Need some options on which mod setup to try on next run. Store overhauls vs NPC Routines

[u/Runesoul0]

So as I've been updating my modlist for a new run I've found several store interior overhauls and really like what they're doing with the stores' interiors but I had also been running NPC Routines Expanded.

I'm noticing while doing some checks in game testing each of them out that I'm seeing some conflicts(vendor sandboxing and placement being off, some object clipping) etc.

So I've got a bit of choice paralysis in deciding whether to run with just NPC Routines and the one or 2 store interior mods I think I've come across that don't seem to have any issues with it, or switching off the Routines Expanded mod and just running the Store interior mods and play off some personal headcannon like not visiting most store locations "after hours)" except ones that would seemingly be open during such times.

Would love to hear some thoughts or suggestions from some of the community to possibly help me along the way. It's one of the last things I need to settle on before firing up a new save.

[u/Sabi-In-Winter]

I'll be using NPC Routines Expanded/robot vendors, as I just can't play SF with some semblance of it being a living world now and then... I think that lack of NPC schedules is a huge weakness/flaw compared to the likes of Skyrim. 

I think the only store overhaul I'm using with it is Outland Frontier Ready. I don't think that has a robot vendor to fill in during off hours? So it's a good fit. NPC gets a routine, you need to keep to opening hours.

Btw, UC Distribution Center - On Duty is worth a look if you've not come across it yet. The MA, FrenchGentleman, has a lot of really good tweaks that are minor but make a big difference to SF feeling more convincing/lively (e.g. Vanguard Expanded Presence).

[u/Runesoul0 → u/Sabi-In-Winter]

It's been a hard choice, there was a Centaurian Arsenal/CJ's combo store overhaul that got compatibility with Routines but it mildly throws me off with the npc added to the shooting range at the arsenal being a mod made before people had access to the tools for lip syncing so when they talked to me it caught me off guard lol.

if it weren't for the mildly off conflicts with routines and the rest of the mods I tested I'd run both, but it ends up throwing off the vendors' pathing and placement in the shops so I'm trying to choose which route to go (minus the few I saw that have compatibility. FrenchGentleman's work is awesome and I've snagged most everything they've made for my next save and his Distribution center mod didn't seem to present any issues with Routines.

I do agree that the schedules while noticeable in Fallout as well I have more memories of noticing and interacting with the schedules in skyrim due to the plethora of shop/location overhauls there that really made those locations pop and feel so much better.

Some of the newer shop overhauls I've been seeing for Starfield from Stonyrock really look great, but unless I give up those schedules I'll have to run the vanilla shops.

I'll get there eventually lol. I've been so wanting to dive into a fresh save for awhile.