User:SynthetikHD/MassEffect: Difference between revisions

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[http://forum.step-project.com/topic/8259-the-witcher-2-enhanced-edition-modding-guide/ '''Guide Forum Thread''']
[https://stepmodifications.org/forum/topic/8259-the-witcher-2-enhanced-edition-modding-guide/ '''Guide Forum Thread''']




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{{TOC right|limit=3}}
{{TOC|limit=3}}


== '''Introduction''' ==
== '''Introduction''' ==
Hello there. My name is Synthetik and if you have found this from the STEP forums you don't know who I am (check my post count and you'll know why). This is my first attempt at ever writing a guide but I tried to make it as professional as possible and in the style of the other STEP guides.
 
Goals of the guide:
Skip the startup videos
Set options to the highest possible
ini tweaks
fixing sprint
texture pack
Enb


'''<big>The main goal of this guide</big>''' is to make your '''The Witcher 2: Enhanced Edition''' look as good as possible while improving the overall balance of the game and fixing some minor bugs that appeared in the Enhanced Edition. The guide will stay true to the vanilla look and feel of the game and simply further ''enhance'' it. The graphical improvements/mods will cause somewhat of a FPS hit, on my machine the hit was quite negligible though, but most modern PCs that can already run The Witcher 2 on ultra should be able to use this guide no problem. If you are wondering if your computer can handle it, then see if your PC meets the recommended specs below. There's not really much more for me to say so, let's just get started!
'''<big>The main goal of this guide</big>''' is to make your '''The Witcher 2: Enhanced Edition''' look as good as possible while improving the overall balance of the game and fixing some minor bugs that appeared in the Enhanced Edition. The guide will stay true to the vanilla look and feel of the game and simply further ''enhance'' it. The graphical improvements/mods will cause somewhat of a FPS hit, on my machine the hit was quite negligible though, but most modern PCs that can already run The Witcher 2 on ultra should be able to use this guide no problem. If you are wondering if your computer can handle it, then see if your PC meets the recommended specs below. There's not really much more for me to say so, let's just get started!
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== '''Mass Effect Modding''' ==
== '''Mass Effect Modding''' ==


This guide is separated into seven sections:
This guide is separated into ? sections, I will cover eachasdfafadsfk;lda;klfk;l:


* '''Installation Setup'''
Installing Mass Effect in the correct place and disabling the Origin Overlay
* '''Skipping the Startup Videos'''
Deleting the start screen videos to make the game load up faster.
* '''Options'''
Setting the game options to the highest possible.
* '''INI Tweaking'''
* '''INI Tweaking'''
* '''Gameplay Mods'''
Tweaking graphics and shadow stingsf runs fsf fuckkk
* '''Graphic Mods'''
* '''Fixes and Patches'''
* '''Optional Mods'''
* '''Optional Mods'''
* '''ENB Setup'''
* '''ENB Setup'''
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It is advised to follow the guide in order it is written and to not skip any mods or steps.
It is advised to follow the guide in order it is written and to not skip any mods or steps.
When copying or moving files or folders anywhere throughout this guide you should '''always:''' overwrite, replace, or merge when asked.<br>
When copying or moving files or folders anywhere throughout this guide you should '''always:''' overwrite, replace, or merge when asked.<br>
Unless you are told to do so, don't launch the game until you have finished all the steps in the guide.


Unless you are told to do so, don't launch the game until you have finished all the steps in the guide.<br>


=== '''System Requirements''' ===
=== '''System Requirements''' ===
I recommend the following minimum hardware configuration for running and modding Mass Effect.
I recommend the following minimum hardware configuration for running and modding Mass Effect.


{| class="sitetable" style="width:30%; float:left;"
{| class="sitetable" style="width:30%; float:left;"
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This guide assumes that the user is beginning with a clean Mass Effect installation. If you already have the game installed please back up any files or game saves you wish to keep then reinstall Mass Effect.
This guide assumes that the user is beginning with a clean Mass Effect installation. If you already have the game installed please back up any files or game saves you wish to keep then reinstall Mass Effect.
It is recommended to install Mass Effect to an SSD if available, and preferably separate from the drive with Windows. Mass Effect should be installed outside of "Program Files" or "Program Files (x86)" folders as Windows User Account Control can cause issues with games.


It is recommended to install Mass Effect to an SSD if available, and preferably separate from the drive with Windows. Mass Effect should be installed outside of "Program Files" or "Program Files (x86)" folders as Windows User Account Control can cause issues with games.
If you have installed your copy of Mass Effect through Origin, you must disable the Origin Overlay as it does not work with some mods.
To do this, open Origin, click the gear icon in the top-right. Then go Settings > In-Game > Uncheck "Enable Origin In-game".




==== Disabling Origin Overlay ====
=== Skipping the Startup Videos ===


If you have installed your copy of Mass Effect through Origin, you must disable the Origin Overlay as it does not work with some mods.
After Mass Effect is done downloading, we will first delete the startup videos and splash screens to make the game load up faster.


