What is the "correct" way to extract 2da files from NWN:EE?

FinalStand

I just want to make sure I'm modifying latest version. How do I extract them from EE ? What tools do you use?

Sherincall

Use these ones: https://github.com/niv/neverwinter_utils.nim

You can get the binaries at: https://github.com/niv/neverwinter_utils.nim/releases

You probably want to run:
nwn_key_unpack path/to/nwn_base.key path/to/target/directory
which will extract all files into the target directory.

FinalStand

works prefect! Nice tools

TarotRedhand

You could also compare them to the ones from 1.69 that the community already extracted. There's also a reference document in the form of an xls spreadsheet that explains what the columns are.

FWIW as far as I know the 2da files haven't yet been altered at all for EE.

TR

Calgacus

Sherincall said:

Use these ones: https://github.com/niv/neverwinter_utils.nim

You can get the binaries at: https://github.com/niv/neverwinter_utils.nim/releases

You probably want to run:
nwn_key_unpack path/to/nwn_base.key path/to/target/directory
which will extract all files into the target directory.

Awesome, So with these tools, do we still need nwnexplorer.exe for anything?

Proleric

Nwnexplorer will do the job:

1. Copy nwn_base.key from the installation data folder to the root (00829 for Development) for each new release
   
2. Open NWN Explorer (@virusman 's seems best, but the old 1.63 works, too).
   
3. Use the Open button to open nwn_base.key
   

The Open button can also be used to explore user files (e.g. modules) in the Documents folder.

I couldn't begin to figure out how to use the github tools, but fortunately there's no need.

Andarian

FYI: I just tried Proleric's suggestion to use NWN Explorer 1.63 with nwn_base.key, and got an error.

Proleric

I can confirm that my approach still works with NWN Explorer 1.63. You have to copy the .key file every time NWN is updated to a new release, and be sure to use the big Open button rather than the menu.

Third3ye

Proleric wrote: »

Nwnexplorer will do the job:* Copy nwn_base.key from the installation data folder to the root (00829 for Development)

Which folder is the root, exactly? Like, the location?

*EDIT* Nevermind found the 'Development' folder.

Kamiryn

If you use the latest version of NWNExplorer you don't have to copy any key files.

NWNExplorer 1.83: https://forums.beamdog.com/discussion/76541/tools-nwn-explorer-1-8

Proleric

This may not work if you have multiple NWN installations. In that event, use the big Open button in the latest NWN Explorer to open the key file.