What is the best version of SSE to mod on.

[lordofshwart]

I have tried modding in the past, but it led to some undesirable results. So, the genuine question is, what exact SSE update is the definitive update to mod on? I'm asking for some modders who know the game like the back of their hand.

[showler]

You have two choices.  Either use the 1.5.97 version that was the last release before the "Anniversary Edition" or use the most current version.

Both have issues but they can be avoided if you pay attention.

[scorrp10]

My recommendation is to get the latest version available.   Which is, via Steam, is 1.6.1170.   It has been around for enough time that all the major SKSE plugin-based mods have been adapted to it.    Unless there is a very specific mod that you just got to have, and there is no viable alternative, and it is ONLY available for an older version - well, that's that.

Get that latest version, launch it via Steam (assuming it is via Steam) once, then set up your mod manager (Vortex or MO2), get SKSE64 installed, so that you launch the game using SKSE via mod manager.    Then you want to set Skyrim SE  in Steam to update only when you launch the game (via Steam) - which you will never do.  So that when/if Bethesda updates the game again, your setup does not get messed up.   Then get the rest of the mods you are interested in.

I personally am still on version 1.6.1130 simply because updating to 1170 will require a whole bunch of mod updates, and will not bring me any tangible benefit.   If a new version has features I really want, I will wait until all relevant to me mods get updated, then I will update the game and go through the hassle of all the updates.

So, in a nutshell - get the latest at the time you start.    Be sure to get the latest versions of the mods.   Then, lock your version in and stick with it.    Update only when you deem necessary.