*'''Open''' Steam, '''right click''' Oblivion in your Library &#8594; Properties &#8594; General &#8594; '''Disable''' "Steam Overlay while in-game".
Navigate to "Mass Effect\BioGame\CookedPC\Movies"<br><br>
Delete the following files:<br>
"BWLogo.bik"<br>
"db_standard.bik"<br>
"ME_EAsig_720p_v2_raw.bik"




=== Options ===
=== Options ===


After Mass Effect is done downloading, launch the game for the first time and once you get to the menu click [Options] then [Settings] then [Graphics] and set the options as follows:
Now launch the game for the first time and once you get to the main menu click [Options] then [Settings] then [Graphics] and set the options as follows:


* '''Windowed Mode''': Set to Off.
* '''Windowed Mode''': Set to Off.
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=== '''INI Tweaking''' ===
=== '''INI Tweaking''' ===


The Witcher 2 stores all of your graphic options in the user.ini configuration file.
The INI files we will be tweaking are located in the "\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Config" directory. The files we will be editing are BIOEngine.ini, BIOGame.ini and BIOInput.ini.
 
Your user.ini is likely located at ''C:\Users\Name\Documents\Witcher 2\Config''


The first thing we need to do is to delete your user.ini file if you already have one. You will not lose any game saves or anything else as it only stores your graphics settings.
Each of the following entries can be pasted directly into the INI. The entry descriptions are commented, so they will not be interpreted by the game at startup. Alternatively, these descriptions can be omitted.
After you have deleted your user.ini, start The Witcher 2 and quit once you get to the main menu.
Descriptions are only provided on tweaks that needed explaining. There are too many tweaks to list what each one does, but know that all are required.
Now start The Witcher 2 ''laucher'' and go to the options.
Set your language and monitor settings how you normally would then tick advanced options at the bottom.
Next set everything to ultra/enabled '''except''' for 'Texture Downscaling' and 'Dangling Objects Limit' which you should leave at None and Disabled.
Click OK then launch the game again and quit once you get to the main menu.


Now is where the fun begins and we start to tweak the .ini settings to improve the graphics. Thankfully we will not have to open our configuration file in Notepad as we can download a tool to simplify the process. So now download the tweaker below.
==== BIOEngine.ini ====


===== [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/181/? The Witcher 2 Tweaker] =====
{{fc|#ddd|[Engine.GameEngine]}}
* '''Author''': fallenzeraphine
{{fc|#9eb8ee|MaxSmoothedFrameRate}}={{fc|#78c888|60.000000}}
* '''Version''': 1.1.5.78
'';Set to whatever frame rate you will be playing at''<br>
* '''Installation''': Download the "Witcher 2 Tweaker" file. Follow these instructions:
{{fc|#9eb8ee|ShadowFilterRadius}}={{fc|#78c888|2.000000 or 3.50000 or 5.000000}}
  Unzip the folder somewhere such as your desktop
{{fc|#9eb8ee|DepthBias}}={{fc|#78c888|0.006000 or 0.008000}}
<br>
  {{fc|#9eb8ee|MinShadowResolution}}={{fc|#78c888|32}}
Once you have it downloaded, start it and let it locate your User Settings folder if it needs to. Now we have a lot more options to tweak than before.<br>
{{fc|#9eb8ee|MaxShadowResolution}}={{fc|#78c888|4096}}
To make your game look as good as possible, change the settings in your tweaker to match the picture below '''except''' the settings outlined in black.
{{fc|#9eb8ee|ModShadowFadeDistanceExponent}}={{fc|#78c888|0.000000}}


{{fc|#ddd|[SystemSettings]}}
{{fc|#9eb8ee|ShadowFilterQualityBias}}={{fc|#78c888|4}}
'';This line shows twice in this section, so make sure to change both''<br>
{{fc|#9eb8ee|Trilinear}}={{fc|#78c888|TRUE}}
{{fc|#9eb8ee|MaxAnisotropy}}={{fc|#78c888|16}}


'''Note:''' You '''NEED''' to make sure your settings match the unoutlined settings below '''EXACTLY.''' If you are wondering why some settings are as they are, such as Ubersampling turned off, it is because they must be for the ENB to work, and the ENB adds a form of ubersampling anyways.
{{fc|#ddd|[TextureStreaming]}}
<br><br><br>
{{fc|#9eb8ee|PoolSize}}={{fc|#78c888|564}}
[[File:TW2_Tweaker_Settings.jpg]]<br><br>


Once you have done that, I will now explain how you should change the remaining settings outlined in black.<br>
{{fc|#ddd|[TextureLODSettings]}}
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Diff=(MinLODSize=512,MaxLODSize=4096,LODBias=0)
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Norm=(MinLODSize=512,MaxLODSize=4096,LODBias=0)
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Spec=(MinLODSize=256,MaxLODSize=4096,LODBias=0)
'';Just copy and paste these over the existing lines''


These settings are up to you..
==== BIOGame.ini ====
* '''Fullscreen Enabled''': Keep at 1 if you play fullscreened. Keep at 0 if you play Windowed or Borderless Windowed.
* '''VSync''': Keep at 1 if you have screen tearing issues or a 60Hz monitor. Keep at 0 if you play higher than 60fps.
* '''Screen Resolution''': Keep at whatever your resolution is.
<br>
The final setting requires more explaining.
<br>
* '''Texture Memory Budget''': This number tells the game how much VRAM you want it to use from your available VRAM. I have 4GB of VRAM and I wanted the game to use 3/4ths of my VRAM, so I set it to use 3072(mb). I would set this number somewhere between 1/2 and all of your VRAM.<br>
I am fairly sure that even with the high resolution texture mods you will download later, that the game does not use more than 2GBs of VRAM, so setting it to use more probably isn't necessary. Again, it is up to you to set this to what you want. I have put some common numbers here to help you.


