Fixing errors in compiling scripts 1.31 GOTY for mods 1.30

Since players (and modmakers) currently have two different versions of the game - 1.30 (mostly Steam) and 1.31GOTY (GOG GOTY) - there are many reports of compatibility issues, as well as requests to update mods "to the latest patch". The problem is that the "last patch" does not exist, and many modmakers do not own version 1.31GOTY. So here are a few explanations, instructions and files to solve the problem without having to duplicate each mod. At least until we get an official response from CDPR whether or not a single patch will be released for all versions of the game.

So let's get started.

1. Who needs this.

Players who have version 1.31GOTY and use version 1.30 mods. Even if you don't have bugs when compiling scripts, you probably still need it, since 1.30 mods can override the 1.31GOTY version changes you want to keep. If you use texture mods and don't use scripting mods, you don't need this file. Update: The current non-GOTY version of the game (both Steam and GOG) is 1.31, changes from 1.30 are minimal, and all 1.30 mods still work with the 1.31 version of the game. The Steam GOTY version is a bundle (!), not a real 1.31GOTY version, despite the welcome message in the main menu! Thus, you only own the 1.31GOTY version of the game if you bought it on GOG and it is called GOTY (the default installation folder in the GOG library is called "The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt GOTY").

2. You can downgrade scripts to version 1.30 and forget about everything.

To do this, download "Base 1.30 scripts", unzip and copy the "scripts" folder to the "<Path To The Witcher 3>\content\content0\" folder. If you already have

this is the path to the scripts folder, please delete it before copying the unpacked folder.

3. What you will lose if you decide to downgrade to 1.30.

You will lose the random main menu (which can be compensated by setting the Selectable Main Menu fashion), the ability to turn on and off alternative outfits (this information turned out to be incorrect and you can still turn off/on alternative outfits after downgrade), and the ability to download the Turkish language pack directly from the in-game menu. If these options are not relevant for you, downgrading to version 1.30 is the best choice.

4. How to keep version 1.31GOTY when using mods 1.30.

Start by downgrading the base scripts to version 1.30 (see paragraph 2 above). This is necessary for Script Merger to properly attach all files, but in the end you will still get the correct version of 1.31GOTY. Then download the "modGOTYDiffFiles" file and install it in the "<The Witcher 3>\Mods" folder (manually or using NMM). Use Script Merger (it is highly recommended that you download the latest version if you haven't updated in a long time) and merge modGOTYDiffFiles with installed mods of version 1.30.

5. Do not mix 1.30 and 1.31GOTY mods.

It is up to you whether to use the "unofficial" 1.31GOTY updates for existing 1.30 mods or to use the original mods shared by their authors along with this method, but remember that mixing mods from different versions of the game is never a good idea and can lead to strange merge conflicts and/or strange in-game glitches.

6. Some mods of version 1.30 are incompatible with version 1.31GOTY.

Most mods of version 1.30 are perfectly combined with Script Merger and do not require manual conflict resolution. But some other modes are simply incompatible with the 1.31GOTY version, as they require rewriting the code to meet new conditions - such as Selectable Main Menu. But this is a rare case, since there are not many mods rewriting the code of the main menu. Also, keep an eye on the special instructions that the mod authors publish on their pages or in the comments section.

7. You can not see conflicts in Script Merger after installing GOTYDiffFiles mod.

This is normal and indicates that the mod you are using does not change any GOTY related scripts and is compatible with GOTY out of the box.

8. If you are using Ghost mode...

...do not merge the definitionsManager.ws file from modGOTYDiffFiles with the GM file: GM has no GOTY-related changes and automatically resolving the conflict will corrupt the script, which will not compile.

Returning to 1.31GOTY after downgrade:

1. Remove everything you have previously combined into Script Merger.

2. Download Base 1.31 GOG GOTY from the Miscellaneous section.

3. Unzip and copy the "scripts" folder to the "<The Witcher 3 Path>\content\content0\" folder. If you already have the scripts folder in this path, delete it before copying the unpacked folder.

4. Remove the modGOTYDiffFiles folder from the <The Witcher 3 Path>\Mods folder.

5. Make sure that you do not use non-GOTY mods.

6. Use Script Merger to remix everything.