FIX TO MAKE MODS WORK IN NEW and OLD LAUNCHERS

[Old Ben]

Background: Around June 1, 2020, 2K Games pushed an update to the XCOM2/WOTC Launcher to promote a new game "Chimera". This update broke the XCOM2/WOTC launcher and mods would no longer install properly. Because of player feedback, on June 30, 2020, Firaxis directed 2K Games to push out another update to fix this problem. The patched updated launcher now works just fine for loading mods for the vanilla game XCOM2 or the expansion WOTC. However, unlike the old launcher, the new launcher, when you play WOTC will only load WOTC mods and no longer load vanilla mods (that worked in WOTC). This is not a problem of the new launcher, but a problem that those vanilla mods that previously worked in WOTC have not been updated to WOTC format, and may never be updated. So below I will describe the solution to get those mods working again.

There is no reason to use the Alternative Mod Launcher (AML), using a third party executable is risky to your computer security. Use it with caution and only download from a trusted source if you rather use it.

1. In Windows Explorer go to the following folder location--> C:\Users\...\Documents\My Games\XCOM2 War of the Chosen\XComGame\Config

2. Deleted all files in this Config folder, as it removes all mod and setup info so you can start with a fresh mod load. Note, this also deletes any of your game setting such as graphics setting, binding, etc., so when you start a new game you will need to reset them in the Options menu. Anytime you have having issues with mods, deleting files in this folder may fix most mods issues unless certain mods conflict with each other. Every time you start the game, this folder is re-written with your selected mod information and setup info.

3. If you think you could also have game install issues, run Steam, go to the Steam properties for XCOM2 and run the integrity check to verify installed files.

=========================

How to Use The Old Launcher (prior to 2K Games screwing it up)

1. Go to the following folder (where Steam installed it) --> I:\STEAM GAMES\Steam\SteamApps\common\XCOM 2\Binaries\Win64\Launcher

Note: My HD drive is I:, yours may be different.
Right Click on the following file --> ModLauncherWPF.exe
Then select Send to Desktop (create shortcut)
On the desktop, right click on the new shortcut icon and select Properties. Add the following text to the end of the "Target" string so it looks like below: Insure the you have quotes around the Target followed by -noRedScreens -review (exactly as shown)

"I:\STEAM GAMES\Steam\SteamApps\common\XCOM 2\XCom2-WarOfTheChosen\Binaries\Win64\Launcher\ModLauncherWPF.exe" -noRedscreens -review

2. Steam must be running, so run Steam and now you can minimize it to the task bar. Double click on the new shortcut to run the old XCOM2/WOTC LAUNCHER.
3. Select your mods, any WOTC mods and any Vanilla mods you have used that work in WOTC. Note: Most Vanilla mods will not work in WOTC.
4. Start the game after selecting the mods.
5. Any previous save game you have using these exact same mods can now be loaded or start a new game.
6. You may just continue to use this old Launcher if you want and not bother with the new one. But based on what we've see coming out of 2K Games, it may be removed on any future update.


How to Use the New Launcher to Play XCOM2/WOTC

1. If all your mods are only WOTC mods you should have no problem.
2. If you previously used Vanilla mods that worked in WOTC, this launcher "will not" load them.
3. Solution: Get the mod creator to update the mod for use in WOTC, or adopt the mod and update it yourself.
4. Alternate solution to use known good Vanilla mods that previously worked in WOTC. Use the following steps:

a. Open the folder where the subscribed workshop mods are located, on my computer its --> I:\STEAM GAMES\Steam\SteamApps\workshop\content\268500

This folder contains all the mods you have subscribed to and each have a unique folder number. Select and open the folder that has the Vanilla mod you wish to change for WOTC loading. You can find the number in the Workshop if you select the mod and look at the end of the address bar, which contains the number of the mod.

