XCOM 2 AML (Alternative Mod Launcher) Installation Tutorial & How To Verify Your Game/Reset Config

This applies to both XCOM 2 and the expansion War of the Chosen (WOTC)
This goes without saying I feel, but please watch the video in its entirety before asking your questions, I tried very hard to explain every facet. That being said, I'm a bafoon sometimes and skip things, so questions are encouraged!
Main AML Link: github.com/X2CommunityCore/xc...
JZIP link: www.jzip.com/
T3 (The Tommy Trials) KZbin Channel: / thetommytrials
T3 (The Tommy Trials) Discord (For Gaming/Channel Purposes Mainly): / discord
Mod List: steamcommunity.com/sharedfile...
#Tutorial
#Mods
#XCOM2

[@The_ONIBushido]

12:10-14:10 for verifying files and cleaning up. This was incredibly helpful and I will use and suggest this video for newer modders. Thanks a lot!

[@ItilayItshay]

Hadn't played in a long while and tried to launch a game with all my old star wars mods and nothing was working. The AML showed me how i was missing around a dozen dependency mods that had been changed/updated over the years. I never would have found out how to run this game with all my star wars stuff without this video. Much appreciated! :)

[@Mustang1984]

Yea i added a few mods(cosmetic) and ALL my UI mods stopped working and i was stumped. Found a thread about this launcher and it fixed everything, it's amazing and needs more attention.

[@DigitalAgeHermit]

Hey, just wanted to say thanks for the video. I'd been struggling with stability issues ever since I first started modding X-Com; had always wondered how to diagnose where the issue was coming from. I followed your instructions, and it made the issue very clear with a small amount of effort. Now the game runs super smooth. Un/fortunately, that means I'll probably be sinking many hours into my pretty heavily modded up game in the next while. Cheers!

[@thoseovtheunlight723]

Tommy, you are the best. I never heard of your channel before, but I was banging my head against the wall all afternoon trying to get LWOTC to work. You are the reason I cleared it up. Needed the AML launcher and the config clear. Thank you so much!

[@TheTommyTrials]

Glad to help!

[@the_soggster3464]

The newest version of this mod loader automatically found my mod directory for XCOM 2 just a heads up.

[@andrewrogers2567]

Does this mod actually make it where your workshop mods work again for the game?

[@gekko444]

@@andrewrogers2567 AML should work properly

[@MsPuffykinz]

@@andrewrogers2567 yes. it did for me. if i understand what ur asking correctly that is.

[@Toadyru]

Program version: 1.4.1 All my mods came up when I first launched the program (mods were from steam workshop). Easy-peasy. The program does all the heavy lifting.

[@blueview3918]

Excellent guide, it helped with some of my issues so thank you, still trying to figure out the missing dependencies fix.

[@TheTommyTrials]

I know with my mod list I’m currently using, I’m “missing” 50 some dependencies. I have mods that include what they need, but the launcher doesn’t know that. I’m not saying thats your issue, but thought I’d offer that

[@jasemalvis2140]

Imma try this in a little bit but it seems very reliable, that is to say this video and the mod launcher itself. Thank you for making this, I saw your mod showcases before and I was pleasantly surprised to find you made a video about this launcher too!

[@sandman25654]

Awesome. The profile explanation is exactly what I needed to know, many thanks.

[@ArtemisChurch1367]

I'm years late but I wanted to say thank you for the comprehensive and rather quick guide, compared tp modding Medieval 2 this is a breeze, thanks!

[@benrogers4613]

Hey! This tutorial was amazing useful! Thank you so much!

[@Aluminator82]

This launcher is even more reliable than 2k's launcher for unmodded game. I can't launch the game with standard launcher without crashing. Thanks to this I can finally play and enjoy the game!!

[@TheTommyTrials]

Not to mention some amazing features! Such as the fact that it tells you if there is a conflict, or when you are missing a mod that's needed for everything to run right!

[@mrpaintwolf2010]

Thank you for the tutorial, also that is a kickass backround!

[@NegatorUK]

Many thanks for making this video, I just got started with LWoTC and this has filled in some critical holes for me. The mod seems to be starting with no issues but it is just early days right now.. It might be nice to see an actual installation guide for LWoTC because it's not very intuitive and the reasons for the convoluted process seems to be a combination of a key sub-mod not being on the workshop and the original Firaxis loader being borked. There be darkness out there if you are in a light-dispensing mood ;-)

[@fredriskid5449]

Helped me understand the process immensely.

[@sonico1742]

Really thanks for the video and the tips at the end i really wanted a mod to work and start working thanks to you

[@TheTommyTrials]

Saweeeeeet! (Extended pronunciation of sweet!)

