The Great Modding War of 2024 didn't involve nukes or power armor. It involved a single update from Bethesda that effectively split the player base in two. If you're currently staring at your load order wondering why your game looks like a slideshow or crashes the moment you leave Vault 111, you've likely hit the compatibility wall. Specifically, the confusion surrounding the Fallout 4 unofficial patch pre next gen versions and the new "Next-Gen" standard.
It's a mess. Honestly, that’s the only word for it.
For years, the Unofficial Fallout 4 Patch (UFO4P) was the bedrock of every stable save file. You didn't even think about it; you just downloaded it. But when Bethesda dropped the Next-Gen update (version 1.10.980 and later), that bedrock cracked. Now, players are scrambling to figure out which version of the patch they need, especially if they’ve "downgraded" their game to keep their favorite mods alive.
📖 Related: How Do I Make a Night Vision Potion in Minecraft: The Lowdown on Seeing in the Dark
The Version 2.1.5 Dilemma
If you are running the game version 1.10.163—the "Golden Age" version of Fallout 4 before the April 2024 update—you cannot use the latest version of the Unofficial Patch. If you try, the game will probably just refuse to launch, or worse, it'll start corrupting your scripts in the background.
The version you are looking for is UFO4P 2.1.5.
This specific build was the final release before the mod was updated to support (and eventually require) the Next-Gen executable. For a long time, it was hidden or archived on Nexus Mods, making it a nightmare to find. The mod author, Arthmoor, has a history of being... let's say, opinionated about people using old versions of his work. He generally believes everyone should be on the latest official build.
But here’s the reality: many of us aren't. We like our F4SE plugins. We like our pre-next-gen performance.
Why you might need the pre-next gen patch
- F4SE Dependency: Many "must-have" mods like Buffout 4 or Place Everywhere took a long time to stabilize on the new version. Some niche ones never did.
- The NPC Stutter Bug: There’s a notorious engine-level bug in the Next-Gen update where any mod editing NPC records (which UFO4P does extensively) causes severe micro-stuttering.
- Archive Limits: Heavy mod lists on the new version face a BA2 archive limit that causes crashes on the title screen—a problem that didn't exist in the same way pre-patch.
How to actually get it (and keep it working)
Finding the Fallout 4 unofficial patch pre next gen isn't as simple as clicking the big green button on Nexus. You have to go into the "Files" tab and scroll down to the "Archived Files" section. As of now, version 2.1.5 is the one you need if your Fallout4.exe is version 1.10.163.
📖 Related: A Minecraft Movie Online: Why It’s Not Just Another Video Game Adaptation
Don't just grab the most recent one thinking "it's just bug fixes." The newer versions of the patch (2.2.0 and above) assume you have the new Enclave CC content and the updated header for the game's master files. If you don't, your game will treat the patch as a corrupted file.
I’ve seen people try to "frankenstein" their game by using the old exe with new assets. Don't do that. It’s a recipe for purple textures and broken quests. If you’re downgrading, go all the way. Use a tool like the Simple Fallout 4 Downgrader or the Steam Console method to pull the 1.10.163 depots. Once you’re there, lock that version in by setting your appmanifest_377160.acf file to "Read Only" so Steam can't "help" you by updating it while you sleep.
The Graygarden and FaceGen issues
One thing nobody tells you? Even the "perfect" pre-next gen setup has quirks. Version 2.1.5 of the patch has a known issue with the Graygarden workshop boundary that was only fixed in the newer, Next-Gen versions. It's a trade-off. You’re trading a few minor workshop bugs for a game that doesn't stutter every time a Raider spawns in downtown Boston.
Also, if you're on the pre-next gen version, you won't get the official "fixes" for Tina De Luca's face or the Dr. Penske bugs. The patch handles these differently than the official 2024 update did. If you see weird facial textures in Vault 81, that’s usually a sign your patch version and your game version are fighting for control over the same record.
Moving forward with your load order
Look, the community is moving toward the Next-Gen version eventually. Mods like X-Cell have managed to fix the stuttering issues on the new version, making it more viable. But for a stable, long-term "legacy" playthrough, the Fallout 4 unofficial patch pre next gen remains the king.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your version: Right-click
Fallout4.exe, go to Properties > Details. If it says 1.10.163, you must use UFO4P 2.1.5. - Backup your archive: Once you find the 2.1.5 zip file, save it to a cloud drive. You never know when it might be pulled from public view.
- Verify your DLC: Both the old and new patches require all six major DLCs (Automatron, Wasteland Workshop, Far Harbor, Contraptions Workshop, Vault-Tec Workshop, and Nuka-World).
- Check for "Next-Gen" patches: Some newer mods are being built specifically for the 2024 update. If you stay on the old version, ensure you aren't accidentally downloading "Next-Gen Only" versions of other mods, or they'll crash your legacy setup.