Skyrim SE 1.5. 97 able to use Update Files and still maintain 1.5.97?

[Es.Ell.]

Hi. Don't know anything about modding. Using the old 1.5.97 and wanted to install a mod that is asking for  ccBGSSSE025-AdvDSGS.esm ccbgssse001-fish.esm ccBGSSSE037-Curios.esl ccQDRSSE001-SurvivalMode.esl.  Is there an easy way to download these 4 files and place them in a folder to "trick" the mod into thinking these 4 files are there?

Thank You

[traison]

Let the game update through Steam then use a downgrade patcher to get back to 1.5.97. That's my understanding of what people do. I have my own (IMO) superior methods, but I wouldn't call those easy for someone that doesn't know anything about modding.

[Just Don't]

SkyrimSE.exe and binkw64.dll are the files you must keep from a 1.5.97 install for SKSE and its plugins to work as intended (aka your game is recognized as Skyrim SE version 1.5.97 so you must use 1.5.97 SKSE and SKSE plugins). The exe changes in every update of the game and it's what actually tells you which version you have. The dll was changed between 1.5 and 1.6 versions so 1.5 ones need the binkw64.dll while newer versions use bink2w64.dll. This is what the best of both downgrade option does (you can also manually backup and replace those files in a newer install). You keep all the new assets while using a 1.5.97 exe and bink dll so you can keep using your 1.5.97 SKSE and DLL mods. If you use other downgrade methods you'll likely also delete the creation files as well as restore older versions of BSA files and such.

 

Every other asset in the game works in either version, for the most part. You should use BEES if you're on older versions. And you should absolutely use up to date BSA files since these contain additional assets other mods might use. And the 4 creations you mention should be installed as well since these are required by lots of mods not only because you can fish now, but because they also provide new assets like weapons and such. Playing without these newer files will require some additional effort on top of already digging through old files to find compatible files for your 1.5 version. But it's doable, if you really want to stick to that version for whatever reason.

Edited October 27, 2024 by Just Don't