You may have decided to dive into the modding of Grand Theft Auto V or other RAGE (Rockstar Advanced Gaming Engine) engine games. If so, there’s a chance that you will have encountered YMT files and Open5.
But what exactly are YMT and Open5? Why should one think about editing such files? How to actually alter them? If you want the answers to these questions, this is the only blog post you will ever need!
In this article guide, we’ll walk you through how to successfully edit YMT files in Open5 and integrate them back into your mods. So, if you’re working with FiveM (Open5), this discussion will be very helpful for you.
So, are you ready to customize your gaming world fully? If so, let’s get started here!
What Are YMT Files? — A Quick Overview
A YMT is a metadata file used by Rockstar Games in games powered by the RAGE engine, such as the following:
- Grand Theft Auto V.
- Red Dead Redemption 2.
These files contain XML-formatted data that define various in-game attributes, such as the following:
- Character details.
- Item data.
- And more.
What Is Open5? — A Brief Introduction!
Open5 is a modification framework for GTA V that allows players to create and join custom multiplayer servers. In the context of modding, it goes by the name of ‘Open5.’ However, its official name is ‘FiveM.’ But why do people even use it?
Well, FiveM allows users to do the following actions independent of Rockstar’s official servers:
- Run custom game modes.
- Server settings.
- Modifications.
Why Are YMT Files Difficult to Edit? — The Main Reason!
YMT files are typically compressed and encrypted. This makes them less accessible for direct modification than other file types. In fact, that’s the main reason why people find it challenging to edit YMT files in Open5 or others.
What Is the Point of Editing YMT Files? — Why Do People Even Alter Them?
Modifying YMT files allows modders to customize various aspects of the game, such as the following:
- Environmental effects.
- Vehicle traffic.
- Weather settings.
These customizations can transform the game experience.
So, whether you want to add new content, create a specific atmosphere (like a post-apocalyptic setting), or improve the realism of the overall game, you will have to edit YMT files.
How to Open and Edit YMT Files?
Altering YMT files can be challenging, especially if you’re new to modding. But with the right tools and knowledge, you can customize them to suit your needs. So, if you want to edit YMT files, you will also have to learn how to open and import them. And here are all the key steps involved in this entire procedure of modifying, opening, and importing:
Step # 1: Locate the YMT File in the Game’s RPF Archive
First of all, you will have to use ‘OpenIV’ to locate the desired ‘YMT’ file inside the game’s RPF archive. Remember that YMT files are usually encrypted and stored within these archives. Therefore, you will have to use ‘OpenIV’ to extract them.
Pro Tip 1: Let’s say that you want to search the YMT file that controls traffic and other game elements. In that case, you can look up specific names, like ‘traffic.ymt’ or ‘vehicles.ymt.’.
Pro Tip 2: Extract the desired file to an accessible location, like your desktop.
Step # 2: Edit YMT File Using YMTEditor or a Text Editor
By now, you may have found the desired YMT file. If so, let’s now begin editing it.
If you’re working with FiveM, you’ll likely be dealing with custom assets and game mechanics. So, in order to edit your YMT file, you can either use the ‘YMTEditor’ tool or ‘perform manual XML editing.’ But how can you decide between these two methods?
To choose between the aforementioned two techniques, take assistance from the following information:
- If you’re an advanced modder who is comfortable with XML syntax, you can conduct manual XML editing. To do so, simply change the file extension to ‘.xml’ and edit it using any text editor. Once you’ve completed this process, you can change it back to ‘.ymt.’
- You can use the ‘YMTEditor’ tool to view and modify the XML-like content inside the file, which defines everything from game attributes to character stats.
Step # 3: Reimport the Edited YMT File into OpenIV
After modifying the file, reimport the edited YMT file back into the RPF archive using ‘OpenIV.’ Doing so will overwrite the original file with your changes.
Step # 4: Prepare for FiveM Integration
Once everything is set, it’s time to prepare for the integration of the ‘FiveM (Open5)’ server. Keep in mind that Open5 modding requires custom resources to be placed in the server’s resource folder so that the game can recognize and use the new YMT file. So, ‘stream’ the YMT file rather than just importing it into the game. Here is how to do that:
1. Create a Resource Folder:
- First, navigate to your ‘FiveM server directory.’
- Then, create a new folder in the ‘resources’ folder (e.g., my_custom_ymt).
2. Place the Edited YMT File in the Stream Folder:
- After that, go inside the newly created folder.
- Then, place the edited YMT file in a subfolder named ‘stream.’
3. Update the ‘fxmanifest.lua’ File:
- Make sure that you have a ‘fxmanifest.lua’ file in the same folder because this file tells ‘FiveM’ how to load and handle the resource.
But what is the actual procedure for referencing your YMT file? To do so, use the following script:
files { 'stream/your_ymt_file.ymt'}data_file 'PTFXASSETINFO_FILE' 'stream/your_ymt_file.ymt'This ensures the server correctly identifies and streams the YMT file when players connect.
Step # 5: Restart Your Server
Once you’ve placed the files and updated the manifest, restart your ‘FiveM server.’ This will help the changes to take effect.
Your edited YMT file should now be active in the game, modifying whatever parameters you adjusted.
Concluding Remarks on How to Edit YMT Files in Open5
Overall, editing YMT files is a powerful way to customize your gaming experience in titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2. Whether you’re changing vehicle traffic, creating an entirely new atmosphere for your server, or tweaking environmental effects, these files give you control over how the game behaves. So, follow the steps outlined above to edit YMT files in Open5. Doing so will help unlock the full potential of YMT file modding, both in single-player and multiplayer environments like FiveM. But remember to back up original files before making modifications, and be aware of common issues like encryption or incorrect file handling that could cause errors.
