Skyrim’s general populace doesn’t take too kindly to vampires – there was a whole expansion about hunting them down, after all – but the Coldhaven mod gives stalkers of the night a place to call home. The add-on adds in a new underground city full of vampiric denizens, and it can serve as a player home or the hub for a host of new quests and unique weapons.
Coldhaven itself is a haven for vampires, but still allows some mortal trade – hence the stores, smiths, and taverns you’ll find there. Commoners live in the lower levels, while vampiric nobles look down from above. A set of quests will have you seeking out missing vampires of note, hunting fugitives, and joining new factions.
You can, as always, grab the file from Nexus Mods – whether for standard Skyrim or SSE. An optional extension adds some options for the Alternate Start mod, so you can begin a new character either visiting or residing in Coldhaven. Creator Brehanin has created several vampire-focused mods in the past, and this add-on is intended to be broadly compatible with any vampire overhaul.
Coldhaven brings in some of Brehanin’s earlier work, too. You’ll also be able to build Bloodgems using blood potions and soul gems, which can then be smelted into Bloodglass ingots, and finally turned into a new set of Bloodglass weapons.
Related: Check out the 100 best Skyrim mods
The mod community’s work continues at its usual ridiculous pace. We’ve seen a Skyrim Reputation mod and Beyond Skyrim continues to show a whole lot of promise and a whole lot of progress. We’ve still got reasons to keep coming back to Skyrim even after all these years.
- Read More
- Skyrim mods
- Games like Skyrim
- Skyrim console commands
Original Flavor
Looking for mods for the original version of Skyrim? We've selected over 100 of the best mods for improved visuals and optimization, new quests and locations, roleplaying and immersion, creatures and NPCs, and much more. Our list is here.
Best Skyrim Vampire Mods
Since the last time we updated our list of the best Skyrim Special Edition mods the Skyrim Script Extender has been made compatible with it. You can download it here (it'll be labelled 'Current SE build'). Turn off automatic updates for Skyrim Special Edition once it's installed, as the creation club still receives patches which routinely break the Script Extender until modders update it.
With the Script Extender modders can now alter this version of Bethesda's RPG as drastically as Oldrim. Near-essentials like SkyUI are now available in this slightly prettier (it does have nicer shadows), and more stable (you can alt-tab as much as you like) version of Skyrim. To be fair, there were other changes as well, like these.
If you're playing the Skyrim Special Edition and looking for the best mods available, look no further. Some of these mods can be found on Bethesda's site and downloaded while in-game, but the links we'll post all point to the repository at Nexus Mods. Mods added in the latest update of this list have been marked with a ⭐.
Vortex ⭐
For downloading, installing, and managing these mods and others, we recommend Vortex. It's an extremely useful utility, and it works with a number of other games like Fallout 3 and 4, The Witcher series, the Darks Souls games, XCOM 2, and lots more.
SkyUI ⭐
The heavens parted, golden saints sang, and SkyUI was finally supported by Skyrim Special Edition. This interface replacer makes Skyrim feel like it was designed for mouse controls, and lets you filter and sort inventory based on weight, value, damage and the like. Also adds an in-game mod configuration menu several other mods rely on.
A Quality World Map ⭐
Skyrim's map is functional but boring. A Quality World Map offers multiple ways to fix it. It can replace the map with a much more detailed world texture, with colors that help delineate the separate areas much more obviously, but there's also an option to have a paper map, with a more Oblivion look, if that's your thing.
Legacy of the Dragonborn ⭐
Adds a gallery you can fill with unique items, a museum to your achievements that is also a library, a storage facility, a questline of its own, and a place to learn archeology complete with its own perks. While the original version of this Skyrim mod has been adapted across from Oldrim, there's also an update in the works specifically for Special Edition which will remap the building to make it larger and more like a real museum. It won't be compatible with the current version, so it might be worth holding off until Legacy V5 comes out.
The Asteria Dwemer Airship ⭐
There are player home mods to suit all tastes, but the Asteria is a particularly nice one—a flying ship with all mod cons, by which I mean storage space and crafting tables. It's permanently docked, however, and can't be moved around, though it does have a teleporter for a more immersive alternative to fast-travel. Flyable skyship mods still haven't made the jump over from vanilla Skyrim, unfortunately.
Inigo ⭐
Maybe you don't think a blue Khajiit who follows you around commenting on everything and being sarcastic about Lydia is what Skyrim needs, but trust us on this. Inigo is a follower with tons of dialogue, some tied to his own questline and more that crops up at appropriate times depending on the location you're at. He can be told where to go and what to do by whistling, and will follow you even if you've got an existing companion, chatting away with them thanks to skilfully repurposed voice lines.