In my case, I use 5 vanilla mods that worked in WOTC, this is one of them and its mod number is 616359783

One of the mods I use is called Free Camera Rotation.
The mod folder contains a file called "FreeCameraRotation.XComMod"
The info inside this file needs to have an extra line added to be recognized as a WOTC mod.
Below is the before and after I edited the mod, now it will be used by the new launcher as a WOTC mod..
==============================before
[mod]
publishedFileId=616359783
Title=Free Camera Rotation
Description=A quick and simple rework of my similar mod for EU/EW.
tags= facility, gameplay, wotc


==============================after
[mod]
publishedFileId=616359783
Title=Free Camera Rotation
Description=A quick and simple rework of my similar mod for EU/EW.
RequiresXPACK=true
tags= facility, gameplay, wotc

=================================
As you can see I've added: [RequiresXPACK=true] to the this mod's text which tells the launcher its a WOTC mod. Save your change and do the same to any other vanilla mods you have been using for WOTC. In each mod folder there is a file name like above:: xxxxxxxxxx.XComMod

Once completed, you should now be able to select those mods in the new WOTC launcher.

If you not sure how to perform the above steps, perhaps get a friend that is more computer savy to help you. Good Luck and continue to enjoy XCOM2/WOTC.

cheers....

[kongol36]

It doesnt work all the time... and or in mid game the game just hangs up... hell game hangs up with new launcher nowdays even in vanilla

[kongol36]

Originally posted by Old Ben:

Please only post to this thread concerning the above instructions. any other non related issues, please use another/new thread.

Well how about you not lieing and saying this fixes the issue when it only works somewtimes... do some research or actually learn more about computers OR heck maybe try playing the game...

[Dragon32]

There is no reason to use the Alternative Mod Launcher (AML), using a third party executable is risky to your computer security. Use it with caution and only download from a trusted source if you rather use it.
Dial down the FUD, maybe?

Also the first version of the 2K Launcher (pre-1st June) didn't seem to be able to parse large .XComMod files and failed to find the RequiresXPACK=true string, falsely reporting those mods as being non-WotC. Unless that's fixed I think people won't be able to use those WotC mods in WotC. "WOTC - Extended Information!" is one mod I've heard had that problem.

[Dragon32]

Originally posted by Old Ben:

<snip>
Typical Steam Forum people, been a member for over around 10 years and it never ends.

Get out of my cesspool!

[so.many.variables]

Tried this, none of it worked, game still crashes when you go into missions.

[Old Ben]

Just for additional into, this is a list of all the mods I play with and they all work well together. I play Legendary difficulty to balance out some of the mods.

ActiveMods=InstantAvengerMenus
ActiveMods=ExtendedPersonnelInfo
ActiveMods=EvacAll_WotC
ActiveMods=WOTCNewTargetIcons
ActiveMods=HackPlus-WotC
ActiveMods=DontUnequipCovertOps
ActiveMods=PsionicClass
ActiveMods=ViewLockedSkillsWotc
ActiveMods=WOTCFlawless
ActiveMods=WOTCGotchaAgain
ActiveMods=LandedUFOsFromDay1
ActiveMods=MoreBaseUtilitySlots
ActiveMods=StopWastingMyTime
ActiveMods=SparkBuff
ActiveMods=NoMoreWillLoss
ActiveMods=CapnbubsAccessories-WotC
ActiveMods=WOTC_Hair_Pack
ActiveMods=StenchfuryModularHelmetsWOTC
ActiveMods=FTHCapnbubsAddon
ActiveMods=RendTheLost
ActiveMods=ChosenDarkEventsFix
ActiveMods=GrappleFix
ActiveMods=WOTC_MedicalSuppliesx2
ActiveMods=SPARKRepairFix
ActiveMods=OverwatchLockupFix
ActiveMods=WotCCarryUnitFix
ActiveMods=ConfigureUpgradeSlots
ActiveMods=TheSupporterClass
ActiveMods=HeroArmorEquality
ActiveMods=WOTC_ProvingGroundOverhaul
ActiveMods=WOTC_PGOCutContentAmmoAddon
ActiveMods=StartingPsiAmps
ActiveMods=MoreResistanceOps
ActiveMods=MoreSquadSizeUpgrades
ActiveMods=ConsistentElectricalDamage
ActiveMods=GuaranteedReuseUpgrades
ActiveMods=RemoveWeaponUpgradesWOTC
ActiveMods=XComScamper
ActiveMods=ArmouryCrit
ActiveMods=InfiniteStartingItems
ActiveMods=WOTC_PGOPCSAddon
ActiveMods=NarrativeControl
ActiveMods=WOTCInstantLoot
ActiveMods=DetailedSoldierListWOTC
ActiveMods=YetAnotherF1
ActiveMods=RewardDecksRefresher
ActiveMods=FullCharacterCustomizationFromStart
ActiveMods=FreeCameraRotation
ActiveMods=AllSoldiersGainXP
ActiveMods=ReaperReworked
ActiveMods=AdventCommandos
ActiveMods=WOTCAlienElitePack
ActiveMods=SectoidAbductor
ActiveMods=WotCWalkerServos
ActiveMods=WotC_AshlynneAdvWarlock
ActiveMods=IridarsPsiOverhaul
ActiveMods=WOTC_ABetterStart
ActiveMods=X2WOTCCommunityHighlander
ActiveMods=WOTCFirstAid
ActiveMods=CutContentAmmo


