Vanilla Restoration Project
⚪ Last updated 2020Preview
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 2.1% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #30 of 169 Gameplay Changes mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
While SOTFS arguably improved on most of the game, some areas were left worse off than what they were in the original game. VRP for now seeks to merge the best of Vanilla and SOTFS, with a full Vanilla recreation possibly being down the line as my modding skills improve and with enough demand for it.
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Installation
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Extract the .rar in Steam\SteamApps\common\Dark Souls II Scholar of the First Sin\Game
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FAQ
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Q: What do you mean by calling it a 'soft' mod?
A: VRP does NOT replace or tamper with most of the enemy placements or any of the item placements (yet), therefore most of the game will be the same outside of some minor and fewer major changes.
Q: What does this mod do?
A: Restore, replace and remove SOTFS' spawns to match what they were in Vanilla, including tweaking the AI and aggro groups to replicate the AI behaviors as close as possible.
Q: Who is this mod for?
A: People who enjoy Dark Souls 2's base game but yearn for some of the Vanilla spawns. This version of the mod is for intended for a very niche amount of players who wanted to merge the better vanilla spawns with SOTFS.
Q: Do the maps have modifications such as new detailing or new areas, like in Augur of Darkness?
A: No. My skills are not quite there yet, and me tampering with the maps according to my vision for the game would go against the spirit of the mod (as silly as it sounds), which is restoration of the Vanilla game on the "new" engine. Besides, Stayd already has that field (detailing/lightning overhaul) covered, so I'll leave it up to him.
Q: Why are you releasing VRP half-baked? Most of the spawns are still from SOTFS!
A: Several reasons:
1. I'm unsure just how much I should restore vanilla spawns or how much I should demake SOTFS' more advanced changes like completely new secrets. Not every vanilla spawn is a good spawn, not every SOTFS spawn is a bad spawn, and demaking the positive changes SOTFS brought, namely new secrets and better build variety, seems counterintuitive. Yet it's hypocritical of me considering I talked about the spirit of the mod, which should be restoration regardless if it's flawed or good. I'm at crossroads, and thus I need some time to decide if I'll actually commit to this ordeal.
2. I want to see if there's any demand for this kind of thing first. In the meanwhile, I'll be improving my mapping skills by working on an actual comprehensive overhaul of the game.
Q: Will I get softbanned for playing this online?
A: I mean, this does not tamper with enc_regulation.bnd.dcx, so maybe not? Honestly, I haven't tested it out, so I have no idea. If you're unsure, get an alternative accou
Vanilla Restoration Project is a soft mod for Dark Souls 2 that restores notable vanilla enemy spawns altered in Scholar of the First Sin. With 116 endorsements and 5,516 downloads, it's a niche but appreciated fix for purists. Last updated in 2020, it remains a simple, focused gameplay tweak.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Community-approved (116 endorsements) with a solid download count (5,516) for a niche fix
- Fills a specific gap for players who prefer the original spawn layouts over Scholar's changes
- Lightweight and focused—doesn't overhaul the game, just tweaks spawns
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2020, so it may not be compatible with the latest game patches or mod setups
- Narrow scope—only affects spawns, so players wanting broader changes will need other mods
- Potential conflicts with other mods that alter enemy placements or spawn logic
For Dark Souls 2 veterans who played the original release and miss the vanilla enemy placements, especially those who find Scholar's changes frustrating. Also for players who want a minimal, lore-friendly tweak without overhauling the game. Skip if you're new to the game or prefer Scholar's spawns as they are.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Since this mod alters spawns, it's best to install it before starting a new playthrough to avoid confusion with enemy positions you've already memorized.
- If you're using a mod manager like Mod Organizer 2, enable this mod after other gameplay mods to ensure its spawn changes take priority.
- Check the mod's comments or forum for any known compatibility notes with popular Dark Souls 2 mods, as the 2020 update may predate newer mods.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Darksouls2 Mods
- Author
- GrayGeorge
- Version
- 0.1
- Downloads
- 5,516
- Endorsements
- 116
- Category
- Gameplay Changes
- Created
- 2/15/2020
- Updated
- 2/15/2020
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