[@Groggyracer]

You sir, just saved my game. I had a bunch of base XCOM 2 mods (One million colours and voice packs) and the new launcher wont load them however AML does!

[@TheTommyTrials]

That’s awesome! Yay!

[@zaanenjames5513]

thank you an extensive step by step. and also the helpful tips n such

[@TannaTuver]

This was very helpful, thanks a lot!

[@LeeAndergen]

Works perfectly so far, thanks!

[@YelMalanta]

Thank you! This saved me from having non-clonetroopers in my play through!

[@TheTommyTrials]

Malanta so happy I helped!!!

[@gho5tspartan26yt]

Yea, can you help me please? My game is being stupid af.

[@XpVersusVista]

@@gho5tspartan26yt its not the game, its you who is being "stupid af".

[@johnmccabe4126]

Even 4 Years Later this was really Helpful thank you very much!

[@TheTommyTrials]

Glad it’s still useful! As an aside, you don’t need any programs to unzip the files. Windows does that now. (It might have always done it, I’m not entirely sure)

[@johnmccabe4126]

@@TheTommyTrials Oh well that's neat, I Appreciate the info.

[@TomasGonzalezOrtega]

Thanks Tommy, your video was pretty helpful, somehow my Mods got only recognized after adding that intermediate path you suggested it was not fully necessary. Believe it or not lol

[@joseluis_tr2964]

Thank you!! It was very helpful. :)

[@TheTommyTrials]

I am so happy it helped!!!!!

[@luqboyslamoseni6243]

This was very helpful, thank you mate, truly.

[@lekoe961]

Excellent Video. Works like a charm, thanks

[@vandujrgaming4340]

When I downloaded AML (version 1.4.1) it already had my steam and mod paths set. Also, the interface seems to have updated slightly since this video released, as "settings" is now under "options" in around the same spot. (Most people with common sense can figure that out).

[@TheTommyTrials]

Excellent! Thanks!

[@InsulinPlease]

Replying to this as it’s the most recent comment. any idea how to get Console commands to work using the AML? I see they’re already added in the quick arguments, and I clicked the Enable box, but whenever I hit the ~ key, the command box doesn’t open in game.

[@TheTommyTrials]

@@InsulinPlease might want to make sure it’s also enabled on the launch arguments of steam. That might fix your problem :)

[@amberkobato2271]

Thank you pal, finally i can use again the Mercy (from Overwatch) voice pack again =)

[@johnadil3155]

This was hilarious, the tone of voice, oh my god. Thanks though this was v helpful

[@TheTommyTrials]

Your welcome! Even if it comes at the expense of my pride 😅

[@themoltenedge1148]

Howdy, just helping the algorithm

[@TheTommyTrials]

Bless you!

[@pascalschindler6053]

Amazing! Finally it works! Thanks man!!!

[@archeverything]

Thanks for this viddy brah. I've been avoiding XCOM 2, even though I've wanted to do a 40K playthrough for a while, because of the newer launcher. I've had great times with Star Wars playthroughs on the old launcher and the newer one really rained all over my XCOM 2 parade, full downpour.

[@TheTommyTrials]

Yeah, the aml really helps me do multiple runs with tons of different mods.

[@JCMV_exe]

Thank you very much for the help, with the vanilla launcher I could not use certain mods and with this everything is solved

[@TheTommyTrials]

JC .MV I am so happy it helped you! That’s great!

[@JCMV_exe]

@@TheTommyTrials but I have a question: how can I activate the command console? It is already solved, I did not see the section of "Active arguments" XD but thanks again for the video

[@TheTommyTrials]

JC .MV no worries. I’m actually making a video about that. I’ll try and give you written instructions this evening!

[@JCMV_exe]

@@TheTommyTrials This fixed, you just have to put "-allowconsole -log -autodebug" in the section "active arguments" in settings ;)

[@spyrow9957]

Thank you so much for this video. This was amazing

[@jonathanaguilar4949]

helpful video. thanks a bunch my guy. your awesome

[@subpar2283]

This was very helpful, thank you for this

[@jacobbreslin1481]

Do you have any fixes for the " Error detected attempting load of package:" followed by a mod name. I use Admiralbahroos mod set which ive seen work fine. Out of the 253 mods in the pack i end up having to disable most spark related stuff and when i make a mech soldier in the game he cant equip anything which im guessing is because of the mods it makes me disable.

[@gbnam21]

I have been able to download mods from steam, but how do I use mods from NEXUS? There are some mods from Nexus that I wanna use but AML keeps saying its missing steam ID

[@Unknown_Shade]

Brother, I am happy I can finally play again!

