Fallout 4 version 1.10.163 is widely considered the definitive "Pre-Next-Gen" version of the game. Released in December 2019, it is the most popular version for modding because it provides the highest compatibility with the Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) and years of established community mods. 🛠️ Update Overview: What Was Added?
While relatively small compared to the 2024 Next-Gen updates, 1.10.163 introduced several features and fixes:
Virtual Workshop: Added the "VR Workshop" Creation Club item, allowing players to build settlements in exotic locations like Grid World and Atomic Crater.
Stability Fixes: Resolved several crashing and lockup issues that were introduced in the previous November 2019 patch.
Creation Club Content: Included several new skins and modular items, such as the Modular Military Backpack.
Performance Improvements: Minor unlisted tweaks to game performance on PC and consoles to improve frame rate stability. 🏗️ Why It Matters for Modding
The 2024 "Next-Gen" update (version 1.10.980+) broke many existing mods. Consequently, version 1.10.163 became the "Gold Standard" for modders:
F4SE Compatibility: Most advanced mods rely on version 0.6.23 of the Script Extender, which is built specifically for 1.10.163.
Fallout London: This massive total conversion mod was originally designed to run on version 1.10.163, requiring players to "downgrade" their games to play it.
Stable Infrastructure: Years of stability patches and UI fixes are curated specifically for this build. 🔄 How to Access Version 1.10.163
If your game has already updated to the Next-Gen version, you can revert back to 1.10.163 using these methods: Option 1: Steam Console Downgrade
You can manually download the older files directly from Steam's servers:
Open the Steam Console (type steam://open/console in your browser).
Use specific download_depot commands to retrieve the original 2019 files. Replace your current game files with these older versions. Option 2: Automated Downgraders
The Fallout 4 Downgrader on Nexus Mods automates this process, making it much easier for non-technical users to return to version 1.10.163. Option 3: GOG Version
The GOG.com version of Fallout 4 is highly recommended by the community because it allows you to choose your game version and does not force automatic updates like Steam.
The release of Update 1.10.163 for stands as a peculiar landmark in the game’s post-launch history. Unlike the massive content drops of the DLC era or the transformative "Next-Gen" updates that would follow years later, 1.10.163 represented the quiet, industrial machinery of Bethesda’s ecosystem—a patch defined less by what it gave the players and more by what it broke for the modders. The Creation Club Engine Fallout 4 Update 1.10.163
At its core, Update 1.10.163 was a maintenance vehicle for the Creation Club, Bethesda’s curated marketplace for mini-DLCs. While it introduced minor "under-the-hood" stability fixes, its primary purpose was to facilitate the rollout of new micro-content, including skins, weapons, and settlement items. For the casual player, the update was almost invisible; for the dedicated survivor of the Commonwealth, it was a seismic event. The Modding Paradox
The true legacy of 1.10.163 lies in its relationship with the Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE). Because the update modified the game's executable file (Fallout4.exe), it instantly rendered F4SE—and the hundreds of complex mods that rely on it—inoperable. This created a recurring ritual within the community:
The Scramble: Modders racing to update scripts to match the new version.
The Freeze: Savvy players setting their Steam updates to "Only update when I launch" to preserve their carefully curated load orders.
The Archive: The rise of "downgraders," tools specifically designed to revert the game back to 1.10.163 (or earlier versions) to maintain mod compatibility. A Preservation Point
Paradoxically, because Update 1.10.163 remained the "final" stable version of the game for several years before the 2024 "Next-Gen" overhaul, it became a golden standard for stability. For a long stretch of time, it was the definitive version of Fallout 4. It represented a finished state where the balance between Bethesda’s official vision and the community’s infinite creativity reached a delicate, if occasionally frustrated, equilibrium. Conclusion
Update 1.10.163 is a reminder that in the world of modern gaming, a patch is rarely just a "fix." It is a shift in the digital landscape. It highlights the tension between a developer’s need to monetize a live service and a community’s desire to keep their version of a world exactly as they built it. In the history of the Commonwealth, 1.10.163 wasn't just a number; it was a snapshot of a game caught between two eras.
version 1.10.163 was technically a minor update released in December 2019 to add Creation Club
content, its "solid feature" today is actually its status as definitive stable version for modding Fallout Wiki
Following the release of the "Next-Gen" (1.10.984) and "Anniversary Edition" (1.11.137) updates, many players and modders consider 1.10.163 the gold standard for stability. Why 1.10.163 is the Preferred Version Mod Compatibility : The vast majority of mods on Nexus Mods , including the critical Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) , were built and perfected for this version.
