Overview
This will be a guide mostly for beginners, showing how to install mods, fix the base game, get DLC maps, both DLC characters, and how to add the rest of the maps from the original Battlefront into Battlefront 2.
Introduction To Modding
This guide is mostly for beginners so if you have modded before, you probably know some of this stuff already.
If you are brand new to this kind of stuff I recommend you read the whole guide before jumping to the comments to ask me how to get this or that.
This guide also goes into a lot of details on WHY and HOW some things work, and therefore is somewhat long. This was simply to help people UNDERSTAND how to get the majority of mods to work with minimal issues so you can download whatever mod you want and enjoy it.
This mod guide is also updated fairly often (depending on my schedule and everything), so there may be changes and “upgrades” to this list.
I am also not giving a fix all. The game is over 15 years old, it is beyond perfect. It has some major flaws, but I am not here to fix them ALL. These mods fix some of them, but some issues still are there.
Note:
When you are done with this, I encourage you to try new mods. These mods are my personal favorites, but I try to keep checking in with new mods often, and I encourage you to do so as well!
Bugs and Fixes
Great examples of in game issues:
Fix 1: GPU drivers need updating
Fix 2: Current GPU drivers are not updated right. You have to revert to an older version of the drivers (newer isn’t always better).
Pic by some random dude who got his account deleted, so thanks random person!
Game goes black when playing.
Fix: Turn off Discord/Steam overlay
(sometimes even GPU overlays can do this but I think it is rare)
Null text/ file names visible/ subtitles issues/ general text issues/ etc
Fix 1: Library -> Right click the game -> Game properties -> Set launch options. then type “-lang 0” (without quotations of course).
Fix 2: Re-downloading the game (checking file integrity does not fix this glitch)
Game Crashing:
Fix 1: Go to control panel, then go to Hardware and Sound. Click Sound, and select the Recording tab. Right click in the recording section and enable show disabled devices. A device called stereo mix should pop up. If it doesn’t, Fix 2. If it does, right click and enable stereo mix.
Fix 2: Plug in a mic/headphones. Start game, and you SHOULD be able to remove them and still hear from the speakers. I have no idea why this works.
Music Stops When other sounds play (lightsaber/blaster/roll/talking/followcommand audio)
Fix 1: alt+tab out of the game, and get back into the game
Fix 2: Update Audio Drivers
Game Crashes as soon as loading into a map/gamemode/combat
Fix: Close MSI Afterburner and/or Rivatuner
Now I am not here to fix all possible glitches. I am here to teach how to mod.
That all being said, if you come across any issues, it never hurts to ask for a solution. I will even update my list if it is solved.
Major Modding Tips
If you want to skip to the “meat” of this list, you can just scroll past all these tips. The tips are simply here to help if you get stuck, and help you understand how to install different kinds of mods.
Do not be afraid to play with your game. Take the first mod on my list: you can’t uninstall it. This means it could “break” your game if you uninstall it. This should not scare you. You can re-download the game and start over. I have had to many times, and probably will have to in the future.
I say this simply because if you do not backup any data, just remember that it is alright.
Mods will work in multiplayer, BUT only if the people you play with have the EXACT same mods installed.
The Unofficial Patch 1.3 r30 or higher is required for most mods.
I use the 1.5r2 patch in this guide, which has a resolution fix, as well as a few other little upgrades to the game, making it (in my opinion) better than the 1.3 r30 patch most guides use. It also helps a lot with performance, which isn’t a big deal for a game over 15 years old.
A good tip is how to get to your game directory. This is super easy for steam. Right click on the game, hover over “manage”, and click on “browse local files”. This takes you to your game’s location in you’r file manager.
In the GameData folder, you can add a new folder and name it “addon” (without quotes). Sometimes this folder is already there, it does not need to be replaced if it is already there.
On a side note, there are some rumors stating: “the Unofficial Patch (the first mod on my list) creates the addon folder, and (SUPPOSEDLY) creating the addon folder yourself can mess up the game files”.
