How can I install or create CK2 Modding? This step-by-step guide covers everything from what newbies should know to advanced tuning like the one modder Benjamin Pearce employs.
CK2 is one of the most popular grand strategy games, and modding allows creators to freely edit the game however they want. This guide takes you through every step, whether you’re installing mods for the first time or making your own, with the insights of Benjamin Pearce, a notable CK2 modder.
How to Install CK2 Mods
Step 1: Locating Your CK2 Modding Folder (Windows/Mac/Linux)
When you download a mod for Crusader Kings II (CK2), you will need to install it properly. Here is where CK2 looks for mods installed by the user. This folder can have different locations depending on your operating system.
For Windows:
Path: For Windows:
- The path is Documents/Paradox Interactive/Crusader Kings II/mod
- Navigate to Documents in File Explorer
- Navigate to the Paradox Interactive folder and open up Crusader Kings II.
- In this, you will see a folder named ”mod”—this is where you place the downloaded mods.
For Mac:
Path: ~/Library/Application Support/Crusader Kings II/mod
- Open Finder and hit Command + Shift + G.
- Hit enter and you’ll be in your user folder, and now type ~/Library/Application Support/Crusader Kings II/
- Find the CK2 Modding folder and copy your mod files here.
- You may not see the Library folder because it’s hidden. Press Command + Shift + . (dot) to reveal hidden files.
For Linux:
Path: ~/.paradoxinteractive/Crusader Kings II/mod
- Launch a terminal (Ctrl + Alt + T).
- Type cd ~/. Go to paradoxinteractive/Crusader Kings II/mod and hit Enter.
- If the folder does not exist, create it with:
- mkdir -p ~/. paradoxinteractive/Crusader Kings II/mod
- If your CK2 Modding doesn’t show up, check your user account permissions with chmod -R 755 ~/. paradoxinteractive/Crusader Kings II/mod
By placing mod files in the correct directory, CK2 will detect them when you open the game launcher. Now, you can proceed to the next step: Downloading Mods Safely
Step 2: Downloading Mods Safely
To avoid corrupt files and viruses, download CK2 Modding only from trusted sources:
1. Steam Workshop (Official and Safest)
Why Use It?
- Registered platform with Steam integration.
- Automatic updates: mods update whenever the creator pushes changes.
- Installable with a single click, automatically installing the mod.
- Safe and verified mods are hosted by Steam and reduce the risk of viruses.
How to Use Steam Workshop:
- Launch Steam and head on over to your Library.
- Search for Crusader Kings II and select it.
- Click on the Workshop tab.
- Scroll and then hit Subscribe on any mod you wish.
- Open the game, and the mod will show up in the Mods tab of the launcher.
- Steam Workshop mods work only if you own the game on Steam. You can use Steam; if you have a non-Steam version, you need to use other sources.
2. Paradox Mods (Direct from the Developers)
Why Use It?
- Paradox Interactive (CK2’s developer) official modding platform
- Users of non-Steam versions of the game.
- Direct downloads need to be installed manually, but it is safe and reliable.
How to Download from Paradox Mods:
- Visit Paradox Mods.
- Crusader Kings II mod search.
- Download the mod files.
3. ModDB (Community-Driven Mod Repository)
Why Use It?
- Large collection of CK2 mods, including older and niche mods.
- Support all versions of CK2 (Steam, GOG, Paradox Launcher, etc.)
- User reviews and mod descriptions are often enough to be able to tell if a mod is worth committing to.
How to Download from ModDB:
- Visit ModDB.
- Search for the mod you want.
- Download the .zip or .rar file.
- Unpack the contents in the CK2 mod directory.
- Launch the game with mod enabled and enjoy the game.
Limitations:
- Not all mods are guaranteed to be up-to-date with the latest version of the game.
- You have to update and troubleshoot mods by hand.
Which Source Should You Use?
Steam Workshop: The best choice for Steam users who want easy installation and auto-updates.
Paradox Mods: Ideal for non-Steam users who need official support
ModDB: Great for unique or older mods that may not be available elsewhere.
With these two reliable sources, your CK2 modding can go through without a hitch.
Step 3: Activating Mods in the Launcher
After downloading, launch CK2 and follow these steps:
- Once you have it downloaded, please open up CK2 and do the following:
- Open the Paradox Launcher.
- Navigate to the Mods tab.
