Arkona

Uplay R2

Today I'm going to introduce Uplay R2 and show you how to use it.

Introduction

Uplay R2 Unlocker covers another generation of Ubisoft's API. Look for upc_r2_loader64.dll, upc_r2_loader.dll or the older uplay_r2_loader names in the game folder. R1 and R2 are not interchangeable.

Do you need the DLC files?

An unlocker makes the game see the DLC as owned, but doesn't download its content. If the files are already included in the base game, unlocking can be enough. Otherwise, install the matching DLC files too; check the game's forum topic for its folder layout and version.

Useful links

Now for the tutorial

Close the game and make a copy of its original DLL. The examples below use a 64-bit game and upc_r2_loader64.dll. For 32-bit, use the archive's 32-bit DLL and omit 64 from the original filenames. Choose Proxy or Hook, not both.

Proxy mode

  1. Download UplayR2Unlocker from the project and open the release archive.
  2. In the game folder, rename the original upc_r2_loader64.dll to upc_r2_loader64_o.dll. Use the letter o, not zero.
  3. Copy the archive's upc_r2_loader64.dll beside that renamed original. Keep both files.
  4. Launch the game and check its DLC menu. And that's it, enjoy your game!

For a game using uplay_r2_loader64.dll, such as the documented Anno 1800 setup, the original must still become upc_r2_loader64_o.dll, while the unlocker's upc_r2_loader64.dll must be renamed uplay_r2_loader64.dll. The distinction between upc and uplay matters.

Hook mode with Koaloader

  1. Start with the game's original DLL in place. Extract upc_r2_loader64.dll from the unlocker archive and rename it UplayR2Unlocker.dll. Put it beside the game's executable.
  2. Download Koaloader and choose a loader the game actually loads, for example version.dll from version-64 for a compatible 64-bit game. Place it beside the executable without overwriting another DLL.
  3. Keep Koaloader's auto_load enabled, then launch the game. If this loader isn't used by the game, try the alternative documented for that specific game.

The optional configuration file

Use the configuration template supplied with your version of UplayR2Unlocker, beside its DLL. Start with the defaults; change the game's language or excluded DLC only if needed. Config formats differ between versions, so keep the template's exact filename and fields.

If it doesn't work…

Check the original filename, architecture and required DLC files. A client or game update can replace files used by Proxy mode. If it stops launching, restore the original and check the game's forum topic before reinstalling against the updated files.

How to remove it

For Proxy, remove the unlocker's DLL and give the saved original its exact initial name. For Hook, remove only the unlocker and Koaloader files you added. Keep your saves and the game's original files.