In all of my experience, this is false. However, if you feel the need to download the patch BEFORE seeing if there is an addon folder, feel free to do so.
CD owners of the game need to go to a directory that looks like this:
C:Program filesLucasArtsStar Wars Battlefront IIGameData
This is probably the only way a lot of mods will work properly with the CD version of the game.
I believe the GOG version is similar as well, however it may be easier to find.
Most new maps are just files with 3 letter names, like “ABC” or “CFC”. These files belong in the addon folder, meaning all you have to do is copy and paste these files. Its SUPER easy.
Do not add too many maps! If you have a whole bunch of maps, you will eventually get an error on the main screen when you boot the game. I personally like to copy and paste map files just because I can then delete them from the game and add them back later when I want to play that particular map.
While modding, some mods will have an .exe file. This means it is a program which installs it to the game directory (or possibly the addon folder depending on the mod) automatically.
These .exe files make Windows security go nuts. Ive been modding for years now, and only one .exe file ever been any trouble. It was a super quick, and easy fix too, so no worries.
However, if you do not like the idea of running “untrusted by Windows” programs on your PC, feel free to not download it. It is your PC, do what you want with it.
My personal favorite website to download SWBF2 mods from is ModDB:
[link]
Make sure you have some form of .zip extractor like Winrar or 7zip installed. Many mods are in .zip files and need to be unzipped before they can be used. Linux and Ubuntu users do not need a .zip extractor because it is built in.
A .zip file is pretty simple: a file that has been compressed (“zipped up”) to not take so much room. This makes it easier to send the file over the internet, or better yet, post it online for a bunch of random people to download and use to change small portions of a game with.
However, there are many other programs that actually make different files. Take winzip for example. (My least favorite tool microsoft has made since the 1983 version of MS-DOS, but hey, I don’t judge, use whatever you want!)
Winzip manages to make .rar files. These function pretty much the exact same as .zip files. You can use 7zip and winrar to extract them, and they still decompress the files you need.
Want to begin modding yourself?
There are active communities on forums and there are some videos to easily show you a lot of the basics. There is even a guide on how and where to get the mod tools right here on steam.
Some of my personal favorite modding videos are by jedimoose32 on youtube. I do believe he is mostly inactive anymore so do not expect a response. Forums like gametoast are super helpful for figuring out problems while you are modding, and you may even run into the creators of some of the mods on this list.
And just to clarify, I am not some sort of paid advertiser for anyone, these sources are all genuinely helpful. You can also try asking me here if you need help with making your own mods, but I am not a pro modder. The most I have done is make my own map, add in some heroes, change the skybox, added fog, and started editing portions of character models, which isnt as much as you would think sadly.
4GB Patch
I have no idea why it took me so long to figure this out, and thank you to Coach on steam to helping me understand why this is actually so important. This mod is not just for SWBF2, it is a mod just to help most older games run better. And believe me…. IT HELPS!
Also you will NEED over 4gb of ram in order to really make good use of this mod, and get great performance out of mods for this game. I have 64gb of RAM in my PC, and really I would only need about 8gb in total to get amazing performance on a game like this.
4GB Patch
by whoever posted it on this website. The only name I could find was Daniel Pistelli.
[link]All you have to do is unzip the file, click on the .exe, and find the Star Wars Battlefront 2 (Classic) .exe file.
(check the tips section if you need help finding that easy)
Just in case you are curious, SWBF2 is a 32-bit application. This means that a 4gb patch is the most amount of RAM you can get for this. Pls dont hound me for an 8gb patch, weather it be on steam or any other platforms, as it is not possible to add any more RAM. BC this is a 32-bit application, it will work on 64-bit systems, so dont worry about compatibility.
Battlefront Remaster and Unofficial Patch
These 2 mods are both downloaded together, that is why they are put together.
Most mods require Unofficial Patch v1.3 r30 or higher. What this does is fixes a lot of little errors in the game, making it run much smoother.
Ex: This patch fixes a few of the small sound bugs in the game.