[@TheTommyTrials]

I am so happy it helped!!!

[@israelgonzalez9386]

i couldn't play xcom 2 because the game wasnt executed in steam, but with this launcher i finally can play, thank you man

[@TheTommyTrials]

Glad it helped! It’s a bit outdated now, so I’m happy to hear it’s still useful!

[@wisestcrazyboy]

thank you for the tutorial clear to the point.

[@burgy5556]

Follow the instructions. Just did it and the mods finally work!! Own game on steam.

[@Brubarov]

Thanks! I have several PURPLE flagged mods (dupplicates) and have no clue what to do with those. I do not have them twice... only one mod folder in settings. My game is crashing at the end of a mission for no apparent reason... Any idea?

[@geraldforrester4366]

Finally, something to help make this game enjoyable.Thanks.

[@turnsout689]

thanks, very helpful and painless video

[@asentientcctv3894]

Very helpful, thank you kindly.

[@Nezalu]

dude this is the very definition of "idiot proof" ! amazing job, i have no idea how anyone could have any doubts after this lol the only thing missing is "turn on your pc, yes u need to plug the power cord into the socket yes that white thing in the wall" :P

[@TheTommyTrials]

😂 thanks!

[@suchasaint2872]

appreciate the video, my application keeps getting an error when i try to open the AML, Unable to create steam_app.txt. Access to the path is denied

[@deutsch12]

I don’t actually use anything to unzip .zip files. I just put the .zip files into the videos section of my pc. This allows me to unzip it by just a simple right click and then drag the .exe file to where its needed

[@TheTommyTrials]

Deutsch this is interesting. Well there’s an alternative then, thanks!

[@NuclearArbitor]

windows by default shouldn't have any issues making, opening, or extracting zips. if you run into other file types, like .7z, .rar, etc. then you'll want something else. 7zip is quite nice.

[@raymondmead5870]

hi im probably doing this wrong but i find that the list of mods using AML or any other launcher compared to my steam workshop mods im missing 75% of them any advice

[@LumpyNabog]

If I turn off all my mods, AML can start the game just fine (Albeit a little slower than Steam). However, whenever I turn on any mods, it just locks up before getting to the main menu. I've tried the file verification and the configuration reset, neither worked and I'm not sure what to do.

[@brettphillips5267]

I been having issues very recently with xcom 2 on my pc. Been trying to do a new game for playing with the mods I play with before and it would freeze the game soon as I am in the geo map doing the first two scans. And I mainly play with halo mods. But yea been really struggling to get it to work for a few days. Cause base game of no mods runs well and issues of crashing. So I don't know what going on there.

[@worldwidegamer1710]

When i try to launch the game through the AML it just reopens ALM and doesn't launch the game

[@TheTommyTrials]

That's interesting. We have a new room on the Discord server, we may be able to help you there

[@MrBananaClipps]

AMAZING EXPLANATION

[@gooselessvagabond2199]

Thanks, very helpful

[@bareknucklebrice8009]

does 1.5 version not have an XCOM option i only see WOTC at the moment theres no xcom 2 button

[@Stormthehedgehog746]

hi i'm having a problem with the new alternate mod_launcher for xcom 2 it froze up on me twice now and it keeps adding two other files to it making the number go up to 19 files instead of staying at 17 files can i please get some help

[@magnusfinnman5318]

Hi, I followed your clip on how to start playing with mods. but it does not want to start for me. it starts as usual when I start without mods. what should I do?

[@huntervicari3486]

im missing the 265800 is this because it pulls up the 2k launcher when open it throught steam?

[@anthonyvenuto9846]

How would I go back to doing a vanilla play through of WOTC without uninstalling all the mods? Would I just disable them? Or just run challenge mode but do a campaign instead?

[@finjaftw1318]

Had my friend install it for me (I'm way to scared to screw with setting things likr this up lol) his only complaint was a bit of talking in a circle. Ty for vid now my mods work again

[@TheTommyTrials]

Excellent feedback, thanks!

[@wraith1771]

that thing at 4:35 and "not bothering to do that" thing. I don't know how you set things up between that any what you did with your original folder. also, when i try to launch aml, it keeps saying it cant create steam_appid.txt because the path is denied. That steam cant be detected, and also it is asking for steam to be running (which it is), the same file to exist in the aml folder, and neither team or aml are running with admin. Now, i tried creating the file manually, but it doesn't recognize it. additionally, i read the github info, and it said i can change the route via the settings dialogue, but i never get an option to even access any sort of settings file or menu.

