Modifying (JC4)

This article describes modifying Just Cause 4.

Retexturing Black Hand vehicles, giving them a forest/jungle camouflage.

For other modifying info and relevant warnings see the Modifying main article. Proceed at your own risk.

How it works

Just Cause 4 mods normally change the game by inserting files into the game's root directory to replace/overwrite the game's original files.

Most mods require a program called a "mod loader" (which automatically runs the game with the mods installed) and a "dropzone" folder to function. Mod loaders can be obtained on the same sites where mods are distributed. The mod loader creates a folder commonly called a "dropzone". Downloaded mods are normally compressed/zipped, so they have to be extracted/unpacked. The files can then be either added to the game manually, or inserted into the dropzone folder (usually the latter, in most cases). When the game is played, rather than running the game from the original game files, the mod loader implements the files in the dropzone into the program.

Obtaining mods

• videogamemods.com - The largest JC4 modding site, with ~100 downloadable mods, give or take. Most mods on this website require the use of mod loaders and dropzone folders. It is suggested to use mods from this website if you're new to modding. When compared to other mods, mods on this site are relatively simple and easy to install.
• Unlike Just Cause 2 and 3, Just Cause 4 will not have an official multiplayer mod, and will probably never have any sort of multiplayer mod.
• Modding tools for JC4 can be obtained here.
• A different set of tools is here.
• A relatively simple and easy "mod creator" (converts EE files into readable XML, and vise versa) can be found here. Once again, it's suggested to use this mod creator if you're new to modding since it's relatively easy to use. However, keep in mind that its modding capabilities are comparably very limited, and can only change the values of some variables and factors, eg. the damage of a certain weapon, or the top speed of a certain vehicle.
• Entity spawner.
• Teleporting.

Maximizing animation and cinematic content workflows for JC4

"Maximizing animation and cinematic content workflows for JC4" is a 102 page PDF, written by Brian Venisky, senior technical animator at Avalanche Studios. The PDF likely contains some information that could be relevant to modding JC4, or at least for modders to better understand the game.

Unfortunately we can not upload a file that large directly onto the wiki, but here's a link.

Additional trivial notes

• Using the "Ashen Mod Tools" to poke around the game files has revealed that when converted into human-readable XML, some files reference phrases like "unstuntify", "is bike stunting", and "is fake stunting". It's not known what this is about, but it likely has something to do with in-game stunts, or freeroam stunts.
  • As an example, Rico says special dialogue cues when he puts balloons and thrusters on cars. This means that the game has some sort of method to detect (or at least determine) whether the player is "stunting"; as such, it is reasonable to assume that these phrases are related to this.

See also

• Just Cause 4 Multiplayer, an article discussing a hypothetical multiplayer mod its problems.

Gallery

A mod (Entity Spawner) in JC4 that can spawn objects and also modify the character model of Rico. In this screenshot, he looks like Mira.

A JC4 mod that changes the colors of the Black Hand. This particular helicopter is the Spectre Attack Heli.

Same as before. The Warchief Assault Tank is repainted in a camouflage pattern. This particular design makes it resemble the M1 Abrams.

Black Hand elite soldier modified to look like a real army soldier. Same mod as before.

Black Hand machine gunner modified to wear green camouflage. Same mod as before.

Black Hand Grenadier modified to wear camouflage green. Same mod as before.

A different mod reskinning military vehicles, giving them a forest/jungle camo scheme.

Same mod as before.

Same mod as before. Warchief Assault Tank closeup.

This is a screenshot of Rico, except his skin was changed to that of a Black Hand elite, which in turn was retextured with aforementioned mod. He is holding a Niagara 9mm Bullpup and carries a Yellowstone Auto Sniper on his back. If one looks closely, they may see Rico's watch on the operator's right arm. The grappler is on the left, but not visible in this shot.

The grappler is clearly visible in this one.

Demonstration of wingsuit animation while using a completely different character model. It works just as well with all the other models in the game, except chunky NPCs like Titans that would clip through the wingsuit and themselves.

Demonstration of hoverboard animation using the reskinned model. Note the wet character texture.

This shot was likely taken with mods to spawn a group of ghosts in. Ghosts never naturally spawn all at once and in the same place, and will never clump together.

JC4 graphics mod that changes the lighting. The textures, visual details and LOD have not been changed at all, but there is still a notable difference in visual appearance, like the entire jungle being greener and looking subjectively more realistic.

The Entity Spawner can be used to spawn Cut game content from Just Cause 4 that was never used in the game but was for some reason not removed from it. This is a cut Agency Daggershark Jetboat.

A retextured Fellhawk Jet Fighter modded to increase top speed. Infinite ammo mod was applied as well.

It may look like Rico is enjoying the scenery, but his character model has been replaced with that of a Black Hand elite.

Spawning in sphere tanks with mods to make Quya's main tower look like it is exploding.

Video instructions

The ultimate Just Cause modding guide