ModTek

Overview

ModTek is a mod loader for the PC version of HBS’s BattleTech, aimed at players managing mods and developers building them. Its strongest case is keeping mods separate from game files while handling prerequisites and load order; installation has a Windows-specific location caveat and a Linux security detail worth following carefully.

Key features

At startup, ModTek dynamically loads mods in the mod.json format. It resolves dependencies and sets load order without requiring edits to VersionManifest.csv, which is useful when a mod collection has prerequisites or ordering constraints. Its self-contained approach also avoids mods overwriting game files. Newer versions support DLC that the BattleTech 1.7 built-in loader lacks.

ModTek is also a development tool: its repository documents JSON and DLL mods, advanced JSON merging, manifest manipulation, and HarmonyX support. Those capabilities make it relevant to mod authors as well as players, but they are not a reason to choose it if you need a loader for a different game.

Installation involves extracting a ZIP into the BattleTech installation folder. ModTek v3 and later use UnityDoorstop to load without modifying game files, but the game should be installed outside Program Files because Windows UAC protection can interfere. On Linux, follow the environment-variable fix in the instructions; the system-wide ASLR workaround is described as obsolete and insecure.

Pricing

ModTek is free and open source under LGPL-2.1. The ModTek plan costs nothing and covers the BattleTech PC game mod loader, with injection-based loading, plugin support, load-order control, and dependency handling. There is no paid tier or trial to weigh against it.

Platforms

ModTek supports Windows, Linux, and macOS, and its installation instructions cover Steam and GOG distributions. The game must be installed outside Program Files on Windows to avoid UAC interference. Linux users should use the environment-variable fix rather than the obsolete system-wide ASLR workaround.

Who it's for

ModTek is the right fit for BattleTech PC players who want mods loaded at startup with dependencies and order handled, especially when DLC support matters. Mod authors can also benefit from its documented JSON and DLL workflows and merging and HarmonyX support. It is not a general-purpose game mod loader: its supported game is BattleTech.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Self-contained mods avoid overwriting game files, and v3 onward uses UnityDoorstop to load without modifying them.
• Pro: Dependency and load-order handling removes the need to edit VersionManifest.csv manually.
• Pro: Newer versions add DLC support missing from BattleTech 1.7’s built-in loader.
• Con: Windows users need the game outside Program Files because UAC can interfere with ModTek.
• Con: Installation requires extracting a ZIP into the game folder, and Linux users must avoid the documented obsolete system-wide ASLR workaround.
• Con: Its scope is BattleTech, so players seeking mod support for another game need a different tool.

Alternatives

For other games, the right loader depends on the title and platform. MelonLoader is a free option for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows; choose it when its game support fits better than BattleTech-specific ModTek. SMAPI is free and supports Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows, with a requirement for Stardew Valley 1.6.14 or later on Linux, macOS, Windows, or Steam Deck. BepInEx is free, open source, and offers manual installation with stable and bleeding-edge builds on Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Hollow Knight Modding API is a free loader for readers considering that alternative. MWSE is free software under GNU GPL and runs on Linux and Windows. Satisfactory Mod Loader is free, has no required dependencies, and supports Windows client and server use plus Linux servers. Baldur's Gate 3 Script Extender is free to obtain under its published license, which restricts selling software whose value substantially derives from it. Cyber Engine Tweaks is a free, MIT-licensed framework for Linux and Windows.

Browse Game Mod Loaders for more options.

Verdict

BattleTech PC players who want startup loading, managed dependencies, and load-order control should choose ModTek: it keeps mods separate from game files and adds DLC support beyond the built-in BattleTech 1.7 loader. Look elsewhere if you need a tool for another game, and account for the installation-folder caveat on Windows and the safer environment-variable fix on Linux.