No. AE requires USSEP version 4.3.0 or higher. Using the older patch on AE will cause crashes or missing records.
Join communities like r/SkyrimMods on Reddit or the Nexus Mods forums. Specify that you are on 1.5.97 with USSEP 4.2.5 to get accurate, version-specific advice. Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Patch 1.5 97 Download
A significant portion of the modding community deliberately downgraded their game to 1.5.97 using tools like the Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Downgrade Patcher (a different utility, not to be confused with USSEP). Join communities like r/SkyrimMods on Reddit or the
Almost certainly yes. That is the entire reason to stay on 1.5.97. Mods that never updated for AE will work flawlessly with USSEP 4.2.5. Almost certainly yes
You must first downgrade using the Unofficial Skyrim Special Edition Downgrade Patcher (available on Nexus). This tool reverts your 1.6.x executable and master files to 1.5.97. Then install USSEP 4.2.5.
Remember: always verify file sources, double-check your game version, and never mix 1.5.97 patches with a 1.6.x executable. With this guide, you are now equipped to download, install, and troubleshoot the legendary USSEP 1.5.97—preserving the definitive modded Skyrim experience for years to come.
Why? Because version 1.5.97 (often called “SSE 1.5.97”) represents the last stable build before Bethesda introduced the controversial update (version 1.6.x). Many critical mods—particularly those requiring SKSE64 (Skyrim Script Extender) —were never fully updated for AE, or function better on the pre-AE build.