diff --git a/.env.template b/.env.template
index 00b178d..438b088 100644
--- a/.env.template
+++ b/.env.template
@@ -101,6 +101,7 @@ MYSQL_ROOT_HOST=%
 MYSQL_USER=root
 MYSQL_PORT=3306
 MYSQL_EXTERNAL_PORT=64306
+MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT=0
 MYSQL_CHARACTER_SET=utf8mb4
 MYSQL_COLLATION=utf8mb4_unicode_ci
 MYSQL_MAX_CONNECTIONS=1000
@@ -108,6 +109,8 @@ MYSQL_INNODB_BUFFER_POOL_SIZE=256M
 MYSQL_INNODB_LOG_FILE_SIZE=64M
 MYSQL_INNODB_REDO_LOG_CAPACITY=512M
 MYSQL_RUNTIME_TMPFS_SIZE=8G
+MYSQL_DISABLE_BINLOG=1
+MYSQL_CONFIG_DIR=${STORAGE_PATH}/config/mysql/conf.d
 DB_WAIT_RETRIES=60
 DB_WAIT_SLEEP=10
 
@@ -137,13 +140,19 @@ BACKUP_HEALTHCHECK_START_PERIOD=120s
 PLAYERBOT_ENABLED=0
 PLAYERBOT_MIN_BOTS=40
 PLAYERBOT_MAX_BOTS=40
+STACK_IMAGE_MODE=standard
+STACK_SOURCE_VARIANT=core
+MODULES_ENABLED_LIST=
+MODULES_CPP_LIST=
+MODULES_REQUIRES_CUSTOM_BUILD=0
+MODULES_REQUIRES_PLAYERBOT_SOURCE=0
 
 # =====================
 # Client Data Settings
 # =====================
-CLIENT_DATA_VERSION=v17
+CLIENT_DATA_VERSION=v18
 CLIENT_DATA_CACHE_PATH=${STORAGE_PATH_LOCAL}/client-data-cache
-CLIENT_DATA_VOLUME=ac-client-data
+CLIENT_DATA_PATH=${STORAGE_PATH}/client-data
 
 # =====================
 # Module toggles (0/1)
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 7becc5f..8a1f2a3 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -116,7 +116,7 @@ The setup wizard will guide you through:
 
 **Required when:**
 - Playerbots enabled (`MODULE_PLAYERBOTS=1`)
-- Any C++ module enabled (check `needs_build: true` in `config/modules.json`)
+- Any C++ module enabled (modules with `"type": "cpp"` in `config/modules.json`)
 
 **Build process:**
 1. Clones AzerothCore source to `local-storage/source/`
@@ -757,7 +757,7 @@ flowchart TB
 
 | Service / Container | Role | Ports (host → container) | Profile |
 |---------------------|------|--------------------------|---------|
-| `ac-mysql` | MySQL 8.0 database | `64306 → 3306` | `db` |
+| `ac-mysql` | MySQL 8.0 database | *(optional)* `64306 → 3306` (`MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT=1`) | `db` |
 | `ac-db-init` | Database schema initialization | – | `db` |
 | `ac-db-import` | Database content import | – | `db` |
 | `ac-backup` | Automated backup system | – | `db` |
@@ -773,6 +773,12 @@ flowchart TB
 | `ac-phpmyadmin` | Database admin UI | `8081 → 80` | `tools` |
 | `ac-keira3` | Game content editor | `4201 → 8080` | `tools` |
 
+### Database Hardening
+
+- **MySQL port exposure** – By default `MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT=0`, so `ac-mysql` is reachable only from the internal Docker network. Set `MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT=1` to publish `${MYSQL_EXTERNAL_PORT}` on the host; RealmMaster scripts automatically include `docker-compose.mysql-expose.yml` so the override Just Works. If you invoke Compose manually, remember to add `-f docker-compose.mysql-expose.yml`.
+- **Binary logging toggle** – `MYSQL_DISABLE_BINLOG=1` appends `--skip-log-bin` via the MySQL wrapper entrypoint to keep disk churn low (and match Playerbot guidance). Flip the flag to `0` to re-enable binlogs for debugging or replication.
+- **Drop-in configs** – Any `.cnf` placed in `${STORAGE_PATH}/config/mysql/conf.d` (exposed via `MYSQL_CONFIG_DIR`) is mounted into `/etc/mysql/conf.d`. Use this to add custom tunables or temporarily override the binlog setting without touching the image.
+
 ### Storage Structure
 
 The project uses a dual-storage approach for optimal performance:
@@ -780,16 +786,23 @@ The project uses a dual-storage approach for optimal performance:
 **Primary Storage** (`STORAGE_PATH` - default: NFS mount or shared storage)
 ```
 storage/
-├── config/           # Server configuration files (.conf)
-├── logs/             # Server log files
-├── modules/          # Downloaded module source code
-├── lua_scripts/      # Eluna Lua scripts (auto-loaded)
-├── install-markers/  # Module installation state tracking
-└── backups/          # Automated database backups
+├── config/               # Server configuration files (.conf)
+│   └── mysql/
+│       └── conf.d/       # Drop-in MySQL overrides (mapped to /etc/mysql/conf.d)
+├── client-data/          # Unpacked WoW client data & DBC overrides
+├── logs/                 # Server log files
+├── modules/              # Downloaded module source code
+├── lua_scripts/          # Eluna Lua scripts (auto-loaded)
+├── install-markers/      # Module installation state tracking
+└── backups/              # Automated database backups
     ├── daily/        # Daily backups (retained per BACKUP_RETENTION_DAYS)
     └── hourly/       # Hourly backups (retained per BACKUP_RETENTION_HOURS)
 ```
 
+`storage/client-data` is bind-mounted into every world/auth/client-data container. Drop patched `dbc`, `maps`, `vmaps`, or `mmaps` files directly into that folder (e.g., `storage/client-data/dbc/SkillLine.dbc`) and the containers will read them immediately—perfect for modules like Individual Progression or mod-worgoblin that need to overwrite Blizzard data.
+
+To tweak MySQL settings, place `.cnf` snippets in `storage/config/mysql/conf.d`. Files in this directory map straight to `/etc/mysql/conf.d` inside `ac-mysql`, so you can re-enable binary logs or tune buffers without rebuilding images.
+
 **Local Storage** (`STORAGE_PATH_LOCAL` - default: `./local-storage`)
 ```
 local-storage/
@@ -800,8 +813,7 @@ local-storage/
 └── images/               # Exported Docker images for remote deployment
 ```
 
-**Docker Volumes**
-- `ac-client-data` - Unpacked game client data (DBC, maps, vmaps, mmaps)
+**Docker Volume**
 - `client-data-cache` - Temporary storage for client data downloads
 
 This separation ensures database and build artifacts stay on fast local storage while configuration, modules, and backups can be shared across hosts via NFS.
@@ -1261,4 +1273,3 @@ This project builds upon:
      - `3784` (authserver)
      - `8215` (worldserver)
    - Configure NAT/port forwarding for public access
-
diff --git a/build.sh b/build.sh
index d1dd135..3a4c90f 100755
--- a/build.sh
+++ b/build.sh
@@ -199,6 +199,37 @@ ensure_source_repo(){
   echo "$src_path"
 }
 
+show_client_data_requirement(){
+  local repo_path="$1"
+  local detector="$ROOT_DIR/scripts/detect-client-data-version.sh"
+  if [ ! -x "$detector" ]; then
+    return
+  fi
+
+  local detection
+  if ! detection="$("$detector" --no-header "$repo_path" 2>/dev/null | head -n1)"; then
+    warn "Could not detect client data version for $repo_path"
+    return
+  fi
+
+  local detected_repo raw_version normalized_version
+  IFS=$'\t' read -r detected_repo raw_version normalized_version <<< "$detection"
+  if [ -z "$normalized_version" ] || [ "$normalized_version" = "<unknown>" ]; then
+    warn "Could not detect client data version for $repo_path"
+    return
+  fi
+
+  local env_value
+  env_value="$(read_env CLIENT_DATA_VERSION)"
+  if [ -n "$env_value" ] && [ "$env_value" != "$normalized_version" ]; then
+    warn "Source at $repo_path expects client data ${normalized_version} (raw ${raw_version}) but .env specifies ${env_value}. Update CLIENT_DATA_VERSION to avoid mismatched maps."
+  elif [ -n "$env_value" ]; then
+    info "Client data requirement satisfied: ${normalized_version} (raw ${raw_version})"
+  else
+    info "Detected client data requirement: ${normalized_version} (raw ${raw_version}). Set CLIENT_DATA_VERSION in .env to avoid mismatches."
+  fi
+}
+
 # Build state detection (extracted from setup.sh and deploy.sh)
 modules_need_rebuild(){
   local storage_path
@@ -576,6 +607,7 @@ main(){
 
   info "Step 1/6: Setting up source repository"
   src_dir="$(ensure_source_repo)"
+  show_client_data_requirement "$src_dir"
 
   info "Step 2/6: Detecting build requirements"
   readarray -t rebuild_reasons < <(detect_rebuild_reasons)
diff --git a/cleanup.sh b/cleanup.sh
index c616a2a..fda2d05 100755
--- a/cleanup.sh
+++ b/cleanup.sh
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ set -e
 # Resolve project dir and compose
 SCRIPT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")" && pwd)"
 PROJECT_DIR="${SCRIPT_DIR}"
-COMPOSE_FILE="${PROJECT_DIR}/docker-compose.yml"
+DEFAULT_COMPOSE_FILE="${PROJECT_DIR}/docker-compose.yml"
 ENV_FILE="${PROJECT_DIR}/.env"
 
