UESP Forums

Firstly, welcome to the forums!

It sounds like you've already done a good amount of research into the subject and are clear on what you want accomplished. That's a good starting point.

As always, I recommend picking up a hard copy over a digital download. But if you're set on the Steam version, be warned that there are issues with the Construction Set. You can circumvent this by skipping on over to TES Nexus and downloading this. I've also heard that there can be complications with mods and Steam, but I've never played the Steam version or used the above CS mod, so I can't give any feedback. Whatever you choose, you'll decidedly want to pick up the GOTY version.

For graphics, MGSO 3.0 is the cream of the crop in terms of mod compilations. I don't see any reason why you'd want to incorporate any additional texture replacers from the the get-go. Don't wear yourself out trying to perfect the look of the game before you experience it.

Additionally, MGSO already incorporates some of the tweaks you're talking about, like Animated Morrowind (adding more NPCs with animated tasks), Hold It (some NPCs can hold objects like brooms or instruments), and the nigh-all-encompassing Morrowind Code Patch. I'm not sure if the Unofficial Morrowind Patch can be used in tandem with MCP, you'll have to ask someone else about that.

The install process for MGSO has been made incredibly easy. Everything is included in one self-extracting archive, and it will walk you through the steps. There is also an .exe (MGSO Options) that allows you to check/uncheck particular mods you want installed, and customize your choice of texture packs. Just make sure to skim the readme before installing to make sure you've got all your ducks in a row.

A few other sweeping, game-changing mods not included in MGSO that are quite popular (but highly preferential) are Morrowind Comes Alive, Children of Morrowind, and Necessities of Morrowind.

The biggest gameplay mods I can think of are centered around revamping the leveling system, e.g. Galsiah's Character Development and Madd Leveler. Again, these have a notable impact on gameplay, so keep that in mind.

Abot also makes some good immersion mods such as Silt Striders, Gondoliers, Boats, Guars, and Water Life.

And the fact that you're using a 4 year old PC shouldn't prevent you from running this conglomeration of mods well if you have decent RAM and GPU, though you might have to knock MGE down to the lowest setting. Your OS is also going to matter (more than one might think).

Just to reiterate an earlier point, you don't need to go crazy modding right off. You'll be set with MGSO and maybe a few other mods tailored to your personal preference. As you play you will discover what you want to keep and what you want to change. Good luck, and welcome back to Vvardenfell!

Thank you very much for all your help! I shall probably look into getting a hard copy in that case if it's going to work smoother/better with mods.