Gothic 3: Union + Modpack - Update 1.5.3

A new version of the Union+ Modpack is out, which I noticed a bit later, but better late than never. Here I bring you the original changelog of the new modpack version. I am not currently working on the Czech translation of this new version, so don’t expect it any time soon — I need to catch up on other Myrtana-related stuff and I'm also working on the New Balance translation.Anyway, for those interested, Romanez has already prepared an English version for Union+ 1.5.3.

When I released Union+ in Czech, I mentioned that due to time constraints, I likely won’t always be able to update the Czech version immediately with every new release — it’s very time-consuming, and I need to focus on other things as well. So, you’ll just have to wait a bit for the Czech version.

New Mods

Alternative World

This modification adds new characters and new locations to the game world, such as:

• Royal Harbor

• Portwein Trelis

• Bakaresh Harbor

• Xardas’s Library

• Adanos Portal

• Increases draw distance by adding low-resolution textures

• And various other changes

  
  

INI High Draw Distance

Increased draw distance – this mod adjusts settings in g3.ini

Installing the mod alone changes nothing. To apply the new settings to your ini file, you need to click the “Apply Recommended Game Settings” button in the mod management menu ☵

There will also be an option to apply recommended settings for all mods – after installation is complete, a message will appear saying:“Mods were successfully installed” with the prompt: “Do you wish to apply the recommended mod settings?”If you choose yes, recommended settings will be applied to all mods.

Mod Updates

Reimagined ModPack – Night Theme

Version 1.1.1 (2024.10.16)

• [2024.09.23] Added a modified skeleton wooden shield icon (dragon-themed) to !Customize!\CM Shields (G2 style).

• [2024.09.23] Minor icon tweaks for QuestPaket rings: IT_RingderGuete_01, IT_RingderGuete_02, IT_RingderGuete_03.

• [2024.09.24] Added icons for customizing wolf skin and sand lurker skin to match vanilla textures.

• [2024.09.25] Added icon set for customizing snapper skin to match the original green texture.

• [2024.09.28] Added assassin armor icon set for alternative (yellow) textures to !Customize!.

• [2024.10.04] Fixed a bug where IT_Scroll_AnimalForm.tga was duplicating IT_Scroll_Timebubble.tga.

• [2024.10.08] Restored the compass (design borrowed from Forsaken Gods).

• [2024.10.12] Restored the original edge style of the maps.

• [2024.10.13] Updated icon: It_Bow_Ranger.

Achievements

Version 1.2 (2024.12.21)

• Fixed a bug where collecting strange mushrooms did not count toward the achievement "Alchemy: Happy Mushroom Picker."

• Adjusted the conditions for the achievement "Alchemy: Novice Healer."

• Technically reworked the achievements "Alchemy: Curious Student," "Blacksmithing: Cultural Exchange," and "Thievery: Everywhere and Nowhere": Teacher NPCs who fled after the revolution no longer count if the hero hasn't spoken with them.

  
  

Quest Editing

Version 1.2 (2024.12.21)

• [2024.10.17] Fixed a conflict with the Zapotek quest from the Conquest mod.

• [2024.10.25] The quest “Gifts for Gonzales” now gets canceled during the conversation with Gonzales if it was not completed beforehand.

• [2024.11.18] Fixed Russian voice-over for Ur-Gosh.

• [2024.11.26] After freeing Ben Erai, Lukar now changes his armor.

• [2024.11.26] Old coins were added to the inventory of certain important corpses (protection against despawning).

• [2024.11.26] Robar, Zuben, and Kan no longer flee when their cities are taken.

• [2024.11.26] Revolutionary quests in the enclaves can now be successfully completed even if they were previously canceled.

Alternative Stealing

Version 1.2 (2024.12.21)

• [2024.10.26] Fixed pickpocketing of Adna Butler (Pirate Dream).

• [2024.11.04] Fixed pickpocketing of the Oathbreaker (Conquest).

• [2024.12.09] Added the option to steal Wenzel’s Fire Chalice from Urkrass.

Alternative Bonuses

Version 1.2 (2024.12.21)

• [2024.12.03] Technically reworked the Classic and Rational modes.

