NOTE: I doombuggie41 did NOT make this! This is from AK, it is made by portpower, fadetoblack, and Dzorro

Weapons and Armour


Adonnay's Elven Weaponry
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=4804
By Addonay
Another very popular mod that focuses on both quantity and quality, this one adds a vast amount of elven weaponry to Oblivion, including bows, swords, and even parrying weapons. The offhand weapons function using a very clever "Swap Active Weapon" spell, and help to make this a very good download.


Akaviri Imports
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=4167
By severian1981
This mod adds a total of 81 new weapons to Oblivion, including dual-wielding sets of swords. The weapons all look great, and use the original materials in the game (Glass, Daedric etc.), so should not unbalance a game.

Apophis Armoury of the Silver Dragon
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8440
By LHammonds
This mod adds a large amount of content to the game, in the form of several new complete armour sets and weapons. Most of the equipment is aimed at Level 20+ characters, and it is of very high quality. A great mod if you were a bit disappointed with the quantity of armour and weapons in Oblivion.

Battledress Armour
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=3084
By cgramnaes
REQUIRES DLC OFFICIAL HORSE ARMOUR
Adds one set of light armour and one set of heavy armour to the game with matching weapons, with the respective stats of Elven and Ebony. The armour looks great, and this mod also adds a Horse Armour retexture that replaces Steel Horse Armour.

Elfenwacht
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13323
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14747
By Arynn
REQUIRES 'GlobalSettingsInterface.esm'
This mod adds beautiful sets of Elven armour to Oblivion that are true to 'The Lord of The Rings'.

Frostmourne Sword
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17410
By jojjo
One of the most popular weapon and armour mods for Oblivion, this adds The Lich King's helmet, sword, and pauldrons to the game. They all look magnificent, and a full set of armour is planned for the very near future.

Lost Paladins of the Divines
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10505
By Jerros and LHammonds
There's a reason this is one of the most popular Oblivion mods. Before reading this description, go and download this mod. It adds a few new sets of armour to the game, and this armour is just so wonderfully designed and beautiful that once you have it you'll find yourself not using much else. But it also does a lot more, adding new quests to get the armour, and a new horse. Obviously focused on Paladin-type characters, but the point is, get this mod.

pale_rider's Stuff
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11981
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15637
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16943
By pale_rider
This is a list of all of pale-rider's fantastic armour and weapons, including the very popular and brilliant Paladin Equipment. Any of these mods is a worthwhile download.

Thieves Arsenal
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9655
By scruggs
REQUIRES OBSE
http://obse.silverlock.org/
This is a must have mod for all thieves, as it adds many of the weapons from the game "Thief", that greatly enhance the way a thief can operate, through a Blackjack to knock out people, and a water arrow capable of extinguishing flames. This mod also adds a series of quests designed for thieves to the game.



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Clothing and Items


AlienSlof's Bracelets Rings and Claws
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13119
By Alienslof
WORKS BEST WITH ROBERT'S SEAMLESS MALE BODY AND EXNEM'S EYECANDY FEMALE BODY
This mod adds a huge amount of rings and bracelets to the game, as well as some claws. The rings and bracelets come in both a variety that uses the hand slot, and also one that uses the ring slot, so you can mix and match. Both heavy and light armour variants.

JQ – Collectible TShirts Volume 1 and Volume 2
http://files.filefront.com/JQ+Collectib%20...%20einfo.html
By Jannix Quinn
This mod hides a great amount of shirts all over Cyrodiil, with each one representing a different area. Obviously this mod is designed for the collector, as the shirts graphically are nothing special. However it can be entertaining tot hunt for them.

RuneSkulls
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9412
By Exnem
This mod adds RuneSkulls to the loot lists of Oblivion, which are items like Sigil Stones that can be used to enchant items with many different effects. Balanced when used with an overhaul mod that makes the game more difficult, but otherwise could easily be seen as overpowered.



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Overhaul Mods


Deadly Reflex
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8273
By Skycaptain
REQUIRES OBSE
http://obse.silverlock.org/

Either love it or hate it. This mod adds a huge amount of functionality to the fighting of Oblivion, including among other things the ability to decapitate NPCs, many new animations, and the ability to be able to dodge attacks. Perhaps the most fun feature is being able to shield bash an opponent, then when they are staggered kick them down, then kill them instantly with a finishing move. Give this mod a try to make combat a lot more enjoyable.

