Hellsplit Arena, a VR title celebrated for its physics-based melee combat and stunning visuals, has recently unveiled a mod support system that is one of the best in the business. When we say it’s a game-changer, we’re not merely indulging in hyperbole. This update has transformed Hellsplit Arena from a melee-centric experience into a canvas for creators, offering modding tools that could potentially rival some of the best in the VR gaming space. The developers have not merely added a few tools; they’ve integrated frameworks for modern firearms, complete with intricate manual reloads, and even vehicles that players can drive using motion controls.
![](https://xrupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/lakes-blood-cathedral.mp4-00.06.02.032-00.06.08.061-1.gif)
This ambitious move has expanded the game’s horizons, allowing it to evolve from a melee-focused title to a platform where creativity reigns supreme. The modding tools, dubbed “Workbench,” are essentially a branch of the Unreal Engine. This means modders have access to a plethora of features, enabling them to craft entire levels and campaigns from the ground up. From utilizing pre-existing weapon templates to importing unique assets, the possibilities seem boundless. And with the Unreal Engine at its core, modders can also tap into a vast library of high-quality free assets, including those from Quixel Megascan.
Mod support was only recently released, so the current amount of mods available is small but growing daily. Mods are split into a few categories with weapons, avatar replacements, maps, vehicles and campaign mods.
Melee mod weapons include iconic weapons like the Blades of Chaos from God of War, Cloud’s Buster Sword from Final Fantasy, a crowbar inspired by Gordon Freeman, and a spiked baseball bat. For ranged weapons, players have access to modern firearms such as assault rifles, shotguns, Berettas, USB pistols, a desert eagle, and an RPG, among others.
Avatar replacements allow players to change their in-game character’s appearance. One notable replacement is the Batman Avatar, which even includes throwable batarangs and a drivable Batmobile. Some other drivable vehicles include the Half Life 2 buggy and a muscle car. There are a few maps, including various environments like Gothic cathedrals, shooting ranges, ancient Egyptian pyramids and recently the Tuscany level that’s also featured in Bonelab, but now its been expanded and allows you to drive around in vehicles.
When it comes to campaigns, there are already a few available. One notable mod is a replica of the Resident Evil 4 Village, offering a full game mode with currency upgrades and waves of enemies to defeat. The modders have done an excellent job capturing the essence of the original game.
![](https://xrupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/re4.mp4-00.07.41.098-00.08.54.722.mp4-00.00.00.807-00.00.06.451.gif)
However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The mod templates do have a few quirks. For instance, the alignment of some firearms doesn’t quite match the player’s hand orientation, leading to slightly off-center aiming. Additionally, the manual reloading system, while immersive, could benefit from some refinements. For example, to load a new magazine in the gun you have to let go of the magazine and then a little animation finishes the reload. The worst issue though is how the guns move when you use the thumbstick. If you move around with the thumbstick then the gun in your hand will also move affecting your aim.
![](https://xrupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/hell-guns.mp4-00.10.57.758-00.11.09.356.mp4-00.00.11.010-00.00.14.193.gif)
Despite these initial hiccups, the potential of Hellsplit Arena’s mod support is undeniable. If the modding community embraces this with the same fervor they’ve shown for titles like Half-Life Alyx and Blade and Sorcery, we could see a massive amount of great quality content giving VR gamers more to play. The ball is now in the court of the developers and the modding community. Collaborative efforts, perhaps in the form of community-driven competitions or incentives, could catalyze the creation of high-quality mods and campaigns. Such initiatives would not only elevate Hellsplit Arena’s status in the VR gaming world but also attract a broader player base, ensuring the game’s longevity and relevance in an ever-evolving industry. In conclusion, while it’s still early days for Hellsplit Arena’s mod support, the initial signs are promising.
Check out the game on Steam.
For more information about Hellsplit Arena’s mod support watch my full video on Youtube –
1 Comment
This game really does have so much potential with modding. Can’t wait to see where it goes!