Note: While Japanese Drift Master uses Unreal Engine 5, many UE4 modding principles apply. Adjustments may be needed as UE5-specific tools emerge.

1. Learn Unreal Engine 5 Basics

• Start with UE5 fundamentals:

  • Study UE5’s core concepts (Assets, Blueprints, Classes, Packaging) via Unreal Engine’s official documentation.

  • Complete beginner courses (e.g., First Hour in Unreal Engine) to grasp data structures and workflows.

• Why? Modding requires understanding how UE5 organizes files and assets.

2. Essential Tools for UE5 Modding

• Unpacking game files:

  • QuickBMS: Extracts .pak archives (common in UE games).

  • UE5 Packer-Unpacker: For UE5-specific file formats.

• Editing assets:

  • UE5SS (or similar tools): Dumps game classes and objects for reverse-engineering.

  • FModel: Decompile 3D models and textures.

• Community resources:

  • UE-Modding-Tools GitHub: A hub for modding tools (e.g., Asset Editor, UnrealPak).

  • Unreal Modding Library: General UE modding capabilities and game analysis.

3. Unpacking and Exploring Japanese Drift Master Files

1. Extract game files:

   • Use QuickBMS or UE5 Packer-Unpacker to unpack .pak archives.

   • Check for encryption or custom formats (research online if issues arise).

2. Locate moddable assets:

   • Look for .uasset files (textures, Blueprints) or .uexp (compiled assets).

   • Use UE5SS to analyze classes and objects.

4. Creating a “Dummy” UE5 Project

1. Generate project files:

   • Use UE5SS to dump game classes and create headers (e.g., .h files).

   • Manually define custom classes/blueprints if community templates aren’t available.

2. Fix errors:

   • Resolve compilation issues by referencing UE5 documentation or forums.

3. Modify assets:

   • Edit textures, parameters, or code in your dummy project.

5. Injecting Mods into Japanese Drift Master

1. Replace files:

   • Overwrite original game files with modified assets (e.g., textures, .uasset files).

2. Use loaders:

   • Tools like UE5SS or DLL hooks (advanced) to inject code.

   • Modify DefaultEngine.ini to reference custom classes (e.g., GameMode).

6. Distributing Mods via videogamemods.com/jdm

• Share mods:

  • Upload mods to Japanese Drift Master Mods for community access.

  • Provide clear installation instructions (e.g., file replacement, ini edits).

• Collaborate:

  • Use the forum’s Mod Ideas and Modding Help sections to brainstorm or troubleshoot.

Current Modding Options for Japanese Drift Master

• Cheat Engine Table:

  • A trainer table for Steam/non-Steam versions is available, offering features like unlimited resources and speed hacks.

  • Requirements: Cheat Engine 7.0.

Key Tips for UE5 Modding

• Wait for post-launch tools: Community-made UE5 modding tools may emerge after release.

• Check forums: Monitor Japanese Drift Master Mods Forum for updates.

• Start small: Begin with texture swaps or simple parameter tweaks before complex mods.

References

• UE5 Modding Tools: UE-Modding-Tools GitHub

• Class Dumping: UE5SS Documentation

• Mod Distribution: Japanese Drift Master Mods