[@timuryumaev8527]

Thank you very much very nice video

[@imranfarrooqh3516]

Hi Tommy, thank you so much for this. Have posted a doubt on your Discord, please check. Also is there a way to use AML on non steam version of the game? Its torrented

[@DashtiTVshow]

please can u help me after i use this and mod everthing and start the game it doesnt launch and shows ( app not responding ) I cleared cache and verified files too what to do ? and thanks

[@brotherhoodz97]

im getting :unable to detect steam. all three of its subsequent "make sure these things" are done, but it still gives me the error

[@Sildonire]

Thank you for link to AML. Everything else Is useless talk. But you save my day maybe even life 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@TheTommyTrials]

Glad my useless talk was the hanger for the link that saved you XD

[@kirakirakiivvi]

Reading is obviously the quickest way to get this information, but I greatly appreciate guides like this existing for the sake of those of us who get easily overwhelmed with tech-type shit, or those with dyslexia etc.!

[@jeremy6604]

do you know of a mod to help with the camera jerking between squadmates? it's giving me motion sickness

[@TheTommyTrials]

Sadly, not that I'm aware of. You can scroll to each one and click on them individually though.

[@7SGThenkai]

Thank you kindly.

[@genericbean4727]

Now Jzip takes me to related searches

[@TheTommyTrials]

I need to remove the jzip link. My apologies. Good news, you don’t need it anymore!

[@shawnwilt7196]

i keep getting this message telling me that i need a file or steam needs to be running or both need to be in admin mode or not. All these things are the way they are supposed to be and this launcher never launches.

[@username3624]

For some reason, the color coded actions and improved camera mods aren’t working for me. They’re checked off and the game can tell when they’re missing, but they just don’t turn on in-game.

[@TheReis1125]

How could you do this with the free version that came out on epic games? It asks for steam to be open, but it doesn't work.

[@TheTommyTrials]

I think they updated it to work with epic, but I can’t be much use as I don’t own it on epic. (I didn’t think to claim it when it was free over there either)

[@D3LUZE]

There's no WOTC Button for me, only XCom 2 Vanilla. Any Fix?

[@theknightofashes8209]

OK, so how do I update AML 1.5.1, I got the ZIP Code, but I don’t know the next step

[@Legion217]

Boom! I'm here!!!

[@TheTommyTrials]

So close to first...and yet so far

[@aishwaryverma7859]

Been having problems, some mods are working and some are not working when using aml When using standard launcher, nothing works

[@GhostOrochi]

Soo I have all the warhammer 40k stuff, and it just takes me to black screen when ur loading wotc

[@Lucios1995]

Thank you!

[@TheTommyTrials]

You're welcome!

[@dengitpeter]

well now i can play the game with mods again....thank you sir

[@carlocoppola3451]

kinda late asking but i have doe all the mmods and im using AML everything was fine until i promoted my soldiers. the screen doesnt load for promotion or the stat page after.

[@Warhawk-bz6qm]

hey so when i started the mod launcher from the files around 4:45 all my files were there do i need to follow any of the steps directly after that since my files are there?

[@TheTommyTrials]

If all of the files are there, you can launch the game and make sure your mods are working. If they are you’re good to go!

[@mrchief7836]

whenever I launch xcom it sends me to the app, but it just shows a blank white screen and at the top it labels "Not responding" Im not sure how to fix this and any suggestions would help

[@TheTommyTrials]

Depending on how long that not responding screen lasts, that may be normal.

[@griffinburns5650]

Does anybody know how to change the order the mods run in? Ever time I launch Xcom2 WOTC it gives me notification saying one mod is trying to run before another one is in group RUN_LAST why the other is in group RUN_STANDARD?

[@TheTommyTrials]

The best advice I can give is hop onto the discord server. We can probably help you better there. If you don’t want to do that, I will try and take a close look later today

[@colvamoon6962]

I need technical help. It was working at first, was launching the game. However, now when I open up ALM, it just straight up crashes. Not XCOM, ALM. It closes the entire thing, I don't even have the chance to hit launch.

[@LordStarkillerII]

A few thing's I'd try is Running AML as Administrator, and if that doesn't work redownload AML and run it in a new folder. don't merge the installs. that should reset it. If either of those don't work I suggest you join Tommy's Discord if you can, it's easier than using KZbin comments, but hopefully one of those to things will work. Edit: discord Link is in the video description if you need it.