* '''500mb''': 512
{{fc|#ddd|[BIOC_Base.BioPawnBehavior]}}
* '''1GB''': 1024
  {{fc|#9eb8ee|m_bAllowPhysicsOnDeadBodies}}={{fc|#78c888|TRUE}}
* '''2GB''': 2048
* '''3GB''': 3072
* '''4GB''': 4096
 
 
'''Note:''' After applying the tweaks to your user.ini file, the options in The Witcher 2 launcher and in-game settings will say some settings are set to low or turned off etc. Do NOT change any settings from the launcher or in-game as they are not displaying your actual settings. The settings listed in The Witcher 2 Tweaker are your real settings and what they are set as.
<br><br>
Now we can start downloading and installing all the mods we need. Yay!
 
 
=== '''Gameplay''' ===
 
===== [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/635/? Full Combat Rebalance 2] =====
* '''Author''': Flash
* '''Version''': 1.2
* '''Installation''': Download the "Witcher 2 Full Combat Rebalance 1_2 Latest Version" file. Follow these instructions:
  Navigate to your game installation folder ''(\The Witcher 2 Enhanced Edition)'' in the installer
Install just the main files as the other two options are not needed
Choose to activate all files when asked
The Full Combat Rebalance mod is an '''official''' mod created by one of the developers that completely revamps the combat in the game while also including some bug fixes and balancing tweaks. <br>
The main goal of the mod was to increase Geralt’s responsiveness and mobility.
 
 
===== [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/276/? Dynamic HUD] =====
* '''Author''': Presskohle
* '''Version''': 1.3
* '''Installation''': Download the "Dynamic HUD v1.3" file. Follow these instructions:
Navigate to ''\The Witcher 2 Enhanced Edition\CookedPC''
Unzip and copy the file into CookedPC
Start your normal Witcher 2 launcher '''(not the tweak launcher)'''
Click on Options then DLC Settings
Disable Official UI MOD and make sure everything else is enabled
This mod makes the HUD fade out when out of combat, then fade in when in combat. This mod creates a much more immersive experience when in towns or exploring.


{{fc|#ddd|[BIOC_Base.BioPawn]}}
{{fc|#9eb8ee|m_fCorpseCleanupFirstAttemptTime}}={{fc|#78c888|60.0}}
{{fc|#9eb8ee|m_fCorpseCleanupAttemptRetryTime}}={{fc|#78c888|30.0}}


=== '''Graphics''' ===
==== BIOInput.ini ====


===== [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/158/? Better Texture Enviroment] =====
{{fc|#ddd|[Engine.Console]}}
* '''Author''': Jimmy High
  {{fc|#9eb8ee|ConsoleKey}}={{fc|#78c888|Tilde}}
* '''Version''': 2.0
* '''Installation''': Download the "Better Texture Enviroment" file. Follow these instructions:
  Navigate to ''\The Witcher 2 Enhanced Edition''
Unzip and merge the folder with your CookedPC
This mod replaces almost all the environment textures in the game with high resolution ones.


{{fc|#ddd|[BIOC_Base.BioPlayerInput]}}
Bindings=(Name="LeftShift",InputMode=BIO_INPUT_MODE_NONE,Command="SprintOn | OnRelease SprintOff | ToggleVehicleZoom | SetRunSpeed 600 | OnRelease SetRunSpeed 400",Control=False,Shift=False,Alt=False) or 480 default maybe
'';Just copy and paste this over the existing line''


===== [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/158/? High Resolution Weapons] =====
* '''Author''': Jimmy High
* '''Version''': 1.0
* '''Installation''': Download the "High Texture Weapons" file. Follow these instructions:
Navigate to ''\The Witcher 2 Enhanced Edition''
Unrar and merge the folder with your CookedPC
'''Note: You must delete the following folders/files or you will experience graphical bugs'''
Navigate to ''\CookedPC\environment_levels\mini_games\dices\tex'' and delete ''mg_board_2.xbm'', ''mg_board_2_n.xbm'', and ''mg_board_2_s.xbm''
Navigate to ''\CookedPC\items\corpses'' and delete the ''nilfgaard_knight_corpses'' folder
Navigate to ''\CookedPC\items\geralt\geralt_signs\'' and delete the ''yrdentrap.w2ent'' file
Navigate to ''\CookedPC\items\work\'' and delete the ''remains_human_01'' folder
This mod is located under the same page as the previous mod however you must download the High Texture Weapons file instead. It replaces almost all the weapon textures in the game with high resolution ones.


=== Removing RAM Limit ===
In order to run the following mod without issues, the game needs to be allowed to use more than 2GB of RAM, which is its programed limit. To edit this programed limit, download and install [https://www.ntcore.com/files/ExplorerSuite.exe CFF Explorer]. This utility will allow users to alter .EXE files. Follow these instructions to edit the Mass Effect executable:<br>


===== [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/653/? Extreme Quality Flora] =====
{{AlertSmall‏‎|type=warning|text= '''DO NOT''' use the LAA Patch method listed on the author's Nexus page. This has caused instability and crashes during testing. Only use the method below!}}
* '''Author''': EatChildren
* '''Version''': 1.0
* '''Installation''': Download the "Extreme Quality Flora" file. Follow these instructions:
Navigate to your Documents folder and open your Witcher 2 folder
Open the UserContent folder
Extract the folder from the downloaded file into the UserContent folder (The directory should look like this ''/Documents/Witcher 2/UserContent/extreme_quality_flora'')
This mod increases flora rendering distance and eliminates grass pop-in.


