Clear database of mods and translations for the Gothic series.
Gothic 2: Yet Another Unofficial Patch
Modification Type: Enhancement
Mod Localization:
Mod Information
Yet Another Unofficial Patch (YAUP, for short) is a mod you're definitely not going to like because it takes a traditional numerical approach to roleplaying mechanics in NotR that were previously incorporated into the gameplay through player input automatically, subject to the original developers' design choices, while also containing arbitrary reimaginings of these same design choices. It's somewhat biased towards traditional roleplaying aspects where you actually roleplay your character (or at least try) as well. Plus, it certainly will not match your own internal vision of what such a project should be, to boot. If you're looking for a package that is casually friendly and has many quality-of-life features, like most modern ZenGin mods that need to mimic popular MMORPGs, then you might want to look the other way. This is an old-school approach to modding, with all its benefits and drawbacks. That being said, in terms of bug fixing and the restoration of cut content, this mod is second to none in the fandom. All while still adding new content, keeping to the general "feel" and lore of the original game, while still not being afraid to push the envelope every now and then. It comes in two versions:
"Regular Customer": this is recommended for those who don't want to experience some of the more advanced new mechanics (especially those related to combat) and dislike traditional roleplaying calculations and numeric formulae commonly found in old roleplaying games
"Serious Client": this is recommended for those who like to plan, prepare, and challenge their intellectual capabilities. Not for the faint of heart, as this mode is a serious challenge
Both versions come in one easy-to-follow and conclusive installer that minimizes any client-side prep work, keeping user convenience in mind. Keep in mind that even in the "RC" version, the vast majority of the information about the new content and mechanics is still externalized (in readmes, quick references, changelogs, and FAQs). It's up to you and you only to read it before launching the mod, but if you decide to skip on that, the mod won't discriminate and will let you succeed and/or fail at your own chosen pace.
Additionally, this is the father mod that pioneered use of Union (SystemPack v2.0) and its components (patches, plugins) here since late 2018/early 2019, paving the way for all other modifications that nowadays use it too, like L'Hiver(s), The Returning(s), Nostalgic/Atariar/Definitive Edition(s), Odyssee, Legends of Ashun, Othello, Guilds, and etc.
FAQ
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- Do I need to start a new game?
It is required. Applying this patch to an ongoing session of clean Gothic 2 NotR/Gold will result in errors. If you're updating from previous version of YAUP, you can continue as usual until said otherwise.
- Does this mod make the game harder?
Most likely. One might realize that the old tricks and exploits don't work anymore, for example. However, the current LP system still allows a rather high degree of random LPs spending like in the vanilla.
- Does it require a more powerful equipment to run?
Perhaps. Your NotR with Union runs fine? It shall the same with this unofficial patch. Still, if you're using an ancient rig, then maybe, just maybe, this mod isn't for you, in the end, but it's time for you to upgrade anyway. This mod will definitely not fare well on integrated graphic cards or APUs or anything like that, yet it's the same case for any bigger NotR mod.
- While we are at improved graphics, what about them?
One could disable, if it was enabled, antialiasing (AA) and anisotropic filtering (AF) in Gothic.ini and SystemPack.ini (zVidEnableAntiAliasing, zTexAnisotropicFiltering, and AnisotropicFiltering should be set to 0), and enable these in their graphic card's control panel, where they are definitely better optimized for looks and performance. Additionally, enabling the supersampling method for (transparency too) antialiasing will result in even better visuals. And all of that can be done very easy with game profiles, so use them.
- I want that promised, detailed list of changes in the arsenal, both conventional and magickal, including the new LP values for stuff!
A very long list ahead:
Instalation
The mod is constantly being tested for the best compatibility and performance, with the continously developed and updated Union being its base. If encountered any problems with crashes, lagging, launching, and/or stuttering, refer to the guide of "THE CRASHING, LAGGING, AND STUTTERING" section below.
At any point, it is strongly recommended to NOT install:
- any extra script patches (like Fizzban's, Lord Sargon's, Gothic II Gold UnPatch, IronKeep Community Patch, Script Patch, etc.)
- any extra script extenders (like Ninja/LeGo/Ikarus)
- any extra non Union plugins/modkits/patches (like Free Aiming, Stamina, Better Torches, Lockpick Helper, First Mage Kit, Mana Regeneration, Item Map, Autosave, Show Game Time, Always Show Important Stats, etc.)
- any extra various fixes (like Steam Fix, 4GB Patch, LAA Fix, Gothic Report v2.6 Revision 2, Final Gothic II Gold EXE, etc.)
- any extra variables editor (GVE, manual hacks, etc.)
- any extra saved games editors/fixers (GIISGE, guides, tutorials, etc.)
- any extra SystemPacks (of any versions)
Because none of these are supported in any form, since they are either incompatible/not needed, or are covered/superseded by either the mod or the Union (or Union plugins [or will be by them at some point in future]) and, in some cases, their presence will result in bugs and crashes.
This also includes the already preinstalled plugins that come with the installer:
- UnionSneakFix
- UnionSpellFix
- zBugFixes
- zCollideFix
- zMiscUtils
- zModelExtender
- zParserExtender
- zTorchControl
- zTrollStoneThrowing
Due to undocumented installation procedures the well known Spine mod manager is not supported and is discouraged for installation of ANY packages/software/modkits!
THE CRASHING, LAGGING, AND STUTTERING:
A compiled list of known causes, fixes, and solutions for the above:
0. If you experience crashes and/or lagging and/or stuttering, you should change "SaveGameToANSI = 0" to "SaveGameToANSI = 1" and "SaveDATinASCII = 0" to "SaveDATinASCII = 1" in SystemPack.ini (under "[GAME]" section).
1. If you experience crashes, you should disable Steam's game files auto validation/verification and/or Steam Overlay.
2. If you experience crashes, you should disable any windowed mode (including borderless).
3. If you experience crashes and/or lagging and/or stuttering, you should disable (or enable, if it was disabled) Windows' fullscreen optimizations for Gothic2.exe.
4. If you experience crashes and/or lagging and/or stuttering, you should disable (or enable, if it was disabled) Windows' Game Mode.
5. If you experience crashes and/or lagging and/or stuttering, you should disable (or enable, if it was disabled) Windows' Hardware Acceleration GPU Scheduling.
6. If you experience crashes and/or lagging and/or stuttering, you should disable (or enable, if it was disabled) the graphic card's shader cache for Gothic2.exe.
7. If you experience crashes, you should disable switchable multidisplay configuration and bind Gothic2.exe to only one display.
89. If you experience crashes, you should disable G-Sync for Gothic2.exe.
9. If you experience crashes, you should rename the mod archive's extension from .MOD to .VDF and move it to X:\Gothic II NotR/Gold\DATA\ installation sub directory, and then launch the game via Gothic2.exe.
10. If you experience crashes and/or stuttering, you should enable (or disable, if it was enabled) compatibility mode to Windows XP Service Pack 3 for Gothic2.exe.
11. If you experience crashes and/or lagging and/or stuttering, you should change "High DPI scale override" for Gothic2.exe to "Application".
12. If you experience stuttering and/or lagging, you should set the View Range and Object Fading settings to 200-220%.
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