ModTek
github.com
What it is
ModTek is a free mod loader for HBS’s BattleTech PC game. It loads mods at game startup when they use the mod.json format, allowing modders to package self-contained changes without overwriting game files. It resolves dependencies and controls load order without requiring edits to VersionManifest.csv. The project says newer versions include DLC support not present in BattleTech’s built-in 1.7 loader. It supports BattleTech installations from Steam and GOG on Windows, Linux, and macOS. Installation uses a downloadable ZIP extracted into the game’s installation folder; the instructions warn that the game should be outside Program Files because Windows UAC protection can interfere. Version 3 and later use UnityDoorstop to load ModTek without modifying game files. The repository documents JSON and DLL mods, advanced JSON merging, manifest manipulation, and HarmonyX support. The project is licensed under LGPL-2.1. Linux instructions describe a system-wide ASLR change as an obsolete, insecure workaround and provide an environment-variable fix instead.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- ModTek is a mod loader for HBS’s BattleTech PC game.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- License
- The GitHub repository identifies the project as licensed under LGPL-2.1.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Dependencies and load order
- It resolves mod dependencies and enforces load order without requiring edits to VersionManifest.csv.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- DLC support
- The project says newer ModTek versions include DLC support that is missing from the BattleTech 1.7 built-in loader.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Injection mechanism
- ModTek v3 and later use UnityDoorstop, which loads ModTek without modifying game files.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Install method
- Installation uses a downloadable ZIP extracted into the BattleTech installation folder.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Installation limitation
- The instructions warn that BattleTech should be installed outside Program Files because UAC protection interferes with ModTek.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Mod development
- The repository documents JSON mods, DLL mods, advanced JSON merging, manifest manipulation, and HarmonyX support.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Security note
- The Linux instructions describe disabling ASLR through a system-wide sysctl setting as an obsolete, unsecure workaround and provide an environment-variable fix instead.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Self-contained mods
- It lets modders create self-contained mods that do not overwrite game files.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Startup loading
- ModTek runs at game startup and dynamically loads mods that follow the mod.json format.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Supported game stores
- The installation instructions say Steam and GOG distributions are supported.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Supported operating systems
- The installation instructions list Windows, Linux, and Mac as supported operating systems.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Loads mods without overwriting game files.
- Handles dependencies and load order.
- Supports Steam and GOG distributions.
- Newer versions include DLC support.
Limits
- BattleTech should be installed outside Program Files.
- Installation requires extracting a ZIP into the game folder.
- The Linux instructions warn against a system-wide ASLR workaround.
Who it suits
ModTek suits BattleTech players who want to load compatible mods and modders working with JSON or DLL mods. It is listed for Windows, Linux, and macOS, with Steam and GOG distributions supported.
Verdict
ModTek specifies its loading approach, supported operating systems, and installation caveats. Keep the Program Files warning in mind, and follow the Linux instructions’ environment-variable fix rather than the obsolete ASLR workaround.
Where Specifiction places it
- Game Mod Loaders#11 of 267.7