Francescos Leveled Creatures Items
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2518
By Fransesco
This is one of the few "big" overhaul mods that will completely change your game. This version adds far too many features to list here, but the good thing is that its modular, so you can chose the components you want. If you want all the new items then you have to also download an extra file, which can be found in the "Mirrors" section of this link. Guaranteed to change your Oblivion experience.



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Quests

Haunted House Quest
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16879
By Kane1045
Features- you guessed it- a Haunted House, complete with new books, armour, weapons, textures, mysteries, and a 3 hour long quest.

Tears Of The Fiend
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11598
By Simyaz and Arilita
This is a huge quest mod that adds a new storyline to Oblivion, which is multi-pathed, includes 4000+ lines of dialogue, a companion package, and a guide. Definitely worth trying if you want something extra to do with your character.

The Ayleid Steps
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16316
By Erwin
SOME FEATURES REQUIRE OBSE
http://obse.silverlock.org/
This mod is big. Very big. It adds among other things a teleportation network, many new dungeons, and quests. Also usefully has inbuilt compatibility patches for mods such as Unique Landscapes. Great for some new adventures.

Verona House Bloodlines
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14601
By DTOM
Adds a new questline where the player is pitted against a sinister cult and aims to gain access to the new and improved Verona House. This mod is aimed only at those who have finished the main quest.



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Factions

Knights of the WhiteStallion
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=6623
By Marine Okeefe
This mod expands greatly on the story of Mazoga the Orc, which in the original game was left kind of in limbo with only one rank available in the Knights of the White Stallion faction. This mod changes that, implementing new ranks to the faction, expanding on the idea of collecting black bows, refurnishing the White Stallion Lodge, and even adding a White Stallion itself. Get used to collecting black bows.

Mannimarco Resurrection
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15251
By MrUniq
This mod fleshes out the conflict that exists between the Order of the Black Worm and the Mages Guild. The events of this mod take place after the completion of the Mages Guild storyline, but its worth the effort, as they offer a multi-dimensional questline where the player can side with either the Order of the Black Worm or continue their allegiance with the Mages Guild. Your choices affect the outcome of these quests. Also features multiple new enemies, dungeons, loot, and NPCs. A great, detailed mod, that also features a compatibility patch for the Origin of the Mages Guild.

Servant of the Dawn
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=6855
By Endrek
This wonderful mod expands the Mythic Dawn faction, continuing where the main quest left off. In order to enjoy it you'll need a character that has finished the main quest obviously. As it is focused at more powerful characters, it adds many unique artifacts that can be wielded, the ability to command followers including daedra, and ultimately rise to the position of the new Master.

The Blackwood Company
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17448
By Lingwei
This mod fleshes out the story of the Blackwood Company, the opposing faction to the Fighters Guild. In the original game the player was unable to join this faction, however this mod not only makes this possible, but also introduces many quests, with a heavy emphasis on choices and consequences, so that the player's decisions will alter the fate of these two competing factions. An estimated 6 hours of gameplay, and the mod experience completely changes depending on which side you chose.

The Lost Spires
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12997
By Leo Gura
Adds a new Archeology Guild to Oblivion, with numerous features expected in a new faction, such as new quests, ranks in this guild, a whole new storyline, unique textures and meshes, epic battles, and even a functional beartrap. This mod is surprisingly lore-accurate, and as such there really is no reason not to play with this amazing mod which is claimed to add a 15 hour quest to advance through the ranks of the Archeology Guild. Important to note that the files on TESNexus are only patches, you will need to also download the main mod off the link in the description.



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Cities

Bartholm
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5022
By JSera
This mod is nearly unique in the fact that it adds an entire new, functional city to Cyrodiil. The city has most of the features of any of the original cities in Oblivion, including an arena, many quests, NPCs, factions, and a buyable house. Great for some new content.

Blood And Mud –Dirt Deluxe
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12016
By Ryan
Difficult to classify this mod, as it is on an epic scale. Firstly it totally rebuilds the city of Bravil, but it also adds a massive amount of items, characters, and even quests. All components of the mod feature voice acting. A big mod, but worth the download.

Cities Alive at Night
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11434
By teenk
Purely aesthetic changes to cities that make them appear more active during nighttime. Surprisingly compatible with other cities mods.

City Life
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11351
By moDem, SAgiZm, and Zenman
Adds many NPCs to cities that have full schedules for living in the city including eating, sleeping, and even things such as reading. Makes cities feel much more alive.

