In the eyes of many, the next-gen update felt less like an optimization and more like an upheaval—one that offered minimal tangible benefits for PC users while dismantling years of community-curated stability.
Let’s talk numbers and real-world gameplay. The Next-Gen update promised "performance enhancements," but benchmark tests by the modding community (via Nexus Mods forums) tell a different story.
on Nexus Mods, which automates the process of rolling back your Steam files. Lock Your Version : To prevent Steam from auto-updating back to Next-Gen: Set the game to "Only update this game when I launch it" in Steam properties. Always launch the game via f4se_loader.exe rather than the Steam "Play" button. appmanifest_377160.acf in your SteamApps folder. Address Next-Gen Content : If you want the new "Next-Gen" quests (like Enclave Remnants ) without the broken engine updates, you can use the Backport Support mods to run that content on 1.10.163. fallout 4 patch 110163 better
A small but mighty change: the Quest Menu has been overhauled. Previously, navigating the Pip-Boy quest log was a chore, especially when juggling multiple radiant quests for the Minutemen or Brotherhood. The new sorting options make it much easier to pinpoint exactly what task you need to tackle next without scrolling endlessly.
: While the Next Gen update added native widescreen support and some Creation Club content, it also introduced new bugs and "vandalized" established load orders for veteran players. The "GOG" Advantage In the eyes of many, the next-gen update
To understand the reverence for version 1.10.163, one must first understand the fallout from what came after. For years, Fallout 4 was a relatively stable (by Bethesda standards) modding platform. Then, on , the landscape shifted dramatically. Bethesda released the long-awaited "Next-Gen Update" (officially designated as patch 1.10.980 ) for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Steam users now have access to the updated . Fallout 4 is now fully verified for the Steam Deck, meaning you can take the Commonwealth on the go with a confidence that the UI and performance will hold up. on Nexus Mods, which automates the process of
The acts as a compatibility layer that allows script extenders to function correctly. Mod Configuration Menu (MCM) provides an in-game interface for tweaking mod settings, eliminating the need to edit cryptic text files.
A: For a completely vanilla playthrough, the Anniversary Edition is fine. However, for modded gameplay, its reputation is well-earned. The update broke many foundational mods, introduced new bugs, and its primary "improvements" (like widescreen support) were already available via community mods. The consensus is that if you value a modded experience, 1.10.163 is the superior choice.
The stability improvements are palpable. Downtown Boston, notorious for turning gaming rigs into slideshows due to its heavy object density and shadow rendering, runs significantly smoother. It isn't perfect—engine limitations are hard to code away entirely—but the frame drops are no longer the immersion-breaking events they used to be.
It's also highly recommended to to prevent your carefully downgraded setup from being "fixed" by an unwanted patch.