Unofficial Skyrim Patch
This mod is a compendium of hundreds of fixes for bugs, text, objects, items, quests, and gameplay elements assembled by prolific modder Arthmoor. The patch is designed to be as compatible as possible with other mods. If you've got a few hours, you can read through the patch notes.
Opening Scene Overhaul
This mod, by elderscrolliangamer, changes and enhances Skyrim's opening sequence by restoring dialogue that Bethesda chose to cut, but which is still present in the game files. With that content restored, you'll learn more about the world you're preparing to inhabit by listening in on additional conversations and seeing full sequences that were snipped before release. Best of all, if you choose to side with the Stormcloaks, you'll actually be able to escape Helgen with Ulfric himself at your side.
Open Cities
It's more than a little immersion-breaking in Skyrim to enter a city through a gate and encounter a loading screen. Open Cities, by Arthmoor, aims for more of a Morrowind feel: the cities aren't instances, they're part of the larger world. Stroll right in—or ride in on horseback—without a break in your experience, and these cities will feel more like real places than loaded-in maps.
Phenderix Magic World
This impressively robust magic mod adds new locations like The School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the magical town of Manantis, and even a new magical dimension to explore. It also adds hundreds of new spells from all schools of magic, plus lots of magic weapons, over a dozen new followers, and a quest to get you started.
Alternate Start—Live Another Life
If you're playing Special Edition, you're starting from scratch whether you're a newcomer to Skyrim or a veteran. Why not start your new game as someone other than the Dragonborn? Alternate Start—again, by Arthmoor—is a roleplaying mod that gives you choices on how you'd like to begin your next playthrough. Are you a patron at in inn, a visitor arriving by boat, a prisoner in a jail cell, or the member of a guild? You can start as a soldier, an outlaw, a hunter, or even a vampire. It's a great way to re-experience Skyrim from a different perspective.
Relationship Dialogue Overhaul
This mod by cloudedtruth adds thousands of lines of voiced dialogue for NPCs, directed at making you feel as if you have a closer and more personal relationship with followers and friends. Your spouse, if you have one, will no longer sound like a random follower, but address you in a more personal manner, and those you've angered will have a host of new insults to hurl your way.
Diverse Dragons Collection
Despite the Special Edition's visual overhaul, its dragons are still a bit ho-hum. This mod, contributed to by a large collection of modders, adds 28 new and unique dragons with different models and textures, and capable of over a dozen new breath attacks and abilities. The dragons come in different ranks as well, to ensure you have a challenge no matter what your level.
Achievements Mod Enabler
Just because you're modding doesn't mean you're cheating (necessarily). So why does the SSE disable achievements if you've got mods running? Stick it to 'em by using this plugin from xSHADOWMANx that allows you to earn achievements even while using mods.
Static Mesh Improvements
While the SSE adds plenty of enhanced visuals, it doesn't do a thing to improve the original game's low-poly meshes. This mod edits hundreds of 3D models placed in thousands of different locations for items like furniture, clutter, architectural elements, and landscape objects to make them look nicer and more realistic.
Total Character Makeover
Skyrim's NPCs already looked dated when the game was first released, and they certainly haven't aged well. The SSE might improve the looks of the world, but it doesn't touch its citizens, so this mod from Scaria should be on your list. It gives everyone in the game (including your avatar) a facelift with more detailed textures that won't kneecap your framerate, and without making characters look out of place.
True 3D Sound for Headphones
'This mod enables true 3D sound for Skyrim SE by using a so called HRTF to simulate binaural hearing using normal stereo headphones. You will hear exactly from which direction a sound is coming from.' I don't know exactly what that first sentence means, but I understand the second one. Make the SSE more realistic for your ears with this mod from CptYouaredead.
You also might want to check out Immersive Sounds.
Frostfall and Campfire
Download link (Frostfall)
Download link (Campfire)
Download link (Campfire)
Looking to turn SSE into a survival experience? Then bundle up and look no further. These mods from Chesko make the frosty world of Skyrim more dangerous yet more immersive and enjoyable with a system that makes you manage your temperature in the cold climate. Hypothermia is an issue, especially if you swim through icy water, so you'll have to dress warmly, and camping elements include craftable tents, torches, and other gear. There's even a crafting skill system.
Also, check out Wet and Cold, which adds weather-dependent visual effects and sounds.
Cutting Room Floor
Another big mod from Arthmoor restores loads of content that exists in SSE's data files but wasn't implemented in the game. Numerous locations, NPCs, dialogue, quests, and items have been brought into the light, and the game is richer for it.
The Forgotten City
Skyrim's got lots of adventure, but here's about 10 hours more courtesy of writer and developer Nick Pearce. Play detective and solve a murder mystery while exploring a massive, ancient city. It's got excellent, award-winning writing, a non-linear story, fantastic voice acting by a large cast, an enjoyable original soundtrack, and even a touch of time travel. Here's our write-up of it. Go to control panel.
