ArchiveXL: Resource patching
Modify resources in a non-conflicting ways and reuse definitions.
Last updated
Modify resources in a non-conflicting ways and reuse definitions.
Last updated
Published: May 18 2024 by Last documented update: July 23 2024 by
The example below uses mesh materials, but these aren't even the tip of the iceberg. By using this technique, we can re-work everything, from CDPR's messed-up material paths up to the character creator.
Until the more comprehensive knowledge drops, this guide will be a placeholder.
This page explains resource patching, a very powerful ArchiveXL feature that lets you modify resources without conflicting with other mods or even game updates. Also allows you to reuse e.g. material definitions in multiple meshes, possibilities are endless!
For the most efficient way to define multiple materials, check out ArchiveXL: dynamic materials!
While ArchiveXL: body mods and refits has solved one problem, it introduced a new one. You now have a bunch of meshes inside your .archive, and you have to copy the materials across each of them.
Not only does resource patching fix that issue, it also allows multiple mods to modify the same resource without conflicts! Now you can have multiple mods add appearances to the same weapon and more.
In general, have a file that contains your changes (and only your changes), this is your "patch file". And you should know what file you want to patch, the "target file". Add the following code to your .xl file:
You can patch multiple files with the same or different files, as many as you'd like. (Don't duplicate the first two lines)
Example: If you have many meshes and want to share materials between them, don't define materials in your mesh files, instead have another mesh file with just the materials! Then add the following lines to your .xl file:
And just like that, it will work. All your meshes will have the materials you defined in your material mesh and any change to it will propagate to the patched meshes.
You can patch pretty much any .ent, .app or .mesh file! Give it a try via .xl file.
appearances (added/replaced appearances use materials from patch mesh)
After patching, appearance_black would use metal_base.remt, while appearance_black_2 would still use multilayered.mt.
You can patch appearances, components, entity, visual tags
You can patch definitions (components, parts values, parts overrides, visual tags)
Some things are scattered across multiple files — for example, there are different player entities for first and third person. Fortunately, ArchiveXL solves this problem in the cradle by defining patchable scopes. You can find examples on the github repository:
the player ent
Use them like this:
This will include all the needed files for patching without the need to specify each of them manually.
If it becomes necessary, you can expand scopes and add your own files to them. For example:
You can't overwrite scopes, and you can't remove anything from them. Only appending is possible!