This video tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to modding Cyberpunk 2077, focusing on manual installation of essential framework mods. The presenter emphasizes the importance of installing mods in a specific order and using tools like 7-Zip or WinRAR for file extraction. Key framework mods covered include Cyber Engine Tweaks (for Lua scripting and console access), Red4ext, Codeware, ArchiveXL, TweakXL, Input Loader, RedScript, Mod Settings, Native Settings UI, Equipment EX (for outfits and transmog), and Material and Texture Override. The tutorial then demonstrates installing functional and cosmetic mods such as Virtual Car Dealer (with a vehicle pack), Car Modification Shop, custom vehicles, Septimus Quest Core, and Virtual Atelier (with a custom clothing store and item). Finally, methods for removing mods and a brief introduction to the Vortex mod manager are discussed, along with the importance of REDmod for some mods.
Cyberpunk 2077 Modding Essentials: A Step-by-Step Guide
0:00:05 - Introduction to Modding Basics: The video aims to explain how to properly install Cyberpunk 2077 mods, focusing on prerequisite framework mods.
0:00:40 - Importance of Mod Order: Mods should be installed in the specific order listed in the video description (top to bottom) because framework mods build upon each other.
0:01:28 - Manual Installation Recommended: Manual installation is preferred over mod managers for better compatibility and control.
0:01:59 - Prerequisite Software (7-Zip/WinRAR): Users need 7-Zip or WinRAR to extract downloaded mod files (links provided in description).
Purpose: Modding tool to load custom resources (entity factories, localization text) without touching original game files, preventing conflicts. Requires Red4ext.
Installation: Download, unzip, and drag 'r6' and 'red4ext' folders into the main directory.
Purpose: Outfit manager, adds extra wardrobe/inventory slots, enables transmog, and is crucial for custom clothing mods. Requires many previously installed framework mods.
Installation: Download, unzip, and drag 'r6' and 'archive' folders into the main directory.
Purpose: Enables the game to load new materials and textures for items like clothing.
Installation (Legacy Edition Recommended): Choose either Legacy Edition or REDmod version (do not install both). Download Legacy, unzip, and drag the 'archive' folder into the main directory.
Purpose: Framework allowing modders to add vehicles to a virtual shop accessible via the in-game computer. Requires TweakXL and other frameworks.
Installation: Download, unzip, and drag 'archive' and 'r6' folders.
0:18:15 - Example: DJKovrik Vehicle Pack: Install a vehicle pack to populate the Virtual Car Dealer. Download, unzip, and drag 'archive' and 'r6' folders.
Purpose: Framework for modders to add in-game virtual stores for their custom clothing items, accessible via the in-game computer.
Installation (Advanced Version): Download, unzip, and drag 'archive' and 'r6' folders.
0:25:20 - Example Atelier Store: NC Fashion Virtual Atelier (by Esorokin): Adds a specific modder's store to Virtual Atelier. Download, unzip, and drag 'archive' and 'r6' folders.
0:25:57 - Example Clothing Item: XRX Helmet (by Esorokin): Install a custom clothing item that will appear in the NC Fashion store. Download, unzip, and drag 'archive' and 'r6' folders.
0:27:46 - General Mod File Placement: If a mod only contains an '.archive' file, it usually goes into Cyberpunk 2077/archive/pc/mod. Most mods provide the correct folder structure for drag-and-drop.
0:29:17 - Mod Author Support: Consider supporting mod authors via donation links if you appreciate their work.
Manual Removal: Open the mod's downloaded zip file, note the file paths, and manually delete those files/folders from your game directory. Example: Let There Be Flight files in red4ext/plugins/.
0:30:55 - Mod Remover Tool: A tool (link in description) can help uninstall mods and provide backups.
0:31:39 - Backup Vanilla Game: Recommended to copy the entire vanilla Cyberpunk 2077 folder (before modding) to a separate location as a backup.
0:32:35 - Handling Game Patches: Game patches often break mods. The best practice is to uninstall the game, delete all game folders (to remove residual mod files), and then reinstall a clean version of the game before modding again.