Sid Meier's Civilization V

Sid Meier's Civilization V

157 ratings
How to play Civ V Multiplayer with Mods! [BNW]
By Chrisy15
NOTE: This process doesn't work with scenarios, or any mod that affects SQL. There may also be issues with mods that have dependences, but I haven't fully looked into these yet. Otherwise, this is a simple way to play mods with your friends!
   
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Introduction
As you may know, modded multiplayer is something that Firaxis had planned for Civ V, but haven't got around to doing. Thankfully, the modding community has made some workarounds! This isn't the only way to play mods in multiplayer, but it is a simple way to do it.
1. Download JdH's Mod Manager
The program we're using is JdH's Civ V Multiplayer Mod Manager. This is a program that provides a limited workaround to the modded multiplayer issue, but it is a lot easier to use than the alternatives. Download the Manager from here: http://civ5.jaiiderherr.de/#download
2. Using the Manager
Once you have successfully installed the manager, which isn't too difficult, you can load it up, and it will give you this screen:

Note: If it asks for your install directory, then the install path is the one in the Program Files (x86), and the user path is the one in your documents.
Once you reach this screen, then it will show you the mods that are compatible with the manager. If you can't see them, then check one of the drop-down menus. Not Supported means that they use some fancy SQL suff, and Single Player Only means that the author hasn't heard of the mod manager. Simply tick the mods that you want to use, choose your DirectX version, and press the Start CiV button in the TOP RIGHT CORNER. NOT the one in your Steam library.
3. The Lobby
Once Civ has loaded, you will be faced with a different menu screen:
Other than the new menu, it functions identical to the regular multiplayer lobby. This is why you can't play scenarios, because there isn't a Load Scenario button.
The only thing that would be different than this screenshot is the fact that the Mod Manager will check to see if other players have the same mods as you. The results will be outputted in the chat.
After that, it works just like normal multiplayer civ!
Conclusion
I hope you found this guide useful. Although it is just a glorified link to here[civ5.jaiiderherr.de], I hope I've spread the word of Modded Multiplayer in Civ. Happy gaming!

Thanks to:
JdH, for making this amazing program. I wish him luck with implementing SQL support, and hopefully for Scenario support!

If there's anything that you feel is missing from the guide, please say in the comments. I have already had some important feedback, and it has helped considerably.
Troubleshooting
Since there are quite a few issues in the comments, I'll use this section to make requests for people to test things.

Currently on the agenda:
  • Does the MM work when playing games on different OSs? I.e: One person on W7, and one on W8.
  • Does the MM work on OSs other than W7 full stop?
  • Does the MM stop working if too many mods are loaded?
Hopefully we can work together to fix more obscure, program-breaking issues!
175 Comments
Liquefied Sep 5, 2020 @ 4:08pm 
when I download it says application activation is not possible. Anyone got any clue why?
KasKat Nov 21, 2019 @ 5:55pm 
For anyone having issues with it not applying the changed when you launch it theres a fix here: https://www.reddit.com/r/civ/comments/9ywzbz/psa_you_can_disable_the_new_civ_5_launcher_by/
Contagion Aug 11, 2019 @ 2:55pm 
When I load up the game, the JdH modded Multi. Does not come up. It still has Single Player and Multiplayer. Any ideas? Is civs loading up through steam not the mod (JDH)? How can I avoid this?
Crystal Jul 15, 2019 @ 2:07pm 
For some reason it isn't working??


Copied mod file to 'JdH_Mod_Manager/UI/FrontEnd/MainMenu.xml'.
Injected activated mods into modded 'UI/FrontEnd/Multiplayer/StagingRoom.lua'.
Clearing game cache...
Backup of 'cache/Civ5CoreDatabase.db' successfull.
Backup of 'cache/Civ5DebugDatabase.db' successfull.
Backup of 'cache/Civ5ModsDatabase.db' successfull.
Backup of 'cache/Civ5SavedGameDatabase.db' successfull.
Backup of 'cache/Localization-Mongolia.db' successfull.
Backup of 'cache/Localization-Tablet Data 1.db' successfull.
Backup of 'cache/Localization-Upgrade 1.db' successfull.
Importing mod files...
Modifying Expansion2.Civ5Pkg
Backup of 'Expansion2.Civ5Pkg' successfull.
starting Civ...
CiV closed.
Removed 'JdH_Mod_Manager/UI/FrontEnd/MainMenu.xml'
ucuyorum Jul 15, 2019 @ 9:16am 
nvm found it
ucuyorum Jul 15, 2019 @ 8:06am 
well I could not find the folder in program files(x86)>Steam>steamapps>common> Sid Meier's Civilization V. I can not find the mod folder either
Chrisy15  [author] Jul 14, 2019 @ 3:32am 
Look in the directory for a folder relating to the mod manager, and remove it
ucuyorum Jul 14, 2019 @ 1:59am 
keyboard broke srry
ucuyorum Jul 14, 2019 @ 1:54am 
it says there iscnocproblem :(
Chrisy15  [author] Jul 14, 2019 @ 12:58am 
Verify Integrity of the Game Cache. Google it.