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When you open BD2 Mod Manager for the first time, the app detects that no configuration exists yet (is_first_launch: true) and walks you through a short setup sequence before showing the main interface.

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The first-launch wizard

The wizard collects the two pieces of information the app needs before it can manage mods:
1

Set your game directory

The wizard prompts you to select the folder where BrownDust II.exe is located — for example:
F:\Neowiz\Browndust2\Browndust2_10000001
Click Browse, navigate to that folder, and select it. BD2 Mod Manager validates the path by checking for BrownDust II.exe before letting you continue.
Not sure where your game is installed? See Finding your game directory.
2

Confirm or change the staging directory

The staging directory is where BD2 Mod Manager stores your mod archives — separately from the game. By default, it is created inside the app’s data folder.You can accept the default location or click Browse to choose a custom path, for example a folder on a drive with more free space.
The staging directory is not the same as BepInEx/plugins/BrownDustX/mods/ inside your game folder. Never point the staging directory at your game folder.
3

Finish setup

Click Finish (or equivalent confirm button) to complete the wizard. BD2 Mod Manager saves your configuration and opens the main interface.

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What the app does on first launch

After the wizard completes, BD2 Mod Manager performs several automatic tasks:
  • Creates the staging directory on disk if it does not already exist.
  • Downloads game data (character metadata, asset information) if auto_download_game_data is enabled (on by default). A progress indicator appears in the status bar.
  • Checks for app updates if check_for_app_updates is enabled (on by default). A notification appears if a newer version is available.
  • Marks first launch as complete so the wizard does not appear again.

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Default configuration

BD2 Mod Manager ships with the following defaults. You can change any of these in Settings at any time.
SettingDefault value
Languageen_US
ThemeDark
Sync methodCopy
Search mods recursivelyOff
Auto-sync modsOff
Check for app updatesOn
Auto-download game dataOn
Auto-update mod previewOn
Auto-sync (auto_sync_mods) means BD2 Mod Manager syncs automatically every time you enable or disable a mod. It is off by default so you have explicit control over when changes are applied to your game directory.

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The staging directory

The staging directory is the folder BD2 Mod Manager uses to store mod files that you have added to the app. It is separate from your game installation. 
staging-directory\
├── my-costume-mod\
│   ├── my-costume-mod.modfile
│   ├── my-costume-mod.atlas
│   ├── my-costume-mod.skel
│   └── textures\
└── another-mod\
    └── ...
Key points:
  • Add mods here, not in your game’s mods/ folder. Drop archives or folders into the Mods tab, and BD2 Mod Manager places them in staging.
  • Sync writes to the game folder. When you sync, enabled mods are copied from staging into BepInEx/plugins/BrownDustX/mods/BD2MM/ inside your game directory.
  • Disabling a mod and syncing removes it from BD2MM/, but the mod file remains in staging so you can re-enable it later.

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What to check after first launch

After completing the wizard, verify the following before adding mods:
1

Check the BrownDustX tab

Open the BrownDustX tab. If BrownDustX is not detected in your game directory, click Install to set it up. Mods will not load in-game without it.
2

Confirm game data downloaded

If auto_download_game_data was on, wait for the status bar to show that game data has finished downloading. This data powers the Characters tab and mod preview features.
3

Add your first mod

Head to Quickstart or Installing mods for next steps.

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