How to make a music mod

How to do it

TOOLS YOU'LL NEED

• HLMWadExplorer[github.com] (most up-to-date-version)

Step 1: Get HLMWadExplorer (if you haven't already)

Get the latest version here: https://github.com/TcT2k/HLMWadExplorer/releases
We will be using this tool to replace a track from the game.

Step 2: Open HLMWadExplorer

Open your HLMWadExplorer program.

(THIS STEP ONLY APPLIES TO THOSE USING THE TOOL FOR THE FIRST TIME.)

I think the first time it opens it asks for the directory in which your Hotline Miami 2 copy is based. C:\Users\(USERNAME)\Documents\My Games\HotlineMiami2 is where all your mods will be saved when they're done.

The directory where you want the program to use is C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\Hotline Miami 2.

(It might not be in Program Files (x86), depending on how you're set up with games. You can easily find the directory by right-clicking Hotline Miami 2 in your Steam library, going to Properties, clicking the third tab called Local Files, and clicking Browse Local Files.)

Step 3: Switching to the Music WAD.

Go to the upper left and click "File". Scroll down to "Switch Base WAD..." It should open up to the directory you gave in the previous step. If you want to create a music mod, you need to select the "hlm2_music_desktop.wad" file.

Your program should display the following options when properly set to the right .wad file.

NOTE: Attempting to open the "hlm2_patch_desktop.wad" file will cause the HLMWADExplorer program to crash, so don't try to open it.

Step 4: Choosing a song to replace

You'll be bombarded by all the songs from the game, plus a couple secret ones. Only worry about the songs you can choose within the editor. Once you've chosen a song, highlight it.

Step 5: Replacing a Track

Because the tracks in the game are all .ogg files, you'll need to have the files you want to mod in the .ogg format. You can easily convert downloaded files into the .ogg format here.[audio.online-convert.com] Alternatively, if conversions there cause issues in-game, you can convert the files here.[media.io]
After converting your file, you're ready to replace it. With the song highlighted, click "Resource" at the top, and choose "Replace..." You will then find the file you wanted for the replacement. After finding and selecting a file, go to "File" and "Save As..." This will then bring up the screen letting you save your actions as a mod, specifically as a .patchwad file. After it is saved, it will ask if you want to open the directory it was saved to. This is useful for checking if it saved to the right directory. Cancel that, and go to "File" and select "Merge Patch..." This is where you will apply the mod to the game. Select the .patchwad file you saved, and let it apply to the game.

Step 6: Testing your mod

Create a level using the level editor and set the music track to the one you changed with the HLMWadExplorer. I recommend you test it and see if the music works before you start putting furniture and enemies down. If it starts and the music is the same old music, you probably didn't do something right. Go back to "C:\Users\(USERNAME)\Documents\My Games\HotlineMiami2\mods" and delete the mod you made, and try again, reading the directions more carefully this time.

Step 7: (OPTIONAL) Compile your mod and release it

If you want to release your mod out to the public and let others mooch off of your success enjoy your content, there are many websites out there that allow you to upload and share your files. I highly suggest using an archiving program (WinRAR, WinZIP, etc...) to collect your files all in one place. I also suggest leaving a readme, despite the fact hardly anyone will read it, just in case some curious fellow wonders who made the mod and whether or not to give credit if they use it in a level and release it.

Here are a couple websites I would upload to if I were to upload any mods related to Hotline Miami 2.

• Hotline Miami Wikia (Mods Section)[editor.wikia.com]
  
• Gamebanana - Hotline Miami 2 Mods[gamebanana.com] (I don't use Gamebanana, nor do I think it will get much publicity there, but if you're aquainted with Gamebanana and already have an account, this is a good option for you.)

[Blacktimus Crime]

Hey, i've been trying to replace the track 'we're sorry' but i just can't seem to find its ogg file in the wadexplorer, do you know where i can find it? (seriously, it's like the worst track in the game)

[Spongebob (Unemployed)]

is there a file size limit because i changed bloodline to boss rush from the excelsior ost and when i tried to use it it crashed btw the size of the file is 849 KB

[Husk Ekker]

for anyone not finding "merge patch" in the File section, you need the pre-release "100" , you can find it on gamebanana or by simple searching "HLMWAD Explorer"

[Gh0sty T04sty]

the file merge patch doesn't appear on my HLM WAD Explorer, is something wrong with the version i have? its the newest one btw

[Ea-Nasir]

question, if somehow Merge Patch doesnt show in 'file' what do i do

[decay1994]

@ R A I D E N
You can use whatever as long as you upload the compiled patchwads, you can also include instructions on how to install them / link to this guide if u want

@Mr. Papu
as far as I know the only way to make "new" tracks is just replacing the ones used ingame.. there might be a way to rename the tracks to match the song playing though, idk

@Mirrored universe
as long as you're not making a profit off the mod, you shouldn't have any issues with copyright, unless the creator somehow finds out you've used their music in a mod for a violent indie game lol

[Memez Jr.]

i dont quite get it, can i use dropbox? and if i can use dropbox then what do i upload? the .ogg music file or the patchwad?

[lecheban]

i dont want to replace a track, i want to create a track

[fox mom]

Thanks, pal. I rate this tutorial 9 outta 10... Good job, king!

[Mirrored universe]

Should I be worried about copyright if I bought the digital album off of bandcamp?