ModTek vs Ultimate ASI Loader

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.

Ultimate ASI Loader is a free Windows proxy DLL that loads custom .asi libraries into a game process. It supports games using Win32 or Win64 libraries such as Direct3D, DirectInput, audio, and XInput. Installation usually means placing the DLL in the game directory as dinput8.dll, or renaming it to another supported DLL name. ASI files can be stored in the game root, scripts, plugins, or update folder. When needed, global.ini belongs in scripts or plugins, and the selected DLL name can also serve as the INI filename. The update folder can hold replacement game files while originals remain untouched; removing that folder reverses the change. The loader can forward many original DLLs after renaming them Hooked.dll, and d3d8to9 support is available when it is named d3d8.dll. Crash minidumps and logs are created when a CrashDumps folder exists beside the loader. Win32 and Win64 builds are available, including smaller NoPDB archives. The repository lists an MIT license.