- Put a checkmark in the box next to your installed mod.
- Now click Play to load up the modded game.
Troubleshooting: Common Errors & Fixes
- Mod not appearing in the launcher? Ensure the .mod file is in the correct directory.
Game crashes on startup? If the mod is not working, check it; it might be conflicting with another mod. - Textures not loading? Delete the cache (Documents/Paradox Interactive/Crusader Kings II/gfx) and relaunch.
Best CK2 Mods Recommended by Benjamin Pearce
Top 5 Overhaul Mods
- A Game of Thrones (AGOT), bringing the land of Westeros to CK2.
- Historical Immersion Project (HIP) adds more mechanics to increase historical accuracy.
- After the End Fan Fork, A post-apocalyptic North America setting.
- CK2+, Website CK2+ adds some depth to the vanilla game.
- The Elder Kings, a total conversion mod for the universe of Elder Scrolls.
Benjamin Pearce’s Quality-of-Life Mods
- Improved Character Portraits, Better-Looking Garbs
- Interface Century Gothic refreshes the UI.
- More Bookmarks+ gives more launch dates in history.
Creating Your CK2 Mods
Tools You’ll Need for Basic Modding:
- Notepad++, for editing .txt and .mod files.
- GIMP/Photoshop, if you want to edit the textures.
- CK2 Modding SDK, Paradox forums.
Editing Game Files: A Beginner’s Template
This is how to create a very simple mod:
- Make the mod folder: In the CK2 mod dir, create a new folder named after your mod.
- Create a mod file: This is what tells CK2 how to load your mod.
- Edit event file: Go to events and edit an existing .txt file or create a new one.
- Test your mod: Enable it in the launcher and look for errors.
Testing & Debugging Your Mod
- When run in debug mode (-debug in launch options), errors should be caught.
- Check the error. log file located in Documents/Paradox Interactive/Crusader Kings II/logs.
- Test everything live here with console commands such as reload_events, etc.
Where to Find Benjamin Pearce’s Work
To further explore Benjamin Pearce’s mods and guides:
- Steam Workshop: Look at the mods he published.
- Paradox Forums with in-depth modding explorations
- YouTube/Twitch: If he has tutorial videos, those are good for learning.
FAQs
- How do I install CK2 mods?
Place the downloaded mod files in the CK2 mod folder and enable them in the launcher. - Where is the CK2 mod folder located?
- Windows: Documents/Paradox Interactive/Crusader Kings II/mod
- Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/Crusader Kings II/mod
- Linux: ~/.paradoxinteractive/Crusader Kings II/mod
- What are the best sources to download CK2 mods?
Steam Workshop, Paradox Mods, and ModDB are the safest and most reliable sources. - Why isn’t my CK2 mod showing in the launcher?
Ensure the .mod file is in the correct directory and restart the launcher. - Can I use Steam Workshop mods on a non-Steam version of CK2?
No, Steam Workshop mods require the Steam version of the game. - How do I troubleshoot CK2 mod errors?
Check the error log in Documents/Paradox Interactive/Crusader Kings II/logs and disable conflicting mods. - What are the best overhaul mods for CK2?
Popular overhaul mods include AGOT, HIP, After the End Fan Fork, CK2+, and The Elder Kings. - How can I create my CK2 mod?
Use Notepad++ for editing, create a .mod file, and test changes in debug mode. - Where can I find Benjamin Pearce’s CK2 mods?
Check Steam Workshop, Paradox Forums, or his social media for mod releases. - Is CK2 modding difficult for beginners?
No, with basic knowledge of text editing and game files, anyone can start modding.
Why Modding CK2 is Worth It
CK2 Modding can change the rules of the game from mechanics, storylines, history, and many other unique features. Whether you wish to broaden diplomacy, develop warfare, or just play in a historical setting, mods can make CK2 feel new and exciting each time you play.
When it comes to mods, as long as you download and install them correctly, they all should run seamlessly without any issue. Steam Workshop, Paradox Mods, and ModDB are some of the most trusted sites to find mods, which also save you from corrupted files and compatibility issues.
If you are interested in making your mods, learning how to navigate CK2’s game files, figuring out the options and modding tools you can work with, and learning how to test/debug, can lead you to making fantastic custom content to expand and refine the game for yourself and the CK2 community.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to install, troubleshoot, and even create your mods while avoiding common pitfalls.
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