 # Colors
@@ -87,7 +87,7 @@ confirm() {
 
 format_container_table() {
   local containers
-  containers="$(docker compose -f "$COMPOSE_FILE" ps -a --format 'table {{.Name}}\t{{.Status}}\t{{.Service}}\t{{.Image}}' 2>/dev/null || echo "")"
+  containers="$($COMPOSE_BASE ps -a --format 'table {{.Name}}\t{{.Status}}\t{{.Service}}\t{{.Image}}' 2>/dev/null || echo "")"
   if [ -n "$containers" ]; then
     echo "$containers" | head -1
     echo "$containers" | tail -n +2 | while IFS=$'\t' read -r name status service image; do
@@ -124,6 +124,21 @@ STORAGE_PATH_LOCAL_DEFAULT="${PROJECT_DIR}/local-storage"
 if [ -f "$ENV_FILE" ]; then
   set -a; source "$ENV_FILE"; set +a
 fi
+
+COMPOSE_FILE_ARGS=(-f "$DEFAULT_COMPOSE_FILE")
+if [ "${MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT:-0}" = "1" ]; then
+  EXTRA_COMPOSE_FILE="${PROJECT_DIR}/docker-compose.mysql-expose.yml"
+  if [ -f "$EXTRA_COMPOSE_FILE" ]; then
+    COMPOSE_FILE_ARGS+=(-f "$EXTRA_COMPOSE_FILE")
+  else
+    print_status WARNING "MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT=1 but $EXTRA_COMPOSE_FILE missing; skipping port exposure override."
+  fi
+fi
+COMPOSE_FILE_ARGS_STR=""
+for arg in "${COMPOSE_FILE_ARGS[@]}"; do
+  COMPOSE_FILE_ARGS_STR+=" ${arg}"
+done
+COMPOSE_BASE="docker compose${COMPOSE_FILE_ARGS_STR}"
 STORAGE_PATH="${STORAGE_PATH:-$STORAGE_PATH_DEFAULT}"
 STORAGE_PATH_LOCAL="${STORAGE_PATH_LOCAL:-$STORAGE_PATH_LOCAL_DEFAULT}"
 PROJECT_NAME="${COMPOSE_PROJECT_NAME:-ac-compose}"
@@ -170,7 +185,7 @@ soft_cleanup() {
     --profile tools
     --profile db
   )
-  execute_command "Stopping runtime profiles" docker compose -f "$COMPOSE_FILE" "${profiles[@]}" down
+  execute_command "Stopping runtime profiles" $COMPOSE_BASE "${profiles[@]}" down
   print_status SUCCESS "Soft cleanup complete"
 }
 
@@ -187,7 +202,7 @@ hard_cleanup() {
     --profile tools
     --profile db
   )
-  execute_command "Removing containers and networks" docker compose -f "$COMPOSE_FILE" "${profiles[@]}" down --remove-orphans
+  execute_command "Removing containers and networks" $COMPOSE_BASE "${profiles[@]}" down --remove-orphans
   execute_command "Remove project volumes" remove_project_volumes
   # Remove straggler containers matching project name (defensive)
   execute_command "Remove stray project containers" "docker ps -a --format '{{.Names}}' | grep -E '^ac-' | xargs -r docker rm -f"
@@ -214,7 +229,7 @@ nuclear_cleanup() {
     --profile tools
     --profile db
   )
-  execute_command "Removing containers, networks and volumes" docker compose -f "$COMPOSE_FILE" "${profiles[@]}" down --volumes --remove-orphans
+  execute_command "Removing containers, networks and volumes" $COMPOSE_BASE "${profiles[@]}" down --volumes --remove-orphans
   execute_command "Remove leftover volumes" remove_project_volumes
 
   # Remove project images (server/tool images typical to this project)
@@ -266,8 +281,8 @@ main(){
     print_status ERROR "Docker not found"
     exit 1
   fi
-  if [ ! -f "$COMPOSE_FILE" ]; then
-    print_status ERROR "Compose file not found at $COMPOSE_FILE"
+  if [ ! -f "$DEFAULT_COMPOSE_FILE" ]; then
+    print_status ERROR "Compose file not found at $DEFAULT_COMPOSE_FILE"
     exit 1
   fi
   if [ -z "$CLEANUP_LEVEL" ]; then
diff --git a/config/modules.json b/config/modules.json
index 2598b1a..abfda1a 100644
--- a/config/modules.json
+++ b/config/modules.json
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@
       "name": "mod-playerbots",
       "repo": "https://github.com/mod-playerbots/mod-playerbots.git",
       "description": "Adds scriptable playerbot characters that can form dungeon parties, raid, and PvP with humans",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "data",
       "notes": "Installs SQL/config assets; core functionality is built into playerbot images",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
@@ -14,14 +13,13 @@
       ],
       "category": "automation",
       "order": 1,
-      "special_message": "🤖 Foundation module: Enables AI-powered companions for solo and group content"
+      "special_message": "\ud83e\udd16 Foundation module: Enables AI-powered companions for solo and group content"
     },
     {
       "key": "MODULE_AOE_LOOT",
       "name": "mod-aoe-loot",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-aoe-loot.git",
       "description": "Lets characters loot multiple corpses with one click for faster farming",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -34,7 +32,6 @@
       "name": "mod-learn-spells",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-learn-spells.git",
       "description": "Teaches class spells automatically at the correct level to streamline leveling",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -47,7 +44,6 @@
       "name": "mod-fireworks-on-level",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-fireworks-on-level.git",
       "description": "Spawns celebratory fireworks whenever a player dings a new level",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -60,7 +56,6 @@
       "name": "mod-individual-progression",
       "repo": "https://github.com/ZhengPeiRu21/mod-individual-progression.git",
       "description": "Tracks each character through Vanilla \u2192 TBC \u2192 WotLK progression, unlocking content sequentially",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -73,7 +68,6 @@
       "name": "mod-ahbot",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-ahbot.git",
       "description": "Populates the auction house with configurable buying/selling behavior to keep markets active",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -85,7 +79,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_AUTOBALANCE",
       "name": "mod-autobalance",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-autobalance.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -98,7 +91,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_TRANSMOG",
       "name": "mod-transmog",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-transmog.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -111,7 +103,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_NPC_BUFFER",
       "name": "mod-npc-buffer",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-npc-buffer.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -124,7 +115,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_DYNAMIC_XP",
       "name": "mod-dynamic-xp",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-dynamic-xp.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -137,7 +127,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_SOLO_LFG",
       "name": "mod-solo-lfg",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-solo-lfg.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -150,7 +139,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_1V1_ARENA",
       "name": "mod-1v1-arena",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-1v1-arena.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -163,7 +151,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_PHASED_DUELS",
       "name": "mod-phased-duels",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-phased-duels.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -176,7 +163,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_BREAKING_NEWS",
       "name": "mod-breaking-news-override",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-breaking-news-override.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -189,7 +175,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_BOSS_ANNOUNCER",
       "name": "mod-boss-announcer",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-boss-announcer.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -202,7 +187,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_ACCOUNT_ACHIEVEMENTS",
       "name": "mod-account-achievements",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-account-achievements.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -215,7 +199,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_AUTO_REVIVE",
       "name": "mod-auto-revive",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-auto-revive.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -228,7 +211,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_GAIN_HONOR_GUARD",
       "name": "mod-gain-honor-guard",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-gain-honor-guard.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -241,7 +223,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_ELUNA",
       "name": "mod-ale",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-ale.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [
         "mod-ale-patches"
@@ -252,13 +233,12 @@
       "description": "Adds Eluna Lua scripting engine for creating custom gameplay mechanics",
       "category": "scripting",
       "order": 9998,
-      "special_message": "⚡ Advanced scripting: Required by many Lua-based modules. Enable this first if you plan to use scripted features"
+      "special_message": "\u26a1 Advanced scripting: Required by many Lua-based modules. Enable this first if you plan to use scripted features"
     },
     {
       "key": "MODULE_TIME_IS_TIME",
       "name": "mod-TimeIsTime",
       "repo": "https://github.com/dunjeon/mod-TimeIsTime.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -271,7 +251,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_POCKET_PORTAL",
       "name": "mod-pocket-portal",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-pocket-portal.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "status": "blocked",
       "block_reason": "Requires C++20 std::format support patch before enabling",
@@ -286,7 +265,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_RANDOM_ENCHANTS",
       "name": "mod-random-enchants",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-random-enchants.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -299,7 +277,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_SOLOCRAFT",
       "name": "mod-solocraft",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-solocraft.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -312,7 +289,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_PVP_TITLES",
       "name": "mod-pvp-titles",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-pvp-titles.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -328,7 +304,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_NPC_BEASTMASTER",
       "name": "mod-npc-beastmaster",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-npc-beastmaster.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [
         "fix-beastmaster-sql"
@@ -343,7 +318,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_NPC_ENCHANTER",
       "name": "mod-npc-enchanter",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-npc-enchanter.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -356,7 +330,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_INSTANCE_RESET",
       "name": "mod-instance-reset",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-instance-reset.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -369,7 +342,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_LEVEL_GRANT",
       "name": "mod-quest-count-level",
       "repo": "https://github.com/michaeldelago/mod-quest-count-level.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -382,7 +354,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_ARAC",
       "name": "mod-arac",
       "repo": "https://github.com/heyitsbench/mod-arac.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -395,7 +366,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_ASSISTANT",
       "name": "mod-assistant",
       "repo": "https://github.com/noisiver/mod-assistant.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "description": "Spawns an all-purpose assistant NPC with heirlooms, professions, and convenience commands",
@@ -405,7 +375,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_REAGENT_BANK",
       "name": "mod-reagent-bank",
       "repo": "https://github.com/ZhengPeiRu21/mod-reagent-bank.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "description": "Lets players stash crafting reagents with a dedicated banker NPC",
@@ -415,7 +384,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_BLACK_MARKET_AUCTION_HOUSE",
       "name": "mod-black-market",
       "repo": "https://github.com/Youpeoples/Black-Market-Auction-House.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -430,7 +398,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_CHALLENGE_MODES",
       "name": "mod-challenge-modes",
       "repo": "https://github.com/ZhengPeiRu21/mod-challenge-modes.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "description": "Implements keystone-style timed runs with leaderboards and scaling modifiers",
@@ -440,7 +407,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_OLLAMA_CHAT",
       "name": "mod-ollama-chat",
       "repo": "https://github.com/DustinHendrickson/mod-ollama-chat.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "description": "Connects playerbots to an Ollama LLM so they can chat with humans organically",
@@ -450,7 +416,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_PLAYER_BOT_LEVEL_BRACKETS",
       "name": "mod-player-bot-level-brackets",
       "repo": "https://github.com/DustinHendrickson/mod-player-bot-level-brackets.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_PLAYERBOTS"
@@ -463,7 +428,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_STATBOOSTER",
       "name": "StatBooster",
       "repo": "https://github.com/AnchyDev/StatBooster.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [
         "fix-statbooster-api"
@@ -475,7 +439,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_DUNGEON_RESPAWN",
       "name": "DungeonRespawn",
       "repo": "https://github.com/AnchyDev/DungeonRespawn.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "status": "blocked",
       "block_reason": "Upstream override signature mismatch (OnBeforeTeleport); awaiting fix",
@@ -487,7 +450,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_SKELETON_MODULE",
       "name": "skeleton-module",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/skeleton-module.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "description": "Provides a minimal AzerothCore module scaffold for building new features",
@@ -497,7 +459,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_BG_SLAVERYVALLEY",
       "name": "mod-bg-slaveryvalley",
       "repo": "https://github.com/Helias/mod-bg-slaveryvalley.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "description": "Adds the Slavery Valley battleground complete with objectives and queue hooks",
@@ -510,7 +471,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_AZEROTHSHARD",
       "name": "mod-azerothshard",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-azerothshard.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "description": "Bundles AzerothShard tweaks: utility NPCs, scripted events, and gameplay improvements",
@@ -520,7 +480,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_WORGOBLIN",
       "name": "mod-worgoblin",
       "repo": "https://github.com/heyitsbench/mod-worgoblin.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "description": "Enables Worgen and Goblin characters with DB/DBC adjustments",
@@ -533,7 +492,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_ELUNA_TS",
       "name": "eluna-ts",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/eluna-ts.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "tool",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -546,20 +504,18 @@
       "key": "MODULE_AIO",
       "name": "mod-aio",
       "repo": "https://github.com/Rochet2/AIO.git",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "notes": "Azeroth Interface Override - enables client-server interface communication",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "description": "Pure Lua server-client communication system for bidirectional data transmission",
       "category": "scripting",
       "order": 9999,
-      "special_message": "🌉 UI Bridge: Enables advanced client-server interfaces. Most users don't need this unless using AIO-based modules"
+      "special_message": "\ud83c\udf09 UI Bridge: Enables advanced client-server interfaces. Most users don't need this unless using AIO-based modules"
     },
     {
       "key": "MODULE_ELUNA_SCRIPTS",
       "name": "eluna-scripts",
       "repo": "https://github.com/Isidorsson/Eluna-scripts.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -574,7 +530,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_TRANSMOG_AIO",
       "name": "azerothcore-transmog-3.3.5a",
       "repo": "https://github.com/DanieltheDeveloper/azerothcore-transmog-3.3.5a.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_AIO"
@@ -589,7 +544,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_EVENT_SCRIPTS",
       "name": "acore-eventscripts",
       "repo": "https://github.com/55Honey/Acore_eventScripts.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -604,7 +558,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_LEVEL_UP_REWARD",
       "name": "acore-levelupreward",
       "repo": "https://github.com/55Honey/Acore_LevelUpReward.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -619,7 +572,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_ACCOUNTWIDE_SYSTEMS",
       "name": "azerothcore-eluna-accountwide",
       "repo": "https://github.com/Aldori15/azerothcore-eluna-accountwide.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -634,7 +586,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_EXCHANGE_NPC",
       "name": "acore-exchangenpc",
       "repo": "https://github.com/55Honey/Acore_ExchangeNpc.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -649,7 +600,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_RECRUIT_A_FRIEND",
       "name": "acore-recruitafriend",
       "repo": "https://github.com/55Honey/Acore_RecruitAFriend.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -664,7 +614,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_PRESTIGE_DRAFT_MODE",
       "name": "prestige-and-draft-mode",
       "repo": "https://github.com/Youpeoples/Prestige-and-Draft-Mode.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -679,7 +628,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_LUA_AH_BOT",
       "name": "azerothcore-lua-ah-bot",
       "repo": "https://github.com/mostlynick3/azerothcore-lua-ah-bot.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -694,7 +642,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_HARDCORE_MODE",
       "name": "lua-hardcoremode",
       "repo": "https://github.com/HellionOP/Lua-HardcoreMode.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -709,7 +656,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_NPCBOT_EXTENDED_COMMANDS",
       "name": "npcbot-extended-commands",
       "repo": "https://github.com/Day36512/Npcbot_Extended_Commands.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -724,7 +670,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_MULTIVENDOR",
       "name": "azerothcore-lua-multivendor",
       "repo": "https://github.com/Shadowveil-WotLK/AzerothCore-lua-MultiVendor.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -739,7 +684,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_TREASURE_CHEST_SYSTEM",
       "name": "treasure-chest-system",
       "repo": "https://github.com/zyggy123/Treasure-Chest-System.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -754,7 +698,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_ACTIVE_CHAT",
       "name": "activechat",
       "repo": "https://github.com/Day36512/ActiveChat.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -769,7 +712,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_ULTIMATE_FULL_LOOT_PVP",
       "name": "ultimate-full-loot-pvp",
       "repo": "https://github.com/Youpeoples/Ultimate-Full-Loot-Pvp.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -784,7 +726,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_HORADRIC_CUBE",
       "name": "horadric-cube-for-world-of-warcraft",
       "repo": "https://github.com/TITIaio/Horadric-Cube-for-World-of-Warcraft.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -799,7 +740,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_CARBON_COPY",
       "name": "acore-carboncopy",
       "repo": "https://github.com/55Honey/Acore_CarbonCopy.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -814,7 +754,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_TEMP_ANNOUNCEMENTS",
       "name": "acore-tempannouncements",
       "repo": "https://github.com/55Honey/Acore_TempAnnouncements.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -829,7 +768,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_ZONE_CHECK",
       "name": "acore-zonecheck",
       "repo": "https://github.com/55Honey/Acore_Zonecheck.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -844,7 +782,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_AIO_BLACKJACK",
       "name": "aio-blackjack",
       "repo": "https://github.com/Manmadedrummer/AIO-Blackjack.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_AIO"
@@ -859,7 +796,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_SEND_AND_BIND",
       "name": "acore-sendandbind",
       "repo": "https://github.com/55Honey/Acore_SendAndBind.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -874,7 +810,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_DYNAMIC_TRADER",
       "name": "dynamic-trader",
       "repo": "https://github.com/Day36512/Dynamic-Trader.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -889,7 +824,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_LOTTERY_LUA",
       "name": "lottery-lua",
       "repo": "https://github.com/zyggy123/lottery-lua.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -904,7 +838,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_DISCORD_NOTIFIER",
       "name": "acore-discordnotifier",
       "repo": "https://github.com/0xCiBeR/Acore_DiscordNotifier.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -919,7 +852,6 @@
       "key": "MODULE_GLOBAL_MAIL_BANKING_AUCTIONS",
       "name": "azerothcore-global-mail-banking-auctions",
       "repo": "https://github.com/Aldori15/azerothcore-global-mail_banking_auctions.git",
-      "needs_build": false,
       "type": "lua",
       "requires": [
         "MODULE_ELUNA"
@@ -935,7 +867,6 @@
       "name": "mod-guildhouse",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-guildhouse.git",
       "description": "Phased guild house system allowing guild members to visit their private guild house",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -948,7 +879,6 @@
       "name": "mod-progression-system",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-progression-system.git",
       "description": "Allows for the automatic loading of scripts and SQL files based on level brackets",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -962,7 +892,6 @@
       "name": "mod-npc-free-professions",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-npc-free-professions.git",
       "description": "Makes a ProfessionsNPC who gives 2 free professions (full with recipes) to player",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [],
@@ -973,7 +902,6 @@
       "name": "mod-duel-reset",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-duel-reset.git",
       "description": "Adds some duel reset features",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -986,7 +914,6 @@
       "name": "mod-zone-difficulty",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-zone-difficulty.git",
       "description": "Support module for mod-progression-system, handles nerfs and debuffs per zone",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [],
@@ -998,7 +925,6 @@
       "name": "mod-morphsummon",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-morphsummon.git",
       "description": "Change appearance of summoned permanent creatures",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -1012,7 +938,6 @@
       "name": "mod-spell-regulator",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-spell-regulator.git",
       "description": "Modify the percentage of the spells by regulating in the best way",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [],
@@ -1024,7 +949,6 @@
       "name": "mod-weekend-xp",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-weekend-xp.git",
       "description": "XP module that allows server owner to select how much XP players can receive on the weekend via config file",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -1037,7 +961,6 @@
       "name": "mod-reward-played-time",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-reward-played-time.git",
       "description": "Adds items for players that have stayed logged in for x amount of time",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -1050,7 +973,6 @@
       "name": "mod-resurrection-scroll",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-resurrection-scroll.git",
       "description": "Allows users to grant rested XP bonuses to players who have not logged in X days",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [],
@@ -1062,7 +984,6 @@
       "name": "mod-item-level-up",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-item-level-up.git",
       "description": "Creates an item that allows you to level up (id = 701001)",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [],
@@ -1073,7 +994,6 @@
       "name": "mod-npc-talent-template",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-npc-talent-template.git",
       "description": "An NPC that allows players to instantly apply pre-configured character templates that gear up, gem, set talents, and apply glyphs for any class",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [],
@@ -1085,7 +1005,6 @@
       "name": "mod-global-chat",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-global-chat.git",
       "description": "Simple global chat for AzerothCore enabling worldserver-wide messaging functionality",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -1098,7 +1017,6 @@
       "name": "mod-premium",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-premium.git",
       "description": "Adds Premium account features to players",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -1112,7 +1030,6 @@
       "name": "mod-system-vip",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-system-vip.git",
       "description": "System offering VIP features and benefits to players",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -1125,7 +1042,6 @@
       "name": "mod-acore-subscriptions",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-acore-subscriptions.git",
       "description": "Handles the subscription logic, no longer requires modules or services to have subscription logic in their code",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [],
@@ -1136,7 +1052,6 @@
       "name": "mod-keep-out",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-keep-out.git",
       "description": "Keeps players who are non-GM from entering a zone/map",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [],
@@ -1148,7 +1063,6 @@
       "name": "mod-server-auto-shutdown",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-server-auto-shutdown.git",
       "description": "Establishes a daily restart with configurable time, notification period, and custom messages",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [],
@@ -1159,7 +1073,6 @@
       "name": "mod-who-logged",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-who-logged.git",
       "description": "Outputs to the console when a player logs into the world",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -1172,7 +1085,6 @@
       "name": "mod-account-mounts",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-account-mounts.git",
       "description": "Goes through the list of characters on an account to obtain playerGuids and store mount spells that all characters know",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [],
@@ -1183,7 +1095,6 @@
       "name": "mod-antifarming",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-antifarming.git",
       "description": "Port of the AntiFarming Script from SymbolixDEV's repo to AzerothCore",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -1196,7 +1107,6 @@
       "name": "mod-arena-replay",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-arena-replay.git",
       "description": "Allows you to watch a replay of rated arena games",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [],
@@ -1208,7 +1118,6 @@
       "name": "mod-tic-tac-toe",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-tic-tac-toe.git",
       "description": "Allows players to play Tic Tac Toe between players and against different AI",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [],
@@ -1220,7 +1129,6 @@
       "name": "mod-war-effort",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-war-effort.git",
       "description": "Brings back the war effort of the two factions for the opening of the gates of Ahn'Qiraj",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -1233,7 +1141,6 @@
       "name": "mod-promotion-azerothcore",
       "repo": "https://github.com/azerothcore/mod-promotion-azerothcore.git",
       "description": "Allows player to receive a promotion consisting of a level 90 character, backpacks, gold, armor, and a mount",
-      "needs_build": true,
       "type": "cpp",
       "post_install_hooks": [],
       "config_cleanup": [
@@ -1242,4 +1149,4 @@
       "category": "progression"
     }
   ]
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+}
diff --git a/deploy.sh b/deploy.sh
index 9fb67da..02459a7 100755
--- a/deploy.sh
+++ b/deploy.sh
@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@
 set -euo pipefail
 
 ROOT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")" && pwd)"
-COMPOSE_FILE="$ROOT_DIR/docker-compose.yml"
+DEFAULT_COMPOSE_FILE="$ROOT_DIR/docker-compose.yml"
 ENV_PATH="$ROOT_DIR/.env"
 TARGET_PROFILE=""
 WATCH_LOGS=1
@@ -29,6 +29,7 @@ REMOTE_ARGS_PROVIDED=0
 MODULE_HELPER="$ROOT_DIR/scripts/modules.py"
 MODULE_STATE_INITIALIZED=0
 declare -a MODULES_COMPILE_LIST=()
+declare -a COMPOSE_FILE_ARGS=()
 
 BLUE='\033[0;34m'; GREEN='\033[0;32m'; YELLOW='\033[1;33m'; RED='\033[0;31m'; NC='\033[0m'
 info(){ printf '%b\n' "${BLUE}ℹ️  $*${NC}"; }
@@ -278,6 +279,22 @@ read_env(){
   echo "$value"
 }
 
+init_compose_files(){
+  local expose_port
+  expose_port="$(read_env MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT "0")"
+  COMPOSE_FILE_ARGS=(-f "$DEFAULT_COMPOSE_FILE")
+  if [ "$expose_port" = "1" ]; then
+    local extra_file="$ROOT_DIR/docker-compose.mysql-expose.yml"
+    if [ -f "$extra_file" ]; then
+      COMPOSE_FILE_ARGS+=(-f "$extra_file")
+    else
+      warn "MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT=1 but $extra_file not found; skipping port override"
+    fi
+  fi
+}
+
+init_compose_files
+
 resolve_local_storage_path(){
   local path
   path="$(read_env STORAGE_PATH_LOCAL "./local-storage")"
@@ -376,7 +393,7 @@ compose(){
   local project_name
   project_name="$(resolve_project_name)"
   # Add --quiet for less verbose output, filter excessive empty lines
-  docker compose --project-name "$project_name" -f "$COMPOSE_FILE" "$@" | filter_empty_lines
+  docker compose --project-name "$project_name" "${COMPOSE_FILE_ARGS[@]}" "$@" | filter_empty_lines
 }
 
 # Build detection logic
diff --git a/docker-compose.mysql-expose.yml b/docker-compose.mysql-expose.yml
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..467832b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/docker-compose.mysql-expose.yml
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+services:
+  ac-mysql:
+    # Optional override that publishes the MySQL port when MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT=1
+    ports:
+      - "${MYSQL_EXTERNAL_PORT}:${MYSQL_PORT}"
diff --git a/docker-compose.yml b/docker-compose.yml
index 22c720c..5cabb68 100644
--- a/docker-compose.yml
+++ b/docker-compose.yml
@@ -18,8 +18,6 @@ services:
       MYSQL_MAX_CONNECTIONS: ${MYSQL_MAX_CONNECTIONS}
       MYSQL_INNODB_BUFFER_POOL_SIZE: ${MYSQL_INNODB_BUFFER_POOL_SIZE}
       MYSQL_INNODB_LOG_FILE_SIZE: ${MYSQL_INNODB_LOG_FILE_SIZE}
-    ports:
-      - "${MYSQL_EXTERNAL_PORT}:${MYSQL_PORT}"
     entrypoint:
       - /usr/local/bin/mysql-entrypoint.sh
     volumes:
@@ -27,6 +25,7 @@ services:
       - ${STORAGE_PATH_LOCAL}/mysql-data:/var/lib/mysql-persistent
       - ${BACKUP_PATH}:/backups
       - ${HOST_ZONEINFO_PATH}:/usr/share/zoneinfo:ro
+      - ${MYSQL_CONFIG_DIR:-${STORAGE_PATH}/config/mysql/conf.d}:/etc/mysql/conf.d
     tmpfs:
       - /var/lib/mysql-runtime:size=${MYSQL_RUNTIME_TMPFS_SIZE}
     command:
@@ -210,12 +209,13 @@ services:
     container_name: ac-volume-init
     user: "0:0"
     volumes:
-      - ac-client-data:/azerothcore/data
+      - ${CLIENT_DATA_PATH:-${STORAGE_PATH}/client-data}:/azerothcore/data
       - client-data-cache:/cache
     command:
       - sh
       - -c
       - |
+        mkdir -p /azerothcore/data
         echo "🔧 Fixing Docker volume permissions..."
         chown -R ${CONTAINER_USER} /azerothcore/data /cache
         chmod -R 755 /azerothcore/data /cache
@@ -236,6 +236,8 @@ services:
       - |
         echo "🔧 Initializing storage directories with proper permissions..."
         mkdir -p /storage-root/config /storage-root/logs /storage-root/modules /storage-root/lua_scripts /storage-root/install-markers
+        mkdir -p /storage-root/config/mysql/conf.d
+        mkdir -p /storage-root/client-data
         mkdir -p /storage-root/backups /local-storage-root/mysql-data
         # Fix ownership of root directories and all contents
         chown -R ${CONTAINER_USER} /storage-root /local-storage-root
@@ -255,7 +257,7 @@ services:
       ac-volume-init:
         condition: service_completed_successfully
     volumes:
-      - ac-client-data:/azerothcore/data
+      - ${CLIENT_DATA_PATH:-${STORAGE_PATH}/client-data}:/azerothcore/data
       - client-data-cache:/cache
       - ./scripts:/tmp/scripts:ro
     working_dir: /tmp
@@ -286,7 +288,7 @@ services:
       ac-volume-init:
         condition: service_completed_successfully
     volumes:
-      - ac-client-data:/azerothcore/data
+      - ${CLIENT_DATA_PATH:-${STORAGE_PATH}/client-data}:/azerothcore/data
       - client-data-cache:/cache
       - ./scripts:/tmp/scripts:ro
     working_dir: /tmp
@@ -380,7 +382,7 @@ services:
       - "${WORLD_EXTERNAL_PORT}:${WORLD_PORT}"
       - "${SOAP_EXTERNAL_PORT}:${SOAP_PORT}"
     volumes:
-      - ac-client-data:/azerothcore/data
+      - ${CLIENT_DATA_PATH:-${STORAGE_PATH}/client-data}:/azerothcore/data
       - ${STORAGE_PATH}/config:/azerothcore/env/dist/etc
       - ${STORAGE_PATH}/logs:/azerothcore/logs
       - ${STORAGE_PATH}/modules:/azerothcore/modules
@@ -503,7 +505,7 @@ services:
       - "${WORLD_EXTERNAL_PORT}:${WORLD_PORT}"
       - "${SOAP_EXTERNAL_PORT}:${SOAP_PORT}"
     volumes:
-      - ac-client-data:/azerothcore/data
+      - ${CLIENT_DATA_PATH:-${STORAGE_PATH}/client-data}:/azerothcore/data
       - ${STORAGE_PATH}/config:/azerothcore/env/dist/etc
       - ${STORAGE_PATH}/logs:/azerothcore/logs
       - ${STORAGE_PATH}/modules:/azerothcore/modules
@@ -550,7 +552,7 @@ services:
       PLAYERBOT_MAX_BOTS: "${PLAYERBOT_MAX_BOTS}"
       AC_LOG_LEVEL: "2"
     volumes:
-      - ac-client-data:/azerothcore/data
+      - ${CLIENT_DATA_PATH:-${STORAGE_PATH}/client-data}:/azerothcore/data
       - ${STORAGE_PATH}/config:/azerothcore/env/dist/etc
       - ${STORAGE_PATH}/logs:/azerothcore/logs
       - ${STORAGE_PATH}/modules:/azerothcore/modules
@@ -723,9 +725,6 @@ services:
       - azerothcore
 
 volumes:
-  ac-client-data:
-    name: ${CLIENT_DATA_VOLUME}
-    driver: local
   client-data-cache:
     driver: local
 
diff --git a/scripts/deploy-tools.sh b/scripts/deploy-tools.sh
index a063b8c..dd73031 100755
--- a/scripts/deploy-tools.sh
+++ b/scripts/deploy-tools.sh
@@ -5,8 +5,9 @@
 set -euo pipefail
 
 ROOT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")" && pwd)/.."
-COMPOSE_FILE="$ROOT_DIR/docker-compose.yml"
+DEFAULT_COMPOSE_FILE="$ROOT_DIR/docker-compose.yml"
 ENV_FILE="$ROOT_DIR/.env"
+declare -a COMPOSE_FILE_ARGS=()
 
 BLUE='\033[0;34m'
 GREEN='\033[0;32m'
@@ -44,8 +45,22 @@ resolve_project_name(){
   echo "$sanitized"
 }
 
+init_compose_files(){
+  COMPOSE_FILE_ARGS=(-f "$DEFAULT_COMPOSE_FILE")
+  if [ "$(read_env MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT "0")" = "1" ]; then
+    local extra_file="$ROOT_DIR/docker-compose.mysql-expose.yml"
+    if [ -f "$extra_file" ]; then
+      COMPOSE_FILE_ARGS+=(-f "$extra_file")
+    else
+      warn "MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT=1 but $extra_file missing; skipping port override."
+    fi
+  fi
+}
+
+init_compose_files
+
 compose(){
-  docker compose --project-name "$PROJECT_NAME" -f "$COMPOSE_FILE" "$@"
+  docker compose --project-name "$PROJECT_NAME" "${COMPOSE_FILE_ARGS[@]}" "$@"
 }
 
 show_header(){
diff --git a/scripts/detect-client-data-version.sh b/scripts/detect-client-data-version.sh
new file mode 100755
index 0000000..205b977
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/detect-client-data-version.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,85 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+#
+# Detect which wowgaming/client-data release an AzerothCore checkout expects.
+# Currently inspects apps/installer/includes/functions.sh for the
+# inst_download_client_data version marker, but can be extended with new
+# heuristics if needed.
+
+set -euo pipefail
+
+print_usage() {
+  cat <<'EOF'
+Usage: scripts/detect-client-data-version.sh [--no-header] <repo-path> [...]
+
+Outputs a tab-separated list of repository path, raw version token found in the
+source tree, and a normalized CLIENT_DATA_VERSION (e.g., v18).
+EOF
+}
+
+if [[ "${1:-}" == "--help" ]]; then
+  print_usage
+  exit 0
+fi
+
+show_header=1
+if [[ "${1:-}" == "--no-header" ]]; then
+  show_header=0
+  shift
+fi
+
+if [[ $# -lt 1 ]]; then
+  print_usage >&2
+  exit 1
+fi
+
+normalize_version() {
+  local token="$1"
+  token="${token//$'\r'/}"
+  token="${token//\"/}"
+  token="${token//\'/}"
+  token="${token// /}"
+  token="${token%%#*}"
+  token="${token%%;*}"
+  token="${token%%\)*}"
+  token="${token%%\}*}"
+  echo "$token"
+}
+
+detect_from_installer() {
+  local repo_path="$1"
+  local installer_file="$repo_path/apps/installer/includes/functions.sh"
+  [[ -f "$installer_file" ]] || return 1
+  local raw
+  raw="$(grep -E 'local[[:space:]]+VERSION=' "$installer_file" | head -n1 | cut -d'=' -f2-)"
+  [[ -n "$raw" ]] || return 1
+  echo "$raw"
+}
+
+detect_version() {
+  local repo_path="$1"
+  if [[ ! -d "$repo_path" ]]; then
+    printf '%s\t%s\t%s\n' "$repo_path" "<missing>" "<unknown>"
+    return
+  fi
+
+  local raw=""
+  if raw="$(detect_from_installer "$repo_path")"; then
+    :
+  elif [[ -f "$repo_path/.env" ]]; then
+    raw="$(grep -E '^CLIENT_DATA_VERSION=' "$repo_path/.env" | head -n1 | cut -d'=' -f2-)"
+  fi
+
+  if [[ -z "$raw" ]]; then
+    printf '%s\t%s\t%s\n' "$repo_path" "<unknown>" "<unknown>"
+    return
+  fi
+
+  local normalized
+  normalized="$(normalize_version "$raw")"
+  printf '%s\t%s\t%s\n' "$repo_path" "$raw" "$normalized"
+}
+
+[[ "$show_header" -eq 0 ]] || printf 'repo\traw\tclient_data_version\n'
+for repo in "$@"; do
+  detect_version "$repo"
+done
diff --git a/scripts/modules.py b/scripts/modules.py
index 5a23b0a..9fec09c 100755
--- a/scripts/modules.py
+++ b/scripts/modules.py
@@ -131,9 +131,10 @@ class ModuleCollectionState:
     def requires_playerbot_source(self) -> bool:
         module_map = {m.key: m for m in self.modules}
         playerbots_enabled = module_map.get("MODULE_PLAYERBOTS")
-        playerbots = bool(playerbots_enabled and playerbots_enabled.enabled_effective)
-        needs_cpp = any(module.needs_build and module.enabled_effective for module in self.modules)
-        return playerbots or needs_cpp
+        return bool(playerbots_enabled and playerbots_enabled.enabled_effective)
+
+    def requires_custom_build(self) -> bool:
+        return any(module.needs_build and module.enabled_effective for module in self.modules)
 
 
 def build_state(env_path: Path, manifest_path: Path) -> ModuleCollectionState:
@@ -150,8 +151,12 @@ def build_state(env_path: Path, manifest_path: Path) -> ModuleCollectionState:
         key = entry["key"]
         name = entry["name"]
         repo = entry["repo"]
-        needs_build = bool(entry.get("needs_build", False))
         module_type = str(entry.get("type", "cpp"))
+        needs_build_flag = entry.get("needs_build")
+        if needs_build_flag is None:
+            needs_build = module_type.lower() == "cpp"
+        else:
+            needs_build = bool(needs_build_flag)
         requires = entry.get("requires") or []
         if not isinstance(requires, list):
             raise ValueError(f"Manifest entry {key} has non-list 'requires'")
@@ -263,20 +268,30 @@ def write_outputs(state: ModuleCollectionState, output_dir: Path) -> None:
 
     enabled_names: List[str] = []
     compile_names: List[str] = []
+    enabled_keys: List[str] = []
+    compile_keys: List[str] = []
 
     for module in state.modules:
         env_lines.append(f"export {module.key}={module.value}")
         if module.enabled_effective:
             enabled_names.append(module.name)
+            enabled_keys.append(module.key)
         if module.enabled_effective and module.needs_build:
             compile_names.append(module.name)
+            compile_keys.append(module.key)
 
     env_lines.append(f'export MODULES_ENABLED="{ " ".join(enabled_names) }"'.rstrip())
     env_lines.append(f'export MODULES_COMPILE="{ " ".join(compile_names) }"'.rstrip())
+    env_lines.append(f'export MODULES_ENABLED_LIST="{",".join(enabled_keys)}"')
+    env_lines.append(f'export MODULES_CPP_LIST="{",".join(compile_keys)}"')
     env_lines.append(
         f"export MODULES_REQUIRES_PLAYERBOT_SOURCE="
         f'{"1" if state.requires_playerbot_source() else "0"}'
     )
+    env_lines.append(
+        f"export MODULES_REQUIRES_CUSTOM_BUILD="
+        f'{"1" if state.requires_custom_build() else "0"}'
+    )
     env_lines.append(f"export MODULES_WARNING_COUNT={len(state.warnings)}")
     env_lines.append(f"export MODULES_ERROR_COUNT={len(state.errors)}")
 
@@ -301,6 +316,7 @@ def write_outputs(state: ModuleCollectionState, output_dir: Path) -> None:
         "enabled_modules": [module.name for module in state.enabled_modules()],
         "compile_modules": [module.name for module in state.compile_modules()],
         "requires_playerbot_source": state.requires_playerbot_source(),
+        "requires_custom_build": state.requires_custom_build(),
     }
 
     modules_state_path = output_dir / "modules-state.json"
@@ -342,6 +358,11 @@ def print_requires_playerbot(state: ModuleCollectionState) -> None:
     print("1" if state.requires_playerbot_source() else "0")
 
 
+
+def print_requires_custom_build(state: ModuleCollectionState) -> None:
+    print("1" if state.requires_custom_build() else "0")
+
+
 def print_state(state: ModuleCollectionState, fmt: str) -> None:
     payload = {
         "generated_at": state.generated_at.isoformat(),
@@ -485,6 +506,18 @@ def configure_parser() -> argparse.ArgumentParser:
 
     rps_parser.set_defaults(func=handle_requires_playerbot)
 
+    rcb_parser = subparsers.add_parser(
+        "requires-custom-build",
+        help="Print 1 if a custom source build is required else 0",
+    )
+
+    def handle_requires_custom_build(args: argparse.Namespace) -> int:
+        state = build_state(Path(args.env_path).resolve(), Path(args.manifest).resolve())
+        print_requires_custom_build(state)
+        return 1 if state.errors else 0
+
+    rcb_parser.set_defaults(func=handle_requires_custom_build)
+
     dump_parser = subparsers.add_parser("dump", help="Dump module state (JSON format)")
     dump_parser.add_argument(
         "--format",
diff --git a/scripts/mysql-entrypoint.sh b/scripts/mysql-entrypoint.sh
index 941d194..5e9bb58 100755
--- a/scripts/mysql-entrypoint.sh
+++ b/scripts/mysql-entrypoint.sh
@@ -79,4 +79,18 @@ for path in /var/lib/mysql-runtime /var/lib/mysql /var/lib/mysql-persistent /bac
   fi
 done
 
+disable_binlog="${MYSQL_DISABLE_BINLOG:-}"
+if [ "${disable_binlog}" = "1" ]; then
+  add_skip_flag=1
+  for arg in "$@"; do
+    if [ "$arg" = "--skip-log-bin" ] || [[ "$arg" == --log-bin* ]]; then
+      add_skip_flag=0
+      break
+    fi
+  done
+  if [ "$add_skip_flag" -eq 1 ]; then
+    set -- "$@" --skip-log-bin
+  fi
+fi
+
 exec "$ORIGINAL_ENTRYPOINT" "$@"
diff --git a/scripts/setup-source.sh b/scripts/setup-source.sh
index 1442daa..673724f 100755
--- a/scripts/setup-source.sh
+++ b/scripts/setup-source.sh
@@ -14,36 +14,55 @@ PROJECT_ROOT="$(pwd)"
 
 # Default values
 MODULE_PLAYERBOTS="${MODULE_PLAYERBOTS:-0}"
-NEEDS_CXX_REBUILD="${NEEDS_CXX_REBUILD:-0}"
-
-COMPILE_MODULE_KEYS=(
-  MODULE_AOE_LOOT MODULE_LEARN_SPELLS MODULE_FIREWORKS MODULE_INDIVIDUAL_PROGRESSION MODULE_AHBOT MODULE_AUTOBALANCE
-  MODULE_TRANSMOG MODULE_NPC_BUFFER MODULE_DYNAMIC_XP MODULE_SOLO_LFG MODULE_1V1_ARENA MODULE_PHASED_DUELS
-  MODULE_BREAKING_NEWS MODULE_BOSS_ANNOUNCER MODULE_ACCOUNT_ACHIEVEMENTS MODULE_AUTO_REVIVE MODULE_GAIN_HONOR_GUARD
-  MODULE_TIME_IS_TIME MODULE_POCKET_PORTAL MODULE_RANDOM_ENCHANTS MODULE_SOLOCRAFT MODULE_PVP_TITLES MODULE_NPC_BEASTMASTER
-  MODULE_NPC_ENCHANTER MODULE_INSTANCE_RESET MODULE_LEVEL_GRANT MODULE_ARAC MODULE_ASSISTANT MODULE_REAGENT_BANK
-  MODULE_CHALLENGE_MODES MODULE_OLLAMA_CHAT MODULE_PLAYER_BOT_LEVEL_BRACKETS MODULE_STATBOOSTER MODULE_DUNGEON_RESPAWN
-  MODULE_SKELETON_MODULE MODULE_BG_SLAVERYVALLEY MODULE_AZEROTHSHARD MODULE_WORGOBLIN
-)
-
-if [ "$NEEDS_CXX_REBUILD" != "1" ]; then
-  for key in "${COMPILE_MODULE_KEYS[@]}"; do
-    if [ "${!key:-0}" = "1" ]; then
-      NEEDS_CXX_REBUILD=1
-      break
+PLAYERBOT_ENABLED="${PLAYERBOT_ENABLED:-0}"
+STACK_SOURCE_VARIANT="${STACK_SOURCE_VARIANT:-}"
+if [ -z "$STACK_SOURCE_VARIANT" ]; then
+    if [ "$MODULE_PLAYERBOTS" = "1" ] || [ "$PLAYERBOT_ENABLED" = "1" ]; then
+        STACK_SOURCE_VARIANT="playerbots"
+    else
+        STACK_SOURCE_VARIANT="core"
     fi
-  done
 fi
 LOCAL_STORAGE_ROOT="${STORAGE_PATH_LOCAL:-./local-storage}"
 DEFAULT_STANDARD_PATH="${LOCAL_STORAGE_ROOT%/}/source/azerothcore"
 DEFAULT_PLAYERBOTS_PATH="${LOCAL_STORAGE_ROOT%/}/source/azerothcore-playerbots"
 
 SOURCE_PATH_DEFAULT="$DEFAULT_STANDARD_PATH"
-if [ "$MODULE_PLAYERBOTS" = "1" ] || [ "$NEEDS_CXX_REBUILD" = "1" ]; then
+if [ "$STACK_SOURCE_VARIANT" = "playerbots" ]; then
     SOURCE_PATH_DEFAULT="$DEFAULT_PLAYERBOTS_PATH"
 fi
 SOURCE_PATH="${MODULES_REBUILD_SOURCE_PATH:-$SOURCE_PATH_DEFAULT}"
 
+show_client_data_requirement(){
+    local repo_path="$1"
+    local detector="$PROJECT_ROOT/scripts/detect-client-data-version.sh"
+    if [ ! -x "$detector" ]; then
+        return
+    fi
+
+    local detection
+    if ! detection="$("$detector" --no-header "$repo_path" 2>/dev/null | head -n1)"; then
+        echo "⚠️  Could not detect client data version for $repo_path"
+        return
+    fi
+
+    local detected_repo raw_version normalized_version
+    IFS=$'\t' read -r detected_repo raw_version normalized_version <<< "$detection"
+    if [ -z "$normalized_version" ] || [ "$normalized_version" = "<unknown>" ]; then
+        echo "⚠️  Could not detect client data version for $repo_path"
+        return
+    fi
+
+    local env_value="${CLIENT_DATA_VERSION:-}"
+    if [ -n "$env_value" ] && [ "$env_value" != "$normalized_version" ]; then
+        echo "⚠️  Source requires client data ${normalized_version} (raw ${raw_version}) but .env specifies ${env_value}. Update CLIENT_DATA_VERSION to avoid mismatched maps."
+    elif [ -n "$env_value" ]; then
+        echo "📦 Client data requirement satisfied: ${normalized_version} (raw ${raw_version})"
+    else
+        echo "ℹ️  Detected client data requirement: ${normalized_version} (raw ${raw_version}). Set CLIENT_DATA_VERSION in .env to avoid mismatches."
+    fi
+}
+
 STORAGE_PATH_VALUE="${STORAGE_PATH:-./storage}"
 if [[ "$STORAGE_PATH_VALUE" != /* ]]; then
     STORAGE_PATH_ABS="$PROJECT_ROOT/${STORAGE_PATH_VALUE#./}"
@@ -72,8 +91,8 @@ ACORE_BRANCH_STANDARD="${ACORE_BRANCH_STANDARD:-master}"
 ACORE_REPO_PLAYERBOTS="${ACORE_REPO_PLAYERBOTS:-https://github.com/mod-playerbots/azerothcore-wotlk.git}"
 ACORE_BRANCH_PLAYERBOTS="${ACORE_BRANCH_PLAYERBOTS:-Playerbot}"
 
-# Repository and branch selection based on playerbots mode
-if [ "$MODULE_PLAYERBOTS" = "1" ] || [ "$NEEDS_CXX_REBUILD" = "1" ]; then
+# Repository and branch selection based on source variant
+if [ "$STACK_SOURCE_VARIANT" = "playerbots" ]; then
     REPO_URL="$ACORE_REPO_PLAYERBOTS"
     BRANCH="$ACORE_BRANCH_PLAYERBOTS"
     echo "📌 Playerbots mode: Using $REPO_URL, branch $BRANCH"
@@ -130,5 +149,6 @@ echo "📊 Current status:"
 echo "   Branch: $CURRENT_BRANCH"
 echo "   Commit: $CURRENT_COMMIT"
 echo "   Last commit: $(git log -1 --pretty=format:'%s (%an, %ar)')"
+show_client_data_requirement "$SOURCE_PATH"
 
 echo '🎉 Source repository setup complete!'
diff --git a/scripts/setup_manifest.py b/scripts/setup_manifest.py
index 6dfb14e..6d27b95 100755
--- a/scripts/setup_manifest.py
+++ b/scripts/setup_manifest.py
@@ -58,8 +58,13 @@ def cmd_metadata(manifest_path: str) -> None:
     for entry in iter_modules(manifest):
         key = entry["key"]
         name = clean(entry.get("name", key))
-        needs_build = "1" if entry.get("needs_build") else "0"
-        module_type = clean(entry.get("type", ""))
+        module_type_raw = entry.get("type", "")
+        module_type = clean(module_type_raw)
+        needs_build_flag = entry.get("needs_build")
+        if needs_build_flag is None:
+            needs_build = "1" if str(module_type_raw).lower() == "cpp" else "0"
+        else:
+            needs_build = "1" if needs_build_flag else "0"
         status = clean(entry.get("status", "active"))
         block_reason = clean(entry.get("block_reason", ""))
         requires = unique_preserve_order(entry.get("requires") or [])
diff --git a/scripts/stage-modules.sh b/scripts/stage-modules.sh
index baa2d9f..e2870e1 100755
--- a/scripts/stage-modules.sh
+++ b/scripts/stage-modules.sh
@@ -64,6 +64,8 @@ sync_local_staging(){
 SCRIPT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")" && pwd)"
 PROJECT_DIR="$(dirname "$SCRIPT_DIR")"
 ENV_FILE="$PROJECT_DIR/.env"
+DEFAULT_COMPOSE_FILE="$PROJECT_DIR/docker-compose.yml"
+EXTRA_COMPOSE_FILE="$PROJECT_DIR/docker-compose.mysql-expose.yml"
 
 usage(){
   cat <<EOF
@@ -112,6 +114,19 @@ resolve_project_name(){
   echo "$sanitized"
 }
 
+if [ -z "${COMPOSE_FILE:-}" ]; then
+  compose_files=("$DEFAULT_COMPOSE_FILE")
+  if [ "$(read_env MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT "0")" = "1" ]; then
+    if [ -f "$EXTRA_COMPOSE_FILE" ]; then
+      compose_files+=("$EXTRA_COMPOSE_FILE")
+    else
+      echo "⚠️  MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT=1 but ${EXTRA_COMPOSE_FILE} not found; continuing without port exposure override."
+    fi
+  fi
+  COMPOSE_FILE="$(IFS=:; echo "${compose_files[*]}")"
+  export COMPOSE_FILE
+fi
+
 resolve_project_image(){
   local tag="$1"
   local project_name
diff --git a/scripts/verify-deployment.sh b/scripts/verify-deployment.sh
index a1802c0..fd06b71 100755
--- a/scripts/verify-deployment.sh
+++ b/scripts/verify-deployment.sh
@@ -10,7 +10,8 @@ ok(){ echo -e "${GREEN}✅ $*${NC}"; }
 warn(){ echo -e "${YELLOW}⚠️  $*${NC}"; }
 err(){ echo -e "${RED}❌ $*${NC}"; }
 