I also play a lot of Stellaris, which still has a very active modding community. not so much in XCOM2 anymore :(

[Dragon32]

Originally posted by Old Ben:

Originally posted by Dragon32:

Also the first version of the 2K Launcher (pre-1st June) didn't seem to be able to parse large .XComMod files and failed to find the RequiresXPACK=true string, falsely reporting those mods as being non-WotC. Unless that's fixed I think people won't be able to use those WotC mods in WotC. "WOTC - Extended Information!" is one mod I've heard had that problem.

I'm using the Vanilla mod called Another F1 for extended information. I added the RequiresXpack=true line to it and it works just fine. Don't think I've ever used the one you mention.

I thought the point of this thread was information *for other people* and not for you?

[Beggar Soldier]

I made a guide addressing this issue and it is quite simple, check it out if you want.
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2145343945

[Ditto]

Bump

[Old Ben]

@Beggar, thanks for adding a guild with pics to help those having problems.

[Old Ben]

Originally posted by thementat:

Thanks! This worked for me straight away. I tried many other ways but non worked.

Happy you got it all working, have fun !

[Beggar Soldier]

Originally posted by Old Ben:

@Beggar, thanks for adding a guild with pics to help those having problems.

I'm just trying to help and I'm glad that it works!

[swiftdeath60]

@ Old Ben; Correction, as of today and even before new update. The "XCOM2ModLauncherWPF" launcher does load base game mods into WotC. I am using "Commanders Choice". Which is for base game and it is and always has worked fine in WotC.
Mod list:
ActiveMods=WotC_SA2_ViperGear
ActiveMods=WotC_MK11_Kitana
ActiveMods=EvacAll_WotC
ActiveMods=Extra_WeaponSlot_WotC
ActiveMods=MGSV_SneakingSuits_Boss_Open
ActiveMods=WOTC_Miranda_Squadmate
ActiveMods=MaxSquadSizeFix (Base game mod works in WotC) from Nexus site.
ActiveMods=AddedPartNames
ActiveMods=CheatVest (Base game mods works in Wotc) from Nexus site.
ActiveMods=CommandersChoice (Base game mod works in WotC) from Nexus site.
ActiveMods=MirandaLawsonVoicePack Base game mod works in WotC) from Nexus site.

Just did another playthrough and everything is,and has been working. I have base game mods in XCom2->XComGame->mods folder and WotC mods in XCom2->XCom2-WarOfTheChosen->XComGame->mods. The launcher sees both and loads those I have checked in launcher.
Have read a lot of post about launcher not working. The common issue I find is that all people say is "mods not working". No other info given. Zero info = Zero fix. I(and my team and I have been tearing up games all the way back to Morrowind. So we may not know much, but one thing we DO know is good info usually results in good outcome (a fix).
Old Ben all your other info sounds solid. Just wish mod users would use a little more common sense when expecting something to be fixed.

[Old Ben]

@swiftdeath60, yes your first statement is correct. Old launcher has always loaded both vanilla and WOTC mods. I provided additional instruction so the vanilla mods would load in the new patched launcher.

The only reason 2k changed the launcher was for promoting Chimera game, and in the process they screwed up the launcher for loading WOTC mods. But old launcher still works just fine, just hope they don't make it disappear in a future update.

[swiftdeath60]

Originally posted by Old Ben:

@swiftdeath60, yes your first statement is correct. Old launcher has always loaded both vanilla and WOTC mods. I provided additional instruction so the vanilla mods would load in the new patched launcher.

The only reason 2k changed the launcher was for promoting Chimera game, and in the process they screwed up the launcher for loading WOTC mods. But old launcher still works just fine, just hope they don't make it disappear in a future update.

Back up the launcher exe. folder. If they take it away, you can just put it back in.