Add-Ons - The VPK-File

Add-Ons - Open, unpack and pack

VPK-file - the holy grail of modding

Definition

The VPK file format is a package format.

It contains the Left 4 Dead 2 game content (materials, models and particles).

Location of VPK-Files

1. Original Game-Files

You'll find this files by default in:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\left 4 dead 2\{blue marked directories}



There are a different number of VPK-Files.



For looking the contents of these files open the file pak01_dir.vpk

2. Add-ons

There are different ways to get an add-on. The easiest way go to the workshop and subscribe it.

You'll find the workshop-mods by default in:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\left 4 dead 2\left4dead2\addons\workshop

Open a VPK-File

If you linked the VPK-Files with the Tool GCFScape, you can open any VPK-File by double-click. Otherwise open a VPK-File by right-click and chose “Open with “ and select the Tool GCFScape.

Open a VPK-File and you’ll see something like this:

Unpack a VPK-File

For unpacking the complete VPK-File use the VPK-Tool (contained in L4D2 Authoring Tools)

1. complete Unpacking

If you create a shortcut to the VPK-Tool, found (by default) in
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\left 4 dead 2\bin"

you'll be able to unpack the complete VPK-File by drag-and-drop it onto the link.

2. Unpacking single files of the VPK-File

For unpacking single folders or files use the Tool GCFScape.

Open the VPK-File by double-click. Select the folder(s) or file(s) with right-klick and "Extract" them into your folder.

Parts of a VPK-File - Example

NOTE
It's important to use the given structure of the directory. Otherwise your mod does not work properly.

You need to create a replica of the game files path. This means you have to create a structure of folders inside your mod folder. If you do not know where a folder or file is located, search your Left 4 Dead 2 folders.

Once the paths are replicated, place the mod into the correct folder.


For example let us look into my mod badass Rochelle v2, which change her clothes:



The name of the top folder is "root"

Under the folder "materials\survivors\producer\" you'll find different files of Rochelle (aka producer). I modified only the body. So I need only the files named "producer_body".

Under the folder "materials\vgui\" you'll find files of all L4D2-Survivors: Lobby Pictures, In-Game Pictures and Incapped Pictures.

(The description of modification of VMT- and VTF-Files is part of another guide.)


NOTE
There are a few more files that you will make in order to allow your add-on content to function in game.

1. addoninfo.txt

The first is the addoninfo.txt file. This allows your content to be recognized by the game. It should go inside your add-on "root" folder.

This file is used by the game in the Extras --> Add-ons screen. It describes your add-on in general and what it provides.


2. addonimage.jpg

Another file you can create in the root folder is an image named addonimage.jpg. This serves as an icon to help differentiate your add-on and is displayed when an add-on is selected in the add-on menu along with add-on details listed in the addoninfo.txt.

Create a VPK-File

The final step is to create the VPK-File.

Create the vpk file one of two ways, via "Send to" or via drag-and-drop.

1. Create a VPK-File via "Send to"

Go to your add-on folder
Right-click on the folder "root"
Select "Send to --> L4D2 VPK"

2. Create a VPK-File via drag-and-drop

Go to your add-on folder
Select the folder "root"
Drag the folder and drop it on the vpk.exe file

When that finishes, you should find a VPK-File with the same name as the folder ("root").
Rename the VPK-File.

Test your Mod

Now, your add-on should be work. Put the Mod-File into the L4D2 add-on folder (C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\left 4 dead 2\left4dead2\addons).

You should be able to launch the game, go to Extras --> Add-ons. You'll see your mod..

At this point, it's time to play and check for errors or missing contents.

[idiot 3]

https://youtu.be/DdmNYNkcwKE

[⎝⧹Pit Zagufull⧸⎠]

@irepgear6 What directory? Just put the exe in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\left 4 dead 2\left4dead2\addons?

[irepgear6]

Forgot to mention, make sure you put the exe in the right directory, that kind of matters.

[irepgear6]

I had the vpk.exe not even in the folder so I resorted to finding something that could source a new.
The file was removed from a few sources but I got something at least, a new vpk.exe to put in the folder and it worked; I am generous to actually help people without one. {LINK ENTFERNT}https://web.archive.org/web/20160728220931/http://puu.sh/2avHS

[Flexbox]

What would happen if I check the box that says "Never attempt .vpk association again" do? Would I be able to change my mind?

[GI1TcH!mg G@M3R]

i'm just confused as to why l4d1 mods is different by installing mods i wish i can have l4d1 mods but there is no workshop for left 4 dead 1 :( if there is anybody out there that can tell me how to install mods the easy way let me know thanks for reading this.

[GI1TcH!mg G@M3R]

i just want to know how to install left 4 dead 1 mods cause i put the war or win war file in the addons folder and it didn't do anything for l4d2 i did that and it works or you can just go to steam workshop for left 4 dead 2 heres a link https://steamcommunity.com/app/550/workshop/ and you can install mods by clicking the subscribe button (login required)

[Starlight]

thanks

[Floh]

install L4D2 Authoring Tools
after this you find it here:
\SteamApps\common\Left 4 Dead 2\bin\vpk.exe

[Starlight]

WHERE is vpk.exe??? I cannot find it. In l4d1 is on /bin.
But L4D2 hasn't it