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GRID 2 Mod Support

Source: Codemasters' GRID 2 Data Modification document (v1.0).

GRID 2 ships some files protected against modification. This document describes why they exist, how the game's mod support is enabled, and what a mod may and may not replace. It is Codemasters' own description of the system, reproduced here for reference.

Why protected files exist​

Some of the game's files are protected against modification. This is intended as a defense against cheating, mostly during online play but also when setting lap times or earning achievements. When a protected file modification is detected the game disables online access, achievements and also saving. A player who modifies a protected file cannot save their progress.

Codemasters added basic support for modified data so that players who mod the game with no intent of inconveniencing others can still have their progress saved. When that support is enabled the game saves, but into a save separate from the one used by the unmodified game.

Enabling mod support​

Support is enabled via a configuration file passed to the game when it launches. The configuration file is a simple XML file that lists one or more directories, each containing a mod:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<ModList>
  <Mod Path=".\My Mod 1" />
  <Mod Path="c:\Some Mods\My Mod 2" />
  <Mod Path="e:\Some More Mods\My Mod 3" />
</ModList>

To launch the game with mods:

  • Right-click "GRID 2" in the Steam library
  • Select "Properties"
  • Click "Set Launch Options"
  • Insert -mod followed by the path to your configuration file, for example -mod "c:\GRID 2 Mods\configuration.xml"
  • Click "Ok"
  • Run the game

Remove this launch option to run the game normally.

Search order and compatibility​

When the game tries to load a file it searches the mod directories in the order they are listed. If it finds the file it is looking for it loads it, otherwise it uses the original file. If the same file is present in multiple mods, the game loads the first one it finds, which may cause compatibility issues between mods.

Setting up a mod​

Start with an empty directory, then take the files from your mod and lay them out in the same directory structure that the game uses. Add the path to that directory to the configuration file as described above.

Files that cannot be replaced​

Modification of certain files is not supported by this system. These are:

  • raceload.jpk
  • dr.nic

...plus any files in the following directories:

  • system
  • download

The game ignores any instances of these files in a mod.

DLC cars and tracks​

The DLC packages are stored in the download directory. They cannot be modified. However, files stored within the packages can be overridden if you own the package in question. For example, to replace files for the Dallara IndyCar from the IndyCar pack, add them to a cars/models/ind directory within your mod as if it were one of the normal cars.

The codes the game uses to identify the currently available DLC cars are:

240, 370, 722, b12, cam, civ, cr2, e32, evx, go2, gtr, ind, ma2, mpg, r32, rx2, stk, wrx, z22

Local work directory​

The local GRID 2 work directory mirrors the unpacked game tree, so a mod directory can copy its structure from there. It contains, among others, the directories ai/, anims/, audio/, cars/, effects/, frontend/, language/, racetypes/, replay/, shaderpack/, tracks/, video/, plus the loose files surface_materials.xml, wet_materials_remap.xml, car_monitor_setup.xml and example_benchmark.xml.

Troubleshooting: a mod still will not save​

If a mod made with this method still will not save progress, check whether the game's installation directory was previously modified. If one of the protected files was modified, saving stays disabled. Restore GRID 2 to its default state and verify the integrity of the game cache before trying again.

Disclaimer​

The "GRID 2 Data Modification" functionality was developed with the core community in mind, to aid players who have a keen interest in modifying the game. Codemasters cannot encourage any modification of GRID 2 as it carries inherent risks to data integrity and code stability; any modification is carried out at the player's own risk, and nothing in this document supersedes the GRID 2 Software License Agreement.