Since v1.5.97 is an older executable, it has zero performance penalty from the AE "free" creations. You can push ENB much harder.
If you own the game on Steam, you can use the Steam console to download the old v15970 build via depot codes. (Guides available on r/skyrimmods—search "depot 1.5.97").
We must be objective. Is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition v15970 always the best? Not for everyone.
However, for the 95% of users searching for "the elder scrolls v skyrim special edition v15970 best," you are a modder. You want control. You want stability. You want the massive library of DLL mods that the community spent years perfecting. the elder scrolls v skyrim special edition v15970 best
Delving into Blackreach, the cavernous realm beneath Skyrim, the Dragonborn retrieves the Elder Scroll from the tower of Mzark. Returning to the Throat of the World, they read the scroll at the Time-Wound. A vision plays out: three ancient heroes—Hakon, Gormlaith, and Felldir—use Dragonrend to cast Alduin into the void of time. The Dragonborn absorbs the shout.
Now, with the weapon to ground Alduin, they hunt him.
In v1.5.970, the Dragonborn can lead every guild simultaneously: Since v1
For years, the "Legendary Edition" (the original 32-bit version) was the modding king. However, version 1.5970 represents the maturity of the 64-bit Special Edition engine.
Yes—with a caveat.
If you are a casual player who just wants to install 20 mods and play the Anniversary Edition’s new content, stick with v1.6.1170. It’s fine. However, for the 95% of users searching for
But if you are a modding enthusiast; if you plan to build a 1000-plugin load order; if you want the deepest combat overhauls, the most stable script-heavy quest mods, and the ability to actually read a crash log—The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition v15970 is, without hyperbole, the best version of Skyrim on PC.
It represents a perfect storm: a mature, bug-fixed engine, total modder support, and the absence of corporate bloat. It’s the last great version of the game before Bethesda turned Skyrim into a live-service platform.
For the purists, the tinkerers, and the Dragonborn who want total control: hunt down v15970. Your perfect Skyrim is waiting.
This is the tricky part. Steam automatically updates games. If you buy Skyrim Special Edition today, you will get the latest Anniversary Edition (v1.6.1170). You cannot "downgrade" officially.
However, the community has created solutions:
