VU (a.k.a. Venice Unleashed) is a modding and improvement framework for Battlefield 3. It offers a variety of features, such as the ability to host private dedicated servers, high frequency / tickrate servers, configurable suppression and color correction (ie. you can disable the blue tint), and extensive modding capabilities. With it, you can join servers offering custom experiences (such as the BF3 Reality Mod) or create your own using the modding tools.
VU is free to use for anyone who owns Battlefield 3 on Origin. To get started playing VU, simply register a new account here, download VU from the homepage and Battlefield 3 from Origin, and launch it from your desktop or start menu. For more information on setting up VU, you can go through the getting started guide on the VU wiki.
Any player can host their own VU dedicated server on their own machine and configure it as they please. For more information on how to set up, configure, and run a VU dedicated server you can refer to the server hosting guide on the VU wiki.
Through mods you can achieve a variety of different things, from slightly tweaking the game (eg. adjusting the recoil of a gun) to creating entirely new gamemodes and maps. For more information of how modding in VU works check out the modding category in the VU wiki.
VU supports computers running Windows 7 SP1 and newer. To play, you'll need a legit, licensed, and up-to-date version of BF3 installed on your computer, along with the VU client.
Yes. You need a legit, licensed, and up-to-date version of BF3 installed in order to use VU and you will also be required to link your Origin account with your VU account the first time you launch it, so we can verify your ownership of the game. VU does not and never will work with cracked or pirated copies.
Not necessarily. You need the DLCs to play in servers using DLC content as you would in the vanilla game.
No. VU functions separately from vanilla BF3, uses its own servers, and does not modify any game files. That means that you can just launch BF3 like you normally would through Battlelog and it's like VU was never there. Any changes to your game data are performed at your discretion with the use of third party mod tools.
Below is list of features VU currently offers.
Host dedicated game servers on your own machine. Configure them and run any mods you want on them.
Configurable server tickrate at 60 or 120Hz, offering a more responsive and competitive gaming experience.
Advanced configuration options allowing you to tune suppression, disable the blue tint, and more.
Extensive modding support, allowing you to explore and create entirely new gaming experiences.
VU implements a fully-featured spectating system, whether it is for filming or hosting competitions.
Below is a short list of things we're working on and will be added to VU soon™.
Support for creating fully custom content, such as new textures, models, and maps.
Host your server mods at an external HTTP server, offering faster downloads to players.
Support for positional in-game voice chat and communication tools.