Hacking Mario Kart 8 Modding Central

[The Koopa Kingdom]

​

Hiya! This thread is a collection of tools and resources relating to modding Mario Kart 8. These links pertain to the Wii U version of the game first and foremost, but many of the resources - such as Switch Toolbox - apply to the Deluxe version of the game. The original Mario Kart 8 Modding Central GBATemp Thread was maintained by @lonemoonHD, but, seeing as they no longer wish to maintain it, from hereon out I will be taking care of it .

Wii U Tools​

Custom Firmwares
Mocha CFW - Custom firmware that allows you to do more things with your Wii U.
GBATemp Thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/mocha-cfw-the-sweet-chocolate-to-your-latte.452940/
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/dimok789/mocha
Haxchi - Small custom firmware installed by a DS Virtual Console exploit.
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/FIX94/haxchi
Wii U Plugin System - Platform which works in addition to CFW to install plugins to the system.
GBATemp Thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/wii-u-plugin-system.496659/
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/Maschell/WiiUPluginLoader
Homebrew App Store - Platform for downloading homebrew.
GBATemp Thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/release-homebrew-app-store-for-wiiu.433275/
GitLab Repository: https://gitlab.com/4TU/hb-appstore
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/vgmoose/hb-appstore

File Dumping/Replacing Tools
Dumpling - Dumps the files from Wii U games, and from your Wii U.
GBATemp Thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/release-dumpling.562741/
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/emiyl/dumpling
ddd - Dumps the files from a Wii U game over the network.
GBATemp Thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/ddd-wiiu-title-dumper.418492/
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/dimok789/ddd
Cafiine - Loads files from your computer instead of your Wii U.
GBATemp Thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/cafiine-with-choosable-ipv4-works-from-4-1-0-to-5-5-1.425198/
GitHub Repository Mirror: https://github.com/dedChar/Cafiine-410-551
Cafiine Extended - Loads files from your computer instead of your Wii U.
GBATemp Thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/extende...-everything-mode-encrypted-game-packs.430596/
GitLab Repository: https://gitlab.com/Syroot/CafiineServer
SDCafiine - Loads files from your SD card instead of your Wii U.
GBATemp Thread: http://gbatemp.net/threads/sdcafiine.471360/
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/Maschell/SDCafiine
Geckiine - Loads files from your computer instead of your Wii U, while installing TCP Gecko as well.
GBATemp Thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/release-geckiine-tcpgecko-and-cafiine-combined.433057/
GitHub Repository Mirror: https://github.com/OatmealDome/Geckiine
SDGeckiine - Loads files from your SD card instead of your Wii U, while installing TCP Gecko as well.
GitHub Repository Mirror: https://github.com/Sheldon10095/SDGeckiine

RAM Editing Tools
pyGecko - TCP Gecko Installer and Codehandler.
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/wiiudev/pyGecko
wj44's ELF TCP Gecko Installer - Homebrew Launcher application that launches CosmoCourtney's modified codehandler.
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/wj444/tcpgecko
CosmoCortney's TCP Gecko Codehandler - TCP Gecko modified codehandler to allow cheat codes. If you want to download it, it's included with wj44's TCP Gecko Installer.

PC Tools​

Runtimes
Python - Runs certain tools. Not all tools use the same compatable Python version, so take note of if you download version 2 or 3.
Website: https://www.python.org/
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/python/cpython
Java - Runs certain tools.
Website: https://www.java.com/

Modeling Tools
Blender - Creates 3D models. Open source, cross platform and free.
Website: https://www.blender.org/
Maya - Creates 3D models. Closed source, Windows and Max only, and paid, but free for students.
Website: https://www.autodesk.com/products/maya/overview
3DS Max - Creates 3D models. Closed source, Windows only, and paid, but free for students.
Website: https://www.autodesk.com/products/3ds-max/overview

Audio Tools
Audacity - Manipulates audio.
Website: http://www.audacityteam.org/
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/audacity/audacity

File Dumping/Replacing Tools
ddd - Dumps the files from a Wii U game.
GBATemp Thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/ddd-wiiu-title-dumper.418492/
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/dimok789/ddd
Cafiine - Load files from your computer instead of your Wii U.
GBATemp Thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/cafiine-with-choosable-ipv4-works-from-4-1-0-to-5-5-1.425198/
GitHub Repository Mirror: https://github.com/dedChar/Cafiine-410-551
Cafiine Extended - Load files from your computer instead of your Wii U.
GBATemp Thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/extende...-everything-mode-encrypted-game-packs.430596/
GitLab Repository: https://gitlab.com/Syroot/CafiineServer

