Bethesda gave early access to Skyrim Anniversary Edition to the developer of the cornerstone Skyrim Script Extender.

Start with the Skyrim Script Extender (SKSE). Download its current Anniversary Edition build whether you own the DLC or not. Follow it up with Address Library for SKSE Plugins.

Skyrim Script Extender, otherwise known as SKSE and required for many mods, has already been updated to work with the Anniversary Edition update.

The Special Edition's regular updates were annoying enough. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. If you play Skyrim: Special ...

If you already own the current release, the Skyrim Special Edition, or are a Game Pass subscriber, you can purchase the digital-only upgrade for $19.99/€19.99/£15.99.

This is because the Anniversary Edition is an update instead of a new release, and with it comes changes to the Skyrim Script Extender,a plug-in that makes mods work with the game.