Patch Info for patches that are being worked on. If you have plans for patches, feel free to share under the article's comment section and we will add them to the list.
Check out the Open World Loot Consistency Synthesis Patcher by Xanza. It will automatically patch for OWL's Gear Framework with your entire Load Order as well as all NPCs. Please note that it will not modify Outfits as those require manual overseeing. You still need the patches for gear mod, check out this guide for further details.
Also check out this new synthesis patcher by J3w3ls, to automatically fill in the weapons and armours into OWL leveled lists! OWL Leveled List Additions - Synthesis Patcher Note that it does not conflict with the above patcher, they don't do the same, you should be using both.
I'm re-using this already stickied post. I have uploaded the first SkyPatcher module I made for OWL. I'm sure there will be questions about it, so I'll answer every conceivable question here.
Removing the small treasure list from all DeathItem lists associated with non-humanoids
Fixing the boar DeathItem list. It's really strange in vanilla.
All of these features were already in OWL, however they are now extended to all modded DeathItem lists as well. No exceptions, as long as they have the right editor ID naming conventions.
I will eventually include a reference plugin The reference plugin is now included. You can see exactly what the mod does (to vanilla Skyrim) in xEdit.
I've had my eye on this mod and would love to use it, but its really confusing coming into it in 2025. There are 35 files, some skypatcher ones, some not, "Ghastly's" files, WIP files... I have no idea where to even start. Is there some documentation somewhere that can make sense of everything?
A couple of things that will determine the files you need : if you intend to use the Skypatcher version or the classic version, and if you use WACCF and/or Tamrielic Distribution. There are 4 version : Skypatcher, Classic with WACCF+TD+USSEP, Classic with TD+USSEP (the version I maintain and tweaked so I'll be more prone to help with you with that one) and the Classic with only USSEP as dependency. Then grab your patches accordingly.
Hi, I used the normal version before but I don't have enough time to patch and check it anymore, so I wondered when the SkyPatcher version will be updated. And is it still not recommended, thanks also for all this effort.
It's almost done, I'm just making patches right now. It's a lot easier to make patches for the SkyPatcher version because you literally just put the item into one leveled list and you're done, just do filterByLLs=OWL_[rest of the editorID]:addToLLs=[editorID of the item] in a SkyPatcher file.
Would you say that running OWL by itself, without other loot mods, including without artifact loot mods, is worth it? Or does it only make sense in the context of having mods like Reliquary of Myth. Put another way, if I don't plan on using something like RoM, should I avoid OWL.
Hey thanks, I'm not running any mods that rebalance weapons and I don't care a ton about changing the loot system. But "believable and balanced loot" sounds nice, which is what OWL says it provides. The thing giving me pause is that the description makes a point of saying, at least twice, that OWL is designed around a loot philosophy that assumes artifact mods are in use. Since I won't be using those, should I stick to Vanilla loot progression? I definitely don't want to go through an OWL playthrough, get to the end game artifact stage and have things completely fizzle out because I don't have modded or enhanced artifacts.
If you're not using a weapon rebalancing mod then you would have to use an additional mod just to make sure OWL's progression is right and it becomes a hassle. I wouldn't use it in your case.
One of the reasons I am looking to avoid additional loot mods is because I'm struggling to understand the load order and patch implications. And I'm really trying to avoid having to read up on bash.
Any advice on a lite, simple setup?
For example, if I were to run with WAAT and RoM and Morrowloot Miscellania Item Distribution, would the general load order be something like:
WAAT > OWL > OWL Randomized Special Loot > RoM > All those built in RoM CC patches > Morrowloot Miscellania Item Distribution
Btw, what are the "gameplay implications" of loading Arena after OWL? Arena uncaps the max level of EZs, so which playstyle and experience will one be expecting between with OWL only and OWL+Arena?
No, vanilla visual replacements are usually loose assets replacements using the same file path as vanilla assets and do not interact at all with loot or encounter zones which is on a plugin level.