: Unlike newer updates that introduced bugs to features like the "Blitz" perk or caused frequent crashes with older plugins, 1.10.163 is widely regarded as "feature complete" and stable. Essential for Total Conversions : High-profile projects like the Fallout: London
mod often require players to downgrade to 1.10.163 to function correctly. GOG Version Standard : The version sold on
remains at 1.10.163 precisely because it is the most mod-friendly build. How to Access Version 1.10.163
Since Steam automatically updates to the latest version, players often use a downgrader tool to return to 1.10.163. Popular methods include:
In the current modding climate (April 2026), Fallout 4 Update 1.10.163
is widely considered the "Gold Standard" version for PC players. While newer "Next-Gen" or "Anniversary" updates exist, veteran players and the modding community often view 1.10.163 as the most stable and compatible baseline for complex load orders. Review: Version 1.10.163 — The Modder's Sanctuary The Good: Maximum Stability and Mod Freedom Broad Compatibility : Most major mods, including high-level overhauls and the Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) , were built and perfected for this specific version. Freedom from Forced Updates Fallout 4 version 1
: By sticking to 1.10.163, players avoid the "Next-Gen" updates that frequently break existing mod setups. Clean Interface : On platforms like
, this version lacks the aggressive Creation Club marketing and "Anniversary" menu clutter found in newer Steam builds. Performance Reliability
: Unlike the later updates that introduced new stutters or reset player .ini preferences, 1.10.163 offers a predictable environment. The Bad: Lacks Modern Conveniences
In the current ecosystem, Version 1.10.163 is widely considered the "Gold Standard" for stability and modding. While technically an older build from December 2019, it has become the preferred version for players who want to avoid the bugs and mod-breaking changes introduced in the recent "Next-Gen" updates. Why 1.10.163 is Highly Rated Ultimate Mod Compatibility
: The vast majority of established mods, including crucial tools like the Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) , were built and perfected for this version. Peak Stability
: Unlike newer versions that introduced issues with NPC face data, wide-screen flickering, and broken VATS on certain platforms, 1.10.163 is extremely stable when paired with community bug-fix patches. The "Fallout London" Benchmark : The massive total conversion mod, Fallout London
, specifically recommends this version (or the GOG equivalent) for the best experience. No Creation Club Clutter
: Many players prefer 1.10.163 because it lacks the intrusive "Next-Gen" menu changes and marketplace advertisements found in more recent updates. Minor Drawbacks Manual Setup Required
: If you are on Steam, the game will try to auto-update to the latest version. You will likely need to use a Downgrader Tool Nexus Mods to revert your game to 1.10.163. Missing New Content
: You won't have "official" access to the latest free Enclave questlines and armor skins added in 2024, though many of these can be added back manually as mods. If you are a casual player
who doesn't use mods and just wants to play the game on a modern console (PS5/Xbox Series X), the latest Next-Gen Update (1.10.984+) is generally better for its native 4K/60FPS support. Turtle Beach However, for PC players and heavy modders Version 1.10.163
remains the superior choice for a bug-free, highly customized experience. Further Exploration Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) compatibility guide to see which game versions are supported. Check out the Simple Fallout 4 Downgrader on Nexus Mods for an automated way to revert your game. View the original 1.10.163 patch notes
from 2019 to see the original "Virtual Workshop" content it introduced. step-by-step instructions on how to downgrade your game to this version?
Fallout 4 Update 1.10.163: The Definitive Legacy Version Fallout 4 Update 1.10.163, released on December 4, 2019, holds a unique place in the game's history. While originally just a minor patch adding Creation Club content and bug fixes, it has since become the "gold standard" for PC modding. This version is often cited as the most stable and compatible release prior to the major "Next-Gen" updates that broke many long-standing community mods. Key Content and Features
The primary addition in the 1.10.163 patch was the introduction of the Virtual Workshops Creation Club item. This feature allows players to:
Travel to New Worlds: Use a VR pod to visit exotic landscapes like Grid World, Atomic Crater, Desert Island, and GNR Plaza from Fallout 3. Final Verdict: A Bittersweet Improvement Fallout 4 Update
Limitless Building: Access nearly infinite resources and significantly higher building limits within these virtual spaces.
New Workshop Items: The update included 40 new workshop items, many of which can be crafted in standard "real-world" settlements. Bug Fixes and Stability
While Bethesda did not release a formal, comprehensive changelog, player reports and developer notes indicated several technical improvements:
Crash Mitigation: Addressed various lockups and crashes that occurred following the previous November 2019 update.
Creation Club Reliability: Fixed several unlisted issues related to the performance and downloading of Creation Club content.
Version Support: Added support for ESL file formats, allowing for more mods to be installed simultaneously without hitting the traditional 255-plugin limit. Why Version 1.10.163 Matters Today
For modern players, the significance of 1.10.163 is largely tied to modding compatibility.
The "Modding Oasis": Many of the most popular and complex mods—including the Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) and its dependencies—were perfectly calibrated for this version for years.
GOG Version Stability: The DRM-free version of Fallout 4 sold on GOG.com remains locked at version 1.10.163, making it the preferred choice for players who want a stable modding experience without forced Steam updates.
Downgrading: Because subsequent updates (like the "Next-Gen" patch) often break essential modding tools, a large portion of the community uses downgrading tools to revert their Steam installation back to 1.10.163. Summary of Platform Differences Version Number Key Difference PC (Steam/GOG) Standard for most script-heavy mods. PlayStation 4
Identical content to 1.10.163 but uses a different versioning scheme. Xbox One Consistent with the PC versioning. 10.163 for modding?
Fallout 4 Update 1.10.163 is, ironically, the patch that should have launched with the next-gen update a year ago.
Rating: 7.5/10 (Great for casuals, frustrating for veterans).
First, clarity is critical. If you search for "Fallout 4 1.10.163" on Steam or Nexus Mods, you will find two distinct realities:
Do not confuse the two. The 1.10.163 released today is a maintenance update for current-gen consoles and modern PCs.
Bethesda’s official patch notes for Update 1.10.163 list a mix of long-requested features and technical overhauls. Here is the breakdown:
appmanifest_377160.acf to "Read Only" or launch Steam in Offline Mode.