You need a tattoo overlay mod ( RaceMenu only provides the interface to apply them). Top 1.5.97 Compatible Add-ons
The official "RaceMenu" mod on Nexus Mods is not natively compatible with the new Anniversary Edition executable (1.5.97). Using the old version will result in an immediate CTD (Crash to Desktop) when you try to open the menu.
Install the Data folder from the SKSE archive as a mod via your mod manager, or manually place the scripts into your game's Data directory. Step 2: Download the Correct RaceMenu Archive Navigate to the page on Nexus Mods. Click on the Files tab.
As mentioned earlier, RaceMenu 0.4.16 has a severe memory leak in the skee64.dll that causes memory allocated for armor and inventory objects to never be freed. This results in:
If you have recently typed into a search engine, you are likely a modded Skyrim player who has just updated (or accidentally updated) to a specific version of Skyrim Special Edition (SE). The number "1597" refers to the game executable version (usually 1.5.97 ), which is widely considered the "gold standard" for mod stability. The newer versions ( 1.6.x ), often called "Anniversary Edition" (AE) or "Anniversary Edition (Downgraded)," have caused massive headaches for modders due to changes in the executable (EXE).
Last updated: 2025. Always check the "Posts" section of the RaceMenu Nexus page before downloading, but the 1.5.97 community remains strong and stable.
: Do not download the main file. Scroll down to the "Old Files" section and look for RaceMenu Special Edition v0-4-16 .
Always launch via skse64_loader.exe . The RaceMenu UI will appear on any new character creation or using showracemenu in the console.
Run your game only by launching skse64_loader.exe through your mod manager. Essential Companion Mods for 1.5.97
With version 0.4.16 and SKSE 2.0.17, your Skyrim 1.5.97 setup will have the most powerful character creation suite available, ready for any high-poly head or custom skin texture you throw at it.
If you receive an "Incompatible Version" error, double-check that your SKSE version matches your SkyrimSE.exe version exactly. Are you planning to use High Poly Head or other specific character presets with this setup?
For the most stable experience, follow these load order guidelines:
To permanently avoid accidental updates, do the following in your mod manager:
Run your load order sorter (LOOT or Vortex's built-in sorter). RaceMenu should generally be placed low in your load order, usually after other character modification mods.
Install RaceMenu OverlayFix and Various Mod Fixes . This mod fixes multiple RaceMenu crashes on both 1.6.1170 and 1.5.97, resolves morph application issues, and includes a workaround for corrupted RaceMenu saves. The author has also released an experimental skee64 backports release that backports normal recalculation features to 1.5.97.
If a separate hotfix file was downloaded, install it and allow it to overwrite the main RaceMenu files.
For many veteran modders, remains the "golden build." It offers the stability of the older Special Edition executable while maintaining compatibility with the vast majority of SKSE plugins before the creation club updates of the Anniversary Edition changed the landscape.
Sign Up for Newsletter You need a tattoo overlay mod ( RaceMenu only provides the interface to apply them). Top 1.5.97 Compatible Add-ons
The official "RaceMenu" mod on Nexus Mods is not natively compatible with the new Anniversary Edition executable (1.5.97). Using the old version will result in an immediate CTD (Crash to Desktop) when you try to open the menu.
Install the Data folder from the SKSE archive as a mod via your mod manager, or manually place the scripts into your game's Data directory. Step 2: Download the Correct RaceMenu Archive Navigate to the page on Nexus Mods. Click on the Files tab.
As mentioned earlier, RaceMenu 0.4.16 has a severe memory leak in the skee64.dll that causes memory allocated for armor and inventory objects to never be freed. This results in:
If you have recently typed into a search engine, you are likely a modded Skyrim player who has just updated (or accidentally updated) to a specific version of Skyrim Special Edition (SE). The number "1597" refers to the game executable version (usually 1.5.97 ), which is widely considered the "gold standard" for mod stability. The newer versions ( 1.6.x ), often called "Anniversary Edition" (AE) or "Anniversary Edition (Downgraded)," have caused massive headaches for modders due to changes in the executable (EXE). racemenu for skyrim se 1597 work
Last updated: 2025. Always check the "Posts" section of the RaceMenu Nexus page before downloading, but the 1.5.97 community remains strong and stable.
: Do not download the main file. Scroll down to the "Old Files" section and look for RaceMenu Special Edition v0-4-16 .
Always launch via skse64_loader.exe . The RaceMenu UI will appear on any new character creation or using showracemenu in the console.
Run your game only by launching skse64_loader.exe through your mod manager. Essential Companion Mods for 1.5.97 You need a tattoo overlay mod ( RaceMenu
With version 0.4.16 and SKSE 2.0.17, your Skyrim 1.5.97 setup will have the most powerful character creation suite available, ready for any high-poly head or custom skin texture you throw at it.
If you receive an "Incompatible Version" error, double-check that your SKSE version matches your SkyrimSE.exe version exactly. Are you planning to use High Poly Head or other specific character presets with this setup?
For the most stable experience, follow these load order guidelines:
To permanently avoid accidental updates, do the following in your mod manager: Install the Data folder from the SKSE archive
Run your load order sorter (LOOT or Vortex's built-in sorter). RaceMenu should generally be placed low in your load order, usually after other character modification mods.
Install RaceMenu OverlayFix and Various Mod Fixes . This mod fixes multiple RaceMenu crashes on both 1.6.1170 and 1.5.97, resolves morph application issues, and includes a workaround for corrupted RaceMenu saves. The author has also released an experimental skee64 backports release that backports normal recalculation features to 1.5.97.
If a separate hotfix file was downloaded, install it and allow it to overwrite the main RaceMenu files.
For many veteran modders, remains the "golden build." It offers the stability of the older Special Edition executable while maintaining compatibility with the vast majority of SKSE plugins before the creation club updates of the Anniversary Edition changed the landscape.
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