Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) is the backbone of nearly every complex PC mod. Every time Bethesda updates the executable (Fallout4.exe), F4SE breaks. Since Update 1.10.163 was the first major executable change in over two years, it rendered over 200+ essential mods useless overnight. This included:

In the evolving history of Bethesda’s post-apocalyptic RPG, Fallout 4 update 1.10.163 stands as a critical landmark for the PC modding community. Originally released in late 2019, this version became the "Gold Standard" for stability and mod compatibility, particularly after the controversial "Next-Gen" updates that followed years later. What Was Included in Update 1.10.163?

While often categorized as a minor patch, version 1.10.163 was primarily focused on expanding the Creation Club ecosystem and improving underlying game stability.

Virtual Workshops: The headline feature was the addition of Virtual Workshops. This allowed players to travel to new VR landscapes—such as Grid World, Atomic Crater, and Desert Island—from the comfort of their settlements, offering limitless resources and higher building limits.

Stability & Bug Fixes: Bethesda addressed minor Fallout 4 patches related to mod management and general game stability on PC, Xbox One, and PS4.

ESL Support: It continued the support for the .esl file format, which is vital for players who want to install hundreds of mods without hitting the traditional 255-plugin limit. Why Modders Still Use 1.10.163 Today

Despite the release of the "Next-Gen" update (version 1.10.1984 and later), a large portion of the community refuses to move past 1.10.163.

F4SE Compatibility: The Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) is the backbone of most complex mods. F4SE version 0.6.23 is the specific build required for game version 1.10.163. Many essential mods, like LooksMenu or Place Everywhere, were built for this specific runtime and may not function perfectly on newer versions.

Fallout: London: The massive total conversion mod Fallout: London famously launched with a requirement to downgrade the game to 1.10.163 to ensure all its custom scripts worked correctly.

Stability: The GOG version of the game is permanently locked to version 1.10.163, making it the most stable "out-of-the-box" experience for those who want to avoid the broken UI elements and mod conflicts found in the Next-Gen patch. How to Manage Your Version

If you are looking to mod your game or play large projects like Fallout: London, you may need to navigate versioning carefully.

🚀 The Golden Standard of Fallout 4 Modding: Version 1.10.163 If you are diving into the world of modding

, you have likely seen a specific number referenced everywhere:

. While Bethesda has released several patches and "Next-Gen" updates since then, version 1.10.163 remains the definitive foundation for the game's most complex and massive modding projects. 🔍 What is Version 1.10.163? Version 1.10.163 was the final stable game version of

on Steam prior to the release of the massive "Next-Gen" update in April 2024. It represents the absolute pinnacle of "Old-Gen" or "Pre-Next-Gen"

🛡️ Why are players sticking to (or reverting to) this version?

While newer updates brought native widescreen support and some free Creation Club items, they also caused massive disruptions in the game's ecosystem. Players deliberately seek out 1.10.163 for several key reasons: Unrivaled Mod Compatibility:

The vast majority of heavy-hitting script-based mods (like the Fallout 4 Script Extender, or F4SE) were built and perfected for this version. Collection & Modlist Support:

Large automated modlists and massive overhauls generally require 1.10.163 to guarantee that hundreds of moving parts work together without crashing. Total Stability:

Many users report that the Next-Gen patches introduced persistent bugs (such as stuttering or broken physics) that are simply not present in 1.10.163. Fallout: London: The massive, DLC-sized mod Fallout: London

famously recommended the GOG version of the game or a downgraded Steam version—both of which effectively run on the 1.10.163 architecture. 🛠️ How do players get to Version 1.10.163?

Because Steam automatically pushes players to the latest live version of games, PC players use a few workarounds to access 1.10.163: The GOG Version:

Purchasing the game on GOG is the easiest route, as their current offline stable build is natively parked at version 1.10.163. Steam Downgraders:

Players use specialized patching tools on Nexus Mods or manually use the Steam Console (via specific depot download codes) to roll back their files from the Next-Gen version. Update Freezing:

To ensure Steam doesn't automatically overwrite their setup, players often set their appmanifest files to read-only or configure Steam to "only update this game when I launch it," exclusively launching the game through a mod manager.

update 1.10.163 is widely considered the "gold standard" for PC players who prioritize a stable, heavily modded experience. Originally released in December 2019, it was the final major version of the "Old-Gen" era before the 2024 Next-Gen updates began altering the game's executable and breaking key community tools. 🛠️ The Ultimate Modding Baseline

While Bethesda has released several "Next-Gen" updates (versions 1.10.980 and later), version 1.10.163 remains the preferred choice for many for several reasons:

F4SE Compatibility: The Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) and its dependent plugins (like LooksMenu or Buffout 4) are perfectly calibrated for this version.