Multipurpose Editing Tools
Switch Toolbox - Edits various file formats (Recommended!).
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/KillzXGaming/Switch-Toolbox
Track Studio - Edits track models, objects, paths, and animations (Recommended!)
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/MapStudioProject/Track-Studio
Discord Server: https://discord.gg/TjatyEE9NW
Wexos's Toolbox (Obsolete in favor of Switch Toolbox) - Edits various file formats.
Custom Mario Kart Wiiki Page: http://wiki.tockdom.com/wiki/Wexos's_Toolbox

File Archive (SZS, SARC) Tools
Yaz0Dec - Decompresses SZS files.
Website: http://amnoid.de/gc/
Yaz0Enc - Compresses a file into the SZS format.
Website: http://amnoid.de/gc/
wszst - Manages SZS files.
Website: http://szs.wiimm.de/wszst/
Wii U Zip - Manages files inside Wii U archives like SARCs, ARCs, BARS, and PACKs.
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/jam1garner/WiiUZip

Model (BFRES) Tools
BFRES Model Importer - Imports and exports BFRES models.
GameBanana Page: http://gamebanana.com/tools/6132
BFRES Model Injector - Injects models into BFRES archives.
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/smb123w64gb/BFRES_Injector_CMD
io_scene_bfres - Imports BFRES models into Blender.
GitLab Repository: https://gitlab.com/Syroot/io_scene_bfres

BFRES Vertex Tools (Obsolete in favor of the BFRES Model Importer.) - Modifies the coordinates of the vertex points of a BFRES model (Requires Python 2.7).
Discord Direct Download: https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/203594411857149952/235626655966691328/BFRES_Vertex_Tool.7z

Texture (BFRES/BFLIM) Tools
BFRES Tool (Obsolete in favor of Track Studio) - Extracts and injects textures into a BFRES file.
GBATemp Thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/bfres-tool-a-tool-for-injecting-extracting-textures.465928/
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/aboood40091/BFRES-Tool
BFRES Texture Injector (Obsolete in favor of Track Studio) - Extracts and injects textures into a BFRES file.
GBATemp Thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/release-bfres-texture-injector.422580/
BFLIM Extractor (Obsolete in favor of Track Studio) - Extracts textures from BFLIM files and converts DDS files to BFLIM.
GBATemp Thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/release-bflim-extractor.439483/
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/aboood40091/BFLIM-Extractor/

TexHaxU (Really outdated. Seriously, stop using this.) - Injects textures into a BFRES file.
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/NWPlayer123/WiiUTools/tree/master/TexHaxU
BFLIM Tool (Obsolete in favor of BFLIM Extractor) - A tool used to inject images into a BFLIM file.
GBATemp Thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/release-bflim-tool-a-tool-for-extracting-injecting-layout-images.467017/
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/aboood40091/BFLIM-Tool

Collision (KCL) Tools
Every File Explorer Mod (Obsolete in favor of Track Studio) - Modification of Every File Explorer to work with Mario Kart 8's KCL files.
GBATemp Thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/release-every-file-explorer-build-for-kcl-generation.471478/
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/MasterF0x/EveryFileExplorer
io_scene_kcl (Obsolete in favor of Track Studio) - Imports KCL collision models into Blender and edits the collision flags of planes.
GitLab Repository: https://gitlab.com/Syroot/io_scene_kcl

Course/Object Info (BYAML) Tools
io_scene_mk8muunt - Imports and exports BYAMLs in Blender.
GitLab Repository: https://gitlab.com/Syroot/io_scene_mk8muunt
MK8-Editor (Obsolete in favor of Track Studio) - Edits course BYAMLs.
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/CodingKoopa/mk8-editor
yamlconv - Converts between BYAMLs and XMLs.
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/Chadderz121/yamlconv
NoLakitu - Disables Lakitu for a course BYAML.
GitLab Repository: https://gitlab.com/Syroot/NintenTools/MarioKart8
Adjust200 - Creates a 200cc BYAML file.
GitLab Repository: https://gitlab.com/Syroot/NintenTools/MarioKart8
ObjDumper - Dumps objflow.byaml into a readable table.
GitLab Repository: https://gitlab.com/Syroot/NintenTools/MarioKart8

