loadorder

Loadorder is a term used in the context of computer games, especially those that support extensive modding such as Bethesda titles and other moddable engines. It refers to the sequence in which the game engine loads the various configuration files, scripts, textures, meshes and other resources that make up a modded installation. Because many mods may depend on or modify the same assets, the order in which they are loaded can determine whether a mod functions correctly or whether conflicts arise.

When a game starts, it scans a list of installed mods and assigns each one a position in the loadorder. This list is usually derived from the order by which mods were installed, though many modern tools allow users to reorder them manually. Some mods include a special file that declares it to be “higher” or “lower” than other mods, enabling more precise control over the load sequence. The game engine then reads files from the list in that order: earlier mods are permitted to overwrite assets that later mods will also provide, and later mods can override earlier ones.

Problems such as missing textures, corrupted data, or crashes frequently stem from a conflicting loadorder. A misordered file can cause the game to attempt to load an unsupported version of an asset, or to load assets that were not intended to coexist. Many community guides recommend ensuring that high‑priority mods—those that replace core game files—stay at the top of the list, while less critical or “add‑on” mods appear lower.

A number of dedicated tools exist to help manage loadorders. Programs like Nexus Mod Manager, Vortex, Mod Organizer 2 and LOOT automatically sort mods based on dependencies, conflicts and online community consensus. LOOT, in particular, can run a quick scan of an installation, generate an optimum loadorder, and export the list to the game’s loader. Users can also manually edit the resulting loadorder file if they wish to fine‑tune the arrangement.

Because loadorder impacts both performance and stability, players who heavily modded a game should routinely review and update their loadsequence. A well‑organized loadorder leads to smoother gameplay, fewer bugs and a more consistent experience across installations.