# Install CFF Explorer
# Navigate to "\''Mass Effect''\''Binaries''" folder
# Right click on ''MassEffect.exe''
# Click on "Open with CFF Explorer"
# Click "No" to the pop-up.
# In the left pane, click on "File Header"
# In the right pane, on the bottom row that says "''Characteristics''" click where is says "Click here"
# Check the box next to "''App can handle >2gb address space''" and click "OK"
# Now in the menu bar at the top click "File >> Save As..."
# Save the file as ''MassEffect2.exe''. '''DO NOT save as ''MassEffect.exe'' and overwrite!'''
# Close CFF Explorer
# In your ''Binaries'' folder, right click on ''MassEffect.exe'' and click "Rename"
# Rename it to "''MassEffect_original.exe''". This preserves the original file in case there is an issue and it needs to be revert back.
# Finally, right click on the saved file, ''MassEffect2.exe'' and rename it to "''MassEffect.exe''".
# You're now ready to install the mod.


=== '''Fixes and Patches''' ===


=== M.E.U.I.T.M. ===


===== [https://mega.co.nz/#!l9AF0ARI!EC1DCxIGd8LwyYi3t21-Tw_R2kA7WJiVvRmFHdO-dfo Extreme Quality Flora Compatibility Patch] =====
Mass Effect Update/Improvement Textures Mod (M.E.U.I.T.M.) sets out on a mission to improve the Mass Effect's textures in a way that doesn't alter the original concept of these textures. They are upscaled to higher resolutions, re-painted, have added/enhanced details and bump maps, and some of the normal maps have also been rebuilt. This gives the textures a higher quality look and an overall polished feel. Not only has the author improved the textures, the Lighting and Shadow maps on the walls and floors have also been improved. Finally, the author gives us a new Film Grain texture that mimics the grain texture found in Mass Effect 2, which is far improved from the muddy grain of the default texture in Mass Effect. The best thing about this overhaul is that even though Mass Effect was released in 2008 on the PC, it's still currently being updated! ''(at the time of this writing)''
* '''Author''': EatChildren
* '''Installation''': Download the compatibility fix. Follow these instructions:
Navigate to your Documents folder and open your Witcher 2 folder
Open the UserContent folder
Open the extreme_quality_flora folder
Extract the cook.hash file from the download into the extreme_quality_flora folder overwriting/replacing the original file
This patch allows the Extreme Quality Flora mod to be compatible with the Full Combat Rebalance 2 mod.


There are two ways to download this mod. The best way is with a torrent client. Click the "''MUEITM torrent Link v032214''" main file for the download. This will download a .zip archive. Extract this file and open the torrent file in a torrent client to start the download.  The second method, which doesn't require a torrent client is to download the mod in two parts via .zip archives by clicking the "''MEUITM Part1''" and "''MEUITM Part2''" main files. These files are very large! '''''The torrent method is highly recommended!'''''


===== [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/274/? Grass Color Fix] =====
<p class="noindent">'''Mod:''' M.E.U.I.T.M<br/>
* '''Author''': Diegog5
'''Size:''' 4.21GB <br/>
* '''Version''': 0.8B
'''Website:''' [https://www.nexusmods.com/masseffect/mods/1/ MEUITM on Nexus]</p>
* '''Installation''': Download the "Main" file. Follow these instructions:
Navigate to ''\The Witcher 2 Enhanced Edition\CookedPC''
Unzip and copy the folder into CookedPC
This mod fixes a bug from the Enhanced Edition causing the grass 2-4 feet around Geralt to become discolored.


===== Installation =====
To install the torrent, extract the archive, right click on the ''.EXE'' file and click "''Run as administrator''". Point to your Mass Effect installation folder when asked and install the mod. This will take several minutes to complete. Once it's done, click "Finish".


===== [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/303/? Grass Color Fix for Vergen] =====
* '''Author''': roggan
* '''Version''': 1.0
* '''Installation''': Download the "Grass color fix" file. Follow these instructions:
Navigate to ''\The Witcher 2 Enhanced Edition\CookedPC''
Unzip and copy the folder into CookedPC
This patch addresses an issue not completely fixed by the Grass Color Fix mod in Vergen.


=== Clean the Shader Cache ===
Before running the game, the shader cashe should be cleared. Open "''MassEffectConfig.exe''" located in your Binaries folder ( ...\''Mass Effect''\''Binaries'' ). Click the "Repair" button on the left and then click the "''Delete Local Shader Cache Files''". Now click on the "Video" button on the left to ensure the settings are correct. If so, simply exit the program. If not, correct the settings and then save them by clicking "Mass Effect" at the top and clicking "Save Settings".


===== [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/150/? No Intro Videos] =====
* '''Author''': mupparna
* '''Version''': 1.3
* '''Installation''': Download the "Intro logo removal" file. Follow these instructions:
Navigate to ''\The Witcher 2 Enhanced Edition\CookedPC''
Unzip and copy the folder into CookedPC
This mod skips all intro videos except the logo by CD Projekt Red.