Why not just download Unofficial Patch v1.3 r30? Simple, it’s outdated, and it is rare to find the full file. This has the full file, and also comes with that nice resolution fix, HD menus, small sound fixes, and a lot of other small fixes.
First, find and download the file. It is called:
Star Wars Batttlefront 2 Remaster 1.5 r2
uploaded by [GT]Anakin
[link]After downloading, you just simply need to run the .exe. Select language, and go through until it asks you where your gamedata folder is. Hit Browse… and find the GameData folder(check in the tips if you need help), click next, and let the .exe do its thing.
(CD owners of the game need to go to a directory that looks like this:
C:Program filesLucasArtsStar Wars Battlefront IIGameData
This is probably the only way a lot of mods will work properly with the CD version of the game.
I believe the GOG version is similar as well, however it may be easier to find.)
After, you should have a new icon on your desktop. If you want to use the icon, it should ask you for permission before running.
If you are like me and just open games in the steam library, do this:
Open the steam library
Right click on the game
Select “properties”
Select “set launch options”,
and type: “-resolution [your resolution]”
Here is an example if that didn’t make sense:
“-resolution 1920 1080”
Problem: SOME resolutions will bug the game. I have no idea why that is, but 1600×900 and 1920×1080 both work perfect for me.
Fix: Switch resolution to one that works.
If you are REALLY stuck with this process, please check out this video:
(This next part is kinda buggy, I don’t recommend using this, but it is all preference)
Have a high speed monitor? You can activate higher refresh speeds using this:
Activate vsync in game. vsync NEEDS to be activated.
If vsync does not cap your FPS ingame make sure vsync IS NOT deactivated in your Graphics Control Panel. This does not always fix it right away, you may need to restart your PC.
Open Steam
Go back to the Set launch options menu.
Type: “-resolution [RESOLUTION] -fixedrate [REFRESH RATE]” without the quotes of course.
Ex: “-resolution 1920 1080 -fixedrate 144”
(-lang 0 fix can also go after, I have confirmed this DOES work with all 3 commands)
Honestly, I noticed a huge change in quality in even this game by going into the Nvidia Control Panel and setting it to 144hz in my settings that way. I havent noticed any issues with my game either, but it REALLY helps with the quality.
Common bugs with high refresh rates:
Problem: Tanks, AI tanks, and AI Units are just downright insane.
Fix: No solutions that I know of.
Problem: Menu speed too fast to join multiplayer games
Fix: Start a singleplayer instant action game and exit
Side Note:
SOME mods require The Unofficial Patch 1.3 r30. Although I am a supporter of a few mods that require the older version, I absolutely recommend keeping this version of the game. The older versions have so many problems. When The Unofficial Patch 1.5 was released I was so happy on how many small things were fixed compared to the 1.3 version. However, if you would like to experience certain mods, I understand fully. To my knowledge, you HAVE to reinstall the game in order to get the 1.3 patch working OR to delete the 1.5 patch.
Another very helpful side note is, you can UPGRADE the unofficial patch without installing. Ex:
1.3 r30 is installed to the game.
I download 1.5 r2.
I CAN install 1.5 r2. This version will overwrite all the files needed to have the game work properly.
I CANNOT install 1.3 r30 over 1.5 r2. Ex:
I have 1.5 r2 installed to the game.
I download 1.3 r30.
I CANNOT install 1.3 r30. It will not overwrite the files correctly, and I am about 80% certain the game will just crash on start up.
That is it for both mods, Battlefront Remaster and the latest Unofficial Patch have both been installed.
All Game Modes For All Maps
So I am sure you want heroes vs villains on regular maps. How about the maps that only have the Clone Wars era, and not the Galactic Civil War? This mod aims to fix those very issues.
This mod is called:
+123 v2.2
uploaded by /TheWolf
[link]Download and extract the zip file in a known location.
Cut/copy the folder “BF2”. Do not do anything with the folder “DLC”, it is incomplete and I add in the official version of the DLC maps later (directly taken from the xbox port of the game).
Paste the folder “BF2” in the addon folder, which is located in the game directory
(see tips above if you do not know how to get to directory or addon folder).
