> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://sigourn.gitbook.io/morrowind-sharp/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://sigourn.gitbook.io/morrowind-sharp/mge-xe.md).

# MGE XE

## Installation

* Download [**MGE XE Manual Install**](https://www.nexusmods.com/morrowind/mods/41102?) (Main files - Manual Download) and extract the file to the game's **Root** folder.
* Delete **XE Sky Variations.esp** from your **Data Files** folder. This plugin won't be necessary after we install **Weather Adjuster** in the Graphics section.

Allows Morrowind to render distant views, scenery shadows, high quality shaders and other features, as well as install the latest MWSE version, which allows Lua-based mods to function.

## Configuration

* Re-launch Mod Organizer 2 to detect MGE XE, then click on the executables dropdown menu to the left of the **Run** button, and select **MGE XE**.
* Click the **Run** button to run **MGE XE**.

### In-game tab

* Enable **Allow yes to all load errors** under **Morrowind engine settings**.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Use D3D8To9 proxy only** disables shaders and the distant land features, for a closer to vanilla experience.
{% endhint %}

### Graphics tab

* Set **Resolution** according to your monitor or preferred windowed resolution.
* Enable **Windowed Mode** and **Borderless window**. This allows for safe ALT+TAB during gameplay, at the cost of minimal performance drops (unnoticeable depending on your setup).
* Set **VSync** to On.
* Set **Antialiasing** to x8.
* Set **Anisotropic Filtering** to x16.
* Set **Menu UI scaling** to a higher value if you find the vanilla UI too small. I find 1,20 to be a good value when playing at 1080p.
* Set **FPS Limiter** to a lower value to increase the consistency of your framerate.

### Distant Land tab

* Click **Distant land generator wizard**.
* Click the **Select all** button to the right to enable all plugins for distant land generation, then click **Continue**.
* In the **Land Textures** tab, click **Create Land Textures**.
* In the **Land Meshes** tab, set **World mesh detail** to **Ultra High** then click **Create Land Meshes**.
* In the **Statics** tab:
  * Set **Minimum Static Size** to 100.
  * Check **Include reflective water in interiors**.
  * Click **Create Statics**.
* Click **Finish** to end the setup.

Copy the Distant Land settings shown in the image below. These settings will preserve the foggy aesthetic of vanilla Morrowind. For a little bit of extra draw distance, I suggest increasing the **Draw Distance** to 5,0, and cranking up the **Above Water Fog** settings to Start 3,0 and End 5,0

MGE XE automatically saves your changes, so close the window when you are done.

<figure><img src="https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Sigourn/morrowindsharp/main/pictures/DistantLand3.png" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="warning" %}
Note that Per-pixel lighting takes a heavy toll on your framerate. You can disable it entirely, or limit it to **Interiors only**.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="success" %}
Regenerate your distant land any time you install or uninstall mods that affect the landscape. Most importantly, the process will be much easier as you only need to click on **Run above steps using saved / default settings** the next time you are on the **Distant Land Generation** window. On your first distant land generation, MGE XE defaults to **Distant Land configuration setup...**.
{% endhint %}

## **MGE XE Shader Pack**

{% hint style="warning" %}
It is encouraged to skip this section unless your computer has more than 2GB VRAM, otherwise expect less than 30fps outdoors. At 8GB VRAM, I can hit a consistent 60fps even in the most performance intensive areas of the game.
{% endhint %}

* Downloaded the [**MGE XE Shader Pack**](https://github.com/LucasDelfino92/morrowindsharp/raw/refs/heads/main/MGE%20XE%20Shader%20Pack.7z) and install the file using the manual install button [![manual](https://github.com/Sigourn/morrowindsharp/raw/main/MO2/MO_Archive.png)](https://github.com/Sigourn/morrowindsharp/blob/main/MO2/MO_Archive.png) in MO2.
* BAIN options to install:
  * [x] **00 Core**
* Run **MGE XE** in MO2.
  * In the **Graphics tab**, click **Enable shaders**.
  * Click **Shader setup...**.
  * On the **Set active shaders** window, click **Modding >>>**. Set your **Active Shaders** as follows, by double clicking on the corresponding shader under **Available shaders**.
  * Click **Save** after setting up your shader chain.

```
SSAO HQ
Underwater Interior Effects
EdgeAA
deband_fogawarev3
Underwater Effects
Sunshafts
Special Process
Eye Adaptation (HDR)
```