Parts of this mod have become obsolete as of the 1.0.6 update.

I'll be keeping it up for reference and because it covers certain aspects that the update does not, such as removing map LOD adjustments at higher draw distances than Lunatic, and improving background areas of the Grimwald Noxes.

I recommend using this mod only if you want the LOD adjustments to be almost completely eliminated. For most, the changes brought by the 1.0.6 update should be sufficient.

Prior to the version 1.0.6 update, one of the most disappointing omissions from Ys IX's PC port for me was the ability increase the LOD of map and objects, since Balduq notoriously adjusts the detail of its areas from rather short distances.

Although the 1.0.6 update allows you to force the high LOD map models and extend the draw distance of objects with the Lunatic option, those wishing to push the draw distance above Lunatic to see more NPCs and foliage are unable to make use of this new feature.
Additionally, this update did not increase the LOD of background areas in the Grimwald Noxes.


It turns out that it's relatively simple to resolve this through modding, since you can delete (most) lv1/lv2 IT3 files, and also replace the calls to the low LOD models in the ARB files with their full detail lv0 counterparts.

Objects can also have their blank lv3/lv4/lv5 IT3 files removed, so that they no longer disappear from short distances.

This mod may increase hardware requirements, since the low LOD models will no longer be swapped in in most cases. The only case where low LOD models are used are for dungeons, since they are used to cull areas and prevent them from overlapping.

Added new batch files that can delete the low LOD object files, including the blank LV3/LV4/LV5 models. This allows most objects to be visible regardless of distance.

If you downloaded this mod before July 26, simply redownload it from the Installation section below to obtain the new batch files.

There are two versions of this:

• deleteLowLODobjects.bat:
  Delete all low LOD object files, forcing the full detail versions to be used at all times. This can significantly increase hardware requirements.
  
  
• deleteLV3LV4LV5objects.bat:
  Only deletes the blank object files, preventing most objects from disappearing when far away. Recommended if you experience performance issues with deleteLowLODobjects.bat.

You may want to make backups of the files that will be deleted/replaced. If so, backup the following folders.

• map
  
• map_en
  
• map_fr

Download link here[pastebin.com]

1. Open your Ys IX Monstrum Nox folder. The easiest way to get to this folder is to right click Ys IX in your Steam Library, then click Browse local files.
   
   
   
   
2. Extract the folders in the downloaded archive to your Ys IX Monstrum Nox folder, replacing any files when prompted.
   
   
   NOTE
   If you plan on using the Ultra or Lunatic Draw Distance settings, stop here! The 1.0.6 update makes the rest of the guide redundant if you play with Ultra or Lunatic Draw Distance.
   
   If you want to push the draw distance above Lunatic, continue on to the next step.
   
   
   
   
   
3. In your Ys IX Monstrum Nox folder, enter the map folder, and there should be a new file named deleteLV1LV2Maps.bat. Run this batch file, and it will delete the necessary lv1/lv2 IT3 files, so they will no longer be swapped in.
   
   
4. If desired, you can also run deleteLowLODobjects.bat or deleteLV3LV4LV5objects.bat. The difference between these two is detailed in the Changelog above.
   
   
5. Play! A quick way to test this mod is to go to the Agricultural District and check to see if the distant areas retain their full detail, no matter how far you are.

Dissatisfied with the Ultra or Lunatic Draw Distance setting? This section is for you.

The game's configuration file lets you freely edit the draw distance value beyond what can normally be set. This will allow you to see more NPCs and foliage.

1. Open the Windows Run command with the Windows key + R. In this prompt, type %LOCALAPPDATA%\Ys9\settings.xml then press the Enter key.
   
2. You may be prompted to select a program to edit this file with. Something like Notepad should work fine.
   
3. Find the <DrawDistance> setting. You should see a number here. Edit this number to your desired value.
   
   • Ultra = 2.5
     
   • Lunatic = 3.5
     
   • You can safely increase this up to 6.5 if you are running the game at 60 FPS.
   
   Don't go too crazy with this number! Attempting to make the draw distance unlimited will cripple the frame rate, even if you have a high-end CPU and video card. That aside, feel free to experiment with this number and see what value works best for your system!
   
   
4. Save the settings.xml file.

Lunatic Draw Distance (3.5)


Custom Draw Distance (6.5)


Increasing the draw distance above Lunatic (3.5) without installing the mod will make maps adjust in detail the same way they did prior to the 1.0.6 update.

I'm guessing the reason for this is because the update only enforces high LOD maps if the draw distance equals 2.5 or 3.5.

Before


After (Or with 1.0.6 update on Ultra or Lunatic Draw Distance)


Before


After


Before (Without mod or 1.0.6 update)


After (With mod or 1.0.6 update)