=== Set the Compatibility Mode ===
Mass Effect apparently doesn't like to run on 64-bit systems very well. If running a 64-bit version of Windows, doing this step will help protect you against the "General Protection Fault" error. It could be beneficial doing this on 32-bit systems as well; however, I have no way of testing this. Users on 64-bit systems will need to set the game to run in compatibility mode. To do this, at least Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 with 1GB of free system RAM and 15 GB of free disk space is required. Here's how:


=== '''Optional Mods''' ===
# Navigate to the installation folder ( ...\Mass Effect ). Here you will see a file called "''MassEffectLauncher.exe''".
# Right click on this file and choose "''Properties''".
# Click the "''Compatibility''" tab at the top of the window that opens.
# Here, check the box for "''Run this in compatibility mode for:''" and choose "''Windows XP (Service Pack 3)''" from the drop-down menu.
# Next, click the box for "''Run this program as an administrator''" at the bottom and click the Apply button.
# Exit the window.


These mods are completely optional, meaning you can install only the mods you want.
Now open the "Binaries" folder. Repeat the above steps for the "''MassEffect.exe''" file.


===== [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/67/? Market Price Mod] =====
{{AlertSmall‏‎|type=notice|text= If you're using a no-CD fixed EXE file, you may receive an error message when using the ''MassEffectLauncher.exe'' to launch the game. The messages states the game has been compromised and directs to you to reinstall the game. There is no need for this. You can fix this two ways. '''1)''' Block the Mass Effect Game and Mass Effect Launcher from the Internet by using Windows Firewall. '''2)''' Simply launch the game from the cracked ''MassEffect.exe'' located in the Binaries folder. Either will work. '''Personal Note:''' Ethical or not, I'm personally a fan of no-CD cracks due to not having to keep up with all of the disks (which are tucked away in my closet) for the games I play. I'm sure there are many of you that feel the same. Don't spam me with topics regarding this ethical issue.}}
* '''Author''': Paul_NZ
* '''Version''': 1.2
* '''Installation''': Download the "Market Price Mod" file. Follow these instructions:
Navigate to ''\The Witcher 2 Enhanced Edition\CookedPC''
Unzip and copy the folders into CookedPC
This mod balances the buying and selling prices to make it more fair to the player. It reduces the 24:1 ratio between buy to sell prices to 5:1 as seen in the first game.




===== [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/265/? Zero Weight Mod] =====
* '''Author''': raven4444
* '''Version''': 1.1
* '''Installation''': Download the "Zero Weight Mod" file. Follow these instructions:
Navigate to ''\The Witcher 2 Enhanced Edition\CookedPC''
Unzip and copy the folder into CookedPC
This mod gives all items zero weight, allowing those who don't wish to micromanage their inventory to carry unlimited items.


=== Mass Effect Cinema Mod ===
https://www.moddb.com/mods/mass-effect-3-cinema-mod


===== [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/760/? Always Win Dice and Arm Wrestling] =====
* '''Author''': SynthetikHD
* '''Version''': 1.0
* '''Installation''': Download the "Always Win Minigames FCR2 Version" file. Follow these instructions:
Navigate to ''\The Witcher 2 Enhanced Edition\CookedPC''
Unzip and open the folder of the version you wish to use
Merge the CookedPC folder with your CookedPC
My mod that lets you always win minigames since most people don't seem to like them for whatever reason.




===== [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/118/? Succubus Nude Mod] =====
* '''Author''': mad_mogli
* '''Version''': 1.0
* '''Installation''': Download the "Succubus_Nude_with_Chains" file. Follow these instructions:
Navigate to ''\The Witcher 2 Enhanced Edition\CookedPC''
Unrar and merge the CookedPC folder with your CookedPC
For you pervs out there. Just changes one scene in the game.


=== Defrag ===
If the mod above was installed, it just added/replaced several gigabytes of files in Mass Effect. At this point, it's a good idea to defrag you hard drive. '''Skip this step if Mass Effect has been installed to a solid state drives (SSDs).''' I recommended [https://www.auslogics.com/en/software/disk-defrag/ Auslogics Disk Defrag] for HDD users. It's free and does a better and faster job than Windows. Whichever program that is chosen, run it to defrag the entire drive where Mass Effect was installed.


===== [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/732/? Kinship of the Wolves Quest Mod] =====
* '''Author''': Rafal Jankowski
* '''Version''': 1.01
* '''Installation''': Follow the instructions on the mod page.
I am simply putting this mod here so people can try it if they haven't seen/tried it.
'''NOTE: ONLY INSTALL THIS MOD IF YOU HAVE BEATEN THE GAME OR DON'T INTEND TO PLAY THE MAIN GAME.'''
This is because you can't have this mod enabled while playing the main game. Also you must have the Full Combat Rebalance mod disabled to play this story mod.
This is a highly rated story mod that is about 3 hours long with a handcrafted environment and story. If you have already beaten the game or are looking for a reason to play The Witcher 2 again but are bored of replaying the same story, definitely give this mod a try.




=== '''ENB Setup''' ===


Installing the ENB for The Witcher 2 is a bit more complicated than the previous mods, but well worth it.


Go to http://enbdev.com/mod_witcher2_v0189.htm
Click '''download''' in the middle of the page (not the link at the top right)
Unzip and copy '''ONLY''' d3d9.dll from the folder ''\WrapperVersion\bin'' to ''\The Witcher 2 Enhanced Edition\bin''


Now we move onto the rest.


===== [http://www.nexusmods.com/witcher2/mods/703/? Requiem ENB] =====
* '''Author''': Laptop Guy
* '''Version''': 1.0
* '''Installation''': Download the "Requiem ENB" file. Follow these instructions:
Navigate to ''\The Witcher 2 Enhanced Edition\bin''
Unrar and copy the folder into your \bin folder
'''Note: Leave the files in the folder! Simply drag the whole Requiem ENB folder into your \bin folder'''
This ENB is the mod that drastically improves the visuals from the vanilla game. It improves everything from the anti-aliasing, colors, lighting, bloom, flares, and fog.




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{{Warning|text=Do '''NOT''' start the tutorial in the game. You risk bugging your game and will need to reinstall everything again.}}
{{alert|type=warning|text=Do '''NOT''' start the tutorial in the game. You risk bugging your game and will need to reinstall everything again.}}




{{Warning|text=Alt+Tabbing ''may'' crash your game. When you first launch the game try to Alt+Tab and if it crashes remember to save before you Alt+Tab because your game '''WILL''' crash every time.}}
{{alert|type=warning|text=Alt+Tabbing ''may'' crash your game. When you first launch the game try to Alt+Tab and if it crashes remember to save before you Alt+Tab because your game '''WILL''' crash every time.}}


== '''Support, Feedback, and Credits''' ==
== '''Support, Feedback, and Credits''' ==


If you need support for the mod, ask via a [http://forum.step-project.com/topic/8259-the-witcher-2-enhanced-edition-modding-guide/ forum thread] on the STEP Community forums. Any questions, suggestions or feedback should be posted there.
If you need support for the mod, ask via a [https://stepmodifications.org/forum/topic/8259-the-witcher-2-enhanced-edition-modding-guide/ forum thread] on the STEP Community forums. Any questions, suggestions or feedback should be posted there.




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{{Fc|#E4741C|EssArrBee}} - Once again for helping me start the guide.<br>
{{Fc|#E4741C|EssArrBee}} - Once again for helping me start the guide.<br>
{{#css:User:SynthetikHD/MassEffect.css}}
{{#css:User:SynthetikHD/MassEffect.css}}
{{PageBackground| }}

Latest revision as of 03:15, April 19, 2023


MEHeader.png

Guide Forum Thread


THIS GUIDE WAS WRITTEN FOR:
Mass Effect on Patch 1.02

Version History

  • January 21, 2016
    • First version of guide started


Introduction[edit | edit source]

Goals of the guide: Skip the startup videos Set options to the highest possible ini tweaks fixing sprint texture pack Enb

The main goal of this guide is to make your The Witcher 2: Enhanced Edition look as good as possible while improving the overall balance of the game and fixing some minor bugs that appeared in the Enhanced Edition. The guide will stay true to the vanilla look and feel of the game and simply further enhance it. The graphical improvements/mods will cause somewhat of a FPS hit, on my machine the hit was quite negligible though, but most modern PCs that can already run The Witcher 2 on ultra should be able to use this guide no problem. If you are wondering if your computer can handle it, then see if your PC meets the recommended specs below. There's not really much more for me to say so, let's just get started!

Without the support of STEP, this guide would not be possible. If you would like to make a donation, that would be awesome! Do so with Paypal.

btn_donate_LG.gif
ALL donations are applied to hosting expenses.

Mass Effect Modding[edit | edit source]

This guide is separated into ? sections, I will cover eachasdfafadsfk;lda;klfk;l:

  • Installation Setup

Installing Mass Effect in the correct place and disabling the Origin Overlay

  • Skipping the Startup Videos

Deleting the start screen videos to make the game load up faster.

  • Options

Setting the game options to the highest possible.

  • INI Tweaking

Tweaking graphics and shadow stingsf runs fsf fuckkk

  • Optional Mods
  • ENB Setup
  • Finalizing


A few things to note beforehand.

It is advised to follow the guide in order it is written and to not skip any mods or steps. When copying or moving files or folders anywhere throughout this guide you should always: overwrite, replace, or merge when asked.
Unless you are told to do so, don't launch the game until you have finished all the steps in the guide.


System Requirements[edit | edit source]

I recommend the following minimum hardware configuration for running and modding Mass Effect.

Hardware Minimum
Windows OS Windows 7/8.1/10 (64 Bit)
CPU Intel Core i3 (Dual Core)
System RAM 4GB
GPU 2GB VRAM

Installation Setup[edit | edit source]

This guide assumes that the user is beginning with a clean Mass Effect installation. If you already have the game installed please back up any files or game saves you wish to keep then reinstall Mass Effect. It is recommended to install Mass Effect to an SSD if available, and preferably separate from the drive with Windows. Mass Effect should be installed outside of "Program Files" or "Program Files (x86)" folders as Windows User Account Control can cause issues with games.

If you have installed your copy of Mass Effect through Origin, you must disable the Origin Overlay as it does not work with some mods. To do this, open Origin, click the gear icon in the top-right. Then go Settings > In-Game > Uncheck "Enable Origin In-game".


Skipping the Startup Videos[edit | edit source]

After Mass Effect is done downloading, we will first delete the startup videos and splash screens to make the game load up faster.

Navigate to "Mass Effect\BioGame\CookedPC\Movies"

Delete the following files:
"BWLogo.bik"
"db_standard.bik"
"ME_EAsig_720p_v2_raw.bik"


Options[edit | edit source]

Now launch the game for the first time and once you get to the main menu click [Options] then [Settings] then [Graphics] and set the options as follows:

  • Windowed Mode: Set to Off.
  • Particle Effects: Set to High.
  • Resolution: Set your screen resolution.
  • Dynamic Shadows: Set to Yes.
  • Texture Detail: Set to Ultra-High.
  • Filtering Mode: Set to Anisotropic.
  • Motion Blur: Set to Yes.
  • Wait for Vertical Sync: Set to Yes if you have screen tearing issues or a 60Hz monitor. Set to No if you play higher than 60fps.
  • Film Grain: Set to Yes.

Click [Apply] when you are sure your settings match those above and return to the previous menu and then click [Sound] and set the option as follows:

  • Hardware Audio: Set to Yes.

Click [Apply] when you are sure your settings match those above then exit the game.


INI Tweaking[edit | edit source]

The INI files we will be tweaking are located in the "\Documents\BioWare\Mass Effect\Config" directory. The files we will be editing are BIOEngine.ini, BIOGame.ini and BIOInput.ini.

Each of the following entries can be pasted directly into the INI. The entry descriptions are commented, so they will not be interpreted by the game at startup. Alternatively, these descriptions can be omitted. Descriptions are only provided on tweaks that needed explaining. There are too many tweaks to list what each one does, but know that all are required.

BIOEngine.ini[edit | edit source]

[Engine.GameEngine]
MaxSmoothedFrameRate=60.000000
;Set to whatever frame rate you will be playing at

ShadowFilterRadius=2.000000 or 3.50000 or 5.000000
DepthBias=0.006000 or 0.008000
MinShadowResolution=32
MaxShadowResolution=4096
ModShadowFadeDistanceExponent=0.000000

[SystemSettings]
ShadowFilterQualityBias=4
;This line shows twice in this section, so make sure to change both

Trilinear=TRUE
MaxAnisotropy=16

[TextureStreaming]
PoolSize=564

[TextureLODSettings]
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Diff=(MinLODSize=512,MaxLODSize=4096,LODBias=0)
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Norm=(MinLODSize=512,MaxLODSize=4096,LODBias=0)
TEXTUREGROUP_Character_Spec=(MinLODSize=256,MaxLODSize=4096,LODBias=0)
;Just copy and paste these over the existing lines

BIOGame.ini[edit | edit source]

[BIOC_Base.BioPawnBehavior]
m_bAllowPhysicsOnDeadBodies=TRUE

[BIOC_Base.BioPawn]
m_fCorpseCleanupFirstAttemptTime=60.0
m_fCorpseCleanupAttemptRetryTime=30.0

BIOInput.ini[edit | edit source]

[Engine.Console]
ConsoleKey=Tilde

[BIOC_Base.BioPlayerInput]
Bindings=(Name="LeftShift",InputMode=BIO_INPUT_MODE_NONE,Command="SprintOn | OnRelease SprintOff | ToggleVehicleZoom | SetRunSpeed 600 | OnRelease SetRunSpeed 400",Control=False,Shift=False,Alt=False) or 480 default maybe
;Just copy and paste this over the existing line


Removing RAM Limit[edit | edit source]

In order to run the following mod without issues, the game needs to be allowed to use more than 2GB of RAM, which is its programed limit. To edit this programed limit, download and install CFF Explorer. This utility will allow users to alter .EXE files. Follow these instructions to edit the Mass Effect executable:

Warning-Logo.png
WARNING:
DO NOT use the LAA Patch method listed on the author's Nexus page. This has caused instability and crashes during testing. Only use the method below!
  1. Install CFF Explorer
  2. Navigate to "\Mass Effect\Binaries" folder
  3. Right click on MassEffect.exe
  4. Click on "Open with CFF Explorer"
  5. Click "No" to the pop-up.
  6. In the left pane, click on "File Header"
  7. In the right pane, on the bottom row that says "Characteristics" click where is says "Click here"
  8. Check the box next to "App can handle >2gb address space" and click "OK"
  9. Now in the menu bar at the top click "File >> Save As..."
  10. Save the file as MassEffect2.exe. DO NOT save as MassEffect.exe and overwrite!
  11. Close CFF Explorer
  12. In your Binaries folder, right click on MassEffect.exe and click "Rename"
  13. Rename it to "MassEffect_original.exe". This preserves the original file in case there is an issue and it needs to be revert back.
  14. Finally, right click on the saved file, MassEffect2.exe and rename it to "MassEffect.exe".
  15. You're now ready to install the mod.


