The r/fo4 subreddit exploded in the week following Fallout 4 update 1.10.163. Top posts included:
However, positive voices emerged. Console players rejoiced at finally hitting 60 FPS. New players who bought the game during the Fallout TV show surge enjoyed the widescreen support and free Creation Club content.
As one PS5 user wrote: "I never played Fallout 4 before. This update runs smooth as butter. I don’t miss the mods because I never had them."
A lighting shader issue caused many NPCs and player characters to render with jet-black faces, especially when using custom skin textures. This was a shader conflict between old modded archives and the new Ba2 file structure.
In the history of Bethesda’s post-apocalyptic RPG, Fallout 4 update 1.10.163 (also known as version 1.34 on PS4) represents a unique crossroads for players. While it was originally a minor 2019 patch focused on new Creation Club content, it has since become the "Gold Standard" for modders following the game's massive 2024 next-gen overhaul.
Here is everything you need to know about this version, from its original features to why so many players are currently "downgrading" to reach it. What Was in the Original 1.10.163 Update?
Released on December 4, 2019, this update was a relatively small maintenance patch during the game’s late lifecycle. Its primary purpose was to support new premium content and fix a handful of minor issues.
Virtual Workshops Creation: The highlight of the update was the introduction of the VR Workshop bundle. This allowed players to build settlements in "simulated" environments like Grid World, Desert Island, or the GNR Plaza from Fallout 3.
Settlement Additions: The patch included 40 new workshop items, ranging from enemy spawners for custom combat encounters to new visual filters and weather settings for settlements.
Minor Bug Fixes: General stability improvements and fixes for Bethesda.net login issues were implemented.
Marketplace Deals: To coincide with the patch, Bethesda ran discounts on several popular Creations, including the Modular Military Backpack and the Holiday Workshop Pack. The "Gold Standard" for Modding
In 2024, Bethesda released a "Next-Gen" update that brought native 4K support and performance modes to consoles. However, for PC players, this update broke many essential mods, including the Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE).
Consequently, version 1.10.163 is now widely regarded as the most stable and compatible version for heavy modding. Many of the most popular mods—such as the massive total conversion Fallout: London—specifically require this older version to function correctly. How to Revert to 1.10.163 (The Downgrade)
If your game has auto-updated and your mods are broken, you can "downgrade" your Steam version back to 1.10.163.
Open the Steam Console: Press Win + R and type steam://open/console.
Download Old Depots: You must use specific commands to download the old game files (depots) from Steam’s servers.
Overwrite Files: Once downloaded, copy the 1.10.163 files into your main Fallout 4 installation folder.
Disable Updates: To prevent Steam from updating again, set the game to "Only update this game when I launch it" and always launch the game through F4SE (Silverlock.org).
For a smoother experience, many players now recommend purchasing the Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition on GOG, as it remains natively on version 1.10.163 and does not force auto-updates.
Are you planning to install a specific mod list or are you just looking to stabilize a custom build on this version? How to downgrade Fallout 4 back to 1.10.163
Fallout 4’s Update 1.10.163 is a significant, albeit polarizing, milestone in the game’s long post-launch history. While it carries the technical label of a "patch," its impact is felt most heavily by the PC modding community and those invested in the Creation Club ecosystem. 🛠️ Technical Stability vs. Mod Compatibility
The primary function of Update 1.10.163 was to facilitate new content for the Creation Club , Bethesda’s curated marketplace for micro-DLCs. The "Script Extender" Hurdle:
For PC players, this update followed the familiar, frustrating pattern of breaking the Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE)
. Because F4SE relies on specific memory addresses within the game’s executable, every minor version change renders hundreds of complex mods unusable until the F4SE team releases an update. Performance:
On a base level, the game remains stable. There are no transformative engine optimizations here; it is largely a maintenance build designed to keep the storefront running smoothly. Bug Fixes:
While it addresses minor backend issues, many of the long-standing "Bethesda bugs" remain present, requiring the community-made "Unofficial Fallout 4 Patch" to resolve. 🎨 Creation Club Integration
This version brought support for a variety of new skins, weapons, and workshop items. Seamless Integration: fallout 4 update 110 163
The items added in this cycle feel more "native" than many third-party mods, often featuring unique quests to obtain them. The Cost Factor:
The core critique remains—much of this content (like Power Armor skins or localized weapon variants) is available for free in higher volumes on platforms like Nexus Mods. Console Benefit:
For PlayStation players who face strict "no external asset" limitations on mods, this update is a lifeline, providing high-quality assets that wouldn't otherwise be allowed on the platform. ⚖️ The Final Verdict
Update 1.10.163 is a double-edged sword. It keeps the game supported and provides fresh "official" toys for console players, but it acts as a recurring roadblock for the hardcore PC modding community.
New official content; fixes minor backend stability; vital for PS4/Xbox players.