ImpeREAL City – Unique Distrcits
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19589
By SilentResident
This wonderful mod redecorates the Imperial City districts making them feel much more real and look much better, but also has an emphasis on compatibility, which is a nice change from other city overhaul mods.



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Houses

A Better Benirus Manor
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=18054
By Khettienna
As the name suggests, this mod alters Benirus Manor to make it very accommodating as a player owned home, including adding a library, a storage area, and servant's quarters. Removes the evil lair as well.

Glenvar Castle
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8235
By Quartz
This is a large scale house mod that features a detailed and sometimes overly complicated quest, with the reward being a huge castle home, with upgrades available including fully scheduled NPCs such as a Smith and Trainers. The castle itself is quite magnificent, including lots of everything, including secret passages, although because of this it can sometimes feel overwhelming.

The Fight For Castle Ravenpride
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11999
By Arandor
A bit simplistic to classify this as a house mod- although the main feature is a magnificent castle for the player to own, it also features a long chain of quests, 200 lines of voice dialogue, new books, and even a new video. Much more than a house mod.

Castle Hoarforst
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14714
By Antistar
Adds a castle on the orange road, compared to Glenvar it is more of a working castle. Has 7 quests, unique meshes and textures, and a stunning veiw.

Frostcrag Reborn
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9769
by Indefiance
REQUIRES FROSTCRAG SPIRE DLC
Frostcrag as it was meant to be. A place of intrigue, betrayal, secrets, and of course awesome powerful artifacts, and constructs to be fought for and discovered.


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Locations

Arena Alive
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13099
By WillieSea
This mod is a complete revamp to the Arena, including adding more spectators, increasing with the difficulty of the fight, and also night matches. Unfortunately it also adds the ability to loot the corpse of your opponent, which is extremely unbalancing, however there's a simple solution to this: don't do it.

Bank of Cyrodiil
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=3172
By Zarkis
Adds a bank to the Imperial City where you can deposit your gold and earn interest. It also gives all traders that ability to act as bankers, although you must pay a fee on every deposit. Works well in conjunction with a mod that gives gold weight, and this mod is so well done it doesn't really break immersion.

Unique Landscapes
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=19370
By The Unique Landscapes Team
This mods add many new, unique areas to Cyrodiil, and greatly improve the general feel of traveling around the world, as you'll encounter one of these modded areas and immediately realize there's something a bit special and beautiful about it. There are however inevitable compatibility issues caused by these mods, but this link takes you to a page containing not only links to all of the mods, but also advice on compatibility.



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Atmosphere

Natural Environments and Patch
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2536
By Kibosh and Morbus respectively
This is a wonderful almost all-purpose weather mod that completely revamps the Oblivion weather system, vegetation, water, and wildlife. It makes the game much prettier and, quite simply, much better. Also because it is so popular there are many patches for adding functionality with other mods that alter the environment. The patch fixes many of the problems experienced with the original mod.



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Magic

Better Destruction
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11518
By CuteUnit
Nifty mod that increases the skill benefits of the Destruction skill if it reaches above 100 through things such as enchantments.

Midas Magic
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9562
By Xilver
If you're not playing with this mod then stop reading this and go and download it. Its not possibly to convey the brilliance of this mod- suffice to say it adds hundreds of new, ingenious spells, a clever way of obtaining these spells that adds a lot to the game, and so much more. A must have mod.

Supreme Magicka
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10791
By flyfightflea Strategy Master
REQUIRES OBSE
http://obse.silverlock.org/
This is one of many magic overhaul mods, and works very nicely. It both changes many current spells and the magic casting system, and also adds hundreds of new spells including "circle" spells which can be very fun. It modular, meaning you can select the features you want, and really does make the Oblivion magic system much better.



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NPCs

Companion Share and Recruit
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=3066
By Talkie Toaster
REQUIRES OBSE
http://obse.silverlock.org/
A very popular mod that adds the ability to be able to recruit any NPC and have them follow and fight for you, including accessing their inventory. Also adds the ability to be able to give gifts and borrow things from NPCs. A great mod with many varied purposes.

Dungeon Actors Have Torches
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11169
By nenina
Simply gives evil actors in dungeons a 75% chance of carrying a torch. Works with most other mods as well, making it a good addition to any load order.

