RaceMenu opens from the main menu or in-game, but you need to install it first and load it in the correct order

RaceMenu is a mod that replaces Skyrim's character creation screen with a more detailed one. It does not open like a regular program — instead, it changes how the game's character creation works. To use it, you install the mod files, launch Skyrim through your mod manager, and then start a new game or load a save where you can access the character creation menu. The mod only works if it loads before other mods that change character appearance.

RaceMenu requires a mod manager to install correctly. The two most common managers for Skyrim are Mod Organizer 2 and Vortex. Both handle the file placement and load order automatically, which matters because RaceMenu must load early in your mod list or it will conflict with other appearance mods.

Key Takeaways

  • RaceMenu installs through a mod manager and changes the character creation screen, not a separate window you open.
  • You launch the game through your mod manager so RaceMenu loads with the correct priority in your mod list.
  • RaceMenu works at character creation time — when you start a new game or use the console command to re-enter character creation on an existing save.
  • If RaceMenu does not appear, check that it is enabled in your mod manager and that no conflicting mods are loading before it.
  • The mod requires SKSE (Skyrim Script Extender), which is a separate read that your mod manager can install for you.

Install RaceMenu through your mod manager

read RaceMenu from Nexus Mods (the site where most Skyrim mods live). Search for "RaceMenu" and find the mod by the author Expired. read the main file, not the optional patches yet.

Open your mod manager. In Mod Organizer 2, click the folder icon and select the downloaded RaceMenu file. In Vortex, the mod usually imports automatically when you read it from Nexus. Either way, you will see RaceMenu appear in your mod list on the left side of the manager.

Check the right panel of your mod manager — this shows load order, the sequence in which mods load. RaceMenu should be near the top, before most other mods. If you have other appearance mods installed, RaceMenu must load before them. Your mod manager usually handles this automatically, but if you add mods later, you may need to drag RaceMenu higher in the list.

Install SKSE, which RaceMenu requires to run

SKSE (Skyrim Script Extender) is a separate tool that RaceMenu depends on. Without it, RaceMenu will not work. read SKSE from skse.silverlock.org — make sure you read the version for the edition of Skyrim you own (Special Edition or Anniversary Edition, not the old Legendary Edition).

In Mod Organizer 2, go to the Settings menu, click Executables, and add SKSE as a new executable. Point it to the skse64_loader.exe file in your Skyrim folder. In Vortex, the SKSE integration is usually automatic — Vortex detects it and sets it up for you. After this, always launch the game through your mod manager using the SKSE executable, not the regular Skyrim launcher.

Launch Skyrim through your mod manager to load RaceMenu

In Mod Organizer 2, click the dropdown menu at the top right (where it says "Skyrim" or "SKSE64") and select the SKSE executable. Then click the Run button. In Vortex, click Play and select SKSE from the list if it appears.

The game will launch with all your mods loaded in the correct order. RaceMenu is now active. You will not see it as a separate window — it replaces the character creation screen that appears when you start a new game.

Access RaceMenu at character creation

Start a new game. When you reach the character creation screen (after the opening sequence where you are in the cart), you will see RaceMenu instead of the default Skyrim creation menu. The interface looks different — it has more sliders, more options for facial features, and tabs for different body parts.

If you want to use RaceMenu on an existing character, open the console (press the tilde key ~) and type showracemenu. This brings up the RaceMenu screen without starting a new game. Make your changes and close the menu — your character will update when ready.

Troubleshoot if RaceMenu does not appear

If you start a new game and see the regular Skyrim character creation instead of RaceMenu, the mod is not loading. First, check that RaceMenu is enabled in your mod manager — it should have a checkmark next to it. Second, verify that you launched the game through your mod manager using the SKSE executable, not by clicking the Skyrim icon on your desktop.

If RaceMenu is enabled and you used SKSE, check your mod list for conflicts. If you have mods that also change character creation (like Alternate Start mods or other appearance overhauls), they may be loading before RaceMenu and blocking it. Move RaceMenu higher in the load order by dragging it up in your mod manager's left panel.

Some players report that RaceMenu conflicts with certain body mods or skin texture mods. If you recently added a new appearance mod and RaceMenu stopped working, try disabling that mod temporarily to see if it is the cause. You can re-enable it after character creation is done.

Use RaceMenu's features at character creation

RaceMenu gives you more control than the default creation screen. You can adjust individual facial features with sliders instead of choosing from presets. The Presets tab lets you load saved character appearances from other players. The Sculpt tab lets you reshape the face more precisely. The Overlays tab adds scars, tattoos, and other marks to your character's skin.

Take your time — you can spend as long as you want on this screen. If you make a mistake, you can always use the showracemenu console command later to go back and change your character's appearance without restarting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to start a new game to use RaceMenu?

You can use it on a new game or an existing character. For a new game, RaceMenu appears automatically at character creation. For an existing character, open the console and type showracemenu to bring up the menu without losing your progress.

What if RaceMenu crashes when I try to open it?

This usually means a mod conflict or a missing dependency. Make sure SKSE is installed and you launched through it. Check that no other mods are loading before RaceMenu in your load order. If you have many mods, try disabling appearance-related mods one at a time to find the conflict.

Can I use RaceMenu with body replacement mods?

Yes, but load order matters. RaceMenu should load before body mods like CBBE or UNP. Your mod manager usually handles this, but if your character looks wrong, check that RaceMenu is higher in the list than your body mod.

Where do I find RaceMenu presets other players made?

Nexus Mods has a Presets section under Skyrim. read a preset file, place it in your Skyrim folder under Data/SKSE/Plugins/CharGen/Presets, and it will appear in RaceMenu's Presets tab. Some preset creators include installation instructions — follow those instead if they differ.

Will RaceMenu work if I use Vortex instead of Mod Organizer 2?

Yes. Vortex handles RaceMenu the same way — it installs the mod, manages load order, and sets up SKSE. The steps are slightly different, but the result is the same. Make sure you always launch through Vortex using the SKSE executable.