Install Hookshot Builder on Windows 10 & 11

Check your Windows PC

Use 64-bit Windows 10 or 11, an AVX2 CPU, current graphics drivers, Vulkan 1.3 and mesh shaders. Plan for 16 GB RAM and about 60 GB free during the build. The current Builder brings its compiler; Visual Studio C++ tools are not a prerequisite for this normal workflow.

Program ID

0400486024DEC000

Game update

v131072

Game build

e0f3ccfa

Download and open Builder

1. 1

   From the official release, download HookshotBuilder.exe.

2. 2

   Run the EXE. It downloads approximately 500 MB, checks the downloaded Builder and opens it.

3. 3

   Do not move or delete parts of the managed Builder installation. Its working folder is %LOCALAPPDATA%\HookshotBuilder.

Select files and build

1. 1

   Choose your game under Found on this PC. If absent, use Browse, drag in your .nup, or choose romfs and exefs folders.

2. 2

   Let Builder validate the version. A rejected build must be replaced with your own supported version; renaming a file does not change its contents.

3. 3

   Under Install the game to, keep Games\Hookshot in your user folder or choose another writable output folder. Select Game language.

4. 4

   Press Build the game. The README estimates 10–45 minutes depending on CPU and memory; your machine may differ.

5. 5

   When Your game is ready appears, choose whether to keep the desktop and Start menu shortcuts, then press Play.

First launch, updates and problems

The first launch prepares shaders and can take a while. Later, open the Hookshot shortcut or hookshot.exe in the output folder. This is the launcher, with Play and Update when a newer release is available.

Before an update, back up the user folder in the game directory. If the Builder does not open or the build stops, record the exact error and consult troubleshooting. Check any security warning against the official download rather than disabling your antivirus.