Audio (BRSTM) Tools
BrawlBox - Converts WAVs, MP3s, VGM/VGZs to WAV, MP3, FLAC, BRSTM, BCSTM, or BFSTM.
Kitty Corp: Meow Mix Forum Thread: http://forums.kc-mm.com/index.php?topic=67847.0
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/libertyernie/brawltools/
Looping Audio Converter - Converts WAVs, MP3s, VGM/VGZs to WAV, MP3, FLAC, BRSTM, BCSTM, or BFSTM.
Website: http://www.lakora.us/brawl/loopingaudioconverter/
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/libertyernie/LoopingAudioConverter

Text (MSBT) Tools
MSBT Editor - A tool to edit text files in many Wii U games, including Mario Kart 8.
GBATemp Thread: http://gbatemp.net/threads/release-msbt-editor-reloaded.406208/
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/IcySon55/3DLandMSBTeditor

BIN Tools
BIN Editor - Edits vehicle/player stats and item probabilities.
GitLab Repository: https://gitlab.com/Syroot/NintenTools/MarioKart8
Custom Mario Kart Wiiki Page: http://mk8.tockdom.com/wiki/BIN_Editor
BinDumper - Dumps the contents of .bin files.
GitLab Repository: https://gitlab.com/Syroot/NintenTools/MarioKart8

RAM Editing Tools
TCP Gecko.NET - Edits the Wii U's RAM with a TCP Gecko installer and codehandler.
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/Chadderz121/tcp-gecko-dotnet
JGeckoU - Edits the Wii U's RAM, and use cheat codes with CosmoCortney's modified codehandler.
GBATemp Thread: http://gbatemp.net/threads/development-of-new-wii-u-ram-debugger.413477/
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/BullyWiiPlaza/JGeckoU/

Mario Kart 8 Trainer (Obsolete in favor of JGecko U) - A program for use with a TCP Gecko codehandler that lets you cheat in Mario Kart 8.
GitHub Repository: http://gbatemp.net/threads/mario-kart-8-trainer.398015/

Programming Libraries
NintenTools.MarioKart8 - .NET library for loading and modifying MK8/MK8D files.
GitLab Repository: https://gitlab.com/Syroot/NintenTools/MarioKart8
NintenTools.Yaz0 - .NET library for decompressing Yaz0 data.
GitLab Repository: https://gitlab.com/Syroot/NintenTools.Yaz0
NintenTools.Bfres - .NET library for loading and modifying BFRES graphics archives.
GitLab Repository: https://gitlab.com/Syroot/NintenTools.Bfres
NintenTools.Byaml - .NET library for loading and modifying BYAML files.
GitLab Repository: https://gitlab.com/Syroot/NintenTools.Byaml
yaz0 - Python library for decompressing Yaz0 data.
GitLab Repository: https://gitlab.com/Syroot/yaz0
bfres - Python library for loading and modifying BFRES graphics archives.
GitLab Repository: https://gitlab.com/Syroot/bfres
bfres - Python library for loading and modifying BYAML files.
GitLab Repository: https://gitlab.com/Syroot/byaml
pyGecko - Python library for editing the Wii U RAM using a TCP Gecko installer and codehandler.
GitHub Repository: https://github.com/wiiudev/pyGecko

Resources​

References
Mario Kart 8 File Structure - Shows the structure of Mario Kart 8's filesystem.
Custom Mario Kart Wiiki Page: http://mk8.tockdom.com/wiki/Filesystem/content/
Mario Kart 8 Course Information - Contains tons of info about Maro Kart 8's courses and music.
Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1CiijrS6P6gqLAfzqKQLpZGd-CeljqzuDFvfLg6ThW3A/
Mario Kart 8 Music Details - Also has info about Mario Kart 8's music.
Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ix0r25YUbRqq0603YAKvdPY-q0wmFzihpEV_8MnVFp4/>
Mario Kart 8 Driver Information - A reference for karts and drivers, and filenames.
Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/12Ju79m4RgkPwVHoDhzsGC-yCxjBbZVGmQ4vL2VK2O4w/
BYAML Coordinate System Reference
Direct Image Link: http://ray.syroot.com/gbatemp/mk8/modtut/byamlcoords.png
MK8D Parts.Bin Research - Documentation on how the parts.bin files work, originally intended for porting Mario Kart Tour's MonoBehavior to the game.
Google Doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1xJKL6UA5o51ruU9HbOohptzQ9TXSZRkGO-U9n7MQj0g/edit?usp=sharing