THATS IT! The mod has been downloaded.
Note: This does not add both sides to EVERY map (it does some), this mod mostly adds gamemodes to other maps. This mod does actually work with SOME mod maps as well, giving them access to more game modes.
Xbox Exclusive DLC
Late 2005, early 2006, a DLC was released for the original game on Xbox. JUST the Xbox too, until the “re-release” of the game on the Xbox One. This includes:
4 Maps from the first Star Wars Battlefront (2004 if you didn’t know)
Bespin: Cloud City
Rhen Var Citadel
Rhen Var Harbor
Yavin Arena
2 Unique Characters
Asajj Ventress (this being her 2nd appearance)
Kit Fisto
This Mod has the FULL DLC, which is why I chose it apart from other mods.
(like the conversion pack mod, right after this mod)
First is finding and downloading it. It is called:
Xbox DLC and Title Update Content for PC
uploaded by iamastupid
[link]Extract the .rar file. It works the exact same as a .zip file.
Next, all you really have to do is drag-drop/copy/paste the folder’s:
DLC_XBOX
UPDATE_XBOX
Then place them into you’r addon folder. Easy as that.
Conversion Pack (The Rest of the Original Maps)
This mod is more about preference.
This mod re-made all the original maps from the first game, in this game. I CHOOSE to delete some files and have the previous mod fill in (bc that mod is the REAL DLC this one is is a remake).
There are also 2 maps in the base game, so there is no reason to include them in with a mod (especially when the mod is not as accurate to either, Battlefront 1 or 2’s, version of the maps).
This mod is called:
Marvel4’s Conversion Pack v1.1
uploaded by Robobermann
[link]Unzip the file
(The Xbox DLC mod added these already, however these are remakes, the Xbox DLC mod had actual ported maps AND characters from the real DLC, which is why I choose to delete these)
Delete the following folders:
BCC
RVC
RVH
Y4A
NBT (Naboo: City of Theed is in base game already)
TTM (Tatooine: Mos Eisley is in base game)
Copy-paste/drag-drop all the remaining folders into your addons folder.
Thats it for this mod!
Side Notes:
Deleting NBT (Naboo: City of Theed) and TTM (Tatooine: Mos Eisley) is really important, ESPECIALLY if you plan to add extra maps from other modders later on. The game has a limit on how many custom maps you can have, and if you have to many they will not work. Deleting these also helps with how your game loads.
Marvel4 had some issues with how some levels loaded (basically it was a small scripting error not fully resetting everything, causing a crash. I noticed this on his version of Theed the most), and I found the game more stable without having all of his maps in all at once, which also goes along with why I chose the real ported DLC maps instead of his custom remakes.
Also, this was not an insult to Marvel4, I think your conversion maps are actually pretty good. They crash the least out of the convo packs I have found, and work very well. As a creator myself and a fan of your work, hats off to you with full respect.
HD Lighting Graphics (Work In Progress)
For me, this mod is a must. It is as it says, an amazing graphics mods for maps. Keep in mind, this is a MAJOR overhaul on most maps, meaning it may but out lower end PCs as well as low end laptops, AND is still a work in progress.
HD Graphics Mod 2.0
uploaded by Harrisonfog
[link]Extract the folder after downloading.
Copy/paste/drag/drop the “GraphicsMod” Folder into your gamedata folder
Start the game.
Play the game.
Notice the small, but nice changes.
Rezzed Maps
Now to show you some important stuff that I should have added about a few months ago but have just been too lazy to do it until now. Rezzed maps.
I am going to use Mustafar as an example because I love Mustafar. You can use this with many other maps as well. I really recommend checking out the remaster project. Graphically, AMAZING work. I have pulled a few mods from their list just in this guide, and I recommend you check them out for sure.
ReportMustafar 1.1 by HarrisonFog
uploaded by Harrisonfog
(that was a big “DUH” moment)
Go into your gamedata folder.
