them at least not look like mutant freaks from Fallout. I have heard of some supposedly great new kid makeovers I just haven't personally tried them.

• RS Children Overhaul - Makes kids not look like something that must be immediately killed on sight. You'll need another mod for not wanting to kill them anyway after they open their mouths though. (Kids in Skyrim are awful Toddcursed filth! )
• Realistic Elven Children - For those of us who don't want to adopt disgusting human filth. There's enough of them as it is.

[loregamer]

Largely depends on how nice you want things looking. The better ones in my view are Kallilies and Pandorable. Other facemakers like Coldsun are better than the awful Toddcursed (or trash, synonyms) vanilla buuut suffer from the everyone looks the same after awhile issue. So... here's a rough who's who off the top of my head. Along with some notes. Also I'm only focusing on NPCs here. For the player you'll want things like Aesthetic Elves, Fair Skin Complexion (or your skin tone of choice) and there's a whole host of options now for guys as well which is great.

Sidenote: Writing on this forum is like a trip in a time machine!



General NPCs

---

Most of these have patches for HDT hair, some require patches to make them use standard skin tones (Bijin's). I mention this because it's better to use standard "vanilla" skin tones on makeovers because then whatever you replace vanilla with will also apply to your makeovers. When choosing a skin (guys and girls) you want to make sure it is compatible with your chosen body type for both genders. There are way too many options to go over in a list like this. Pick what you prefer for your game!

• Bijin Collection - There are updated add-ons now that switch their skin tones to standard. (In my case I use a modified version of Fair Skin Complexion along with my own not-fatty non-implant 3BA preset body for wahmenz.) Important: Bijin didn't do elves well, I overwrite all of them with others. Some of the faces I don't like I overwrite as well. There is a high-poly conversion out there, but I don't use it. High poly versions don't look significantly better in-game so I see no point to it. Bijin makes the definitive Ysolda in my view:
  ► Show Spoiler

  
• Kallilies Collection - One of the better ones in my view. Very grounded while still looking great. Important: does elves well but I remove all hideous klingon ridges from Dunmer. The definitive Minorne, Angi and Narri in my view:
  ► Show Spoiler

  
• Pandorable Collection - The largest probably outside of maybe Coldsun. This is the best overall collection and I use almost everything. Definitive Brynolf, Siddgeir, Maven, Brelyna, and probably a dozen others I can't think of at the moment.
  ► Show Spoiler

  
• Froztee Collection - A newish one here. I personally use the Taarie and Endarie makeover along with Froztee's Auri makeover.
• Metalsaber's Orc Women - A one off here for anyone who wants orc women to look more mer than troll. Makes other faces but I'm not a fan.
• Coldsun Collection - I actually only use 1 of his followers. An elf healer. A huge facemaker but I find the faces all start looking the same after awhile. Included here because when talking faces, Coldsun should be mentioned regardless if I use them or not.
• Modpocalypse NPCs - Included for completeness sake. Not as skilled as the other facemakers listed (including Coldsun) however this covers every, single NPC in the whole game. Good base to start from then replace with better facemakers in the list above.

Vampires

---

Yes they get their own category. Note: Pandorable has excellent vamp replacers as well!

• Seranaholic - The one I personally use for Serana. (One of the earlier ones, I think 1.6.) Has a whole range of options. There are also new add-ons for each face that gives her proper HDT hair.
• Cosmetic Vampire Overhaul SE - This is strangely missing from the Nexus. I -think- this is the right one on Modbb. This turns generic vamps back into real vamps instead of disgusting caricatures of Todd's inner self.
• Pan's Nameless Vampires - Although included above, drawing special attention here as this really makes vamps vamps again.
• Normal Vampire Face for High Poly Head - Including this as it can be hard to find. A must if you don't want Todd-cursed mutants as generic vampires. Note: This is for the player. Which is also another topic and mega post entirely!

Kids

---

I tend to either ignore, erase, or fry (that brat in Whiterun) annoying kids as soon as they're annoying. However I do use the below for making them at least not look like mutant freaks from Fallout. I have heard of some supposedly great new kid makeovers I just haven't personally tried them.

• RS Children Overhaul - Makes kids not look like something that must be immediately killed on sight. You'll need another mod for not wanting to kill them anyway after they open their mouths though. (Kids in Skyrim are awful Toddcursed filth! )
• Realistic Elven Children - For those of us who don't want to adopt disgusting human filth. There's enough of them as it is.

Share patch pls

[loregamer]

Surprised you didn't list Windsong Immersive Character Overhaul @Nessa

Now that I think about it that was my favorite

[rusty_shackleford]

All the character overhauls look like *** unless you really like the korean mmorpg look

[loregamer]

Lmao

[Tweed]

For as little time as you spend talking to NPCs, does it really matter?

[Nessa]

All the character overhauls look like *** unless you really like the korean mmorpg look

Actually I think vanilla looks remarkably like the typical american. Only thinner. Here's Rusty's twin, just imagine this guy 4 times the fat:

[Nessa]

Surprised you didn't list Windsong Immersive Character Overhaul @Nessa

Now that I think about it that was my favorite

Forgot that one. But yes, that should be in there.

[Nessa]

For as little time as you spend talking to NPCs, does it really matter?

[rusty_shackleford]

All the character overhauls look like *** unless you really like the korean mmorpg look

Actually I think vanilla looks remarkably like the typical american. Only thinner. Here's Rusty's twin, just imagine this guy 4 times the fat:

Looks fine

[DecadeRiptide]

All the current ones suck as far as I'm aware

It'd be nice to install a Wabbajack modlist and then add at the end a HQ Skyrim NPC overhaul at the end that makes them not have super smooth skin and anime hair

Skyrim definitely needs a Realms Restored equivalent imo

I usually add Bjin NPCs and a bunch of others and let a body type mod and another skin mod overwrite them. Usually works out nicely but it is a lot of tinkering to make it work right. I'll let KS Hairdos replace anything untouched by the NPC mods

[loregamer]

I would like an HQ equivalent to Simple Character Expansions for New Vegas that doesn't overglamorize the NPCs

[loregamer]

It's amazing how every single one of these mods look bad

What is the best Skyrim NPC Overhaul? (2026 Mod Guide)

[Killagain665]

It's amazing how every single one of these mods look bad

What is the best Skyrim NPC Overhaul? (2026 Mod Guide)

you would expect the Vanilla plus to do what you would expect it to but while the actual models are improved the actual textures and hair make them uglier somehow. A lot of the other upgrades make them look to "fab" for me. just taking the clip image into account, sure a cooler face paint or whatever, but just get rid of the chin and jaw of a 6'6" linebacker on steroids and give her a hair that isn't so flat, done. the image on the right is a glam rock band groupie for an MTV music video ready for a micro bikini, to far.