How to Mod Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 on Steam

If you're looking to enhance your DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 experience on Steam with new characters, skills, outfits, or quality-of-life improvements, modding is the way to go. While it opens up a universe of possibilities, it requires careful steps to ensure your game runs smoothly and your progress remains safe. This guide will walk you through the process of how to mod Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 on Steam, covering everything from initial setup to installing your first custom content.

Essential Pre-Modding Steps for DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 on Steam

Before you dive into the exciting world of mods, a few crucial preparatory steps are necessary to safeguard your game and ensure a clean modding environment.

1. Validate Game Files

To prevent issues, start by validating your game files through Steam. This ensures all core game files are intact and uncorrupted.

1. Open your Steam Library.
2. Right-click on DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2.
3. Select "Properties," then "Installed Files."
4. Click "Verify integrity of game files..."

2. Back Up Your Save Files

Modding can sometimes affect save data. It's highly recommended to back up your current save file. This is especially critical if you need to downgrade your game version, as save files from newer versions might not be compatible with older ones.

1. Navigate to your Steam installation folder, then userdata\[your user ID]\323470\remote\.
2. Copy the DBXV2.sav file to a safe, separate folder.

3. Disable Easy Anti-Cheat

DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 uses Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC), which will prevent your game from launching with mods. You must disable it to run modded content. This means you will not be able to play online with other players using this modded client.

1. Locate your DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 installation directory (e.g., Steam\steamapps\common\DB Xenoverse 2).
2. Go into the EasyAntiCheat folder.
3. Find the file named EasyAntiCheat_x64.dll (or potentially EasyAntiCheat_EOS_Setup.exe on newer versions, according to community reports).
4. Rename this file (e.g., EasyAntiCheat_x64.dll.bak) or move it out of the folder entirely. Do not delete it, in case you ever want to play online unmodded.

Downgrading DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 (If Needed)

For many mods to function correctly, especially with new game updates, you might need to downgrade your DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 version. This ensures compatibility with existing modding tools.

1. Open Steam Console: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog. Type steam://nav/console and press Enter. This will open the Steam console window.
2. Enter Depot Codes: You will need specific depot codes for the desired game version. These codes change with updates. Always check the pinned comments or descriptions of current modding guides (like the YouTube video referenced) for the most up-to-date depot codes and patcher versions. Enter the appropriate download_depot command into the Steam console and press Enter.
3. Wait for Download: The console will begin downloading the older game files. Do not close or interact with the console until it displays "Depot download complete." This can take several minutes depending on your internet speed.
4. Copy Downgraded Files: Once complete, the console will show the path to the downloaded depot files. Navigate to this folder.
5. Replace Game Files: Open your main DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 installation directory. Copy all contents from the downloaded depot folder into your DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 directory, overwriting any existing files.
6. Verify Downgrade: To confirm the downgrade, launch the game directly from the DB Xenoverse 2\bin folder (e.g., DBXV2.exe or start.exe). Do NOT launch from Steam, as it risks auto-updating your game again. Check the version number displayed in the bottom-right corner of the title screen. It should match the target version specified in your modding guide.

Restoring Your Save File with the Save Editor (Optional)

If you had to downgrade and your original save file is incompatible, or if you simply want to jump-start a new modded playthrough, you can use a save editor.

1. Create a New Character: Boot up DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 (from the bin folder) and create a new character. Play through the initial cutscenes until you reach Conton City and the game saves. Close the game.
2. Download Save Editor: Obtain the Xenoverse 2 Save Editor (e.g., from videogamemods.com).
3. Extract and Open: Extract the downloaded files and run Xenoverse 2 Save Editor.exe.
4. Load Save File: Register your game directory and then open your new DBXV2.sav file (found in Steam\userdata\[your user ID]\323470\remote\).
5. Edit Progress: You can now modify various aspects of your save, such as unlocking characters, skills, outfits, and quests, or adjusting attribute points.
6. Save and Verify: Save your changes within the editor, then launch the game from the bin folder to confirm your modified save.

Installing the Core Modding Tools: Eternity Tools

Eternity Tools are the backbone of DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 modding. You'll need two main components: the XV2 Patcher and the XV2 Installer.

1. Download Eternity Tools: Download the latest versions of xv2patcher and XV2INS (often found as xv2patcher_X.X.zip and XV2INS.zip) from a reputable modding site like videogamemods.com.
2. Extract Files: Extract both xv2patcher_X.X.zip and XV2INS.zip into separate, easily accessible folders.

Setting Up XV2 Patcher

The XV2 Patcher enables the game to recognize and load mods.