Immersive World

• Added lighting to ore veins in the rebel camp in Redock.

• Restored the option to roast fish over fire.

Balance Ultimate

Changes in Balance Ultimate v2.2.1

General:

• The New Game Configuration mod is now required for the main modification.

• Balance Ultimate No Hard has been integrated into the main modification and no longer needs to be installed separately.

Amulets:

• Stamina Amulet – removed stamina regeneration bonus.

• Hunter’s Amulet – removed stamina regeneration bonus; melee defense bonus increased from 25 to 30 points.

• Arrow Protection Amulet – ranged defense bonus increased from 25 to 30 points.

• Wenzel’s Amulet, bonuses when worn: Ancient Knowledge +15, Melee Defense +15, Mana +30.

Rings:

• Royal Ring, bonuses when worn – Strength +15, Ranged Defense +15, Mana +30

• Weapon Protection Ring, bonuses when worn – Blade Defense +10

• Combat Defense Ring, bonuses when worn – Melee Defense +10

• Landsknecht Ring – Strength +5, Blade Defense +10, Stamina +20

• Crossbowman's Ring – Strength +5, Dexterity +5, Ranged Defense +10

• Ring: Dexterity – Dexterity +10

  • Bonus for wearing two identical rings: Stamina +25, Dexterity +5, Ranged Defense +5

• Ring: Strength – Strength +10

  • Bonus for wearing two identical rings: Vitality +25, Strength +5, Blade Defense +5

• Ring: Ancient Knowledge – Ancient Knowledge +10

  • Bonus for wearing two identical rings: Mana +25, Ancient Knowledge +5, Melee Defense +5

• Stamina Ring – Stamina bonus increased from 30 to 40

• True Magic Ring – Mana bonus increased from 30 to 40

• Tough Health Ring – Vitality bonus increased from 30 to 40

• Ring of Tirelessness – Stamina bonus increased from 50 to 80

• Vitality Ring – Vitality bonus increased from 50 to 80

• Great Magic Ring – Mana bonus increased from 50 to 80

• Energy Protection Ring – Energy defense bonus reduced from 15 to 10

• Cold Resistance Ring – Bonus reduced from 15 to 10

• Fire Resistance Ring – Bonus reduced from 15 to 10

• Nomad Ring – Fire resistance bonus +10 removed

• Northerner Ring – Cold resistance bonus +10 removed

• Novice Ring – Mana bonus +15 removed

• Summoner's Ring – Mana bonus +20 removed, Ancient Knowledge bonus increased from 10 to 15

• Mage Ring – Mana bonus +30 removed, Ancient Knowledge bonus increased from 12 to 20

• Great Mage Ring – Mana bonus +40 removed, Ancient Knowledge bonus increased from 15 to 25

• Magic Protection Ring – Fire, Cold, and Energy defense bonuses reduced from 15 to 10

• Knight’s Ring – Removed bonuses: Melee Defense +10, Blade Defense +10; Strength bonus increased from 15 to 20

• Sharp Eye Ring – Stamina bonus +40 removed, Ranged Defense bonus increased from 10 to 15

• Cat Ring – Added bonuses: Melee Defense +10 and Stamina +20

• Mastercrafted Ring – Dexterity bonus +15 removed, Stamina bonus increased from 50 to 60

• Ring with Symbols – Ancient Knowledge bonus +15 removed, Mana bonus increased from 50 to 60

• Massive Noble Ring – Strength bonus +15 removed, Vitality bonus increased from 50 to 60

Shields:

• Leather Shield – Removed stamina bonus +10, price reduced

• Small Shield – Removed dexterity bonus +5, price reduced

• Standard Wooden Shields – All bonuses removed, price reduced

• Wooden Buckler – Removed strength bonus +5, price reduced

• Knight Shields – Removed strength bonus +5 from both variants, price reduced

• Leather Shield with Ornament – Stamina bonus +20 replaced with Energy Defense +10, price reduced

