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ModTek

ModTek is a free, open-source mod loader for HBS’s BattleTech PC game.

Place
#11 of 26
Score
6.0
ModTek's website

What ModTek is

ModTek is a free, open-source mod loader for HBS’s BattleTech PC game. It loads mods that use the mod.json format when the game starts, allowing modders to package changes without replacing game files. It manages mod dependencies and load order without requiring edits to VersionManifest.csv. The project says newer versions support DLC, which the built-in loader in BattleTech 1.7 lacks. ModTek supports Windows, Linux, and macOS, and the installation instructions cover Steam and GOG versions of the game. Setup uses a downloadable ZIP extracted into the BattleTech installation folder. Version 3 and later use UnityDoorstop to load ModTek without modifying game files. The project documentation covers JSON and DLL mods, advanced JSON merging, manifest manipulation, and HarmonyX support. The software is licensed under LGPL-2.1. On Windows, the instructions warn that UAC protection can interfere if BattleTech is installed in Program Files. Linux guidance calls a system-wide ASLR change obsolete and insecure, and gives an environment-variable alternative.

Good

  • Free and open source under LGPL-2.1.
  • Handles mod dependencies and load order.
  • Supports DLC in newer versions.
  • Supports Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Watch out

  • Requires BattleTech; no other supported game is listed.
  • Program Files installation can interfere on Windows.
  • Linux instructions warn against a system-wide ASLR workaround.

Who it suits

ModTek suits BattleTech players who want to use compatible mods, and modders building JSON or DLL-based additions. It supports BattleTech installations from Steam and GOG on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Verdict

ModTek provides startup loading and dependency management for BattleTech mods across three desktop operating systems. Installation location matters on Windows, and Linux users should follow the environment-variable guidance rather than the obsolete system-wide workaround.

Plans and prices

From ModTek's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
ModTekFreeBattleTech PC game mod loader

The facts

Each one read from ModTek's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Dependencies and load order
It resolves mod dependencies and enforces load order without requiring edits to VersionManifest.csv.checked 4 Oct 2026
DLC support
The project says newer ModTek versions include DLC support that is missing from the BattleTech 1.7 built-in loader.checked 4 Oct 2026
Injection mechanism
ModTek v3 and later use UnityDoorstop, which loads ModTek without modifying game files.checked 4 Oct 2026
Installation limitation
The instructions warn that BattleTech should be installed outside Program Files because UAC protection interferes with ModTek.checked 4 Oct 2026
Install method
Installation uses a downloadable ZIP extracted into the BattleTech installation folder.checked 4 Oct 2026
License
The GitHub repository identifies the project as licensed under LGPL-2.1.checked 4 Oct 2026
Mod development
The repository documents JSON mods, DLL mods, advanced JSON merging, manifest manipulation, and HarmonyX support.checked 4 Oct 2026
Purpose
ModTek is a mod loader for HBS’s BattleTech PC game.checked 4 Oct 2026
Security note
The Linux instructions describe disabling ASLR through a system-wide sysctl setting as an obsolete, unsecure workaround and provide an environment-variable fix instead.checked 4 Oct 2026
Self-contained mods
It lets modders create self-contained mods that do not overwrite game files.checked 4 Oct 2026
Startup loading
ModTek runs at game startup and dynamically loads mods that follow the mod.json format.checked 4 Oct 2026
Supported game stores
The installation instructions say Steam and GOG distributions are supported.checked 4 Oct 2026
Supported operating systems
The installation instructions list Windows, Linux, and Mac as supported operating systems.checked 4 Oct 2026

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