Yet-Another-BG3-Mod-Loader

This is a native mod loader for Baldur's Gate 3

The main features of this mod loader are:

• It does not modify any original game files or touch the installation directory
• It does not need to be updated with any new BG3 releases (it stays working perpetually)
• It is a launcher (there are 2 executables for Vulkan or Dx11 launching, just like in BG3)
  • Which also means you can launch the game normally instead, and no dll plugins will load
• It is completely compatible with any NativeModLoader plugins
  • This means you can develop your plugin using my Rust BG3 Plugin Template or NativeModLoader's BG3 Plugin Template
• Has the ability to disable/enable any plugins in the config (useful for any mod managers)
• Stores your plugins in the larian local data folder alongside the mod folder*

* C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Larian Studios\Baldur's Gate 3\Plugins

How to use

1. Download the latest release from releases
2. Place the bg3.exe and bg3_dx11.exe files wherever you want, maybe create shortcuts to them even
3. Run one of the launchers. You'll get a finish setup message the first time, read it and follow the instructions.
4. Read the FAQ. It's important!

Config options

Building

• Install Rust
• Install Visual Studio, build tools, and Desktop Development with C++
• Run cargo build or cargo build --release

Making plugins

You can use my Rust BG3 Plugin Template or NativeModLoader's BG3 Plugin Template. What you use doesn't really matter much, just as long as it's a dll with a DllMain that does its hooking at runtime.

FAQ

Virus warning!!! Why?!

No, this is not a virus. This mod loader uses dll injection, and virus scanners or browser download might not like that. This is the feature that allows us to avoid modifying core game files! The source code is freely available to all, and you may also compile it yourself using the build instructions.

I got a smartscreen warning, how do I remove it?

If the files are not widely distributed yet, you may also receive a smartscreen popup on windows when you run it. You can remove it by following these instructions.

Halp!! All my saves/data are now missing and got deleted!

This mod loader DOES NOT under ANY circumstances touch your game files, game data, or game saves/profile(s)*. They are not missing. For some reason, there's a bug with the game and it sometimes creates/launches into the debug profile, which makes it look like all your settings, saves, everything was suddenly deleted. They are not gone! Go to C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Larian Studios\Baldur's Gate 3\PlayerProfiles and delete any Debug profiles you see. The profile you are most likely using is the Public one. It will be visible just fine once your game properly loads the public profile again. If you are using steam, try to manually load steam/larian launcher first after deleting the Debug profile. It might work properly after that. I hope Larian fixes this bug soon

* C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Larian Studios\Launcher\Settings\preferences.json is the only file touched. This is required because this file must be set to load in vulkan or dx11 mode, and the game won't start in the right mode otherwise. It's worth noting that larian's own launcher does the exact same thing.

Where do I place my plugins?

Place your dll plugin files inside C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Larian Studios\Baldur's Gate 3\Plugins

How do I uninstall?

This program does not install itself. To "uninstall" it, simply delete the launchers you downloaded.

Is this compatible with NativeModLoader plugins

100% compatible! Just as the mod didn't rely on any NativeModLoader specific behavior (if so, file an issue with the plugin author!)

Halp!! I used plugin <insert name here> and it did something bad/doesn't work!

This is not the mod loaders fault. The plugin itself needs to be fixed. You can report your bug/problem to the respective plugin authors page.

Can you support loading plugins from <gamefolder>/bin/NativeMods?

I'm sorry, but I will not support that no. One of the core goals of this mod loader is to never ever, under any circumstances, touch or mess with the game's core installation. Supporting and allowing that would go against this central goal. You can move your plugins over to the plugin folder.