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Basically Mandatory => Junction VIII => Topic started by: Kuraudo on 2024-12-01 21:58:40

Title: FF8 Must Install Mods 2026 | Compendium
Post by: Kuraudo on 2024-12-01 21:58:40

Final Fantasy VIII PC
✨ Best Must Install Mods 2026 ✨
Ultimate Mod Manager Junction VIII • Echo-S 8 • Cinema-RF FMV • SFX-J
Last updated: January 27, 2026

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13 Must Install Mods at a Glance

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#	Mod name	What it does
1	Axl Rose's WIP	Upscaled backgrounds + misc
2	SFX-J	Sound replacement mod + ambience
3	Lunar Cry Plus	Upscaled enemies
4	ProjectHELLFIRE Plus	Upscaled Guardian Forces
5	Hit-J	Upscaled battle effects
6	Poly-UP	Main characters updated
7	BattlefieldPack Plus	Battle backgrounds mod
8	Echo-S 8 Demo	English voice acting demo
9	Cinema-RF FMV	Jaw-dropping upscaled FMVs
10	FFNx FF8Music	PS1-quality music
11	Tripod Plus	Updated cards
12	SeedReborn Plus	Updated UI
13	Horizon Pack Plus	Upscaled world map

↓ Full detailed guide with exact settings below ↓

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Table of Contents

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• 13 Must Install Mods at a Glance (#post_glance)
• Quick Start – How to Install Everything (#post_quickstart)
• ✨ Full 13 Must Install Mods (#post_mustinstall)
• Optional but Amazing Mods (#post_optional)
• Compatibility Table (#post_compatibility)
• Game Driver Settings (#post_driversettings)
• Useful Links (#post_links)
• Modding Scene (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=28009.msg298019#msg298019)
• News Flash (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=28009.msg298019#msg298019)

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Quick Start – How to Install Everything

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• Buy and install FF8 on Steam (https://store.steampowered.com/app/39150/FINAL_FANTASY_VIII/) (2013 version, not Remastered)
• Launch FF8 from Steam at least once
• Download Junction VIII (https://github.com/tsunamods-codes/Junction-VIII/releases/latest) Mod Manager from Assets and launch it
• General Settings → Update to “Canary” for J8 & FFNx → Save
• General Settings → Auto Sort Mods by Default → Save
• Browse Catalog → Install every mod listed below
• My Mods → Click Auto Sort (1/9) → Play!

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✨ Full 13 Must Install Mods

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Below is a list of some fabulous mods that you really should check out! The linked threads are for mod introduction and not for the download itself, unless it is explicitly stated "link".

• AxlRose's WIP
     → Enable Faithful Backgrounds. Warning: there are currently 50 backgrounds up for grabs.
• SFX-J – Link (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YJIBZJeGYxnl_yhZoW6nVn9MXFqpiY46) 
     →  Available only through link for now, unpack & double click on the .IROJ file to auto-import. This is an experimental release that is still being developed. It is 94% complete. If you spot any bugs, hear wrong loops or the sounds are too loud, please report it in the Tsunamods Discord channel SFX-J.
• Lunar Cry Plus – Thread (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=15977.0)
     → [].
• ProjectHELLFIRE Plus – Thread (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=17320.0)
     → [].
• Hit-J
     → Warning: Right now, this release is causing stuttering during battles.
• Poly-UP
     → [].
• BattlefieldPack Plus – Thread (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=16434.0) 
     → [].
• Echo-S 8 Demo – Thread (https://www.tsunamods.com/echo-s-8/)
     → Warning: this mod force game over once you reach Timber (workaround: load your save immediately before the demo ending with Echo-S 8 disabled.)
• Cinema-RF FMV
     → [].
• FFNx FF8Music – Thread (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=19968.0)
     →  Note that this mod contains superior PS1 sound, and bug-free experience.
• Tripod Plus – Link (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1i7RfLftLkdVidcKTF-FL-6j5Ow4iazvW) – Thread (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=15301.0)
     →  Available only through link for now, unpack & double click on the .IROJ file to auto-import.
• SeedReborn Plus 🆕 – Link (https://www.gp-mc.net/mcindus/seedreborn.7z) – Thread (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=15320.0)
     →  Available only through link for now, unpack & double click on the .IROJ file to auto-import.
• Horizon Pack Plus – Thread (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=15859.0) 
     → [].

Ready to go: Remember, there's no right or wrong way to play FF8, whatever you prefer, it is valid. You are free to look for more mods in Browse Catalog tab and play as you wish. The idea behind creating this list is to make life easier for the end user, as not everyone is an expert.

Important: Remember, the threads linked above are used for mod introduction only, you'll still need to download the mods from the Junction VIII mod manager, search for the mod name in the Browse Catalog tab and install it from there. Whatever is not installed from the catalog is not supported.

