Is it still best to roll back the Skyrim SE version to 1.5.97?

[Guest]

Hi folks,

 

I am a very experienced skyrim modder who hasn't touched skyrim in over 2 years - just wanted to ask what version of skyrim has the most mod support/compatability? Am I right to assume it's still 1.5.97?

 

Ty!

[RedHeadAngel]

That depends. I play on 1.5.97 (SE), and the game runs fine. However, you have to pay close attention to which versions of mods to use. Also, you have to deal with some mod authors who are inconsiterate asshats and remove the versions of their mods meant for version 1.5.97. This isn't too much of a problem, as there are people who can help with that by providing links to the correct versions. Having said that, mods for AE can still mainly work with SE if you use mods like BEES, which allow them to work on older versions of the game.

 

Playing on AE, it's more or less the same situation. Some mods are only intended for use with SE and won't function on AE due to what it includes. There may be workarounds for this, but I don't play AE, and therefore, I can't say. Maybe an AE user can tell you.

 

So, like I said, it depends on what you think the best route is. You'll have people who say play SE, but you'll also have those who insist on AE. Honestly, that discussion never leads to a definitive conclusion. I play SE because that's what I decided on. That's really it. I know a user who says AE is the way to go, and their game works fine, as well.

[DayTri]

I'm not aware of many mods which which only work on 1.5.97 now. The big one for me is AddItemMenu, but there's a decent replacement, and I think even an unofficial updated version somewhere.

 

My experience is the mods which work on the newest version are big improvements in terms of speed. I switched away from 1.5.97 recently and it's been a good experience.

[anjenthedog]

No. 1.6.1170 is solid and well covered for almost all if not all content. yes some mods have become obsolete, but they have replacements for the most part.

[Guest]

ty for the responses, i will have a look through the core mods from 1.6 such as USSEP/papyrus/FSMP and if i feel like there is enough content available have a go at modding 1.6

[belegost]

It is if you really hate fishing.

 

Like I do.

[traison]

I built a 1.6.1170 alongside 1.5.97. This started from the need to debug various things in 1170 while responding to requests for help on these forums. Eventually 1170 was doing all the same things as 97, so I just switched over. I had no need for or plans to use 1170, but this is just how it turned out.

 

The hidden point here being that you use the version you need to use to run the mods you want. Don't pick the game version first, instead pick the mods first then the game version from that. I'd say you should still aim for the newest game version; but if there's some awesome hat you just can't play without that only works on 97 then... well, why make the experience worse for yourself just so you can say you're also in the 1170-box with the other cool kids?

[anjenthedog]

On 7/12/2025 at 11:20 AM, belegost said:

It is if you really hate fishing.

 

Like I do.

LOL.  Well so do I, at least the abominable implementation **in Skyrim. I just don't use it, just like I don't do the thief, or companions, or cultist questlines...

 

**FFXI had it together... took controller skill and even an understanding of and adherence to the current celestial orientation to get the best returns

[anjenthedog]

On 7/10/2025 at 6:51 PM, WaifuMachine said:

ty for the responses, i will have a look through the core mods from 1.6 such as USSEP/papyrus/FSMP and if i feel like there is enough content available have a go at modding 1.6

 

FYI there's a good site for checking if a mod is valid for 1170, and which offers suggestions for replacement for older mods one might not automatically think need replacing too, which might be of value to you.

 

SKSE Plugin Status | Modding.wiki

https://modding.wiki/en/skyrim/users/skse-plugins

 

Edited July 13, 2025 by anjenthedog
more stuffs I forgot first time around

[belegost]

On 7/13/2025 at 9:46 PM, anjenthedog said:

LOL.  Well so do I, at least the abominable implementation **in Skyrim. I just don't use it, just like I don't do the thief, or companions, or cultist questlines...

 

**FFXI had it together... took controller skill and even an understanding of and adherence to the current celestial orientation to get the best returns

When I said I hate fishing I meant it. I hated fishing even in Stardew Valley.

 

Also, never played any FF game. I despise jrpg's.

[anjenthedog]

2 hours ago, belegost said:

Also, never played any FF game. I despise jrpg's.

First and last **mmorpg** I ever played. I enjoyed it, once I figured out how to navigate, craft,  and socialize to form parties.

 

 

[belegost]

11 hours ago, anjenthedog said:

mmorpg

Even worse.

[anjenthedog]

12 hours ago, belegost said:

Even worse.

Wouldn't know. only ever played one.  It was ok by me.  Another might not have been. I'm just here for a bit of mindless entertainment in the end, just as I was for FFXI, just as I was for a half dozen flight simulators before that. I mean, if this "stuff" actually mattered, maybe that might be different...

 

mm.. I'll take that back. the flight sims actually had some irl value. And to be fair, FFXI distracted me from the constant muscular  spasms I was experiencing in 2008.

 

Edited July 17, 2025 by anjenthedog
typo