Fallout 4 Game Version 1.10.163: The Gold Standard for Modding
Released on December 4, 2019, Fallout 4 version 1.10.163 is widely considered the most stable and compatible version of the game for PC players. While Bethesda has released several "Next-Gen" updates since early 2024, version 1.10.163 remains the preferred choice for the modding community due to its extensive support for the Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) and thousands of legacy mods. Why Version 1.10.163 Matters
The release of the "Next-Gen" update (version 1.10.984 and later) introduced several technical hurdles for PC users. Many veteran players and mod authors choose to stay on or revert to 1.10.163 for several key reasons:
Maximum Mod Compatibility: The vast majority of mods on Nexus Mods were built and tested on version 1.10.163.
F4SE Stability: Critical plugins that require the script extender—such as LooksMenu or MCM (Mod Configuration Menu)—work flawlessly on this version.
Fixes for "Next-Gen" Issues: The newer updates introduced specific bugs, including stuttering issues when altering NPC records and nerfs to popular perks like "Blitz".
Total Conversions: Massive projects like Fallout: London officially require players to use version 1.10.163 to function correctly. Key Features of the 1.10.163 Update Fallout 4 Game Version 1.10.163
While this update was minor compared to the base game's launch, it finalized several systems before the long development hiatus:
(released December 4, 2019) is widely considered by the modding community to be the "Gold Standard" of the game
. While officially outdated by the "Next-Gen" updates (v1.10.980+), it remains the preferred choice for players seeking maximum stability and access to a decade's worth of mods. Review Summary: The Community’s "Final" Version Stability & Performance
: Unlike the Next-Gen updates which introduced new bugs like stuttering during cell loading and broken ultra-wide support, 1.10.163 is highly stable on modern hardware. Mod Compatibility : This version is the primary target for Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE)
build 0.6.23. It supports critical mods that remain broken or unmaintained on newer versions.
: By staying on 1.10.163, players avoid the "immersion-breaking" forced Creation Club quests (like Echoes of the Past Fallout 4 Game Version 1
) that automatically trigger upon leaving Vault 111 in newer versions. Nexus Mods Forums Technical Context & State in 2026 pre NG or NG? 1.10.163 or 1.10.1984 version? - Discussion 22 Apr 2025 —
version 1.10.163 is the standard "pre-Next Gen" version of the game. It is often used by modders who prefer to stay on this stable build rather than updating to the 2024 "Next-Gen" patch, which can break critical community tools like the Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE). Essential Technical Details Release Date: December 4, 2019. Platform: PC (Steam and GOG versions primarily).
Core Mod Requirement: If you are using this version, you must use F4SE version 0.6.21 to ensure compatibility with most scripted mods. Key Mod Compatibility for v1.10.163
When setting up this version, ensure you are downloading the "Old" or "Legacy" files for these popular mods:
Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE): Download the version explicitly labeled for Game version 1.10.163.
Extended Dialogue Interface (XDI): You must use version 1.3.6 for this game build; newer versions (like 1.4.0) are for Next-Gen only. F4SE – v0
Backported Archive2 Support System: Essential if you want to use newer mods (made for the Next-Gen update) on your 1.10.163 build. How to Verify Your Version If you aren't sure which version you have installed: Navigate to your Fallout 4 install folder. Right-click Fallout4.exe and select Properties. Go to the Details tab and check the Product Version.
Alternatively, launch the game and look at the bottom-right corner of the Settings menu. Downgrading to 1.10.163
If your game has already updated to the Next-Gen patch (v1.10.980 or higher) and you want to go back, you can use the Fallout 4 Downgrader tool or follow manual Steam console guides to revert your game files.
In 1.10.163, Creation Club content was optional and did not force-download the entire library into your data folder. Later versions (1.10.162 onward) began aggressively pre-loading CC assets, leading to conflicts with mods that edited the same records.
The Fallout 4 Script Extender is the lifeblood of advanced modding. Version 1.10.163 was supported by F4SE for over three years. Mods like Place Everywhere, MCM, and LooksMenu were perfected on this runtime. Later updates broke these mods for months, forcing users to choose between new patches or functional load orders.
