Prepare before opening Builder

  • Download the official package for your operating system and complete that platform’s setup.
  • Have your own supported .nup file, or both romfs and exefs folders.
  • Choose a writable output location with about 60 GB of free build space. Keep your source files separate from the output.

The Builder workflow

  1. 1

    Open the Windows Builder or Linux AppImage.

  2. 2

    Browse to your game input. Windows also offers Found on this PC and drag-and-drop.

  3. 3

    Let the version check finish. Resolve an unsupported-version message before building.

  4. 4

    Choose the game language; the website language does not change this selection.

  5. 5

    Choose the installation/output folder. This is where the launcher and game files will be written.

  6. 6

    Start the build and read the progress output. Do not interrupt compilation just because there is no game window yet.

  7. 7

    Use Play when the build is ready. Later, start from hookshot.exe on Windows or hookshot on Linux.

Controls and the in-game menu

WASD moves, and the arrow keys or IJKL turn the camera. Controllers are supported. Press Insert or F1 to open the menu; a controller can use Home or Select + Start.

The Graphics, Gameplay and Controls tabs contain resolution, upscaling, frame generation, frame pacing, FPS display and control mapping. Settings are saved in hookshot_options.ini in the game folder. Change one setting at a time when diagnosing a problem.

Frame generation adds interpolated frames and can add artifacts or input delay. It does not prove the underlying game runs at the displayed output frame rate.

Keyboard and controller quick reference: During gameplay · Open the in-game menu · Navigate the menu

Original tutorial illustration · AI-assisted

Keyboard and controller quick referenceSourceLicense and attribution
Text description
  • During gameplay: W A S D · ↑ ↓ ← → · WASD: move · Arrows: camera
  • Open the in-game menu: Insert / F1 · Home / Select + Start
  • Navigate the menu: Q/E: tabs · Arrows: rows and values · Enter · Esc

Next launch and updates

The first start prepares shaders; later starts are faster. The launcher’s Update action downloads changed parts and rebuilds in the same directory while preserving saves and settings according to the README.

Keep backups of user on Windows or ~/.local/share/hookshot on Linux before updating. Keep generated game files on your PC and never attach them to support reports.

Files, settings and saves: Windows · Linux · Settings files

Original tutorial illustration · AI-assisted

Files, settings and savesSourceLicense and attribution
Text description
  • Windows: Game folder / user
  • Linux: ~/.local/share/hookshot
  • Settings files: hookshot_options.ini · language.txt