I haven't seen it asked yet (though maybe i just didn't go far enough back), but is this save game compatible? Or do I have to start a new save to use this? It sounds like it might be okay to install mid game, but I'm not entirely sure.
I wouldn't recommend it. I say integrate it when you make a new mod list. I'm currently developing an SKSE SkyPatcher version that will make this process easier.
Looks like there are two patches for OWL x NordWarUA's Armor Variants.
1. The one from StarPlatinumTheWorld's page here, named "Open World Loot - DIS_Armor_Compilation Patch.esp" with 58,5 MB size. Modified 30.05.2021. 2. The one from the OWL page, named "Open World Loot - AVExpansion Patch.esp" with 48 KB size. Modified 30.10.2021.
EDIT: The 2. one is for darkgondul's Armor Variants Expansion. Naming conventions are confusing.
This mod appears to be incompatible with "Sentinel - An Equipment Overhaul".
When installed together, bandits have multiple sets of armor in their inventory at once. From what I've seen, it's only bandits that suffer from this.Anyone else run into this? Or have a fix?
Also, I'm a little confused as to what files I should get. I have SkyPatcher installed, so should I also install all of the SkyPatcher modules under the update files section? Should I use Ghastly's WIP file? Alongside the main file? Any help is greatly appreciated.
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A Basic Tutorial on How to Integrate Weapon and Armor Mods into OWL Gear Framework
Short Guide for Wrye Bash, Synthesis, and Mator Smash for OWL by xtenship
Patch Info for patches that are being worked on. If you have plans for patches, feel free to share under the article's comment section and we will add them to the list.
Please note that it will not modify Outfits as those require manual overseeing.
You still need the patches for gear mod, check out this guide for further details.
Also check out this new synthesis patcher by J3w3ls, to automatically fill in the weapons and armours into OWL leveled lists!
OWL Leveled List Additions - Synthesis Patcher
Note that it does not conflict with the above patcher, they don't do the same, you should be using both.
I'm going to go ahead and recommend this, you should load it before the randomized addon but after the bashed patch.
If you don't use WACCF, you might want to use the vanilla progression patch by Qolore7.
I have uploaded the first SkyPatcher module I made for OWL. I'm sure there will be questions about it, so I'll answer every conceivable question here.
I will eventually include a reference pluginThe reference plugin is now included. You can see exactly what the mod does (to vanilla Skyrim) in xEdit.There are 4 version : Skypatcher, Classic with WACCF+TD+USSEP, Classic with TD+USSEP (the version I maintain and tweaked so I'll be more prone to help with you with that one) and the Classic with only USSEP as dependency.
Then grab your patches accordingly.
Any advice on a lite, simple setup?
For example, if I were to run with WAAT and RoM and Morrowloot Miscellania Item Distribution, would the general load order be something like:
WAAT > OWL > OWL Randomized Special Loot > RoM > All those built in RoM CC patches > Morrowloot Miscellania Item Distribution
(Sadly was never a fan of curated difficulty, and general questing with all my combat mods gives me a headache.)
Love the loot changes btw, great job!
1. The one from StarPlatinumTheWorld's page here, named "Open World Loot - DIS_Armor_Compilation Patch.esp" with 58,5 MB size. Modified 30.05.2021.
2. The one from the OWL page, named "Open World Loot - AVExpansion Patch.esp" with 48 KB size. Modified 30.10.2021.
EDIT:
The 2. one is for darkgondul's Armor Variants Expansion. Naming conventions are confusing.
When installed together, bandits have multiple sets of armor in their inventory at once. From what I've seen, it's only bandits that suffer from this.Anyone else run into this? Or have a fix?
Also, I'm a little confused as to what files I should get. I have SkyPatcher installed, so should I also install all of the SkyPatcher modules under the update files section? Should I use Ghastly's WIP file? Alongside the main file? Any help is greatly appreciated.
Additionally correct me if I'm wrong, I can't use the OWL Main File With the owl Skypatcher Main file yes?