Finding the settings file and raising the volume

A bunch of us on the forums have been having trouble with the volume turning itself down after every game, and not being able to turn it back up. This is how I work around it. It's not easy, it's rather inconvenient, but it works.

The Short Version

Close YDKJ4. Open the YDKJ4 directory in SteamApps, then open J4items and open YDKJ.ini. Change the Volume= line to Volume=7. Save and close, then relaunch YDKJ4. Voilà.

Explained

Before You Start

You must have run the game at least once before you can follow this guide (you don't need this guide unless the volume has turned down on its own and you can't turn it back up). The game must not be running now. Run it and quit if you're not sure, it doesn't hurt.

Finding YDKJ.INI

That's the name of the settings file you'll have to change. You can find it as follows:

• Right-click on YDKJ4 in Steam Library, and select Properties.
  
• In the window that opens, click on the Local Files tab, then click Browse Local Files.
  
• Windows Explorer will open. From there, open the J4items folder.
  
• You will find YDKJ.ini inside. Note its location for easier access next time. Or, just leave Windows Explorer open.
  
  • If the file does not exist, you didn't run the game like I told you to ;)
    
  • Select Notepad if you're asked what program you want to use to open the file.

Editing the volume setting

• Find the line that starts "Volume=". You can use Edit > Find... and search for Volume.
  
• Delete whatever number is there and type 7 instead, so you should have "Volume=7".
  
  • I think you can use 8, but anything above 7 might result in a crash or in the volume being reset to its default. Stick with 7.
• Save the file, and close Notepad.

Resetting the game and deleting your progress

If you want to reset the game and delete your progress, follow this guide as far as finding YDKJ.INI - and then delete that file. Be aware that you will lose your progress down The Ride and will go all the way back to Cookie's first episode.

Final Notes

• The next time you launch YDKJ4, the volume will be raised. Feel free to experiment with the number to find a volume you like. I use 5 myself, I think 7 or 8 is the maximum.
  
• You can leave Windows Explorer open and quit after each game to check the settings file, tweaking the volume if you need to.
  
• Don't leave Notepad open: make your changes and then quit. If you accidentally save the settings file again later, it'll overwrite your progress through The Ride.

I hope this is useful, at least until the bug is fixed by Jackbox Games. I'll see you at the bottom.

[mjfrank11]

Is there any way to have this game not in full-screen mode? While playing the game, I cannot see anything else on my desktop like if I got an e-mail or anything. Is there a way to have a smaller screen of the game?

[ThePaSch]

The volume actually goes down by one every time you open the Pause menu - so opening and closing it repeatedly will result in minimum volume. It is possible to raise the volume back to max from within the game (without resorting to ini editing) if you do it in the pause menu after the end of an episode - the one that gives you the same players/new players option - the volume buttons will work properly in this case.

[Cal]

You're very welcome. Glad it was useful. :)

[MPO]

Thank you! I just ran into the problem of trying to reset the game.