• "Serpent Charmer" Shield – Stamina bonus reduced from 40 to 20, price reduced

• Triangular Shield – Vitality bonus reduced from 40 to 20, price reduced

• Shield of Silverlake – Dexterity bonus reduced from 15 to 5, Melee Defense bonus increased by 5, price reduced

• War Shield – Stamina and Vitality bonuses reduced from 32 to 20, price reduced

• Serpent Shield – Removed Dexterity and Strength bonuses +8, price reduced

• Long Shield – Removed bonuses: Dexterity +10 and Stamina +20, price reduced

• Reinforced Round Shield – Removed strength bonus +10, Melee Defense increased by 5, price reduced

• Styuvar Heavy Shield – Vitality bonus reduced from 40 to 20, price reduced

• Bone Shield – Removed strength bonus +10, Ranged Defense increased by 10

Bows:

• Magic Bow – Added Fire, Cold, and Energy Defense bonuses, each +5

• Horn Bow – Dexterity bonus +10 replaced with Vitality bonus +30

• Death Sower – Stamina bonus reduced from 50 to 30

• Wanderer’s Bow – Stamina bonus +50 replaced with Melee Defense bonus +10

• "Silent Death" Bow – Added Dexterity bonus +5

• Combat Bow – Strength bonus reduced from 10 to 5

• "Mirage" Bow – Stamina bonus +50 replaced with Blade Defense bonus +10

• "Nimrod" Bow – Added Strength bonus +10

• Demon Bow – Added Ranged Defense bonus +15, removed Stamina bonus +60

• Runic Bow – Damage reduced from 430 to 410, Dexterity requirement reduced from 440 to 425

• Varantian Bow – Damage increased from 410 to 430, Dexterity requirement increased from 425 to 440

Ammunition:

• Stunning Arrows and Bolts – Damage reduced from 20 to 0

• Stunning Arrow and Bolt Recipes – Increased purchase cost

• Regular Arrows and Bolts – Damage reduced to 1 (previously 10 for arrows and 15 for bolts)

Crossbows:

• Hunter’s Crossbow – Dexterity bonus +10 replaced with Melee Defense bonus +10

• "Bloody Death" Crossbow – Stamina bonus +40 replaced with Ranged Defense bonus +10

• "Piercer" Crossbow – Dexterity bonus +10 removed, replaced with Blade Defense bonus +10

• "Rhinoceros Hunter" Crossbow – Added Melee Defense bonus +15

• "Krahsmora" Crossbow – Added Strength bonus +15 and Vitality bonus +60

Other Equipment:

• Thief’s Club – Bonuses when equipped: Thievery Skill +20, Strength +10, Dexterity +10

• Old Straw Hat – Removed stamina regeneration bonus

• Straw Hat – Removed stamina regeneration bonus

Armors:

• Gladiator Armor – Stamina regeneration +2 replaced with Stamina bonus +90, Fire Defense bonus reduced from 25 to 15

• Orc Hunter Armor – Stamina regeneration +2 replaced with Stamina bonus +70

• Nordmarian Armor – Stamina regeneration +2 replaced with Stamina bonus +110

• Heavy Nordmarian Armor – Stamina regeneration +3 replaced with Stamina bonus +160

• Sturdy Chainmail – Stamina regeneration +2 replaced with Stamina bonus +90

• Lieutenant’s Armor – Stamina regeneration +3 replaced with Stamina bonus +160

Helmets:

• Gladiator Helmet – Stamina regeneration +1 replaced with Stamina bonus +30, Energy Defense bonus reduced from 25 to 15

• Bear Helmet – Stamina regeneration +1 replaced with Stamina bonus +50

• Einar’s Helmet – Stamina regeneration +1 replaced with Stamina bonus +40, Strength requirement reduced from 280 to 225

• Iron Guard Helmet – Vitality +20 replaced with Strength bonus +15, price increased

• Great Horned Helmet – Dexterity +20 replaced with Stamina bonus +60, added Energy Defense bonus +15, price reduced

• Horned Helmet – Strength +20 replaced with Dexterity +15, price reduced

Balance Ultimate

Changes in Balance Ultimate v2.2.1 (continued, part 3):

• Arena Champion’s Helmet – Removed stamina regeneration +1

Perks:

• Perks have been reorganized across and within categories based on functionality and attribute requirements.

