How to correctly install beta versions?

[natedaren]

I dloaded ver 131.2 beta and placed it in my MODS folder. I selected Install Mods in the browser and the files were extracted but I don't see any of the changes. I went through the Common Install Checklist and I have never had this issue with full version changes. Any ideas?

[Thalassicus]

Internally Civ doesn't have . dots in version numbers, so v131.2 just replaces v131. This also means it's compatible with most v131 savegames. The installation method I recommend is:

1. Save a copy of the general release in a backup folder.
2. Install the beta.

This way you can swap the general release with betas whenever you want. If you want both versions you can move the beta folder elsewhere, then download and re-install v131. That will get you both folders to work with. I don't provide as much documentation for betas because they change quickly.

The easy way to check if the beta's installed is to start a game and look for a recent change. For example, see if purchase costs in the tech tree are listed as multipliers (3x) instead of percentages (300%).

[Jaybe]

For each new version (incl. Beta) you make Thal, rename the Palace to that number, or better yet, have the Palace tooltip include the VEM specification.

[natedaren]

I have attempted these installation methods and still cannot seem to get the changes to occur. The file extracts as usual but no dice...is the CIV5MOD file supposed to disappear from the MODS folder after installation like the general release updates? I'd really like to try out some of these new changes but I suppose I can be patient enough to wait for the general release. Is there an approximate date for that yet?

[Thalassicus]

You can change the file extension to:

Unofficial Patch and Vanilla Enhanced (v 131.3 beta).7z ←

Then use 7zip to extract it like any other zip archive. This always works, whereas Civ 5's zip extractor can be unreliable.