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Optional but Amazing Mods

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Spoiler: show

You will also find these optional mods below, if you want to activate these mods you must check the "Compatibility Table" section below, in terms of not having mod conflict. Remember: you can't usually have multiple mods that strive to achieve the same thing. Search for the mod name in the J8 Browse Catalog tab and install it from there. Mods are updated regularly, so something might change regarding compatibility. Please always read the mod description.

• FF8 ILP (International Language Patch)
• AxlRose's WIP
• Rebirth Flame Plus - Thread (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=16022.0)
• OST-RF
• Card-RF
• Triple Triad -REMASTERED- – Link (https://drive.google.com/file/d/11jjyp6LkuK-JxEZs1TeNhSj268EvXN1d/view) – Thread (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=30229.0) →  Available only through link for now, unpack & double click on the .IROJ file to auto-import.
• ReShade CRT-Royale
• SlimeSHADY
• Ragnarok (Gameplay Mod) – Thread (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=18404.0)
• Cronos (Gameplay Mod) – Thread (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=28483.0)
• Succession (Story Mod) – Thread (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=19184.0) →  2nd playthrough
• New Threat 8 Demo (Gameplay Mod) – Thread (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=18635.0)
• Flowers Field FMV HD – Thread (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=30338.0)
• Force high res models

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Compatibility Table

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You usually cannot use two mods that edit the same thing. Always read mod descriptions!

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Game Driver Settings

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For an enhanced gameplay ensure as well to have these settings ON in Junction VIII Settings>Game Driver Settings.

• Graphics API: Auto (NVIDIA → DX11, AMD → DX12, Linux → Vulkan)
• Resolution: Native monitor resolution
• Window mode: Fullscreen
• Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 16:9
• Antialiasing: OFF
• Anisotropic: ON
• V-Sync: OFF (unless tearing)
• Steam Compatibility: ON
• Internal Resolution Scaler: 4x (depending on the screen resolution)

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Useful Links

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Frequently Asked Questions (https://hobbitdur.github.io/FF8ModdingWiki/faq/) | J8 Catalog Mirror (https://tsunamods-codes.github.io/Junction-VIII-Catalogs/) | In-game Shortcuts (https://github.com/julianxhokaxhiu/FFNx/blob/master/docs/shortcuts.md) | Hyne Save Editor (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=9713.msg135012#msg135012)
Qhimm Discord (https://discord.gg/mKsea6xNxY)  | Tsunamods Discord (https://discord.gg/tsunamods-community-277610501721030656) | FF8 Modding Wiki (https://hobbitdur.github.io/FF8ModdingWiki/) | Qhimm Website Archive (https://web.archive.org/web/20080123135741/http://www.qhimm.com/#ff8)

Welcome to the best way to play Final Fantasy VIII in 2026

Title: FF8 Modding Scene | A Bite of History
Post by: Kuraudo on 2024-12-03 08:41:59

(click here for FF7) (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=21345.msg288607#msg288607)

Modding Scene
✨ A Bite of History ✨
The Legacy • The Heroes • The Future

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Final Fantasy

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On 11 February 1999, Squaresoft (now Square Enix) unleashed Final Fantasy VIII on the PlayStation 1 — a game that redefined beauty in RPGs.

✦ Over 8 million copies sold in its first decade 
✦ Stunning full-motion video, 3D graphics, triple-triaded gameplay and improved audio quality.
✦ In 2025 the entire Final Fantasy franchise has officially surpassed 200 million units sold worldwide — cementing its throne among the greatest video-game IPs of all time.

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The Eternal Wall of Fame

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The FF8 modding scene was born in 1999 with the creation of Qhimm.com — the true campus of our community.

Too many are part of the eternal wall of fame: Qhimm, Ficedula, NFITC1, Alhexx, Aali, Iros, myst6re, vertex2995, Cosmos, TrueOdin and so on; the dedication and perseverance of the community, together with the constant evolution of hardware and software, has allowed for high level results. With the advent of a new advanced driver called FFNx (https://github.com/julianxhokaxhiu/FFNx), created by TrueOdin (https://blog.julianxhokaxhiu.com/2020-03-06-final-fantasy-viii-running-on-vulkan/) in late 2020, there have been real generational leaps. The well-known FFNx team (https://github.com/julianxhokaxhiu/FFNx?tab=readme-ov-file#the-team) is engaged in assiduous efforts behind the scenes, they've got a lot of new features (https://github.com/julianxhokaxhiu/FFNx?tab=readme-ov-file#ff8) and bug fixes (https://github.com/julianxhokaxhiu/FFNx/blob/master/Changelog.md) coming your way. The ultimate mod manager Junction VIII (J8) is released too. You're in for a treat!
What?! A full voice acting mod? Hell, yeah! Tsunamods (https://www.tsunamods.com/) is thrilled to bring you a taste of it with the available demo.