M.E.U.I.T.M.[edit | edit source]

Mass Effect Update/Improvement Textures Mod (M.E.U.I.T.M.) sets out on a mission to improve the Mass Effect's textures in a way that doesn't alter the original concept of these textures. They are upscaled to higher resolutions, re-painted, have added/enhanced details and bump maps, and some of the normal maps have also been rebuilt. This gives the textures a higher quality look and an overall polished feel. Not only has the author improved the textures, the Lighting and Shadow maps on the walls and floors have also been improved. Finally, the author gives us a new Film Grain texture that mimics the grain texture found in Mass Effect 2, which is far improved from the muddy grain of the default texture in Mass Effect. The best thing about this overhaul is that even though Mass Effect was released in 2008 on the PC, it's still currently being updated! (at the time of this writing)

There are two ways to download this mod. The best way is with a torrent client. Click the "MUEITM torrent Link v032214" main file for the download. This will download a .zip archive. Extract this file and open the torrent file in a torrent client to start the download. The second method, which doesn't require a torrent client is to download the mod in two parts via .zip archives by clicking the "MEUITM Part1" and "MEUITM Part2" main files. These files are very large! The torrent method is highly recommended!

Mod: M.E.U.I.T.M
Size: 4.21GB
Website: MEUITM on Nexus

Installation[edit | edit source]

To install the torrent, extract the archive, right click on the .EXE file and click "Run as administrator". Point to your Mass Effect installation folder when asked and install the mod. This will take several minutes to complete. Once it's done, click "Finish".


Clean the Shader Cache[edit | edit source]

Before running the game, the shader cashe should be cleared. Open "MassEffectConfig.exe" located in your Binaries folder ( ...\Mass Effect\Binaries ). Click the "Repair" button on the left and then click the "Delete Local Shader Cache Files". Now click on the "Video" button on the left to ensure the settings are correct. If so, simply exit the program. If not, correct the settings and then save them by clicking "Mass Effect" at the top and clicking "Save Settings".


Set the Compatibility Mode[edit | edit source]

Mass Effect apparently doesn't like to run on 64-bit systems very well. If running a 64-bit version of Windows, doing this step will help protect you against the "General Protection Fault" error. It could be beneficial doing this on 32-bit systems as well; however, I have no way of testing this. Users on 64-bit systems will need to set the game to run in compatibility mode. To do this, at least Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 with 1GB of free system RAM and 15 GB of free disk space is required. Here's how:

  1. Navigate to the installation folder ( ...\Mass Effect ). Here you will see a file called "MassEffectLauncher.exe".
  2. Right click on this file and choose "Properties".
  3. Click the "Compatibility" tab at the top of the window that opens.
  4. Here, check the box for "Run this in compatibility mode for:" and choose "Windows XP (Service Pack 3)" from the drop-down menu.
  5. Next, click the box for "Run this program as an administrator" at the bottom and click the Apply button.
  6. Exit the window.

Now open the "Binaries" folder. Repeat the above steps for the "MassEffect.exe" file.

Info-Logo.png
NOTE:
If you're using a no-CD fixed EXE file, you may receive an error message when using the MassEffectLauncher.exe to launch the game. The messages states the game has been compromised and directs to you to reinstall the game. There is no need for this. You can fix this two ways. 1) Block the Mass Effect Game and Mass Effect Launcher from the Internet by using Windows Firewall. 2) Simply launch the game from the cracked MassEffect.exe located in the Binaries folder. Either will work. Personal Note: Ethical or not, I'm personally a fan of no-CD cracks due to not having to keep up with all of the disks (which are tucked away in my closet) for the games I play. I'm sure there are many of you that feel the same. Don't spam me with topics regarding this ethical issue.


Mass Effect Cinema Mod[edit | edit source]

https://www.moddb.com/mods/mass-effect-3-cinema-mod



Defrag[edit | edit source]

If the mod above was installed, it just added/replaced several gigabytes of files in Mass Effect. At this point, it's a good idea to defrag you hard drive. Skip this step if Mass Effect has been installed to a solid state drives (SSDs). I recommended Auslogics Disk Defrag for HDD users. It's free and does a better and faster job than Windows. Whichever program that is chosen, run it to defrag the entire drive where Mass Effect was installed.





Finalizing[edit | edit source]

One last thing must be taken care of before you can start playing your game. Simply.. 

Start your normal Witcher 2 launcher (not the tweak launcher)
Click on Mods
Make sure all boxes are ticked and Save and Exit
Start The Witcher 2 Tweaker
Make sure your settings still match the settings in the picture at the top as they likely changed due to the last step


NOTE: If you are playing The Witcher 2 through Steam, you must disable the in-game Steam Overlay. If you are not playing through Steam, ignore this, if you are.. 

Right click on The Witcher 2: Enhanced Edition in Steam
Uncheck Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game


Now you're all good to go! You can now enjoy The Witcher 2: Enhanced Edition..enhanced!


Warning-Logo.png

WARNING

Do NOT start the tutorial in the game. You risk bugging your game and will need to reinstall everything again.


Warning-Logo.png

WARNING

Alt+Tabbing may crash your game. When you first launch the game try to Alt+Tab and if it crashes remember to save before you Alt+Tab because your game WILL crash every time.

Support, Feedback, and Credits[edit | edit source]

If you need support for the mod, ask via a forum thread on the STEP Community forums. Any questions, suggestions or feedback should be posted there.


Credits:
Me, aka Synthetik - For taking all the time out of my day to write this.
EssArrBee, Neovalen and Rootsrat - For the guide style sheet.
EssArrBee - Once again for helping me start the guide.
{{#css:User:SynthetikHD/MassEffect.css}}

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