Fighers Guild United
http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=4185
By Jannix Quinn
Effective mod that creates a set of retextured armour designed specifically for the Fighters Guild, and ensures all members of the guild wear this armour, increasing the feel of unity within the guild.

Tamriel NPCs Revamped
http://files.filefront.com/Tamriel+NPCs+Revamped+All+Races+v102/;7773787;/fileinfo.html
By Veritas_Secreto
This very good mod changes the appearance of more than 1,000 NPCs to make them more realistic and detailed. This link is to an OMOD version containing both the Original TNR and the Shivering Isles version.

Tamriel Travellers
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=4387
By CorepcMMP
This great mod adds a lot of immersion to the Oblivion world by placing hundreds of traveling merchants all around Cyrodiil, who each have their own schedule and can sell and buy goods from the players. A nice change to having to visit a city every time to sell goods.


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Immersion

Bathing Mod
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13275
By Antistar
This realism mod adds the ability, and indeed the requirement, for players to bathe regularly, or suffer a loss to their Personality statistic. Really professionally implemented, and a great immersion mod.

Blind Lockpicking
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=3742
By Ryan.likes.pancakes
This is a combination of a few mods that makes lockpicking much more immersive- the tumblers are invisible, meaning that you must pick locks by sound alone. Also removes the difficulty text on locks. This mod works well with a mod that allows you to craft or buy lockpicks, as you'll find yourself going through them quickly.

Common Oblivion
http://wrye.ufrealms.net/Cobl.html
By Wyre and the Cobl Team
It's difficult to explain just what this mod does- it acts almost as a way to allow other mods to "talk" to each other, and therefore integrates the game world. However it also does much more, adds hundreds of little features all over Cyrodiil that enriches the experience of playing Oblivion. A requirement for many mods, and also just a great mod by itself.

Darker Dungeons
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=8802
By Galcyon
Brilliant mod as far as immersion goes, this mod does exactly what it says, and makes caves much darker. Makes exploring dungeons seem much more dangerous, but also much more fun, and gives a real purpose to torches and light spells.

FF Real Thirst and Cobl Addon
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15168
By FritZ_FretZ and EggDropSoap respectively
COBL VERSION REQUIRES COBL
http://wrye.ufrealms.net/
This wonderful realism mod adds the need to drink water in Oblivion. This is implemented quite brilliantly, which involves the player carrying a waterskin that can be filled with water at many sources, such as wells or even waterfalls, and then drunk at any time using a cup in the player's inventory. A very professional mod that adds a lot of immersion. If you use Common Oblivion then make sure to use the Real Thirst Cobl Addon, which allows Real Thirst to "talk" to Cobl, and adds much more functionality.

Get Wet
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2909
By Zepar
Cool mod that causes players and NPCs to appear dripping during rain or immediately after swimming. Actually makes water seem surprisingly more real when you emerge from it with your weapon dripping.

Immersive Caves
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=4666
By addictive
This is a really cool mod that removes those annoying doors to caves, instead making the player automatically enter the cave when the player walks into the blackness of the entrance. Inevitably a few problems with graphics in some cases, but overall a really great mod.

Real Hunger and Cobl Addon
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=21106
By DominicTrix and Wyre respectively
COBL VERSION REQUIRES COBL
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=21104
This is a really effective realism mod that makes it necessary for the player to eat, or suffer stat losses. The Cobl Addon really is a must, as it adds a Dinner Plate for eating food, which can be used through a hotkey. Note that if you use many mods, not all food-like substances will be recognized as food by Cobl. Also, directly equipping items from your inventory will not count as eating, rather you must use the Dinner Plate, Very professional and well done.

Real Lights
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10891
By Josef K
This very effective mod removes many of the unnatural light sources in Oblivion that are just floating in the air, and replaces them when possible with an actual light source, such as a fire or torch. Effectively makes lighting much more realistic. Although it doesn't have any "look-at-me" changes, it's a great mod that subtly makes gameplay much more realistic.

Real Sleep
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=3816
By DominicTrix
This is a must have mod for a realistic game- it simply adds the need for the player to sleep regularly, as in real life, or suffer quite severe stat drains. If you're going to add any immersion mod to your game, make it this. When you think about it, it's just ridiculous for the player to be able to adventure for 100 hours straight without any negative effects.