A massive shout-out as well to Makipl and MCINDUS for their incredible passion and contributions to FF8 over the years.

With the advent of Junction VIII Mod Manager — 
A New Era. Get ready for the most amazing experience ever!

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The Future is Bright

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Cooking in the Kitchen:
✦ Full Voice Acting mod
✦ Full HD Backgrounds mod
✦ Full 60 FPS mod
✦ And countless surprises from the most talented modders

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📰 News Flash & Upcoming Magic

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Spoiler: Behind the scene • show

07/02/2022 - FFNx team bringing on the table since 2020: real-time lighting support; steam achievements; voice layer; external SFX audio effects layer for modders; HDR support; Audio 5.1/7.1 support; gamepad vibration; in-game voice acting; restore from PS1 full 360 analogue movement support while using gamepad as well as dual stick control for vehicles; vibration option in config menu and battle pause menu; ambient layer; card game in 60FPS and much much more. (https://github.com/julianxhokaxhiu/FFNx/pulls?page=5&q=is%3Apr+is%3Aclosed+FF8)
28/04/2023 - AxlRose starts working on FF8 tools and mods.
13/03/2024 - A wild saeed3944 has appeared! He's got his hands on all the latest AI tools, and he's busy scaling up all the backgrounds at speedlight. Shunsq on the other hand helping with the "cutting" part.
14/05/2024 - Hobbitdur starts working on FF8 tools and mods.
01/12/2024 - Junction VIII Mod Manager is released.
03/08/2025 - True widescreen "unlocked"! Awaiting modders to rock it! (https://github.com/julianxhokaxhiu/FFNx/pull/756)
18/08/2025 - Slimebucket has brought some MCINDUS mods to the J8 platform, with MCINDUS's permission! Slimebucket also made some heavy test and bug fixes. The "Plus" mods can be found in J8 mod manager.
{NEW ☆}08/09/2025 - Sebanisu working on field map editor, awaiting last polishing in order to achieve a full background mod. AxlRose working hard on a batch cut tool and its own background mod... full field background mod closer.

We are just getting started.
The best version of Final Fantasy VIII is being written right now — by all of us.

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→ Jump to the FF8 Must-Install Mods 2026 Compendium ← (https://forums.qhimm.com/index.php?topic=28009.0)

Title: Re: [PC-2000/Steam-2013] FF8 Must Install Mods ► COMPENDIUM ◄ [2025]
Post by: otis5842 on 2025-07-29 03:18:00

If something breaks after installing mods, what’s the best way to troubleshoot should I use the Qhimm Discord, Tsunamods Discord, or the FAQ/Wiki first?

Title: Re: [PC-2000/Steam-2013] FF8 Must Install Mods ► COMPENDIUM ◄ [2025]
Post by: slimebucket on 2025-08-27 04:36:52

Anywhere you feel like, I check qhimm site here, discord, and also the Tsunamods discord.

I am the person that converted Project Hellfire+, Lunar Cry+, Horizonpack+ and BattlefieldPack+ to J8! I am always down to help out with any issues!

Title: Re: [PC-2000/Steam-2013] FF8 Must Install Mods ► COMPENDIUM ◄ [2025]
Post by: griffincollins1117 on 2025-11-06 07:41:04

Wow, this compendium is amazing — thanks for putting it all together! I’ve just started exploring J8 mods and it’s really impressive to see the effort everyone puts into keeping FF8 alive and enhanced. Special thanks to those who converted Project Hellfire+, Lunar Cry+, Horizonpack+, and BattlefieldPack+ — that’s a huge contribution.

Title: Re: [PC-2000/Steam-2013] FF8 Must Install Mods ► COMPENDIUM ◄ [2026]
Post by: slimebucket on 2025-11-15 16:51:54

 ;) no problem

Title: Re: FF8 Must Install Mods 2026 | Compendium
Post by: FlawlessVi on 2026-01-21 13:37:47

Hello,

Thank you so much for this compendium! I'm going to start a new play through and this helps immensely!

One question, I can't seem to activate Axl Rose's WIP and SeedReborn Plus at the same time. I tried turning everything off in Axl Rose's WIP's settings except faithful backgrounds, but that didn't help. Is there a special way to do this?

Title: Re: FF8 Must Install Mods 2026 | Compendium
Post by: Heralt on 2026-01-24 06:55:18

Junction VIII is awesome, but best I can tell, there still isn’t a background upscaler for the whole game—Axl’s mod doesn’t cover nearly everything. Is it possible to use the AngelWing mod or Eden with Junction VIII?

Title: Re: FF8 Must Install Mods 2026 | Compendium
Post by: slimebucket on 2026-01-28 17:07:55

I have just recently updated SeeDReBorN with new backgrounds and options in the config.

This will allow AxlRose to update his AxlWIP and put in compatibility options. That update will be a week or 2, I will post here when it has been updated.