INSTALL AND UPDATE / THE VERY SIMPLE VERSION
Start with the free 2-Series app and loaders. You do not need Patreon or Discord to mod your game. Patreon is an optional way to support development; the separate 3-Series build is for people who choose to support and try the newest work.
START HERE / FREE TO USE
For ordinary modding, download the free 2-Series app and the loaders. No Patreon subscription or Discord membership is required. Choose the desktop app for Aurora Forge tools, or the loaders-only installer if you already have the tools you want.
mods/mod-selection.json, and Esc closes. Changes apply on the next launch. F9 and F10 are fallback hotkeys. Use borderless/windowed mode; exclusive fullscreen can hide the topmost window.OPTIONAL / 3-SERIES SUPPORTER BUILD
The steps below are for the separate 3-Series build. You can skip this section and still install mods with the free 2-Series app and loaders above.
Open auroraforge.live. Click the Windows x64 button on the 3-Series page. That channel link always points to the current installer.
When the download finishes, open it from your browser or double-click it in your Downloads folder. Follow the installer prompts and keep the default app install location unless you have a reason to change it.
Windows may ask for permission. Choose Yes. If you see a blue SmartScreen warning, click More info, then Run anyway. The installer is not code-signed yet, so Windows does not know the publisher.
The desktop app installer is separate from the game loaders. You do not need to choose a game folder to install the app.
The app installer does not install game loaders. If you want Aurora Forge loaders, run the separate 3-Series loaders installer.
Close WWE 2K26 before installing loaders. The loader installer backs up files it replaces; it does not delete your mods, CAKs, manifests, or sound packages.
After installation, open AuroraForge NT100 from the Start menu. Your projects and settings stay on your PC when you close it.
On first launch, AuroraForge 3-Series opens the access gate. Click Sign in with Patreon to Verify Access. Your browser opens the secure verifier.
Both checks must pass: an active Patreon tier and the Discord VIP role linked to that Patreon account. The app stores a verified session for this release, so you do not sign in on every launch.
Sign in with Patreon to verify access.
Active Patreon tier + linked Discord VIP role required.
PART TWO / UPDATING THE APP
For the latest 3-Series build, use the Windows or Linux download buttons on the 3-Series page. You do not need to remove an earlier app first. Projects and settings stay on your PC.
Open AuroraForge NT100. At the top of the window, click Help. Click Check for Updates.... The app asks GitHub whether a newer version exists.
If you are already current, it says so. If a newer version exists, a box like the picture appears.
Click Download update. When the download finishes, the app asks you to restart. Click Restart and install.
The app closes for a moment. The installer runs, then the app opens again on the new version.
The update installer may ask for the game folder again. It should remember the path. Check it, leave the loader box set the way you want, then click Close or Finish.
Open the app and check the build number in the About page or the build chip. This guide is written for 3-Series Alpha.
IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG
Most install problems are Windows trust prompts, a missing game folder, or WWE 2K26 still running. The app does not need Node, npm, Python, or a command window.
Click More info, then Run anyway. The installer is currently unsigned. Verify the SHA-256 from the website if you want to check the file first.
Close the game completely, then try the loader install or update again. The app can be open while you download the update, but the game should be closed when loader files are replaced.
Open Steam, right-click WWE 2K26, choose Manage, then Browse local files. Use that folder. Do not choose the folder above it.
Clear the loader checkbox before closing the installer. The app still installs normally. You can add the loader later by running the installer again.
You are already on the latest build. If you need to repair the install, run the current installer from the website over the old one. Projects and settings are kept.
The free 2-Series source is on the Source page. Both release lines are on the Downloads page. The GitHub Releases page carries the updater files and release notes for the 3-Series line.