Realistic Fatigue
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10925
By Donovan Baarda abo
REQUIRES OBSE
http://obse.silverlock.org/
This mod at first seems very annoying, as it adds a screen blur effect when your fatigue is low, and the player actually collapses when their fatigue reaches zero. In fact it is very amusing to watch your character spontaneously collapse to the ground then jump back up only to collapse again repeatedly. But at higher levels this mod is great, drastically improving the realism of fatigue, so that grabbing that one extra Knife doesn't push you over the edge- it is now a cumulative effect.

Reneer's Gold Mod
http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=36186&id=3443
By Reneer
Quite simply the best gold weight mod out there, it adds weight to gold obviously, but also allows you to change the weight of each gold piece to suit your game through in-game options, and the ability to drop gold without flooding yourself with thousands of gold pieces. Works well in conjunction with a banking mod.

See You Sleep
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16005
By mmmpld
REQUIRES OBSE
http://obse.silverlock.org/
Really fun little mod that adds an animation for the player getting into any bed or bedroll, so that you can, as the title suggests, see yourself as you sleep. Also adds the ability to change clothing automatically when you go to sleep, so you can effectively have pyjamas. Interesting results when a NPC gets into bed while you're sleeping in it.



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Game Mechanics

Denock Arrows
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17737
By Duke Patrick
REQUIRES OBSE
http://obse.silverlock.org/
Simple mod that allows you to denock arrows once you have drawn your boy by pressing your "Grab" key. Really should have been implemented in the original game.

Improved Hotkeys
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=18571
By SirFrederik REQUIRES OBSE
http://obse.silverlock.org/
By far the most well implemented hotkey mod, this adds new hotkeys including those capable of attaching and entire equipment set to, and also does it in a way that looks professional and does not require finger-breaking key combinations. Underappreciated compared to other mods that do the same thing in worse ways.

Progress
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=14304
By tejon
REQUIRES OBSE
http://obse.silverlock.org/
This is the best mod to use when it comes to altering the speed at which skills advance- the changes are completely configurable, through a simple text file, so you can adjust ever single rate of advancement to fit your won needs, or use one of the preset packages included with the mod.

Realistic Ragdolls and Force
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=4700
By bandit 462
This mod changes the way that creatures and humans react when hit with great force or killed, making it far more realistic. There are several options to fit personal preferences.


Realistic Leveling
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13879
By Donovan Baarda abo
REQUIRES OBSE
http://obse.silverlock.org/
One of the most under-appreciated mods when it comes to changing the leveling system, this mod is absolutely brilliant. It increases immersion by removing the huge dialogue box that appears upon gaining a level, and the need to sleep in order to gain a level. Rather, levels are gained in the background gradually by increasing all skills, in such an ingenious and skillful way that it's hard to explain, but suffice to say it works retroactively on old save games as well. The best way to go as far as a new leveling system.

Toggleable Quantity Prompt - Updated
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12859
By Kea and Waruddar
REQUIRES OBSE
http://obse.silverlock.org/
This mod allows the player to remove the annoying "How many?" prompt when selecting inventory items. You can use the Shift key to select all items in a stack, or use the Ctrl key to select only one. This also, through necessity, disable confirmation messages when selling items by using these keys, so be warned. But ultimately saves a lot of frustration.

Xero's Fame Indicator
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5208
By Xero
Simple and effective, this mod consists of one quest script that constantly runs during your game and informs you whenever you fame, infamy, or bounty changes. Unless you're a big fan of immersion this mod can be extremely useful.



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Aesthetics

Better Gold
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=1826
By VagabondAngel
Small but effective mod that changes the appearance of gold coins, to a much more detailed, intricate version.

Better Nightsky
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2234
By Omicron-
A great texture replacer, that makes the night sky infinitely more beautiful, which makes a huge difference to playing during night in the game.

Book Jackets and DLC
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16247
By Daleth and Grimbot respectively
GRIMBOT'S REQUIRES DLC
Retextures all of the book covers in Oblivion, giving them unique styles and displaying the book's title on the cover. Amazingly detailed covers, making this a must have mod. Grimbot's DLC Book Jackets does the same thing, with as much brilliant attention to detail, only with the spell tomes added by Official Mods and the books from Shivering Isles.

DarNified UI
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10763
By Darn
No Oblivion PC player should be without this mod. It completely changes the UI of the game, and is also very customizable. The complex installation process makes it best to use the OMOD version. Get this mod to remove the ridiculously oversized and inefficient Console-like UI of Oblivion, as well as many more features.

