Resident Evil 3 Remake (RE3) is powered by Capcom’s impressive RE Engine, offering incredible visuals and cinematic storytelling. Despite its technical brilliance, the game launched without built-in modding or Virtual Reality (VR) support, limiting the potential for PC players to expand their experience.
This limitation was overcome with REFramework, an open-source tool developed by praydog. REFramework completely transforms RE3, enabling immersive VR gameplay, Lua-based scripting, advanced customization, and a suite of developer utilities that unlock the full potential of the RE Engine.
What is REFramework RE3
REFramework is not a mod itself. It is a powerful script extender and modding framework that allows developers to interact directly with RE Engine games. In Resident Evil 3, it acts as a bridge between the game’s internal systems and the modding community, providing safe and stable access to game functions, rendering pipelines, and memory management.
This tool enables everything from complete VR conversions to gameplay enhancements and debug tools.
Core Technical Integration
Since Resident Evil 3 Remake shares the same foundation as Resident Evil 2 Remake, REFramework’s functionality is nearly identical between the two.
Main Features
- DLL Injection System: Deploys as
dinput8.dll, allowing the framework to integrate directly into the game process. - In-Game Menu: Activated by pressing the Insert key, providing easy access to mod management, developer tools, and framework settings.
- Lua Scripting API: Supports custom Lua scripts that can adjust gameplay, modify mechanics, or create entirely new experiences.
Immersive VR Experience
The standout feature of REFramework for RE3 is its complete Virtual Reality (VR) implementation. Players can experience Jill Valentine’s story through a fully immersive, first-person perspective.
Key VR Capabilities
- Full Motion Control Support: Compatible with devices like the Valve Index and Oculus Touch, allowing realistic aiming, weapon handling, and manual reloading.
- First-Person Mode: Even without a VR headset, REFramework enables a smooth first-person camera for a fresh way to play.
- Cutscene Integration: The framework maintains first-person immersion throughout gameplay and cinematic sequences, making every encounter with Nemesis even more intense.
Advanced Modding and Customization Tools
Beyond VR, REFramework provides a complete toolkit for developers and advanced users.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Performance Upscalers | Integrates modern upscaling technologies such as NVIDIA DLSS, AMD FSR, and Intel XeSS to improve frame rates and visual quality. |
| Free Camera | Detach and move the in-game camera for cinematic screenshots or environment exploration. |
| Debug and Trainer Tools | Access God Mode, infinite ammo, timescale adjustments, and teleport options for testing or gameplay experimentation. |
| Graphical Adjustments | Modify Field of View (FOV), disable visual filters, and fine-tune post-processing for better visual control. |
Installation and Compatibility
Installing REFramework for Resident Evil 3 Remake is straightforward but must be done carefully to ensure compatibility.
- Download the RE3-specific version of REFramework.
- Extract the files, including
dinput8.dlland thereframeworkfolder, into your RE3 game directory (where the executable file is located). - Launch the game normally. The REFramework console window should appear on startup.
- Access the in-game menu by pressing the Insert key.
Important: Capcom updates can sometimes affect compatibility. Always use the latest version of REFramework that matches your RE3 build.
Pages To Visit
Download Page: REFramework Download
Comprehensive Guide and Documentation: REFramework Documentation GitHub page for REFramework