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Part 109
Mafia: Definitive Edition

Part 109

Learn how to install and uninstall mods in Mafia: Definitive Edition using MafiaDataXtractor and manage game files.

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Learn how to install and uninstall mods in Mafia: Definitive Edition using MafiaDataXtractor and manage game files.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    Download and install MafiaDataXtractor in your main game folder. This program patches the Mafia rw_data.dll file to allow the game executable (.exe) to use created folders.
  2. 2
    When prompted to choose data files to extract, close the program without extracting any *.dta files.
  3. 3
    For car mods, open the mod (a community-made modification that changes the game) folder, which should contain "maps" and "models" subfolders, and possibly a readme file.
  4. 4
    A car mod replaces an existing car in the game. If the mod's file name (e.g., "arrow00.4ds") does not match a car already in the game (e.g., Pierce Silver Arrow), you must rename the file in the "models" folder to correspond to the car you wish to replace (e.g., change to "FordHOT00.4ds" to replace the HotRod). A list of Mafia car names and their corresponding file names is available.
  5. 5
    Copy the "maps" and "models" folders from your mod into your main game directory (e.g., C:\Program files\Mafia). If these folders already exist, merge the files from the mod into the existing game folders.
  6. 6
    Store your original mod folder elsewhere for later reference if you need to uninstall.
  7. 7
    The modded car should appear in the game wherever the replaced car normally appears. If you are unsure which car was replaced, consult the Carcyclopedia.
  8. 8
    For other types of mods, installation is similar: copy the mod's files into the appropriate folders. Mods do not need separate activation and can work together if they do not modify the same game files (e.g., a brand name mod and a sky mod).
  9. 9
    If a mod includes an *.exe file, follow the instructions in its readme.txt. Otherwise, the standard installation procedure applies.
  10. 10
    If a mod requires replacing original game files, consider backing up the originals in a separate folder (e.g., "Mafia-OrigFiles") for easy reversion.
  11. 11
    Larger mods may involve more folders and might require using MafiaDataXtractor to extract game folders to replace files within them. Common mod file locations include: Models (*.4ds), Maps (picture files like *.bmp, *.jpg, etc., *.dx1,*.dx2,*.dx3,*.565), Tables (*.def), Tables > Menu (*.mnu), Sounds (*.waw), Sounds > Music (*.ogg), and System (*.dat).

Uninstalling mods:

  • Delete the mod folders (typically "maps" and "models"). The game will then use the corresponding files from the *.dta archives.
  • If multiple mods are installed and you only want to remove one, identify and delete the specific files from that mod within the game's "maps" and "models" folders.
  • For large mods that required extracting all game folders using MafiaDataXtractor, which consumes significant drive space, it is often easier to uninstall the game, delete the contents of your "Mafia" folder (except for your "savegame" folder and any other desired applications), and then reinstall the game to revert to original versions.

Changing car mod appearance:

  • Use image editing software like Irfanview (free) or Microsoft Paint for simple modifications such as changing colors or images.
  • To replace a single image (e.g., a license plate), save the desired new image as a .bmp file. Resize it to match the dimensions of the original file using Image > Resize in Irfanview. Then, replace the original file with the new one.
  • To replace one image within a larger file (e.g., changing a license plate on a texture that also shows other elements), use Microsoft Paint.
Tips
  • Mod sites like mafiascene.com (previously) offer support and resources. Google Translate can be used for foreign language sites.
  • A special thanks is given to Muggy and Matteo at the mafiascene website for modding tips.
  • When installing mods, always back up original files if the mod requires replacement.
  • Store mods in a separate location so you can easily identify files for uninstallation.
  • Consider saving modding information and files, as they can disappear from the internet over time.
  • For simple color changes, Irfanview is recommended.

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