Installing REFramework Guide: Correct dinput8.dll Placement for All RE Engine Games

Picture of Sarfaraz Ahamed
Sarfaraz Ahamed

REFramework — developed by praydog — is the essential scripting and modding framework for all games built on Capcom’s RE Engine, such as Dragon’s Dogma 2, Monster Hunter Wilds, Resident Evil 4 Remake, and more.

Installation is straightforward but depends entirely on correctly placing the dinput8.dll file in the proper directory.
This in-depth guide explains how to install REFramework correctly, including file placement, folder structure, and platform-specific adjustments for Steam Deck and VR setups.

Part 1: Universal REFramework Installation (Windows PC)

The REFramework installation method is identical across almost all RE Engine games.
The critical step is locating your game’s root folder — where the main executable (.exe) resides.

Step 1: Download REFramework

  1. Visit the official site:
    Go to reframework.dev/download-reframework.
  2. Choose your game’s build:
    Download the correct ZIP for your specific game (e.g., DD2.zip, RE4.zip, MHWILDS.zip).
  3. Extract the ZIP:
    Inside, you’ll find the following key items:
    • dinput8.dll
    • reframework folder (this may be auto-generated later on first launch)

Step 2: Locate Your Game Root Folder

Your Game Root Folder is where the game’s main .exe file lives.

How to Find It (Steam Method):

  1. Open your Steam Library
  2. Right-click the game (e.g., Dragon’s Dogma 2)
  3. Click Manage → Browse Local Files
  4. The folder that opens is your Game Root Folder

Step 3: Place the Files

Copy the following into the Game Root Folder:

  • dinput8.dll
  • reframework folder (if included)

✅ Important: These files must be placed next to your game’s main .exe, not in a subfolder.

Part 2: Correct File Placement Examples

Game TitleTypical Root Folder (Steam)Main ExecutableWhere to Place dinput8.dll
Monster Hunter Wilds\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\MonsterHunterWildsMonsterHunterWilds.exePaste next to .exe
Dragon’s Dogma 2\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Dragons Dogma 2dd2.exePaste next to .exe
Resident Evil 4 Remake\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\RESIDENT EVIL 4 BIOHAZARD RE4re4.exePaste next to .exe
Resident Evil Village (RE8)\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Resident Evil Villagere8.exePaste next to .exe
Resident Evil 3 Remake\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\RESIDENT EVIL 3re3.exePaste next to .exe
Resident Evil 2 Remake\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\RESIDENT EVIL 2 BIOHAZARD RE2re2.exePaste next to .exe
Devil May Cry 5\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Devil May Cry 5DevilMayCry5.exePaste next to .exe
Monster Hunter Rise\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\MonsterHunterRiseMonsterHunterRise.exePaste next to .exe
Street Fighter 6\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Street Fighter 6StreetFighter6.exePaste next to .exe
Resident Evil 7 Biohazard\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\Resident Evil 7 Biohazardre7.exePaste next to .exe

Part 3: First Launch & Framework Initialization

Step 4: Launch the Game

Start your game normally via Steam or desktop shortcut.
If installed correctly, you’ll briefly see a REFramework overlay appear in the top-left corner as the game loads.

Step 5: Open the REFramework Menu

  • Default Key: Press Insert on your keyboard.
    This opens the REFramework interface for:
    • Mod management
    • Script execution
    • Plugin control

Step 6: Understanding the REFramework Folder Structure

Once the framework initializes, it will generate a folder tree automatically:

\Game Root Folder\
└── reframework\
    ├── autorun\   ← Place .lua scripts here
    └── plugins\   ← Place .dll plugins here

This is where you’ll install additional mods and scripts.

Part 4: Advanced Installation Scenarios

1. Steam Deck / Linux (Proton or Wine)

REFramework works perfectly on Linux and Steam Deck, but you’ll need to override the default DLL load behavior.

Steps:

  1. Follow Steps 1–3 (place files in the root folder).
  2. In Steam → Properties → General → Launch Options, enter: WINEDLLOVERRIDES="dinput8=n,b" %command%

This forces Proton to load your custom dinput8.dll instead of the system version.

2. VR Installation (for REFramework VR Builds)

If installing a VR-enabled version, the ZIP may include additional files like openvr_api.dll.
✅ Place all included files into your Game Root Folder, alongside dinput8.dll.
Always follow any VR-specific notes provided in the release description.

3. Troubleshooting Common Installation Errors

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
REFramework menu doesn’t appearWrong DLL locationEnsure dinput8.dll is in the same folder as the game’s .exe.
Using wrong buildYou downloaded a different game versionRe-download the correct ZIP for your title.
Linux version not loadingIncorrect Proton overrideVerify the launch command: WINEDLLOVERRIDES="dinput8=n,b" %command%.
Game crashes immediatelyGame updated, old REFramework versionDelete and reinstall the latest version from reframework.dev/download-reframework.
Conflict with other DLL modsReShade, Special K, etc.Remove or rename other DLLs (especially dxgi.dll and dinput8.dll duplicates).

Final Notes

Installing REFramework is simple once you understand correct dinput8.dll placement.
Whether you’re enhancing visuals, debugging with Lua scripts, or enabling VR, ensuring files are in the root directory is the foundation of a stable install.

For ongoing updates, documentation, and build downloads:

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that is not lokk like natural – 🔗 Official Resources Download the Latest REFramework Build Comprehensive Documentation Full Setup & Guide

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Resources

Before proceeding with installation, it’s recommended to download the latest version of REFramework and review its documentation on the official website.

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