REFramework, created by the modder Praydog, has become the standard platform for advanced modding across all games built on the RE Engine, titles like Resident Evil remakes, Monster Hunter Rise, Dragon’s Dogma 2, and Devil May Cry 5.
It provides essential tools such as Free Camera, Time Scale, and Object Explorer, along with a robust Lua scripting API that allows developers to create custom mods, scripts, and utilities.
If you want to enhance your gameplay with features like first-person mode, in-game HUDs, moveset analyzers, or other custom tools, this guide will show you where to find REFramework mods and how to install them safely.
1. Where to Find REFramework Mods and Scripts
The RE Engine modding community is highly centralized, making it relatively easy to locate content.
A. Nexus Mods – The Primary Hub
Overview: Nexus Mods is the main repository for REFramework-compatible mods.
- How it Works: Most mods for RE Engine games are hosted here. Mods that require REFramework are typically labeled in their title or description, for example: “First Person Mod (REFramework Required)”.
- What You’ll Find: Lua scripts (
.lua) that leverage REFramework’s API, along with Native Plugins (.dll) for advanced, low-level modifications. - Search Tips: Navigate to the Nexus Mods page for your game (e.g., Resident Evil 4 Remake) and filter using tags like
REFrameworkorLua.
B. GitHub – Developer’s Corner
Overview: Many advanced, niche, or experimental scripts are hosted directly on GitHub by their developers.
- How it Works: GitHub repositories often contain raw
.luafiles and detailed instructions. This is usually the first release platform for new scripts before they appear on Nexus Mods. - What You’ll Find: Tools like the Enhanced Model Viewer (EMV), character and animation utilities, or highly specialized debugging scripts.
- Access: Locate repositories via modding communities, Discord servers, or links in REFramework documentation, then manually download the desired files.
C. REFramework Official Resources
Overview: The official REFramework repository and documentation provide authoritative information on the Lua API and built-in scripts.
- Official Documentation: Includes tutorials, API references, and sample scripts from Praydog and contributors.
- REFramework GitHub Repository: Contains core development files and some utility scripts that may not be distributed elsewhere.
REFramework Documentation
REFramework Download & GitHub
2. How to Install REFramework Mods and Scripts
The installation method depends on the file type. All methods rely on proper folder structures within your game directory.
Step 1: Ensure REFramework is Installed
Before installing any scripts, make sure the core REFramework files are present:
- Locate Game Directory: Typically something like
Steam\steamapps\common\RESIDENT EVIL 4 BIOHAZARD RE4. - Install Core Files: Extract the REFramework ZIP (
dinput8.dllandreframeworkfolder) into the game directory. - Run the Game Once: Launching the game initializes necessary folders, including
autorun.
Step 2: Installing Lua Scripts (.lua)
Lua scripts are the most common type of REFramework mod.
| Method | File Structure | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic (Recommended) | <Game Directory>/reframework/autorun/MyMod.lua | Place the downloaded .lua file in the autorun folder. It will run automatically on game launch. |
| Manual (For Testing) | Any location on your PC | Open REFramework GUI (Insert), go to ScriptRunner, click Run Script, and select the .lua file manually. Useful for testing without restarting. |
Step 3: Installing Native Plugins (.dll)
Plugins are compiled C++/C# files that provide deeper integration than Lua scripts.
- File Structure:
<Game Directory>/reframework/plugins/MyPlugin.dll - Instructions: Place the
.dllin thepluginsfolder. REFramework automatically loads it at startup.
Step 4: Using Fluffy Mod Manager (Optional)
For model swaps, large script packs, or complex mods, Fluffy Mod Manager streamlines installation and organization.
- Installation: Download and install Fluffy Mod Manager outside the game directory.
- Mod Installation: Drag
.zipor.rararchives into[Fluffy Manager Folder]\Games\[Game Name]\Mods. - Activation: The manager moves files to the correct REFramework
autorunfolder when the mod is enabled, keeping your game directory clean.
3. Summary of Key Locations
| Mod Type | File Extension | Installation Folder | Primary Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Framework | dinput8.dll | <Game Directory> | REFramework GitHub / Nexus Mods |
| Lua Script Mod | .lua | <Game Directory>/reframework/autorun/ | Nexus Mods / GitHub |
| Native Plugin | .dll | <Game Directory>/reframework/plugins/ | Nexus Mods / GitHub |
With REFramework and these installation steps, you can unlock an extensive range of mods, from cinematic Freecam utilities to gameplay-enhancing scripts, transforming your RE Engine experience