• Wearing Heavy Armor – Now requires 40 points in Blacksmithing (previously 50), moved to the Other Skills section

• Sharpening Blades – Moved to Other Skills

• Paladin – Moved to Magic Skills

• Arrow Sharpening – Moved to Hunting Skills

• Hunter’s Craft – Moved to Hunting Skills, the ability to learn it from hunter Jens in Cape Dun has been restored

• Pure Ore Forging – Now requires 50 points in Blacksmithing (previously 60)

• Metal Smelting – Now requires 20 points in Blacksmithing, moved to Blacksmithing Skills

• Jewelry Crafting – Now requires 30 points in Blacksmithing, moved to Blacksmithing Skills

• Commander – Moved to Other Skills

• Leader – Moved to Other Skills

• Recovery – Moved to Other Skills

• Resistance to Weakness, Poison, Cold, and Heat – Moved to Combat Skills

• Complex Theft – Learning cost reduced from 6 LP to 5 LP

• Virtuoso Theft – Learning cost reduced from 8 LP to 6 LP, Thievery requirement lowered from 80 to 70

• One-Hit Knockout – Thievery requirement increased from 70 to 80

• Master Thief – Learning cost reduced from 12 LP to 10 LP

NPCs:

• Brenton from Redock – HP increased by 100; now equipped with a short one-handed axe instead of a regular club

• Copper from Redock – HP decreased by 100

• Givess from Silden – Now equipped with a short one-handed axe instead of a sword

• Bozep from Silden – Now equipped with a short one-handed axe instead of a sword

New Items:

• Amulet of Tirelessness – Stamina bonus +100; sold by Water Mage Nepharius near Haran-Ho’s grave

Merchant Inventories:

• Druid Porgan – Now sells the Meatbug Transformation Potion, its recipe, and the Pilgrim’s Robe

• Druid Runak – Now sells the Meatbug Transformation Potion, its recipe, and the Pilgrim’s Robe

• Druid Thorn – Now sells the Pilgrim’s Robe

Balance Ultimate

Changes in Balance Ultimate v2.3

General:

• New Balance, Knight Chronicle, and Immersive World are now required for the main modification

• The player now receives 50 LP at the start to improve their initial build

• Starting Stamina increased to 200 points

Balance Ultimate v2.3 (continued)

General (continued):

• Each new level now increases maximum Mana, Stamina, and Vitality by 2 points

• The Simple Hard Mod has been merged into the main modification and no longer needs to be installed separately

• Adaptation Transformation BU For NB is now part of the main modification

• Balance Ultimate & Immersive World are now integrated into the main modification

• Stamina has been reworked – It is now more important than Vitality for melee combat. More details to follow.

Script Configuration:

A new .ini configuration for New Balance – overall, the game is now more difficult than the original New Balance but offers greater flexibility for building your custom starting character. See the "General" section for more.

For warriors, it is recommended to split the 50 LP evenly between Stamina and Vitality, each up to 400 points.

A mage can learn Fireball or a similar spell right from the start. An archer can invest in Dexterity or Trophy Collection to take out enemies before they get too close.

Each class offers a unique gameplay experience, and the limits are set by the player.

The increased difficulty is due to a new mechanic – NPCs now deal 100% of their weapon’s damage, whereas previously (including in the original game), only 15% was applied. This made armed enemies paradoxically weaker than wild animals.

This change significantly impacts the variety of enemies – for example, ogres are now extremely powerful early-game foes, and their strikes can deal up to 400 HP damage.

Companion equipment now matters – weapon type, damage type, and strength are relevant, not just HP like before.

Stamina regenerates at 20 points per tick.

Blade sharpening, weapon blessings, and hand-forged weapons now all provide a fixed +25 damage bonus.

Alchemy:

• Stamina, Vitality, and Mana potions now have fixed values: +300, +500, +700, and +100% for the strongest variants. Each attribute has 4 potion tiers.

