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Binkw32

Binkw32 patch explanation and guide for applying

info

Below is an explanation of the binkw32.dll patch, you can skip to the content Here

Explanation​

The binkw32.dll patch is a DLL that you add to your Mass Effect 3 installation to allow various features of Pocket Relay but it also has other use cases such as Modding

The standard binkw32.dll is a DLL (Dynamic Link Library) file thats commonly used in games, the normal DLL provides Bink Video support to the game. However, in the case of modding and for Pocket Relay we use a custom DLL that replaces this allowing us to access the game and load our own code (While still allowing the game to use the old version under the hood)

The custom version commonly used with Mass Effect 3 does the following things:

  • Disables DLC Verification: By disabling the DLC verification it allows the game to load DLCs that aren't valid, this allows modders to make DLC mods, but this also fixes a bug where sometimes DLC you own might not be verified when you connect to Pocket Relay
  • Disables SSL certificate validation: By disabling the certificate verification of Mass Effect 3 it allows the game to connect to servers that aren't using the EA certificate (Previously Pocket Relay required this but we have since bypassed this requirement without the need for this)
  • ASI Plugin Loading: The custom version allows loading .asi plugin files which allow custom code to be run, this is used by the Pocket Relay Plugin Client to work without requiring any Administrator permissions but running the client directly inside Mass Effect
  • Enables Console: Enables the in-game console

Applying​

Below are the instructions for applying the binkw32.dll patch

note

If you've been modding the game before its likely that you might already have installed the patch.

You can check if it's already been applied by checking in the folder where your MassEffect3.exe is and if you see two files one named binkw32.dll and another named binkw23.dll then you've already got the patch enabled and don't need to apply it again

There is two methods for applying the patch:

ME3 Tweaks Mod Manager​

If you are using ME3 Tweaks Mod Manager you can find the patch under the "Tools > Bink Bypasses" menu make sure that the checkbox under Mass Effect 3 is checked:

Before Patching

ME3 Tweaks Bink Bypass Menu

After Patching

ME3 Tweaks Bink Bypass Menu

Manual​

If you would like to apply the patch manually you can follow this guide:

1) Download Patch​

First you must download the patch from file from the link below

Download binkw32.dll

2) Swap game binkw32.dll​

Once you have downloaded binkw32.dll from the link open the folder that your MassEffect3.exe is in. It should look similar to the following:

Unpatched game folder

Game folder without patch

In this folder there should be a file named binkw32.dll

IMPORTANT

Take note of the file names binkw32.dll and binkw23.dll as they look similar but are different, one is 32 and one is 23. You must follow this guide exactly using the correct file names otherwise the patch will not function.

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If you already have a file named binkw23.dll AND binkw32.dll your game is likely already patched and you don't need to continue the patching guide

Rename the file named binkw32.dll to binkw23.dll (Ensure the naming is exact as it is important). Once you have renamed the file you can move the binkw32.dll file that you downloaded in 1) Download Patch into the same folder as binkw23.dll

note

If you have accidentally deleted your original binkw23.dll you can download it again from Here