1. Open the extracted xv2patcher folder.
2. You'll find folders like XV2PATCHER and bin.
3. Drag both the XV2PATCHER folder and the bin folder (containing dinput8.dll) directly into your main DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 installation directory, merging or replacing files as prompted.
4. Launch the game from the bin folder (e.g., DBXV2.exe). If installed correctly, you should see "Patcher" next to the version number in the bottom-right corner of the title screen. If not, recheck your installation steps and verify you downloaded the correct patcher version for your game.

Setting Up XV2 Installer

The XV2 Installer (XV2INS) is used to inject custom .x2m mods into your game.

1. Open the extracted XV2INS folder.
2. Locate and run xv2ins.exe.
3. The installer will prompt you to select your game's executable. Navigate to your DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 directory, then into the bin folder, and select DBXV2.exe.
4. After a few seconds, the installer should confirm that DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 is now mod-ready.

Adding Custom Mods to DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2

With Eternity Tools set up, you're ready to install actual mods. Mods typically come in two main types: .x2m files (for characters, skills, outfits) and installer-type mods.

Finding Mods

You can find a vast array of mods on community sites. Popular choices include:

• videogamemods.com
• Nexus Mods

Installing .x2m Mods

These are the most common type of mods and are installed using the XV2 Installer.

1. Download a .x2m mod file (e.g., a custom character or costume).
2. Open xv2ins.exe.
3. Click the + icon (usually in the top left) to add a new mod.
4. Browse to your downloaded .x2m file and select it.
5. The installer will prompt you to "install to new slot(s)." Confirm this action.
6. The mod will now appear in the XV2 Installer's list.
7. Close the installer and launch DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 from your bin folder. Your new modded content should appear in the appropriate in-game location (e.g., character selection screen, shops).

Installing Installer-Type Mods

Some mods, especially larger ones or those with specific configurations, come with their own dedicated installers.

1. Download and extract the mod package.
2. Look for an executable file (often named install.exe or similar) within the extracted folder.
3. Run this installer. It will typically ask for your DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 game directory. Provide the path to your main game folder.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to set your preferences and complete the installation.
5. Launch the game from the bin folder to see the changes.

Post-Installation Tips for a Smooth Modding Experience

To further enhance your modding experience and prevent potential issues, consider these tips:

• Rename Your Game Directory: To prevent Steam from automatically updating DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 (which can break your mod setup), you can rename your game folder (e.g., from DB Xenoverse 2 to DB Xenoverse 2 Modded). This effectively "hides" it from Steam's update checks. If you ever want to play vanilla or update, you'll need to rename it back.
• Create Multiple Saves: Beyond backing up your primary save, consider creating multiple in-game save files. This allows you to experiment with different mod setups or revert if a mod causes unexpected issues.
• Gamepad Issues (dinput8.dll): If you experience gamepad problems after installing the patcher, look for an alternative dll folder within your Eternity Tools download. It often contains a dinput8.dll file. Copy this dinput8.dll into your game's bin folder and delete xinput1_3.dll (as both cannot coexist). This often resolves controller conflicts.
• XV2Patcher UI Extensions: The XV2Patcher UI Extensions (found in Eternity Tools) offers additional features like controlling CPU allies, hiding the battle interface, or dumping auto-generated portraits. To enable these, merge its Data folder into your game's Data folder, then edit the xv2patcher.ini file (located in the XV2PATCHER folder) with a text editor to set desired options to true.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a customized DRAGON BALL XENOVERSE 2 experience on Steam. Remember to always prioritize safety by backing up files and sourcing mods from trusted communities.

FAQ

Q: Can I play Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Steam mods online?

A: No. Disabling Easy Anti-Cheat, which is a necessary step for modding, prevents you from connecting to official online servers. You can only play offline or potentially with friends in private sessions if they also have identical mod setups and bypassed anti-cheat.

Q: What if my Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Steam game updates automatically?

A: If your game updates, your mods will likely stop working, and your modded save file could become corrupted if opened on the new version. It's recommended to rename your game directory (e.g., DB Xenoverse 2 Modded) to prevent auto-updates. If an update occurs, you'll typically need to re-downgrade and reinstall your modding tools.

Q: Where can I find safe mods for Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 on Steam?

A: Reputable sites like videogamemods.com and Nexus Mods are generally considered safe sources for Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 mods. Always exercise caution when downloading files from the internet.

Q: My mods aren't showing up. What should I do?

A: First, ensure you're launching the game from the bin folder and not through Steam. Check that "Patcher" appears on the title screen. Verify that you've installed the XV2 Patcher and XV2 Installer correctly, and that the .x2m files were added via the installer. If you had to downgrade, confirm your game version matches the one intended for your modding tools.