ModTek vs Northstar

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.

Northstar has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.