Downloads
GameBanana - A website where you can find tons of Mario Kart 8 mods.
Website: https://gamebanana.com/games/5709
Smash Custom Music - A website where you can find music already converted to BRSTM, BCSTM, and BFSTM.
Website: http://smashcustommusic.com/
Mario Kart 8 100% Save - A save for SaveMiiMod that has everything unlocked.
Homebrew App Store - A website for downloading Wii U homebrew.
Website: https://apps.fortheusers.org/wiiu
Google Drive Download Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5p7e1g-NHIvZHNla2F0XzVDbGc/

Exploit Hosts
wiiuexploit.xyz - A website you can visit on your Wii U that provides access to the Homebrew Launcher (Recommended!).
Website: http://wiiuexploit.xyz/
WiiuBru Go - A website you can visit on your Wii U that provides access to the Homebrew Launcher and Homebrew App Store.
Website: https://wiiubru.com/go/
loadiine.ovh - A website you can visit on your Wii U that provides easy access to exploits and programs.
Website: http://loadiine.ovh/
wj44.xyz / wj44.ml - Another website you can visit on your Wii U that provides exploits and programs.
Website: http://wj44.ml/

DNS Hosts
TitleDB LA DNS - Blocks updates.
168.235.092.108
TitleDB Netherlands DNS - Blocks updates.
081.004.127.020

Other
Mario Kart 8 Modding Central Discord - Discord server for Mario Kart 8 Modding.
Discord invite: https://discord.gg/K3ERBFC
Wii U Cheat Code Thread - A place where you can find cheat codes for use with JGecko/TCPGecko, and how to use them.
GBATemp thread: http://gbatemp.net/threads/post-your-wiiu-cheat-codes-here.395443/
Mario Kart 8 Title IDs - To use Cafiine, you'll have to create a folder with one of these names inside the cafiine_root folder, depending on what region your MK8 disc is for.

USA - 00050000-1010EC00
EUR - 00050000-1010ED00
JAP - 00050000-1010EB00

Tutorials​

Wii U Hacks Guide - A guide for hacking your Wii U from start to finish (Recommended!).
Site: https://wiiu.hacks.guide/
Switch Toolbox Wiki - Guides for creating mods using Switch Toolbox.
GitHub Wiki: https://github.com/KillzXGaming/Switch-Toolbox/wiki
Track Editing Tutorial - A guide for modifying many aspects of a course.
GBATemp Thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/rays-mario-kart-8-course-modding-tutorials.430948/
Custom Track Tutorial - A guide for making your own custom track from scratch.
Gamebanana Link: https://gamebanana.com/tuts/12508
BFRES Importing Tutorial - A guide for importing a custom model into a BFRES file.
Gamebanana Link: https://gamebanana.com/tuts/12327
Original Mario Kart 8 Modding Central - The original version of this thread, that has some tutorials. Do take it with a grain of salt, because some of what's described there is outdated.
GBATemp Thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/mario-kart-8-modding-central.425919/

Where to Get Started​

Well, this sure ended up being quite a big thread, so here are some examples of some things you can do to get started:

• Setup custom firmware on your Wii U using the Wii U Hacks Guide. You can also setup CEMU too, if that's your style.
• Dump your game with Dumpling Having a copy of all of your game files is very useful.
• Make a text edit with Cafiine or SDCafiine. Using the MSBT editor to edit ingame text is a great way to get started with making mods, and using them with Cafiine.
• Make a texture hack of an ingame character. Get comfortable with messing around with BFRES files.

 

[GRAnimated]

This is great! I found a little mistake though, just being picky here but still. Multipurpose Editing Tools you accidentally put Wiiki instead of Wiki for Wexo's Toolbox's Custom Mario Kart Wiki Page.

 

[Kafluke]

Way to step up OP. Props for taking the time to write this!

