As far as the best experience goes do i need to just keep playing retail version or update to the latest? Ive heard mixed feelings about it, i just dont want it to break my game because right now its working perfectly (only two crashes since release in like 200 hours of play time)

The mixed feelings from what I know were with 1.2 I haven't had any issues with 1.3

It was naivety not to update to 1.2, and just plain imbecilic not to consider updating to 1.3.

I have no problem staying at 1.0, I'll upgrade once the GOTY edition comes out.

Where can I find info on the 1.3 patch? I experienced zero crashes before a patch (not sure if it was 1.1 or 1.2), but after patching experienced CTDs every 10-20 minutes. Since I BUILT (not bought from a store) a brand-new $2000+ PC in late October, I was not happy. Thankfully someone came out with a 4 GB fix and I haven't had a CTD since, and I've begun worshiping them as the Tenth Divine. The point is, I don't want to lose my wonderful 4 GB fix and return to CTDs every time I think about doing something interesting.

If it's not crashing and you're not experiencing or annoyed by things like glitchy dragon bones and non-fading projectiles, I don't see any reason to update. I upgraded when the patch was released because those latter things annoyed me, and I haven't had any reason to regret it.

is there a quick way to backup my skyrim folder before updating incase it does break the game like people are saying? like just copying the .exe and whatever other file i need for example? instead of a whole folder copy.

I'm hanging back at 1.1 with my 4GB LAA patch (PC Win 7 x64). Bethesda mentioned 4GB support down the road, but as 1.2 essentially fixed nothing and 1.3 basically just fixed what 1.2 broke, I don't really see the reason for going forward. When Bethesda starts fixing quests and items in the new year in addition to LAA support, then I'll look at rolling forward. Until then, I'm not aware of anything in 1.2/1.3 that's of any real benefit to me and my game.

I skipped 1.2, but 1.3 have fixed the XP lag spikes that happened every 30 seconds or so. Completely worth it for me. Can now actually play and travel around without fast travel. Around 5 crashes or so in 230 hours, seems pretty stable to me on my ancient hardware (not maxed settings ofc). I don't see a reason not to update now, but that's just me.

1.3 is fine. Just make sure any mods you have are updated for the new patch. Also, the ENB Series Mod may not be needed with 1.3, it cause crashing on my rig so I removed it.

No.

1.3 made it literally impossible for me to even get past the tutorial thanks to crash bugs. Game of the Year quality stuff, this.

I've been on 1.1 since I bought the game and had no big issues. I see no reason for any other patch until they clarify that the major things are in fact fixed.

Thank you all for your replies! Some were less helpful than others, but such is life. I think for now I'll stick with what I've got, then update when my mods do.

Care to elaborate? Many, many people had problems with 1.2, and obviously this would create understandable skepticism of 1.3. Throwing out insults without providing any actual, relevant information isn't helping anyone.