# Getting started with modding

## Tools and Preparations

To perform map porting, configuration editing, and asset validation, several supporting tools are commonly used. The list below outlines recommended software solutions for working with game resources packed in `.pak` archives, editing configuration files, and viewing texture data.

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### Archive management tools

An archive tool is necessary for interacting with `.pak` files. It enables browsing, extraction, and repackaging of game assets.

**Recommendations:**

* [**7-Zip**](https://www.7-zip.org/) – lightweight and open-source; supports command-line and GUI modes.
* WinRAR, PeaZip, or Total Commander – suitable alternatives with advanced search or integration capabilities.

{% hint style="info" %}
In documentation and examples, **7-Zip** is used as the reference tool.
{% endhint %}

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### Text editors and comparison tools

Configuration files such as `.def`, `.set`, `.inc`, and `.txt` require a reliable text editor for inspection and modification.

**Recommendations:**

* [**Notepad++**](https://notepad-plus-plus.org/) – supports syntax highlighting, encoding control, and plug-in extensions.
* Visual Studio Code – an alternative with integrated file navigation and version control.
* WinMerge – useful for comparing file revisions in parallel.

**Suggested extension for Notepad++:**\
\&#xNAN;*Compare Plugin* — enables side-by-side comparison of two files.

**Install Compare Plugin:**

1. Launch Notepad++
2. Go to `Plugins → Plugins Admin`
3. Search for `Compare`
4. Check the box and press **Install**
5. Accept any UAC prompts
6. Notepad++ will restart automatically

***

### DDS viewing tools

For previewing `.dds` texture files outside of the game editor, third-party viewers can be helpful — particularly when identifying texture variants or working with PBR replacements.

**Recommendations:**

* [**DDS Viewer**](https://ddsviewer.com/) – provides standalone viewing of `.dds` files.
* [**SageThumbs**](https://sourceforge.net/projects/sagethumbs/) – adds thumbnail preview support for `.dds` in Windows Explorer.

{% hint style="info" %}
These tools are optional but may significantly improve workflow when analyzing legacy texture usage.
{% endhint %}

***

## Working with `.pak` archives

All game resources are organized into folders and archived using the `.pak` format. \
Archives that contain configuration files essential for gameplay modifications are **not encrypted**, making it possible to extract or browse files directly.

To explore the contents of `.pak` archives, you can use standard archive management tools that recognize `.pak` files as ZIP-compatible containers. These tools allow you to browse, search, and extract files using a graphical interface.

<table><thead><tr><th>Tool</th><th width="120.03515625">License</th><th>Associate .pak extension</th><th>How to Search Inside Archives</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>7-Zip File Manager</strong></td><td>Free / Open Source</td><td><strong>Tools → Options → System</strong> → Add <code>.pak</code> (requires Admin rights)</td><td>Press <code>F4</code> or go to <strong>Tools → Find</strong>, enable “Search in archives”, enter a mask or regex, and start the search.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>WinRAR</strong></td><td>Commercial (non-expiring trial)</td><td><strong>Settings → Integration</strong> → Add <code>.pak</code></td><td>Press <code>Alt + F7</code>, check “Search in archives”, set a filename mask, and WinRAR will return a list of matching files with archive context.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>PeaZip</strong></td><td>Free / Open Source</td><td><strong>Options → File associations</strong> → Add <code>.pak</code></td><td>Click the search icon or press <code>F3</code> to open in-archive search. PeaZip supports recursive search through nested folders and archives.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Total Commander</strong></td><td>Shareware (€42, trial supported)</td><td><strong>Configuration → Packer</strong> → Associate <code>.pak</code> with <code>7z.dll</code></td><td>Use <code>Alt + F7</code>, enable “Search in archives”. Advanced search supports multi-archive and nested archive scanning.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Windows File Explorer</strong></td><td>Free</td><td>Rename <code>.pak</code> to <code>.zip</code></td><td>Use the <strong>Search Tools</strong> ribbon → enable “Search inside compressed folders”. Explorer will index ZIPs and return hits like regular files.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>FAR</strong></td><td>Free / Open Source</td><td>Install 7-Zip or MultiArc plugin; associate <code>.pak</code> with ZIP-compatible unpacker</td><td>Open <code>.pak</code> archive as a directory. Press <code>Alt + F7</code> to search by filename inside archives and subfolders. Plugin must support ZIP format (e.g., 7z).</td></tr></tbody></table>


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