Breaks F4SE; adds "bloat" to the main menu; offers little for players who don't use the Creation Club. If you are currently dealing with a broken mod list due to this update, I can help you with: Instructions on how to roll back your game version using Steam Console. Checking if the current version of F4SE is compatible with your build. alternative mods that don't require script extensions. to a previous version?
In the evolving history of Bethesda’s post-apocalyptic RPG, Fallout 4 update 1.10.163 stands as a critical landmark for the PC modding community. Originally released in late 2019, this version became the "Gold Standard" for stability and mod compatibility, particularly after the controversial "Next-Gen" updates that followed years later. What Was Included in Update 1.10.163?
While often categorized as a minor patch, version 1.10.163 was primarily focused on expanding the Creation Club ecosystem and improving underlying game stability.
Virtual Workshops: The headline feature was the addition of Virtual Workshops. This allowed players to travel to new VR landscapes—such as Grid World, Atomic Crater, and Desert Island—from the comfort of their settlements, offering limitless resources and higher building limits.
Stability & Bug Fixes: Bethesda addressed minor Fallout 4 patches related to mod management and general game stability on PC, Xbox One, and PS4.
ESL Support: It continued the support for the .esl file format, which is vital for players who want to install hundreds of mods without hitting the traditional 255-plugin limit. Why Modders Still Use 1.10.163 Today
Despite the release of the "Next-Gen" update (version 1.10.1984 and later), a large portion of the community refuses to move past 1.10.163.
F4SE Compatibility: The Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) is the backbone of most complex mods. F4SE version 0.6.23 is the specific build required for game version 1.10.163. Many essential mods, like LooksMenu or Place Everywhere, were built for this specific runtime and may not function perfectly on newer versions.
Fallout: London: The massive total conversion mod Fallout: London famously launched with a requirement to downgrade the game to 1.10.163 to ensure all its custom scripts worked correctly.
Stability: The GOG version of the game is permanently locked to version 1.10.163, making it the most stable "out-of-the-box" experience for those who want to avoid the broken UI elements and mod conflicts found in the Next-Gen patch. How to Manage Your Version
If you are looking to mod your game or play large projects like Fallout: London, you may need to navigate versioning carefully.
🚀 The Golden Standard of Fallout 4 Modding: Version 1.10.163 If you are diving into the world of modding
, you have likely seen a specific number referenced everywhere:
. While Bethesda has released several patches and "Next-Gen" updates since then, version 1.10.163 remains the definitive foundation for the game's most complex and massive modding projects. 🔍 What is Version 1.10.163? Version 1.10.163 was the final stable game version of
on Steam prior to the release of the massive "Next-Gen" update in April 2024. It represents the absolute pinnacle of "Old-Gen" or "Pre-Next-Gen"
🛡️ Why are players sticking to (or reverting to) this version?
While newer updates brought native widescreen support and some free Creation Club items, they also caused massive disruptions in the game's ecosystem. Players deliberately seek out 1.10.163 for several key reasons: Unrivaled Mod Compatibility:
The vast majority of heavy-hitting script-based mods (like the Fallout 4 Script Extender, or F4SE) were built and perfected for this version. Collection & Modlist Support:
Large automated modlists and massive overhauls generally require 1.10.163 to guarantee that hundreds of moving parts work together without crashing. Total Stability:
Many users report that the Next-Gen patches introduced persistent bugs (such as stuttering or broken physics) that are simply not present in 1.10.163. Fallout: London: The massive, DLC-sized mod Fallout: London
famously recommended the GOG version of the game or a downgraded Steam version—both of which effectively run on the 1.10.163 architecture. 🛠️ How do players get to Version 1.10.163? The r/fo4 subreddit exploded in the week following
Because Steam automatically pushes players to the latest live version of games, PC players use a few workarounds to access 1.10.163: The GOG Version:
Purchasing the game on GOG is the easiest route, as their current offline stable build is natively parked at version 1.10.163. Steam Downgraders:
Players use specialized patching tools on Nexus Mods or manually use the Steam Console (via specific depot download codes) to roll back their files from the Next-Gen version. Update Freezing:
To ensure Steam doesn't automatically overwrite their setup, players often set their appmanifest files to read-only or configure Steam to "only update this game when I launch it," exclusively launching the game through a mod manager.
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:
| Version | Release | Key feature | |---------|---------|--------------| | 1.10.163 | Early 2020 | Final pre‑next‑gen stability / CC patch | | 1.10.980+ | 2024 | Next‑gen update (widescreen, quest fixes, high FPS) |
📌 Pro tip: If you’re modding Fallout 4 today, check each mod’s page for “1.10.163” vs “next‑gen” compatibility. Many mods require one or the other.
In the current Fallout 4 modding landscape, version 1.10.163 is widely considered the "Gold Standard" for stability and mod compatibility. While newer "Next-Gen" updates (v1.10.984+) introduced minor graphical features and new Creation Club content, they also broke the Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) and many high-profile mods.
