rightfuture's basic mod merging guide.

If you want to exceed the 255 mod .esp limit.

Yes, merging is the only way.

I would start with mods that have multiple patches. Learn how to roll them in with ModOrganizer (MO). You can start with the Tes5Edit merge script (mod) below if not.

As Terrorfox would have me do I would 1st refer you to this subreddit's great guides. We should be looking to keep that one updated and continually improved as possible.

http://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimmods/comments/272pwi/super_epic_guide_beginners_guide_section_23/

---

Personally I would start here if you have Mod Organizer installed already. This video is very useful for simply starting to roll in multiple file mods with multiple patch .esps. You should start by learning to roll in patches.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnvZok9J3Qw&

Be careful to only roll in the patches into the master or main file at first. Only merge to make room. At some point you will hit a conflict that won't work if you keep going, and you'll have to learn to backtrack.

---

Quick guide

I started to learn by using the merge script here (this is the fastest way, especially if you don't have Mod organizer yet):

TesEdit merge script - which is still the best and easiest way.

http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/37981/?

using this as a great guide of what mods merge easy:

http://forums.nexusmods.com/index.php?showtopic=1033740

If you find good mod combo's please post them in the mod above - (I'm about to post several dozen)

this is used with tes5edit (you can merge most mods without knowing how to do anything more than learning to use that merge script):

http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/25859/?

I'd watch the videos on the above sites.

You really should learn how to use Mod organizer, NMM -Nexus Mod Manager is a good beginner's tool.

This is useful also:

http://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimmods/comments/2cgza7/can_someone_explain_to_me_how_to_merge_mods_like/

and this:

http://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimmods/comments/255l0u/merged_patch_guide/

and this:

http://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimmods/comments/2e40j9/i_see_a_lot_of_threads_asking_about_conflicts_so/

If you want to merge mods, you should really be using:

Mod organizer.

http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/1334/?

It is so much better (especially for mod merging) after you start using it regularly than nmm(Which is good for beginners). I like how MO shows mod conflicts in little lightning bolts on the left side of the page.

This is a near perfect statement about mod conflicts if you are worried since most of them are not bad.

http://www.reddit.com/r/skyrimmods/comments/2e40j9/i_see_a_lot_of_threads_asking_about_conflicts_so/cjwkkdh

Most Conflicts are just parts of one mod overriding another, usually textures, and with MO you can choose which one you like. Some of the conflicts are actually necessary to make the mod run, so be careful.

A couple of extry tips,

1. Learn what mod masters are. When merging a set of files, do not rename the main one, especially if other mods call it (in mod organizer they will show up as little construction signs in your plugin order on the right if they are called once you deselect the main ones to replace with the combo. You do not have to leave the combo mod name the same if other mods aren't looking for them. another great guide is right here on this subject: http://www.nexusmods.com/skyrim/mods/13608/?tab=4&&navtag=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nexusmods.com%2Fskyrim%2Fajax%2Fcomments%2F%3Fmod_id%3D13608%26page%3D1%26sort%3DDESC%26pid%3D0%26thread_id%3D1775296&pUp=1 In the Expanded Towns and Cities (ETAC) thread above - It shows how to merge the parts of ETAC which was very insightful for me. You also learn how to merge masters and navmeshed mods here. Have-to Have mod also. It's awesome - trust me.

2. Sometimes it is better to not merge the 1st file in a list of patches, Keep the main one separate at first when merging, sometimes the main files should just be left separate.

3. Only merge what is necessary at that time. Do not pick mods that are big or complicated, unless others are having luck in forums (search is a good friend). Make extra .esp room only when you need it / want it bad enough.

4. It's all trial and error, merge a couple of files, see if they work before deselecting them to try the combo. If it crashes on startup or doesn't work correctly, the merge didn't work. You will have to test to see if they are working and stable. The length of that is up to you to decide.

5. If it doesn't work, either research or figure out why, or move on. Not all mods will merge correctly - like follower mods, or some cities, or things with scripts like Wet & Cold.. At some point you should commit to playing. MO let's you create multiple profiles so you can keep a version that you can keep adding mods to.

Does this answer your questions quickly and well? I'm happy to clarify.