Elven Map Redux
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=3002
By xythen
There are several options available as a replacement for the bland original Oblivion map, however this is one of the most popular, and deservedly so. Makes the map much more colourful and detailed.

IlluminationWithin Revived and Optimized
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=6244
By cydog2001 and Martigen respectively
A really brilliant mod, that implements a system whereby windows in cities light up during nighttime. It's impossible to explain just what a huge difference this makes to realism when you're walking around cities at night. Make sure to grab the optimized version as well, which is installed over the top of the original and reduces the performance impact of this mod.

Improved - Doors and Flora, Trees and Flora 1, Trees and Flora 2, Fruits, Vegetables, and Meats
http://elderscrolls.filefront.com/file/%20...%20ra_2;85434
By Mikal33
Retextures of various items and environment features that makes them much friendlier on the eyes.

Initial Glow
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5138
By creidiki
Removes the annoying persistent glow that appears on your character when you equip an enchanted item, although maintains the initial glow for a feels of magic. Also maintains compatibility with mods that change magic, a challenge for these types of mods.

Landscape LOD Texture Replacement and Border Regions and NormalMapFix
http://www.fileplanet.com/162615/160000/fileinfo/Elder-Scrolls-IV:-Oblivion---Landscape-LOD-Texture-Replacement-Border-Regions
By shaja and BlueSteel respectively
Replaces distant land textures with more detailed versions, making these look much more realistic, without much of a hit to performance. Most mod users will already be using a mod such as this, as it really does make a big difference. The Border Regions package adds the files for the lands outlying Cyrodiil, while the fix works to remove the dark blocks on distant landscapes, and works well in conjunction with the original files.

Loading ScreensThemed Replacer and Shivering Isles Version and Addon
http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?id=3270&view=OblivionMods.Detail
By Trollf
This mod replaces all of the loading screens from the original games with new screenshots that exhibit the works of many fine mods, and also adds a themed description or piece of advice under each screenshot. Great for those long load times.

Real Lava
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=6854
By CptJoker
This mod greatly improves the look and feel of lava, which greatly improves the atmosphere of Oblivion.

Really AEVWD
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20053
By Several
This mod is the best choice when it comes to a Viewable-When-Distant package. It is a combination of many other such mods, and combines all their best features, with a focus on a realistic system demand. There are so many choices for this type of mod, but this one is the best all-rounder.

Visually Enchanted Customizer
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2398
By DarkTyrian
Greatly improves the look of enchanted weapons by giving them their own animation that corresponds to what effect they are enchanted with. This version lets you mix-and-match effects.



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Animations

Amazing Jump
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11449
By Remy
Really nice mod that replaces the jump animation with a much more spectacular and fun one. Only works when certain types of weapons are equipped, and sometimes is slightly delayed when you're running very fast.

Get Up Animation Replacer
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15336
By Keter Sephiroth
Switches the boring animation that is played when the character rises after being knocked down with a much more energetic one. Slightly amusing when you jump up like this having just been knocked down by a huge blow, but much cooler than the original animation.

Seph's True Acrobatics
http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=OblivionMods.Detail&id=3860
By Keter Sephiroth
A great mod that replaces the acrobatic dodge animations with much more flashy ones. Can cause a few problems, and looks kind of strange in first-person. But a much better alternative to the original, especially when playing in third-person.

TwoHanded Animation Replacer
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=12182
By Cutthroat Mods
Replaces non-combat two handed weapon animations with the equivalent one handed one, for that cool manly look of wielding a huge sword with one hand, ala "Lord of the Rings".


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Sound

All Original Music Score For Oblivion
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=4363
By Mashed Buddha
This replaces all of the original music included in the game with completely new tracks, that are not meant to be remakes of the original. Best to back-up files first, but great music.

Music Packs
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=4192
By Michikawa
This link is to a list of these music packs, all of which add great music to Oblivion, which fits in very well with the atmosphere. None of these overwrite the original music, and they add a lot of depth to the music of Oblivion.

Symphony of Violence
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13987
By MigTheGreat
This mod is actually a combination of many mods, which completely changes the combat experience in Oblivion by implementing improved combat sound effects. It is impossible to overestimate just what a different this mod has.



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Performance

DeParallaxer Mod
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=3209
By throttlekitty
This mod removes parallax shading from many of the .nif files used in Oblivion, which may result in some objects appearing slightly "dull", however will also give a significant performance boost.