[@vorbagnom3246]

thank you so much for this video i went to so many pages and there info was bad

[@gabefranklin7024]

Does anyone know how to get a character pool to import properly using the mod launcher? I put the bin file in the importable file in both xcomgame in the base game and wotc files but it still doesn’t show up in game

[@TheTommyTrials]

There should be a character pool folder in your “my games” folder which will be in your documents folder

[@heritage106]

Im pretty new to using mods. Xcom2 used to run really well on my PC, but now it takes forever to load. Once loaded, it runs really well(90ish mods, zero cosmetics). Decided to try to use the "verify integrity of game files" to see if it helps at all. Something Ive been unclear on...if you have mods installed and decided to uncheck all of them, the game would or should run just fine as vanilla?

[@TheTommyTrials]

Correct. In theory, if none of the mods are clicked, they shouldn't show up in game.

[@jotarokujo6069]

Dawg I got no 265 etc on my content folder, there's two others but it's not the XCOM one.... do I need to launch the game or something in order to create this folder?

[@LordStarkillerII]

Do you have the game installed on another drive, cause if so it will be on that drive not the main C drive. Also make sure you have a mod subscribed too on steam, and you may have to launch the game at least once not sure.

[@jotarokujo6069]

@LordStarkillerII Well, it didn't work, so I made the folder myself, and the manager found it on its own... oh well. I appreciate the help, regardless. Hella is frustrating modding this game. But hey, we did it.

[@LordStarkillerII]

@@jotarokujo6069 weird, glad you figured it out.

[@hman617]

so i have good question for you say u deleted mod on the aml how can u re add it if it was by mistake you removed it

[@TheTommyTrials]

Hop on steam, and re-sub :)

[@W0LF_QC]

I did everything that you just said, the game work with no mods but when i lunch it with aml with mods the game close

[@Sauze.]

do i have to launch the game from this launcher? or can i still launch it through steam

[@CK-hc5oh]

does the game have to be in the same drive as the program and steam? cause i have 3 of them and xcom is on the third one

[@TheTommyTrials]

I can’t say 100%, but I also have a multitude of drives (4TB used to be an excess of space…😭), and the mods installed via Steam seem to install on the same drive. (Which is NOT the drive I have Steam on). So, I shall say no, they don’t need to be on the same drive as Steam, but I assume that the mods do need to be on the same drive.

[@mhjmstultiens]

Thank you, worked! Can't believe the 2K launcher still is that borked. It wouldn't load any mods.

[@russeltaiga]

do you know how to activate the Console for Cheats ingame with this launcher? Ever since i got the launcher the console wont open

[@TheTommyTrials]

Pause it at 8:32 and copy my arguments in the settings. Should fix your issue. :)

[@russeltaiga]

@@TheTommyTrials worked! thanks

[@CalebAdams]

Super helpful thanks! I did everything as you said, used your exact modlist to make my star wars playthrough, but whenever I try and "Run War of The Chosen" I just get a not responding screen. I verified the game cache and I deleted the config files but the game won't even start up throug the AML without any mods installed. And help would be so greatly appreciated!

[@TheTommyTrials]

Our best bet would be to have you hop on the discord server so we can see pics and whatnot. That will give us the best chance to help!

[@CalebAdams]

@@TheTommyTrials Will do!

[@CalebAdams]

@@TheTommyTrials Will do! I'll send the screenshot of my error. I'm installing and uninstalling my XCOM2 to see if that works, I'll let you know if it doesn't to see what the next steps would be. Thanks for responding!

[@TheTommyTrials]

@@CalebAdams yeah no problem! Hopefully we can get everything to work properly

[@TheTommyTrials]

@@CalebAdams is also advise to delete any files on your pc related to xcom 2

[@saltycrusader3107]

I did everything and the launcher won’t start the game. There’s no conflicts, any ideas

[@lasirisfallgrove3212]

this is a pretty good guide to install mods I just hope AML makes a version for epic for those who just got the game for free on the platform cause I tried doing it and seems it only works for steam from what I could see

[@cooluke29]

ok so im not crazy that sucks. if you know anything about how to get it to work please let me know

[@spyrostsoum6874]

Oh my god yes, fucking epic man. Almost better to buy the game from steam than have it free

[@TheTommyTrials]

I was told that a version for epic was being worked on, I thought it had released, but as I don’t own it on epic, I can’t be much help I’m afraid. 😓

[@thundergoat421_6]

So, how do you get the game to run? Mine doesn't run anymore after doing all of this. I've even tried asking in the AML's discord server.

[@whatevercloud6654]

Same it just doesn’t launch the game

[@Beefyethy]

Whenever I try to load xcom 2 it just says cannot load void strike and I don’t know how to fix pls help

[@TheTommyTrials]

I *think* we have a fix for that over on the Discord Server. Don't quote me on that.