 

[KiiWii]

There are a lot of awesome mods over at gamebanana

Spoiler

https://gamebanana.com/games/5709

 

[The Koopa Kingdom]

I found a little mistake though, just being picky here but still.

Oh, go ahead, I don't mind picky.

Multipurpose Editing Tools you accidentally put Wiiki instead of Wiki for Wexo's Toolbox's Custom Mario Kart Wiki Page.

It's actually stylized that way on purpose.

Way to step up OP. Props for taking the time to write this!

Thanks!

There are a lot of awesome mods over at gamebanana

Good point, I'll add that.

 

[lordelan]

In b4 epic mods are beeing released.

 

[AboodXD]

Just a little heads up, BFLIM Tool is obsolete in favor of BFLIM Extractor, not the other way around.

 

[The Koopa Kingdom]

Just a little heads up, BFLIM Tool is obsolete in favor of BFLIM Extractor, not the other way around.

Fixed.

 

[AboodXD]

It also uses DDS, not PNG.

Other than that, the thread looks good. Good job.

 

[Loki_]

Guys is there something similar for common.szs https://pastebin.com/PqtDAV6W ?

 

[christianacqua]

Hello! if i organize a tournament with custom tracks in a private match will my friends and I get banned?

 

[Lostbhoy]

Hello! if i organize a tournament with custom tracks in a private match will my friends and I get banned?

No. Track and character mods are perfectly fine. Using cheats will get you banned although these days on Wii U, highly doubtful as I've seen far too many item spammers!

 

[Deleted member 571007]

No. Track and character mods are perfectly fine. Using cheats will get you banned although these days on Wii U, highly doubtful as I've seen far too many item spammers!

It's impossible to get banned for online cheating on the Wii U unless you're not taking the proper precautions on Splatoon specifically. The reason this game is an exception is because it's one of the only Nintendo games on the console that have an automated anti-cheat. So doing things such as team switching, changing ink color, getting too much points, and using rainmaker in Turf War are liable to set off the automatic detection.

 

[Lostbhoy]

It's impossible to get banned for online cheating on the Wii U unless you're not taking the proper precautions on Splatoon specifically. The reason this game is an exception is because it's one of the only Nintendo games on the console that have an automated anti-cheat. So doing things such as team switching, changing ink color, getting too much points, and using rainmaker in Turf War are liable to set off the automatic detection.

I've spoken to people in the past that were banned for using said cheats on MK8. Possibly by means of being reported right enough but it did happen. Nintendo doesn't care about it anymore tho as I can't stand the wii u online anymore due the cheats and spammers in mk8.

 

[Deleted member 571007]

I've spoken to people in the past that were banned for using said cheats on MK8. Possibly by means of being reported right enough but it did happen. Nintendo doesn't care about it anymore tho as I can't stand the wii u online anymore due the cheats and spammers in mk8.

Be glad you don't play Minecraft Wii U then, when I was developing the scene they were the most ungrateful people I'd ever seen - yet they're happy to use my cheats to constantly abuse and harass people daily. The amount of death threats or threats of bodily harm I've seen on that game is astonishing. Probably one of the worst online scenes I have ever seen.

 

[Lostbhoy]

Be glad you don't play Minecraft Wii U then, when I was developing the scene they were the most ungrateful people I'd ever seen - yet they're happy to use my cheats to constantly abuse and harass people daily. The amount of death threats or threats of bodily harm I've seen on that game is astonishing. Probably one of the worst online scenes I have ever seen.

Wow, seriously? My kids play that but no so much online. That's an eye-opener! I'll be grilling them now bout past experiences lol

 

[Deleted member 571007]

Wow, seriously? My kids play that but no so much online. That's an eye-opener! I'll be grilling them now bout past experiences lol

Yeah if they play it online - please be careful. There are many people that like pulling IPs and threatening you with your own information / address. It's an incredibly toxic community depending on where you are in it; but then again that same thing can be said for any community lol. But then again I don't think I've ever seen another on-par with constantly sending threats over someone's survival world lmao

 

[JazzyDK]

How do I get my Performance.bin file modifications to show up. I only modify the stats of mario and nothing changes at all. No stat bar changes, no increased movement, no nothing.

Edit: Never Mind, found out there were two performance.bin

 

[Xerokard]

nude mods when?

 

[MikaDubbz]

nude mods when?

Literally 5 days ago: https://gamebanana.com/mods/388793