Why REFramework Conflicts with Other Mod Managers and How to Fix It

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Sarfaraz Ahamed

REFramework, created by Praydog, is a near-essential tool for modding RE Engine games like Resident Evil remakes, Monster Hunter Wilds, Dragon’s Dogma 2, and Devil May Cry 5. Its deep-level DLL injection makes it incredibly powerful, but it also means it can sometimes conflict with other mod management tools, causing crashes, broken mods, or unexpected behavior.

This guide explains why these conflicts happen and provides a systematic approach to resolve them.

I. Understanding the Core Technologies

Conflicts arise because REFramework and traditional mod managers work in fundamentally different ways.

A. REFramework: DLL Injector & Script Host

  • DLL Injection: REFramework relies on files like dinput8.dll (sometimes dxgi.dll) placed in the game directory. The game loads these DLLs at startup, allowing REFramework to:
    • Access and manipulate the game’s memory and engine functions (Free Camera, VR, performance tweaks)
    • Host an in-game GUI for real-time control
    • Run Lua scripts for modding
    • Load additional .dll plugins

B. Traditional Mod Managers (e.g., Fluffy Mod Manager)

  • File Swapping: These managers focus on assets like textures, models, and sounds packed in .pak files. They intercept asset requests and redirect them to modded files.
  • No Code Injection: Unlike REFramework, they do not modify the game engine or inject code, making them fundamentally different from REFramework.

II. The Source of Conflict: DLLs and File Overlap

1. The Single dinput8.dll Problem

  • Windows can generally only load one external DLL of the same name at startup.
  • Scenario: If REFramework and another mod/trainer use the same DLL name, only one will load, causing crashes or preventing the tool from working.
  • Fluffy Mod Manager: Typically works alongside REFramework unless a mod includes its own conflicting DLL. Third-party tools like FPS unlockers can also trigger a “DLL war.”

2. Game Updates and Obsolete Hooks

  • Engine Changes: Updates often shift internal functions or the executable layout.
  • Broken Hooks: REFramework and Lua/DLL plugins hook specific memory addresses. Updates can break these hooks, resulting in crashes until REFramework is updated.

3. Mod Installation Order and Residual Files

  • Uninstall Residue: Leftover files like re2_framework_log.txt or reframework_crash.dmp can trigger crashes even after uninstalling REFramework.
  • Loose File Conflicts: Both REFramework and mod managers can attempt to load the same loose file, causing conflicts. This is less common than DLL issues but still possible.

III. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting and Resolution

Step 1: Vanilla Test (Start Clean)

  1. Delete the following from your game directory:
    • dinput8.dll or conflicting DLLs
    • The entire reframework folder
    • Any leftover logs or crash files (re2_framework_log.txt, reframework_crash.dmp)
  2. Uninstall all mods via your mod manager.
  3. Verify game integrity through Steam or your platform’s tool.
  4. Launch the game. If it works, the issue is mod-related.

Step 2: Isolate REFramework

  1. Reinstall REFramework: Use the latest stable or nightly build (download here) and only install core files (dinput8.dll and an empty reframework folder).
  2. Launch the game:
    • Game works: Conflict is with a specific mod or mod manager setup.
    • Game crashes: REFramework is outdated; wait for an official update.

Step 3: Integrate Your Mod Manager

  1. Configure the mod manager (e.g., Fluffy) for the correct game directory.
  2. Install mods one at a time, launching the game after each installation to identify any conflicts.
  3. Remove or update any mod that causes a crash.

Key Workarounds

  • Update Everything: Ensure REFramework, the mod manager, and your game are all on the latest versions.
  • Read Mod Instructions: Many mods on Nexus Mods or GitHub provide compatibility notes with REFramework.
  • Check Logs: Review re2_framework_log.txt or reframework_crash.dmp to pinpoint the issue. Use forums or Reddit for solutions based on the last log entries.

Summary:

REFramework is a code modifier, while mod managers are file manipulators. Understanding this distinction allows you to diagnose issues effectively:

  • Step 2: Fatal code mismatch (REFramework outdated or conflicting DLL)
  • Step 3: File conflict (mod installation order or residual files)

With careful installation, updates, and attention to mod instructions, REFramework and mod managers can coexist smoothly, unlocking the full potential of RE Engine modding.

If you want, I can also combine this with the VR, FOV, and Time Scale guides into a single “Ultimate REFramework Modding Guide” with natural internal links.

Do you want me to do that?

Ch

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