Category:Getting Started

This page is dedicated to teaching a novice modder the basic tools and techniques of the craft. On this page are links to various basic tutorials, tools that the modder may need to download, and important details on what a modder should do out of courtesy for the users and other modders.

Users who are also new to the CS Wiki should also read our Welcome to the Wiki guide for tips on getting the most out of the Wiki.

Welcome to the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Construction Set

The first thing you need to start modding is The Elder Scrolls Construction Set.

This tool will allow you to change the game in almost any way you want. You can create new dungeons and quests. You can alter existing creatures and environments. You can even change fundamental processes of the game by altering the appropriate game settings.

Even better, you can share these changes with your friends and the online community. All of your changes are recorded in a plug-in than can easily be included or removed from anyone's game.

Keep in mind though, that with great power comes great responsibility. The more fundamental the change, the more likely it will alter the game in a bad way. Test your changes thoroughly before you make them available to everyone.

We've had a blast making Oblivion, and we encourage you to make it even better with your ideas and creativity.

Getting started with modding

If you are new to the Oblivion Construction Set, you should probably read the following sections first:

1. Oblivion Mods FAQ
2. About Modding Etiquette
3. TES Files
4. A Beginner's Guide
5. My First Dungeon
6. Basic Landscaping Tutorial
7. Basic NPC Creation Tutorial
8. Troubleshooting

The glossary provides definitions on commonly used terms.

Expanding your knowledge

If you've gone through the basics and are looking for something specific, it is recommended that you use the "Search" box on the left navigation bar.

Lots of the wiki's documentation is hard to sift through, and by searching, you can find lots of articles related to the topic you search for. For example, if you were looking for information on animation functions, simply type animation, and you will receive a slew of topically-related informative articles and function descriptions for scripting.

Contributing to the Construction Set Wiki

If you are new to the Elder Scrolls Construction Set Wiki and would like to contribute, you should probably read these first:

1. Style Guide
2. Syntax Guide