Total War: Three Kingdoms — Mod Load Order Guide Purpose Prevent conflicts, crashes, and unexpected behavior by loading mods in a sensible order and using proven tools/methods. Tools you should use
Mod manager (preferred): Vortex or Mod Manager for Total War (better for bulk enabling/disabling). Pack File Manager (PFM): inspect, merge, and resolve file conflicts. Clean install backup: keep a copy of your game folder or verify files via Steam before heavy modding. Version control note: track which mods and versions you use (spreadsheet or text file).
Basic principles (short)
Load UI and compatibility patches before content mods that rely on them. Core gameplay overhauls should load before small tweaks that modify the same records (so tweaks can override the overhaul). Patches/fixes and compatibility mods should load last to override earlier changes. Avoid duplicate edits to the same db/faction/unit files — merge or use compatibility patches. Test incrementally: enable a few mods, launch, then add more. total war three kingdoms mod load order
Recommended load-order template (top = loaded first by the game)
(Base game files) — Steam/official data Core overhaul mods that replace large systems (campaign mechanics, diplomacy, recruitment overhaul) Unit packs, new factions, and large content mods (units, tech trees, new provinces) Map and settlement visuals / graphical asset mods Gameplay tweaks and balancing mods (unit stats, AI tweaks) Economy and recruitment patches that fine-tune overhauls (smaller scope than core overhauls) UI mods (visual HUD changes, tooltips) — load after gameplay so UI reflects final values Localization/translation mods Bugfixes, hotfixes, and compatibility patches (for specific mod pairs) — load last Load-order override mods or tiny patches (user-made fixes) — absolutely last
Note: Some mod managers show load order top→bottom or bottom→top; adapt this template to your manager’s ordering (the game applies mods in a specific order; verify your manager’s docs). Handling specific conflict types Total War: Three Kingdoms — Mod Load Order
Duplicate db/table edits: Use PFM to compare. If two mods change the same table, create a merged patch (PFM) or use a compatibility mod. Unit/class conflicts: Keep unit-modifying overhaul earlier, allow small stat rebalances later. UI showing wrong values: Ensure UI mods load after gameplay mods; rebuild cache (verify game files) if values persist. Textures/meshes not appearing: Check file path/name case-sensitivity and load order between texture packs and unit packs.
How to create a compatibility/merge patch (PFM quick steps)
Open both mod packs in PFM. Export the tables/records that conflict (e.g., campaign_camera_tables, unitstat tables). Manually merge desired values into a new mod folder with matching file structure. Save merged pack and enable it after the original mods (or in the position that ensures it overrides). Test in-game. Clean install backup: keep a copy of your
Testing procedure (minimal but effective)
Start with only one core overhaul + its official compatibility patches. Launch, create a campaign, quick test battle. Add related content mods (units, factions). Test again. Add UI and small tweaks. Test. Add final bugfixes/patches. Full campaign playtest for several hours if possible. If a crash or bug appears, disable the most recently added mod(s) and retest (binary search: enable half, test, narrow down).