ELFX Shadows is a new Enhanced Lights and FX addon which aims to add spectacular lighting effects and to break the limits of the Skyrim lighting engine (where possible) by increasing the number of shadowcasting lights per cell, all this without causing the slightest light flickering issue.
Get either this or ELFX Shadows for the Capital Windhelm Expansion - JK's Skyrim - ELFX patch. ELFX Enhancer - SoS Edition is needed for the Shadows versions of the ELFX Enhancer patches.
For the ELFX Shadows Enhancer and HARDCORE versions. Be sure to grab the correct patch for the version you're using. No current patch yet for standard ELFX Shadows, only the Enhancer and HARDCORE options from the ELFX Shadows FOMOD.
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Fixed flickering light issues, light positioning and overall aesthetic of the following cells:
Fort Neugrad, WindhelmNiranyesHouse, WindhelmNewGnisisCornerclub, RiverwoodAlvorsHouse, WindhelmAtheronResidence, WindhelmSadrisUsedWares, The White Phial, DLC2RRTheRetchingNetch, DawnstarSanctuary, SouthfringeWorld
Added and/or overhauled lighting in the following cells:
ELFX Shadows is a revamp, an enhancement of the possibilities offered by the Skyrim Engine, a collection of Enhanced Lights and FX fixes all in one in an ESL flagged ESP. The main features are represented by the presence of shadows projected by window frames in a realistic way and above all by the overcoming of the Skyrim engine limits by using a complex scripting technique which leaves the engine untouched. Where possible we have far exceeded the four shadowcasting lights limit and all this without the slightest light flickering issue occurring, even with a lit torch in hand. Using ELFX Shadows also reduces the number of plugins needed for Enhanced Lights and FX to obtain the most satisfying gaming experience possible, in fact you will no longer need ELFX Fixes or even SMIM Performace patches. Another fundamental thing, we have solved some historical bugs that plagued the Anamorfus mod, such as the one related to the Thalmor Embassy so you will no longer need to touch the main esp. Although it is not essential we advise you to use ELFX Enhancer, ELFX Shadows fomod includes various custom version of ELFX Enhancer we made to better work the main plugin. Since ELFX Shadow does not use any kind of fake light the use of an ENB present is not necessary, our mod works perfectly with and without ENB. We recommend using the NEW RUDY ENB specially created to work with elfx shadow
--Features Summary--
Shadows projected by window frames
Exceeding the limits of the Skyrim engine (more than 4 shadowcasting lights per cell, NOT at engine level)
ELS flagged ESP so it doesn't count toward the plugin limit
ELFX Fixes already included in the main esp
Tons of new fixes for Enhanced Lights and FX
Works with or without ENB binaries + presets
All new ELFX Enhancer versions are compatible out of the box with Skyrim Particle Patch (no patch required)
Note: we used vanilla windows frames so to obtain the best result you should use vanilla windows textures or Rustic Windows. Since ELFX didn't touch hearthfire we highly suggest you to use ELFX Shadows - Hearthfire Light Addon by mechanicalpanda, his mod is a really good complement to ELFX Shadows.
ELFX Shadows requires Enhanced Lights and FX so is not compatible with other interior lighting mod, all mods that touch the interiors need patches, in this regard we have already prepared a patches hub that will contain the plugins needed for the most used mods present on Nexus. Compatible with Embers HD and Embers XD, just use their patches for Enhanced Lights and FX and let ELFX Shadows assets overwrite everything esle as usual. NOT COMPATIBLE with ELFX Fixes, Unofficial Enhanced Lights and FX ELFX SMIM fps patch for SE and ELFX Fake Door Light Remover since ELFX Shadows main ESP already includes many new fixes plus a custom version of ELFX Fixes. For compatibility with other mods refer to PATCHES HUB which will be constantly updated.
Download and install it with your favorite mod manager and place it below Enhanced Lights and FX. Its fundamental to let ELFX Shadows assets overwrite everything else in your load order. You can use any plugin included in the Enhanced Light and FX installation FOMOD with the exception of "ELFXEnhancer.esp" and "ELFX - hardcore.esp", as explained above ELFX Shadows includes its own ELFX Enhancer and hardcore replacer. If you are using Skyrim Landscape and Water Fixes do not install the ELFX patch inclued in its FOMOD, with ELFX Shadows that patch is not needed. To work as intended ELFX Shadows require a new playthrough.
Additional instructions
You need to change or add the following settings in the file Skyrimprefs.ini "Display section"
Anamorfus for his magnificient Enhanced Lights and FX Brumbek for the ever green SMIM Rudy102 for the kind words and appreciation spent in introducing the mod itself and for its support during development Toostruus and Entrench for their supports and beta testing