Total Conversions: Major projects like Fallout: London specifically require version 1.10.163 to run correctly.

Stability: Unlike the Next-Gen versions, which introduced new bugs such as NPC-related stuttering and broken widescreen support, 1.10.163 is viewed as the most "bug-free" base version.

GOG Native: The version currently sold on GOG.com is 1.10.163 by default, as GOG requires higher stability benchmarks than the current Steam Next-Gen builds provide. 🔄 How to Downgrade (Steam)

If your Steam version has automatically updated to the Next-Gen build, you can revert to 1.10.163 using these methods:

Steam Console: Use the steam://nav/console command to manually download the old "depot" files (the core game data).

Simple Fallout 4 Downgrader: A community tool available on Nexus Mods that automates the file replacement process.

Preventing Updates: Once downgraded, you must set the game to "Only update when I launch it" and always start the game via the f4se_loader.exe to bypass Steam’s auto-updater. 🎁 What was in the Original 1.10.163?

While it is now used as a legacy base, the original December 2019 patch included:

Virtual Workshop: A Creation Club item allowing players to build in exotic "VR" landscapes like the Capital Wasteland.

Creation Club Content: Support for various skins and settlement items released during that holiday season.

Bug Fixes: Stability improvements for issues introduced in the preceding November 2019 patch.

Are you looking to set up a specific mod list like Fallout: London, or are you just trying to get your old mods working again? I can help you with specific downgrade steps or recommend essential fix mods for this version.

update 1.10.163 is widely considered the "gold standard" for PC modding. Originally released on December 4, 2019, it was the final stable version of the game before the major "Next-Gen" updates in 2024.

For players who prioritize a stable, highly customized game, staying on or "downgrading" to this version is common practice to avoid the mod-breaking changes introduced in newer versions like 1.10.984 or 1.11.137. Key Features and Context

Stability and Compatibility: Most legacy and complex mods, especially those requiring the Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE), were built for version 1.10.163.

GOG Version: The version currently sold on GOG.com is permanently locked to 1.10.163, making it a popular choice for modders who want to avoid forced Steam updates.

Content: This update primarily included minor bug fixes and added the final pre-Next-Gen Creation Club items.

In the current Fallout 4 modding landscape, version 1.10.163 is widely considered the "Gold Standard" for stability and mod compatibility. While newer "Next-Gen" updates (v1.10.984+) introduced minor graphical features and new Creation Club content, they also broke the Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) and many high-profile mods.

This guide covers how to revert your game to v1.10.163 and why you should use it. Why Revert to v1.10.163?

Mod Compatibility: It is the primary version supported by the most stable versions of F4SE and essential mods like Fallout London.

Stability: It lacks the "Next-Gen" bugs, such as flickering textures and broken quest triggers introduced in recent patches.

Creation Club Control: It avoids the mandatory "Next-Gen" Creation Club content that can bloat save files. How to downgrade Fallout 4 back to 1.10.163

Fallout 4 Update 1.10.163 Guide

  • Gameplay Tweaks: Some gameplay mechanics have been adjusted, such as:

    • Because of the backlash, Bethesda pushed three rapid patches in May 2024, but the community still refers to the entire saga by the first major version number: 1.10.163.

    Here is what was fixed via subsequent updates:

    Despite these fixes, many players remain on 1.10.163 purely for mod compatibility. Several major mod authors (like Kinggath of Sim Settlements 2) refused to update their mods to 1.10.164+, arguing that Bethesda’s new code structure broke core logic scripts.

    Released in late 2019 / early 2020 (depending on platform), this was a minor patch focused primarily on Creation Club infrastructure and stability fixes. It did not introduce new free content, gameplay changes, or graphical enhancements.

    No Bethesda update launches without controversy, and Fallout 4 update 1.10.163 was no exception. In fact, the community backlash was so severe that Bethesda had to release a beta patch (1.10.164) just weeks later.

    Here are the major issues introduced by 1.10.163: