TyburnKetch, your fear is justified.
Accidentally I updated to 1.6, and game didn't run (was stucked on first black screen), probably because of my intrincated load order. Thanks to the "downgrade patcher" I managed to restore the game. My first recommendation is to make a backup of the entire "Skyrim Special Edition" folder. If you make a backup, you will no regret.
Said this, your issue is not so hard: New plugins may not work with older game versions, but old plugins will work with newer game versions. If you make a mod for 1.5.97, it will work with 1.6 SE/AE (except some mods based on Script Extender). It may have some minor incompatibilty, but this is how it always was.
Should you upgrade to AE? Upgrade if you want. The question is: Do you want? I think upgrading is a good decision for not modded game, but in modded Skyrim you will loose important content if you upgrade to 1.6.
My think: Make and release your mod in 1.5.97, it will probably work for anyone. If you "upgrade", it may not work for 1.5.97.
Apologies for hijacking this thread, but I have semi related questions and concerns:
I have been working on a mod for over 6 months (I still have between 3-6 months left on it I feel). I started the mod before 1.6 and have been happily working away using 1.5.97. I am now concerned.
I know I should probably upgrade to 1.6, get the new CK, but I am nervous of doing so mid build. In fact I am nervous of doing it full stop!
I am not accessing any CC content in my mod. I am using SKSE and PO3 currently, obviously builds for 1.5.97. I am unsure if my mod in its state, being built on 1.5.97 will work on 1.6. What types of things might not work?
I am looking for some advice on how to move forward. Ignore 1.6 for now, carry on my project, then upgrade before release? Fixing any issues that may arise then. Or Carry on and release hoping it just works on 1.6? Or back up everything and pray an upgrade now doesnt break anything? What should I specifically look to ABSOLUTELY back up if I upgrade now?
What would one do!?
Updates have always scared me.
Sorry again for the hijack, all my fears etc.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Edited by Cthorthu, 26 April 2022 - 08:06 pm.