Ars Metallica—Smithing Enhancement
Unless you're playing as a metal-plated tank who swings an enormous two-handed sword around, there's not a lot of use for smithing. Archers, thieves, and other stealthy characters have no issues finding light armor on their adventures, so there's never been much reason to make it themselves. This mod by Arthmoor gives slippery sorts reasons to learn smithing, by letting them forge arrows, lockpicks, and guild-specific armor, as well as melt down bulkier armor they'd never actually wear into ingots.
Red Queen flame colors pack
I made them for Devil Sword Nero mod, but I figured I should release it as a separate mod.Red Queen flame colors pack
I made them for Devil Sword Nero mod, but I figured I should release it as a separate mod.CC Shadowrend Tweaked Resized And Now With 1H Claymore
This is my version of the CC Shadowrend. Tweaked stats, buffs and a 1H conversion of the claymore.CC Shadowrend Tweaked Resized And Now With 1H Claymore
This is my version of the CC Shadowrend. Tweaked stats, buffs and a 1H conversion of the claymore.Temporal Mantle - Chroma Collection
Now you can change the temporal mantle for your favorite color!Temporal Mantle - Chroma Collection
Now you can change the temporal mantle for your favorite color!Fallout 4 Alien Isolation Settlement Siren Replacer
A simple Settlement Siren Replacer for all Alien Isolation fans out thereFallout 4 Alien Isolation Settlement Siren Replacer
A simple Settlement Siren Replacer for all Alien Isolation fans out thereReforging the Wasteland
Phase 2 of The Sole Survivor's Military Service Record.Reforging the Wasteland
Phase 2 of The Sole Survivor's Military Service Record.Alternative Ponytail (HF only)
A requested mod that replaces the ponytail with a thicker, slightly longer version. Human females only.Alternative Ponytail (HF only)
A requested mod that replaces the ponytail with a thicker, slightly longer version. Human females only.Movie Star Presets - Keanu Reeves
The most breathtaking preset on Nexus!Movie Star Presets - Keanu Reeves
The most breathtaking preset on Nexus!Northern Shores LE
Beach, shore and ocean floor textures in 8K. 4 & 2K versions availableNorthern Shores LE
Beach, shore and ocean floor textures in 8K. 4 & 2K versions availableSkyrim Symbology
This is a collection of the skill tree symbols in multiple styles and usable sizes. These are reconstructions of the in game symbols, set at 1600px.Skyrim Symbology
This is a collection of the skill tree symbols in multiple styles and usable sizes. These are reconstructions of the in game symbols, set at 1600px.Postwar Power Armor Displays
Got some power armor rides you want to showcase? We’ve got 30 sweet “postwar” paint designs for the ‘Contraptions’ power armor displays. You can even use these displays to repair and pimp out those power armor rides. They have the same function as the other two Power Armor WorkbenchesPostwar Power Armor Displays
Got some power armor rides you want to showcase? We’ve got 30 sweet “postwar” paint designs for the ‘Contraptions’ power armor displays. You can even use these displays to repair and pimp out those power armor rides. They have the same function as the other two Power Armor Workbenches Crusader kings 2 total conversion mods for fallout 4.Macrame Pride Wall Hangings for Custom Furniture (CF)
A simple wall hanging with a variety of bead options, each representing a different flag from the LGBTQ+ community.Macrame Pride Wall Hangings for Custom Furniture (CF)
A simple wall hanging with a variety of bead options, each representing a different flag from the LGBTQ+ community.Dwarvish
Adds animals, items and machines to support a mining-centric/dwarf themed play-through. Polygon love 2 mods.Dwarvish
Adds animals, items and machines to support a mining-centric/dwarf themed play-through.General Luke Skywalker skins
Replaces Luke Skywalker's Default appearance with Anakin's General Skywalker skin. Additional Hoth Replacement also available.General Luke Skywalker skins
Replaces Luke Skywalker's Default appearance with Anakin's General Skywalker skin. Additional Hoth Replacement also available.501st AT-RT
Replaces the default Republic AT-RT with the 501st variation of it as seen in the Battle Of Umbara.501st AT-RT
Replaces the default Republic AT-RT with the 501st variation of it as seen in the Battle Of Umbara.Community Hull Plates Pack
This is a set of hull plates that aims to recreate some of the original hull plates given out to players as well as add new additions to those. These are essentially a celebration of the community!Community Hull Plates Pack
This is a set of hull plates that aims to recreate some of the original hull plates given out to players as well as add new additions to those. These are essentially a celebration of the community!Sim Settlements City Plans - Commonwealth Engineering Plus by Yagisan
Commonwealth Engineering Plus is an evergrowing megapack of Sim Settlements City Plans for mod added settlements.All City plans are designed by Yagisan.Sim Settlements City Plans - Commonwealth Engineering Plus by Yagisan