LowPoly Grass
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5434
By mmmpld
This is a useful mod for improving performance, as it addresses an object in Oblivion that can have a severe effect on FPS: grass. Although on lower-end machines it may be more advisable to disable grass altogether, this mod is very useful more mid-range systems striving for more performance.

Oblivion Script Optimization
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=13092
By Hrmn
This mod optimizes many of the scripts found in Oblivion, which can cause various performance problems such as stuttering or lag. There's really no reason not to use this.

Operation Optimization
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10510
By Quarn
This is a mod that no Oblivion game should be without. Basically it significantly improves the FPS of the game, with no loss of visual quality. Enough said.

Streamline
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10400
By Jaga
REQUIRES OBSE
http://obse.silverlock.org/
This wonderful mod greatly enhances the performance of Oblivion. There are a variety of options that can be altered to suit personal preference, but among the most important of these are the automatic adjusting of visual quality in order to keep the game running at a constant FPS, and the clearing of memory. Also has a feature called "Streamsaving", which makes it much more feasible to disable the inbuilt Autosave feature of Oblivion, which can resolve some CTDs.



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Bug Fixes

Unofficial Patch – Oblivion, Shivering Isles, Official Mods
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5296
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9969
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10739
By Quarn and Kivan
These mods combine to do the huge effort of fixing such a vast range of bugs in Oblivion. These really should be installed prior to starting any new game, as they prevent some really nasty possible occurrences, as well as just generally annoying bugs. Brilliant.



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Miscellaneous

Alternative Start Arrive by Ship
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=11495
By Robert Evrae
This mod changes the start of Oblivion, so that instead of starting in the Imperial Prison you arrive by ship, much like in Morrowind. This mod suits the roleplayer, as the player can even chose various options such as whether they are a wealthy merchant or anything else, that will effect how much money and equipment they start with.

Landmarks With Wells
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5475
By Wyre
Straight away you'll know whether you want this mod or not, it adds map markers to all Ayleid Wells, Runestones, Doomstones, and Wayshrines.

Let The People Drink
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10223
By Khornate and Qazaaq
This mod is much bigger than it at first appears, and is also very professional. It adds a quest to restore an aqueduct running into the Imperial City, and upon the completition of this functioning fountains appear in many cities around Cyrodiil. Just beware of compatibility problems with the huge aqueduct, and the fountains unfortunately do not currently act as water sources for Cobl.

Lockpicks
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9258
By Grumbleplank
Fun little mod that allows the player to fashion lockpicks using a Metal File out of random clutter such as knives. Useful if you use a blind lockpicking mod.

Modular Oblivion Enhanced
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=7902
By thePOSTALdude
This is simply a huge collection of plugins that allows the user to customize every tiny detail of their playing experience. Useful for someone without many mods or who doesn't want to download hundreds of different mods, but many features of this mod are covered more in depth by other individual mods.

Official Plugins Unnerfed
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=6147
By JOG
REQUIRES OFFICIAL PLUGINS
If you have any official mods, you'll know that frustrating feeling when you leave the Sewers and are bombarded with about 10 different messages about the Official Plugin quests. This essential mod removes this annoyance very effectively, by triggering each quest separately when the player performs a certain action, such as reading a relevant notice or talking to someone.

Quest Award Leveller
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=5701
By Quazzy
Another one of those mods that you should just automatically download it and install it. Adds an item to your inventory that will level up those leveled quest rewards that you receive throughout your game. Prevents having to put off quests that give a reward, and is just an essential mod.

MD Saddlebags V3
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2008
By Maboroshi Daikon
REQUIRES OBSE
http://obse.silverlock.org/
Horse mods are tricky with compatibility, but this mod does a pretty good job of adding the ability to be able to place saddlebags on horses, which allows the player to access their horse like and inventory and move items to and from the saddlebag.



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Utilities

ArchiveInvalidation Invalidated
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10724
By Quarn
There are many mods that claim to deal with the ArchiveInvalidation problem with Oblivion modding, however no others do it quite as well as this. Once this is installed you can completely forget there is even an issue. Brilliant.

Better Oblivion Sorting Software
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=20516
By random007
Quite possibly the most useful utility for a heavy mod user, this utility saves so much time and solves so many problems by automatically sorting the load order of thousands of mods. Although not everything is recognized, this is simply a must have utility to save time and avoid problems. This is an absolutely brilliant utility that no mod user should be without.