• Added combined potions:

  • Recovery (HP/MP)

  • Regeneration (HP/SP)

  • Energy (MP/SP)

• Added a recipe for a 100% potion crafted from 4 small ones (like in Gothic 2).

• Added recipes for common wine and rice schnapps.

• Added a new wine type: "Wine – Trelis Vineyard" with useful effects.

• Added 2 types of sake:

  • Sake – Varant

  • Sake – Heart of the Desert

• All alcoholic beverages, recipes, and sources have been reworked. For example, the Myrtana Wine recipe can now be found with merchants in Myrtana.

• Vitality potions now require schnapps instead of water for crafting, while stamina potions now require water instead of schnapps.

Food and Cooking:

• All food effects have been reworked – bonuses are now fixed.

• Many recipes have been changed.

• Food bonuses now correspond to the value of ingredients used.

Weapons:

• All weapons in the game have been reworked. Special attention was given to one-handed axes and clubs, which now no longer require the "Heavy Weapons" perk, only "Swordsmanship".

Balance Ultimate:

• Short one-handed swords and daggers – Many now provide bonuses when dual-wielded.

  • Daggers are dexterity-based weapons and also grant Blade Defense bonuses.

  • Rapiers are dexterity weapons that add Dexterity bonuses.

  • This opens up new possibilities for unique dexterity-based builds.

• Around 50 new weapon variants were added using existing models, with new names and descriptions.

  • The goal is to increase variety and reduce scarcity of certain weapon types – e.g., more halberds, daggers, one-handed maces, and axes.

Skills:

• Skills for harvesting animal and reptile hides, claws, and horns no longer require additional Dexterity.

• Perks have been reorganized in the perk menu based on logic, aesthetics, and increasing requirements.

• Shield-handling skills now only require Stamina – full shield mastery requires 400 Stamina.

  • Since Stamina is consumed while blocking and affects damage reduction, it essentially acts as a second health bar.

  • Because stamina regenerates at 20 points per tick, it protects you more efficiently than HP, which only regenerates via potions.

Merchant Inventories:

• Alchemist inventories have been reworked – they now sell more water, wine, Rice Schnapps, and small/large alchemy flasks.

• Food vendors and innkeepers now offer a wider variety of ingredients and larger quantities for cooking.

• Blacksmith and rebel armorer inventories have been completely reworked.

  • They now include rare weapons and reset every 7 in-game days.

  • You can now buy weapons and ammo that were previously only available in cities like Gota.

Magic & Spells:

• All branches of magic have been reworked.

• The Ancient Knowledge requirement has been lowered – now 300 points is enough to learn all spells.

  • However, this is not a simplification, but a balancing measure to prevent players with high Ancient Knowledge from becoming too overpowered.

• The LP cost for learning offensive spells has been increased.

Update 1.5.1

Balance Ultimate:

• Beliar’s Amulet has been added to the inventory of the Gotha demon.

• The second regular demon heart was removed from the Gotha demon’s inventory.

• Golem hearts once again deal magic damage.

Menu Ultimate:

• The menu now functions properly – technical fix.

  
  

Update 1.5.2

INI High Draw Distance:

• The mod was split into two separate versions with different presets:

  • Normal

  • Ultra

• You can switch between presets at any time – see the mod description for details.

Balance Ultimate:

• Sand Lurkers now have their skins added to their inventory.

• Swamp Lurkers now have their skins added to their inventory.

Update 1.5.3

INI High Draw Distance:

• Now split into three separate mods with different presets:

  • Ultra – For high-performance PCs, especially with Nvidia GPUs. Offers the maximum draw distance supported by the game engine.

  • Normal – Performance-optimized draw distance. Recommended for mid-range setups and AMD/Intel GPUs.

  • Original – Original game settings, focused on maximum performance.

    
    

Balance Ultimate:

• Sand Lurkers now have their skins added to inventory.

• Swamp Lurkers now have their skins added to inventory. (Note: also mentioned in 1.5.2 – likely a fix or reimplementation.)

Menu Ultimate:

• Expanded inventory menu.

• Changed compass design.

• Increased highlight visibility – it's now easier to see which item is currently equipped.