BG3's Hotfix 18: Fixing Broken Script Extender for Modders
So as of today (2/20/2024) Larian released Hotfix #18 to BG3. For those of you that are like me and enjoy modding the game, you've probably found Norbite's Script Extender is broken and a bunch of, if not all of, your mods are broken.
For those unfamiliar, Script Extender is what allows modders to use mods that use files, colors, commands, and models that aren't native to the innate code of the core game. Script Extender allows mod developers to extend the game's code so it will run normally alongside modded codes that alter, add, or remove features from the game.
Norbite has gone on-record saying that they do not know when they'll be able to fix this issue, as they had only just finished updating SE for Patch 6. Hotfix 18 changed some of the fundamental files within the game that will take longer and be more frustrating to fix, and there currently is no estimate for when SE will be fixed for Hotfix 18.
If you play using Steam, here's how you can roll back your game to Patch 6 and get Script Extender and your mods back:
Go into BG3's /bin folder. This is usually found in C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Baldurs Gate 3\bin on most default downloads for PC.
Save/back up the original files in there.
Open your PC's Run menu (Win+R)
Write in the command: steam://open/console
Press Enter
Steam's engine should open automatically. You should see a blank page with a text window at the very bottom. This is Steam's console command menu.
In the command line, type the command: download_depot 1086940 1419652 8231067205656009020 [<delta manifestid>] [<depot flags filter>] : download single depot
Press enter. Steam should begin to download a few MB's worth of files.
Once steam finishes downloading, the same command screen will show you the exact file route where the newly downloaded folders were placed.
Open the new folder. There should be multiple different files of different types.
Copy all of the new files (Ctrl+A + Ctrl+C works)
Go back to BG3's original \bin within your Steam\steamapps\common\Baldurs Gate 3 path (see Step 1)
Paste (Ctrl+V) the new files into your \bin folder.
You should receive a prompt asking if you want to replace the files. Choose yes. (This is why you backed up the original files)
Close out of the folder and run BG3. You should receive a Data Mismatch warning from the LariLauncher. Ignore this and launch the game.
You should be able to enjoy your mods again