Oblivion Mod Manager
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=2097
By Timeslip
This great program implements a new way of installing Oblivion mods, which allows you to keep track of what mods you have installed, even if they do not use an ESP (such as texture replacers), and more importantly allows for easy uninstalling of mods. This functions best when used with a clean install, and when all mods are installed using this method, otherwise it can get kind of messy. But ultimately most players will use this at some point or another to install some of the more complicated mods.

Oblivion Script Extender
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=10533
By The OBSE Team
http://obse.silverlock.org/
Official site.
This program greatly increases the possibility of modding Oblivion, and as such is required for many of the more intuitive mods that require these extra capabilities. Basically you'll use this if you use a mod that requires it, and there's no reason to otherwise.

TES4LODGen
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=15781
By ElminsterAU
Awesome program for generating LOD files for mods that do not originally include them, and getting them to all work together. Use only if you want absolutely everything viewable when distant, and are prepared for perhaps a small performance hit.

Wyre Bash
http://wrye.ufrealms.net/Wrye%20Bash.html
By Wyre
REQUIRES PYTHON AND WXPYTHON ANSI
This is a brilliant utility for Oblivion, and is aimed mostly at more advanced users than Oblivion Mod Manager. The documentation is the best way to learn of its features, as they are far too numerous, and in some cases, complicated, to list here. One of its main features is being able to merge leveled lists and patches, which opens a lot of opportunities for reducing conflicts between big mods, but there are far more features than this.



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Modder's Resources

Telvanni Tileset
http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=16560
By JonSatriani
A resource pack for players that wish to build Telvanni architecture into Oblivion, including new meshes and textures.

The Lost Providence of Zedar
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=17018
By ThePriest909
This mod is a playable resource, that adds a large new land to Oblivion. This new worldspace includes things such as new enemies, weapons, armour, items, and NPCs. A very fun mod to play if you're looking for something extra to do with your character, and also works well as a Modder's Resource pack.


This is the Recommended Mod list, needs work on it still. I will try and return the colour to it as well

Credits
FadeToBlack - The creator of the mod list- Thanks FadeToBlack
Portpower - Had a back up copy
DZorro - Put all the links in for me - Thanks DZorro

Rock on

Dbug

Maybe add this; http://tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=9769 Frostcrag Reborn

EDIT: Did you edit it? or was it me who just didnt see?

Doombuggie41 , I don't know whether I want to kill you or praise you to the Sky. This is a fantastic post. I have some of the mods you recommend and they are good.

However, my poor computer can barely handle what I have now; plus being on dial-up some of these mods just take too long to dl. I am jealous, a green eyed monster.

The only further information I would like is regarding conflicts.

One mod that you did not mention is Redecoration by Speedo is actually an ingame editor. Its primary usuage is for player housesand it must be used with great care. Speedo warns you that if you mess up your game that is your fault. The instructions are excellent and when you start a game after installing a message comes up that if you didn't read the read-me you had better go and do so NOW. Always save your game before using and ALWAYS remember to remove the spell when finish. You can permanently wreck your game if not used as instructed. There is a save items which I love. A mod adds a fabulous item but you can't pick it up or buy it; you can use this mod to save it and later recall it. Not everything can be copied, There is also a lock feature for movable items such as plates etc.

Great thing you've remembered this thread. And on my birthday! Yay!

Nakia, can I have link... I can oly find the german version

@chuck-norris

yes I did edit it!

Yesterday was a bad computer day. I think something was wrong with my local Internet Server. The posts I thought I made seem to have disappeared. \

I feel like an idiot. In January I downloaded the current version of Redecoration which requires OBSE. from TesNexus. When I went to look for the link it was gone. I did a Google search and came up with the message: "This file no longer exists."

I do have an email address for uberSpeedo and will try it. I have no idea why this excellent mod has been removed. As long as I conscientiously follow the directions I have no problems. I am copying the mod to a disk, maybe a couple of disks. I am very attached to it.

Thanks Doom!

I've been busy this week, and haven't played OB, but when I play again I will read this thread carefully. I might have to get a new HD before I can dl anymore mods tho....I can't delete anything else from my HD, I'm too attached to everything

I have all of my oblvion stuff on a 40 GB hardrive plugged into a USB at the back of my computer now along with my pictures and music... it was around $30 at best buy,

Ya..my external hard drive is full too Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you look at it) I'm putting a whole new engine into my car, which is eating up all of my savings and then some....so a new HD really has to wait.

KNow how you feel, my savings are into my next computer