Modding basics
The ideas and shared steps every Deadlock mod uses: how mods load, hero codenames, packing a VPK, and testing your mod in game.
Every Deadlock mod uses the same few ideas and steps. Learn them once here, then use them for sounds, textures, icons, and models.
What do you want to do?
How Deadlock mods work
Beginner
Start here. What a VPK is, why file paths matter, and which mod wins.
Hero names and file paths
Beginner
Look up any hero's model, skeleton, portrait, and sound paths.
Pack your mod into a VPK
Beginner
Turn your compiled files into a pakNN_dir.vpk the game loads.
Test your mod in game
Beginner
Load your mod on a private map and check every part of it.
Deadlock file types
Beginner
What each file type holds, which tool makes it, and whether you ship it.
No tools yet?
Set up your creator tools
Beginner
Install Source 2 Viewer and CSDK 12 before your first mod.