Here’s a useful breakdown of Fallout 4 update version 1.10.163 (often referred to as “update 110 163” or “1.10.163”) — what it did, why it matters, and how it affects modded vs. unmodded play.
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:
Published by: The Commonwealth Chronicle
Date: May 2024
Platforms: PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
For nearly a decade, Fallout 4 has been a sanctuary for wasteland wanderers. Released in 2015, Bethesda’s post-apocalyptic opus has survived thanks to a thriving modding community and periodic stability patches. However, in late April and early May 2024, Bethesda rolled out Update 1.10.163—a patch that was immediately dubbed the "Next-Gen Update."
But was it a triumphant return to the surface, or a radioactive misfire? Depending on who you ask in the modding forums, Fallout 4 update 1.10.163 is either the best thing to happen to the game since Dogmeat, or the worst compatibility nightmare since Vista.
Let’s break down everything in this massive update: the new features, the bugs, the modpocalypse, and how to survive it.
Bethesda listed dozens of fixes, including: fallout 4 update 110 163
Final recommendation:
If you’re modding Fallout 4 in 2026, do not use 1.10.163 unless forced by a very old mod list. Either update to the latest version or downgrade to a stable “pre-next-gen” build (1.10.163 is unstable for modern modding).
is widely considered the "Gold Standard" for PC modding. While officially released in late 2019, it has regained massive popularity as the primary target for players "downgrading" their game to avoid the issues introduced by Bethesda's 2024 "Next-Gen" update. 🛠️ Why Version 1.10.163?
This specific version is favored because it provides the highest level of compatibility for the game's most essential mods. F4SE Compatibility: Most complex mods rely on the Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE)
. The version for 1.10.163 is mature and supports thousands of plugins that haven't been updated for newer game versions. Mod Library Access: Many legendary mods—such as Armor and Weapon Keywords (AWKCR) Better Settlers —function best or exclusively on this build. Stability:
Newer updates (like 1.10.984 or 1.11.137) are known for breaking UI mods, causing "stuttering" on certain hardware, and disrupting load orders Fallout London: The massive total conversion mod, Fallout: London
, specifically requires players to use the 1.10.163 version (often via the GOG release or a Steam downgrader) to run correctly. 🔄 How to Revert to 1.10.163 Here’s a useful breakdown of Fallout 4 update version 1
If your game has already updated to the "Next-Gen" version, you can return to 1.10.163 using these methods: 1. The Steam Console Method Advanced users can use the Steam Console to manually download "depots" (older file packages). Open Steam and type steam://nav/console in your browser or run command. download_depot commands to pull the 2019 executable and data files.
Replace your current Fallout 4 folder files with these older versions. 2. Automated Downgraders The easiest path is using community tools from Nexus Mods Simple Fallout 4 Downgraders:
These programs automate the depot-downloading process for you. Backported Archive Support:
If you want to keep some "Next-Gen" content (like the Enclave quests) while staying on the 1.10.163 engine, you'll need a mod to help the old engine read the new file formats. ⚠️ Important Maintenance Tips To keep your 1.10.163 installation from breaking: Disable Auto-Updates:
In Steam, set Fallout 4 to "Only update this game when I launch it". Launch via F4SE: Always start your game using f4se_loader.exe
rather than the Steam "Play" button. This prevents Steam from checking for updates. Appmanifest Trick: appmanifest_377160.acf The End of F4SE (Temporarily) Fallout 4 Script
in your SteamApps folder to hard-block any attempted updates.
Within 24 hours of the Fallout 4 Update 1.10.163 release, the subreddit r/FalloutMods went into meltdown. The primary issue was File Structure & Address Library.
The modding community moved fast. Tools to revert to the pre-next-gen version (1.10.163? No, pre-next-gen was 1.10.163? Wait—confusingly, the previous Steam version was 1.10.163 before the update? No, the previous was 1.10.163? Let's clarify: Prior to the May 2024 update, the last stable version was 1.10.163 on Steam. The "Next-Gen" update actually re-used the same version number on some platforms, causing mass confusion.
To downgrade:
For Console Players (PS5, Xbox Series X):
Yes. The 60 FPS boost and faster loads are transformative. Just back up your saves first.
For PC Players (Heavy Mod Lists, F4SE):
No. Stay on the pre-update version or downgrade. Wait for the modding scene to catch up (estimated 2–3 months for full stability).
For PC Players (Vanilla or Light Mods):
Maybe. The widescreen support is excellent, but the black face bug and stuttering can ruin immersion. Try the 1.10.164 beta.