Go into data
Go into lvl_pc
Go into the folder “mus” (it stands for Mustafar, other maps will be under their own names as well)
Now go play on Mustafar. Beautiful textures all over the map. A MAJOR visual upgrade.
Note: IF you want to use these to play regular multiplayer, be my guest. But keep in mind SOME maps add in new props and will not work with the base game maps. These maps should say they added in props in their description.
Improved Sides [Locals]
I have no idea why this is not included in the base Improved sides mod. Could be a file size issue with something, or storage, I am not sure. What I do know is this mod is nice to have as well, and I really recommend it, ESPECIALLY if you like the regular Improved Sides mod by Harrisonfog right after this mod. This mod HAS to go first as well, which is why I put it like this.
This mod is also more accurate to the base game than Improved Sides 2.1, making this mod essential to me whenever I download a bunch of sides mods.
This mod is most noticeable in hunt gamemodes.
As what you may have expected, this mod is called:
Improved Sides [Locals}
Uploaded by Harrisonfog
[link]Copy the side and fpm folders and go to
Game Directory (tip section for help)
GameData
data _lvl_pc
Hit paste, and replace the folders when it asks you to
(You may want to backup the original files, this change is irreversible)
There is also a readme folder to help and with details. I also believe there is a video showing how to install this mod.
There you go! New textures for the local characters.
Improved Sides 2.1 + Skin Changer BETA
This mod is completely optional. Some say this mod diverted a little too far from the base game, which makes it bad. Others say that it is a good change. Personally I do not love or hate it. I will let you decide if this is the mod for you, I just like this mod for how high quality it is.
This mod HAS to go AFTER the Improved Sides [Locals] mod.
Some maps wouldn’t even let me load in without instantly crashing if I put this mod before the Locals mod.
This mod is called:
Improved Sides Mod 2.1 + Skin Changer BETA
uploaded by Harrisonfog
[link]Extract the zip file.
Copy the SIDE and FPM folders along with the 2 lvl files and go to
Game Directory (tip section)
GameData
data _lvl_pc
Hit paste, and replace the folders when it asks you to
(you may want to backup the original files, this change is irreversible)
There is also a readme folder to help and with details. I also believe there is a video showing how to install this mod.
Known issues: Some characters do not look like they are holding the weapons, just that their hands are open with a weapon by it. This is a work in progress for this mod, I am pretty sure they are fixing this.
That is it! New Textures for most units.
On a side note, you can change character appearances in the spawn menu by hitting pause, going to the fake console and choosing the skin you would like for a certain character. This does not usually work WHILE PLAYING AS THE CHARACTER, it works once you go into the spawn menu.
Rumble Conquest
This mod is an amazing and hard gamemode. 4 sides. 3 factions of enemies…. very fun. If you pick Galactic Civil War, you can only pick sides from that period, same goes for Republic Era.
Rumble Conquest v2.0
by Rayman1103
[link]Unzip the files.
Copypaste file 4TC into the addon folder.
Play the game.
Keep in mind, some maps are still sort of buggy. Polis Masa seems to be the most buggy personally, and it gives me the most crashes. In order to have the best performance with this particular mod, you may want to skip the texture upgrades. The model and map textures are nice, but they eat up a lot of RAM, resulting in a crash.
Have Fun
This game should be fairly updated after adding these, with some better looking textures, better resolution, smoother gameplay, less bugs, a wider understanding of modding, and a pretty nice modding community to continue fueling players of this game.
There will be new options in the options menu. I recommend you check these out.
Most notable being the reward weapons, as well as the AI heroes.
These mods will work in multiplayer, BUT only if the people you play with have the EXACT same mods installed.
I do understand I repeated some things in this guide, I did so mostly because some things are too important to forget at certain steps. Ex: your game directory is super important, you can’t actually mod the game without modding… well the game.
A side note here, most of the pics below are DLC maps, which are not updated much by any rezzed map mods. Any base game maps you see are showing rezzed maps.
Here are some screenshots of MINE from the modded game:
None of these mods are MINE, this was simply a tutorial on how to use other peoples mods and get them working so that others can enjoy them as well.