Commonwealth Engineering Plus is an evergrowing megapack of Sim Settlements City Plans for mod added settlements.All City plans are designed by Yagisan.Dreaded Dwarven Spiders
This mod transforms your cluncky vanilla Dwarven Spiders into realistic mechanized arachnids by replacing the vanilla skeleton with a custom skeleton. This mod showcases Dwarven craftsmanship, increases your Arachnophobia and immersion levels 101%!Dreaded Dwarven Spiders
This mod transforms your cluncky vanilla Dwarven Spiders into realistic mechanized arachnids by replacing the vanilla skeleton with a custom skeleton. This mod showcases Dwarven craftsmanship, increases your Arachnophobia and immersion levels 101%!Dirty Baseball Bat
This is a mod adding a Baseball Bat to Blade and Sorcery.Light, fast, and blunt, the baseball bat can score a homerun against any npc!The mesh and texture was made by the user cgunwale on the Unity Asset store.Dirty Baseball Bat
This is a mod adding a Baseball Bat to Blade and Sorcery.Light, fast, and blunt, the baseball bat can score a homerun against any npc!The mesh and texture was made by the user cgunwale on the Unity Asset store.Melodic Guitar Rock for Dragon Battle
A mod that adds Melodic Instrumental Rock to animate battles against dragons.Melodic Guitar Rock for Dragon Battle
A mod that adds Melodic Instrumental Rock to animate battles against dragons.Lotus the Witcheress - a Racemenu preset
Lotus, a beautiful yet deadly female witcher. Really liked how she turned out, so thought I'd share it on Nexus.Lotus the Witcheress - a Racemenu preset
Lotus, a beautiful yet deadly female witcher. Really liked how she turned out, so thought I'd share it on Nexus.
This guide instructs you on what you need to do to marry Serana, a vampire in Skyrim. Werewolves make nice spouses, but sometimes you just need to shack up with a sexy bloodsucker.
Be aware that Skyrim doesn't let you marry Serana, or any vampire, through regular in-game actions. The only way to marry Serana or any other vampire is through the use of a mod. This guide instructs you on how to download and use the popular 'Marriable Serana' mod by C0drm0nk33.
While it's on your mind, take a look at our recommendation for other great Skyrim Special Edition mods that will serve you well on the Xbox One and PlayStation 4.- In order for the mod to work, you need to have Skyrim's Dawnguard DLC downloaded and installed.
- Download the Marriable Serana mod.
- Unzip the mod file, and move it to your Skyrim folder. In Windows Explorer, you should be able to find it in C / Program Files (x86) / Steam / steamapps / common / Skyrim.
- Drag the mod folder into Skyrim's 'Data' sub-folder. Restart the game, if necessary.
- Having trouble with mod installation? Check out Nexus's Skyrim mod install guide for more detailed instructions.
- When the mod is installed, you should be able to marry Serana. First, you need to go through standard marriage procedures. That is, talk to Maramal at the Temple of Mara in Riften, inquire about marriage, and then purchase the Amulet of Mara from him.
- After Harkon is killed through Dawnguard's main storyline, tell Serana's mother, Valerica, that it's safe to return to Castle Volkihar.
- Talk to Serana. You should see additional dialogue that lets you ask if Serana has something on her mind. This should open up the standard marriage options you receive for other in-game marriable NPCs.
- Note that you can't already be married if you want Serana as a wife.
- Serana's spousal benefits are quite complete. She'll provide a home-cooked meal daily, she has the Spouse Merchant ability, and has unique, fully-voiced dialogue. Check out the main mod page for a complete list of what's included in the mod, and what's planned for future updates.
If you'd rather cuddle a werewolf, look at our guide on marrying Aela the Huntress. You can also check out all our hints, tips, and guides for Skyrim Special Edition and take a look at the best Skyrim Special Edition mods on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
What kind of alternate start mods are available that allow you to start as a vampire, or at least with the disease? I know alternate start live another life allows you to start as a vampire, but I think it conflicts with requiem and/or vampiric thirst which I am using. The problem is that when I start the two vampires in the cave are hostile to me.
I also tried the death alternative-your money or your live vampire slave quest. Maybe it was also a mod conflict, but it was also kinda buggy and I couldn't get the vampire quest to end.
I want to start the game as a vampire, or at least early on get the disease. Trying to get vampires to attack me to get the disease would just kill me, and it doesn't make much sense from a roleplay perspective. I could just give myself the disease with the console, but that's kind of a boring solution. Anyone have any advice?