This guide covers how to revert your game to v1.10.163 and why you should use it. Why Revert to v1.10.163?
Mod Compatibility: It is the primary version supported by the most stable versions of F4SE and essential mods like Fallout London.
Stability: It lacks the "Next-Gen" bugs, such as flickering textures and broken quest triggers introduced in recent patches.
Creation Club Control: It avoids the mandatory "Next-Gen" Creation Club content that can bloat save files. How to downgrade Fallout 4 back to 1.10.163
update 1.10.163 is widely considered the "gold standard" for PC modding. Originally released on December 4, 2019, it was the final stable version of the game before the major "Next-Gen" updates in 2024.
For players who prioritize a stable, highly customized game, staying on or "downgrading" to this version is common practice to avoid the mod-breaking changes introduced in newer versions like 1.10.984 or 1.11.137. Key Features and Context
Stability and Compatibility: Most legacy and complex mods, especially those requiring the Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE), were built for version 1.10.163.
GOG Version: The version currently sold on GOG.com is permanently locked to 1.10.163, making it a popular choice for modders who want to avoid forced Steam updates.
Content: This update primarily included minor bug fixes and added the final pre-Next-Gen Creation Club items.
Fallout 4 Update 1.10.163: What's New and Fixed
Bethesda has released a new update for Fallout 4, bringing the game up to version 1.10.163. This update is now live on PC (via Steam), Xbox One, and PlayStation 4. In this post, we'll break down what's new and what's been fixed in this latest patch.
Changelog: Fallout 4 Update 1.10.163
The update notes for Fallout 4 version 1.10.163 are as follows:
Other Fixes
In addition to the above changes, Bethesda has also confirmed that this update includes fixes for the following issues:
Known Issues
As with any update, there are still some known issues that players may encounter. These include: However, positive voices emerged
Workarounds
If you're experiencing any of the known issues, Bethesda recommends trying the following workarounds:
Conclusion
Fallout 4 update 1.10.163 is now live, and it includes a range of fixes and improvements to stability, performance, gameplay, and graphics. While there are still some known issues, Bethesda is actively working to address these problems and improve the overall player experience. If you're experiencing any issues or have feedback, be sure to share it with Bethesda on their support forums or social media channels.
Patch Notes Source: Bethesda Support Website
Platforms: PC (via Steam), Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Update Size: Approximately 400MB (may vary depending on platform)
We hope this information helps! Let us know if you have any questions or need further assistance.
update 1.10.163 is widely considered the "gold standard" for PC players who prioritize a stable, heavily modded experience. Originally released in December 2019, it was the final major version of the "Old-Gen" era before the 2024 Next-Gen updates began altering the game's executable and breaking key community tools. 🛠️ The Ultimate Modding Baseline
While Bethesda has released several "Next-Gen" updates (versions 1.10.980 and later), version 1.10.163 remains the preferred choice for many for several reasons:
F4SE Compatibility: The Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) and its dependent plugins (like LooksMenu or Buffout 4) are perfectly calibrated for this version.
Total Conversions: Major projects like Fallout: London specifically require version 1.10.163 to run correctly.
Stability: Unlike the Next-Gen versions, which introduced new bugs such as NPC-related stuttering and broken widescreen support, 1.10.163 is viewed as the most "bug-free" base version.
GOG Native: The version currently sold on GOG.com is 1.10.163 by default, as GOG requires higher stability benchmarks than the current Steam Next-Gen builds provide. 🔄 How to Downgrade (Steam)
If your Steam version has automatically updated to the Next-Gen build, you can revert to 1.10.163 using these methods:
Steam Console: Use the steam://nav/console command to manually download the old "depot" files (the core game data).
Simple Fallout 4 Downgrader: A community tool available on Nexus Mods that automates the file replacement process.
Preventing Updates: Once downgraded, you must set the game to "Only update when I launch it" and always start the game via the f4se_loader.exe to bypass Steam’s auto-updater. 🎁 What was in the Original 1.10.163?
While it is now used as a legacy base, the original December 2019 patch included:
Virtual Workshop: A Creation Club item allowing players to build in exotic "VR" landscapes like the Capital Wasteland.
Creation Club Content: Support for various skins and settlement items released during that holiday season.
Bug Fixes: Stability improvements for issues introduced in the preceding November 2019 patch.
Are you looking to set up a specific mod list like Fallout: London, or are you just trying to get your old mods working again? I can help you with specific downgrade steps or recommend essential fix mods for this version.
It sounds like you’re asking about Fallout 4 update version 1.10.163 — a specific patch from 2019 that caused major issues for mod users and players on PC (and some consoles).
Here’s a concise guide covering what this update did, problems it caused, and how to handle it.
Added to all platforms (PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox) for free.
Many users reported that even without mods, achievements stopped unlocking mid-playthrough. The game would flag the save as "modded" due to a false positive in the new executable.