How to Install Northstar for Titanfall 2

Updated

Northstar is a modding framework client that lets you host and join custom Titanfall 2 servers running custom scripts and assets, while still supporting vanilla content. You can install it in four ways: FlightCore (the official all-in-one installer, updater, launcher, and mod manager for Windows and Linux), VTOL (a third-party installer and mod manager for Windows), Viper (a third-party installer and auto-updater for Windows and Linux), or a manual install. Pick FlightCore if you want the simplest supported path with automatic updates; pick VTOL or Viper if you want broader mod-source support or a lighter tool; choose manual only if you are comfortable managing versions yourself.

Install options at a glance

Installer Platform What it does Notes
FlightCore Windows, Linux Installer, updater, launcher, mod manager; built-in mod browser; can install pre-release Northstar versions Official, recommended path
VTOL Windows Installer and mod manager; installs from Thunderstore and outside sources like GitHub/GitLab; manages custom weapon/pilot skins and dedicated servers Third-party, extensive feature set
Viper Windows, Linux Installer and auto-updater; launches both Northstar and vanilla Titanfall 2; mod manager with built-in Thunderstore browser Third-party, simple
Manual Windows, Linux You place the Northstar files yourself Does not auto-update; you manage versions manually

Installing with FlightCore

  1. Download FlightCore from the Northstar site (Windows or Linux build).
  2. Run the installer and point it at your Titanfall 2 installation if it does not detect it automatically.
  3. Let FlightCore install Northstar. It also acts as the launcher, so you start the game through FlightCore from then on.
  4. Use the built-in mod browser to add mods, and use FlightCore's update function to keep Northstar current. If you want to test upcoming changes, FlightCore can install pre-release versions of Northstar.

Expected result: Northstar launches, and you can browse and join custom servers. Because FlightCore handles updates, you do not need to reinstall when a new Northstar version ships.

Installing with VTOL

  1. Download VTOL (Windows) from the Northstar site.
  2. Run it and let it install Northstar into your Titanfall 2 directory.
  3. Use VTOL as your mod manager. It supports installing from Thunderstore as well as from outside sources such as GitHub and GitLab.
  4. If you run dedicated servers or use custom weapon/pilot skins, manage them through VTOL as well.

Expected result: Northstar is installed and mods can be added from multiple sources, not just Thunderstore.

Installing with Viper

  1. Download Viper (Windows or Linux) from the Northstar site.
  2. Run it to install Northstar and set up auto-updating.
  3. Launch either Northstar or vanilla Titanfall 2 from Viper.
  4. Add mods through its mod manager and built-in Thunderstore browser.

Expected result: Northstar stays updated automatically, and you can switch between modded and vanilla launches from one tool.

Installing manually

  1. Download the manual Northstar files for Windows or Linux from the Northstar site and follow the linked guide.
  2. Place the files into your Titanfall 2 installation as the guide describes.
  3. Update Northstar yourself whenever a new version is released — the manual install does not update automatically.

Expected result: Northstar runs, but you are responsible for keeping it current and for managing any mods by hand.

What Northstar adds once installed

The framework is not just a server browser. Its roadmap and community work cover:

  • Frontier Defense — the PvE mode, in vanilla form plus extended cut content and extra features.
  • Mod Auto Download — downloads custom mods such as gamemodes and maps when you join a server, in a safe way.
  • Party System — the vanilla party system so you can group up with friends and join servers together.
  • Mapping tools — bringing Titanfall 1 maps into Northstar and building tools for custom maps.
  • Modding improvements — custom RUI (crosshairs and UI elements) and modded persistence for storing custom weapons and Titans in loadouts.

Which installer should you choose?

  • Choose FlightCore if you want the official, supported tool that installs, updates, launches, and manages mods in one place, on Windows or Linux.
  • Choose VTOL if you are on Windows and want to install mods from Thunderstore and from outside sources like GitHub/GitLab, or you need to manage dedicated servers and custom skins.
  • Choose Viper if you want a simple installer with auto-updating and the ability to launch vanilla Titanfall 2 alongside Northstar, on Windows or Linux.
  • Choose manual only if you prefer full control and accept that updates are your responsibility.

All four paths lead to the same result — a working Northstar install — so the deciding factors are your platform, how much mod-source flexibility you need, and whether you want automatic updates.