ZonePaq Toolkit
A user-friendly GUI application for unpacking, repacking, and solving conflicts by creating a merged mod.
Description
ZonePaq Toolkit is an application designed for managing .pak mods for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. The toolkit provides essential functionalities for unpacking, repacking, and resolving conflicts in mod files, ensuring smooth mod integration and reduced compatibility issues.
The application is user-friendly, featuring an intuitive GUI that allows modders to quickly identify and resolve conflicts. ZonePaq Toolkit comprises two main modules:
• Repacker – Unpack .pak files and repack folders back into .pak archives.
• Conflict Resolver – Analyze multiple .pak files for conflicts and assist in resolving overlapping files.
ZonePaq Toolkit ships with English and Russian translation of user interface and several color themes to choose from.
Quick start
• Download and install repak (installer link)
• Download and install kdiff3 (installer link) and/or WinMerge (installer link)
• Download the latest release of ZonePaq Toolkit
• Run the executable file and follow on-screen hints.
Running from Source
Requirements
• Python 3.8+ (ensure it is installed on your system)
• Python dependencies: None. The application is built on default modules.
• repak, kdiff3 and/or WinMerge
Steps to Install
• Download source code archive
• Run run.cmd (if you’re on Windows), run.sh (if you’re on Linux) or execute in terminal: python zonepaq
Compiling
You can compile an executable for your operating system by running python build.py
Usage
• Open ZonePaq Toolkit and go to the Settings menu.
• Make sure the paths are set correctly. At a minimum, you need to set:
1. repak
2. Either kdiff3 or WinMerge
• Tip: Unpacking the vanilla game files is highly recommended for better mod comparison. Usually unpacking pakchunk0-Windows.pak is sufficient for this purpose.
• Once your settings are configured, click Save and follow the on-screen instructions.
FAQ
• What are .pak files in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2?
.pak files are archives that contain game assets, mods, or configuration files used in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and other Unreal Engine games.
• Where are .pak files located?
The default location for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is %GAME_FOLDER%\Stalker2\Content\Paks.
• What is the order .pak mods are loaded?
The order in which .pak files are loaded depends on their names. Files that come later alphabetically have higher priority. For example, zzzmod.pak will override zmod.pak.
If zzzmod.pak contains file1.cfg and zmod.pak contains both file1.cfg and file2.cfg, then only file1.cfg will be replaced, while file2.cfg will remain unchanged.
Additionally, if you add _P at the end of a .pak file’s name, it will have even higher priority and override files in mods without this special suffix.
• How does the merging in ZonePaq Toolkit works?
ZonePaq Toolkit uses a combination of repak and file comparison tools to compare files from multiple .pak archives. It highlights conflicting files and allows you to merge them into a single merged mod.
• Can I repack my mods after editing?
Yes! The ZonePaq Toolkit module will automatically repack files into a .pak archive after merging. Also, you can manually repack any folders.
• What external tools are supported for merging conflicts?
Currently, WinMerge and kdiff3 are supported.
• Can this Toolkit be user for other Unreal Engine games?
Theoretically, yes, but that wasn’t tested by me. You can try and leave your feedback.
• Is the ZonePaq Toolkit free?
Yes, this tool is completely free and open source under the MIT License.