-COMPOSE_FILE="$(dirname "$0")/docker-compose.yml"
+PROJECT_DIR="$(cd "$(dirname "${BASH_SOURCE[0]}")/.." && pwd)"
+COMPOSE_FILE="$PROJECT_DIR/docker-compose.yml"
 ENV_FILE=""
 PROFILES=(db services-standard client-data modules tools)
 SKIP_DEPLOY=false
@@ -72,6 +73,15 @@ run_compose(){
     compose_args+=(--env-file "$ENV_FILE")
   fi
   compose_args+=(-f "$COMPOSE_FILE")
+  if [ "$(read_env_value MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT "0")" = "1" ]; then
+    local extra_file
+    extra_file="$(dirname "$COMPOSE_FILE")/docker-compose.mysql-expose.yml"
+    if [ -f "$extra_file" ]; then
+      compose_args+=(-f "$extra_file")
+    else
+      warn "MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT=1 but ${extra_file} missing; skipping port exposure override."
+    fi
+  fi
   docker compose "${compose_args[@]}" "$@"
 }
 
diff --git a/setup.sh b/setup.sh
index 0ac30f4..3574eda 100755
--- a/setup.sh
+++ b/setup.sh
@@ -68,6 +68,7 @@ declare -A TEMPLATE_VALUE_MAP=(
   [DEFAULT_AUTH_PORT]=AUTH_EXTERNAL_PORT
   [DEFAULT_SOAP_PORT]=SOAP_EXTERNAL_PORT
   [DEFAULT_MYSQL_PORT]=MYSQL_EXTERNAL_PORT
+  [DEFAULT_MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT]=MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT
   [DEFAULT_PLAYERBOT_MIN]=PLAYERBOT_MIN_BOTS
   [DEFAULT_PLAYERBOT_MAX]=PLAYERBOT_MAX_BOTS
   [DEFAULT_LOCAL_STORAGE]=STORAGE_PATH
@@ -112,7 +113,7 @@ declare -A TEMPLATE_VALUE_MAP=(
   [DEFAULT_CONTAINER_MODULES]=CONTAINER_MODULES
   [DEFAULT_CONTAINER_POST_INSTALL]=CONTAINER_POST_INSTALL
   [DEFAULT_COMPOSE_PROJECT_NAME]=COMPOSE_PROJECT_NAME
-  [DEFAULT_CLIENT_DATA_VOLUME]=CLIENT_DATA_VOLUME
+  [DEFAULT_CLIENT_DATA_PATH]=CLIENT_DATA_PATH
   [DEFAULT_CLIENT_DATA_CACHE_PATH]=CLIENT_DATA_CACHE_PATH
   [DEFAULT_CLIENT_DATA_VERSION]=CLIENT_DATA_VERSION
   [DEFAULT_NETWORK_NAME]=NETWORK_NAME
@@ -125,6 +126,8 @@ declare -A TEMPLATE_VALUE_MAP=(
   [DEFAULT_MYSQL_INNODB_LOG_FILE_SIZE]=MYSQL_INNODB_LOG_FILE_SIZE
   [DEFAULT_MYSQL_INNODB_REDO_LOG_CAPACITY]=MYSQL_INNODB_REDO_LOG_CAPACITY
   [DEFAULT_MYSQL_RUNTIME_TMPFS_SIZE]=MYSQL_RUNTIME_TMPFS_SIZE
+  [DEFAULT_MYSQL_DISABLE_BINLOG]=MYSQL_DISABLE_BINLOG
+  [DEFAULT_MYSQL_CONFIG_DIR]=MYSQL_CONFIG_DIR
   [DEFAULT_MYSQL_HOST]=MYSQL_HOST
   [DEFAULT_DB_WAIT_RETRIES]=DB_WAIT_RETRIES
   [DEFAULT_DB_WAIT_SLEEP]=DB_WAIT_SLEEP
@@ -902,25 +905,21 @@ fi
   local STORAGE_PATH
   if [ -n "$CLI_STORAGE_PATH" ]; then
     STORAGE_PATH="$CLI_STORAGE_PATH"
-  elif [ "$DEPLOYMENT_TYPE" = "local" ]; then
-    STORAGE_PATH=$DEFAULT_LOCAL_STORAGE
+  elif [ "$NON_INTERACTIVE" = "1" ]; then
+    STORAGE_PATH=$DEFAULT_MOUNT_STORAGE
   else
-    if [ "$NON_INTERACTIVE" = "1" ]; then
-      STORAGE_PATH=$DEFAULT_MOUNT_STORAGE
-    else
-      echo "1) 💾 ./storage (local)"
-      echo "2) 🌐 /nfs/azerothcore (NFS)"
-      echo "3) 📁 Custom"
-      while true; do
-        read -p "$(echo -e "${YELLOW}🔧 Select storage option [1-3]: ${NC}")" s
-        case "$s" in
-          1) STORAGE_PATH=$DEFAULT_LOCAL_STORAGE; break;;
-          2) STORAGE_PATH=$DEFAULT_NFS_STORAGE; break;;
-          3) STORAGE_PATH=$(ask "Enter custom storage path" "$DEFAULT_MOUNT_STORAGE"); break;;
-          *) say ERROR "Please select 1, 2, or 3";;
-        esac
-      done
-    fi
+    echo "1) 💾 ./storage (local)"
+    echo "2) 🌐 /nfs/azerothcore (NFS)"
+    echo "3) 📁 Custom"
+    while true; do
+      read -p "$(echo -e "${YELLOW}🔧 Select storage option [1-3]: ${NC}")" s
+      case "$s" in
+        1) STORAGE_PATH=$DEFAULT_LOCAL_STORAGE; break;;
+        2) STORAGE_PATH=$DEFAULT_NFS_STORAGE; break;;
+        3) STORAGE_PATH=$(ask "Enter custom storage path" "$DEFAULT_MOUNT_STORAGE"); break;;
+        *) say ERROR "Please select 1, 2, or 3";;
+      esac
+    done
   fi
 
   # Backup
@@ -1300,6 +1299,42 @@ fi
     fi
   done
 
+  local enabled_module_keys=()
+  local enabled_cpp_module_keys=()
+  for mod_var in "${MODULE_KEYS[@]}"; do
+    eval "value=\${$mod_var:-0}"
+    if [ "$value" = "1" ]; then
+      enabled_module_keys+=("$mod_var")
+      if [ "${MODULE_NEEDS_BUILD_MAP[$mod_var]}" = "1" ]; then
+        enabled_cpp_module_keys+=("$mod_var")
+      fi
+    fi
+  done
+
+  local MODULES_ENABLED_LIST=""
+  local MODULES_CPP_LIST=""
+  if [ ${#enabled_module_keys[@]} -gt 0 ]; then
+    MODULES_ENABLED_LIST="$(IFS=','; printf '%s' "${enabled_module_keys[*]}")"
+  fi
+  if [ ${#enabled_cpp_module_keys[@]} -gt 0 ]; then
+    MODULES_CPP_LIST="$(IFS=','; printf '%s' "${enabled_cpp_module_keys[*]}")"
+  fi
+
+  local STACK_IMAGE_MODE="standard"
+  local STACK_SOURCE_VARIANT="core"
+  if [ "$MODULE_PLAYERBOTS" = "1" ] || [ "$PLAYERBOT_ENABLED" = "1" ]; then
+    STACK_IMAGE_MODE="playerbots"
+    STACK_SOURCE_VARIANT="playerbots"
+  elif [ "$NEEDS_CXX_REBUILD" = "1" ]; then
+    STACK_IMAGE_MODE="modules"
+  fi
+
+  local MODULES_REQUIRES_CUSTOM_BUILD="$NEEDS_CXX_REBUILD"
+  local MODULES_REQUIRES_PLAYERBOT_SOURCE="0"
+  if [ "$STACK_SOURCE_VARIANT" = "playerbots" ]; then
+    MODULES_REQUIRES_PLAYERBOT_SOURCE="1"
+  fi
+
   export NEEDS_CXX_REBUILD
 
   local SUMMARY_MODE_TEXT="$module_mode_label"
@@ -1419,7 +1454,10 @@ fi
   HOST_ZONEINFO_PATH=${HOST_ZONEINFO_PATH:-$DEFAULT_HOST_ZONEINFO_PATH}
   MYSQL_INNODB_REDO_LOG_CAPACITY=${MYSQL_INNODB_REDO_LOG_CAPACITY:-$DEFAULT_MYSQL_INNODB_REDO_LOG_CAPACITY}
   MYSQL_RUNTIME_TMPFS_SIZE=${MYSQL_RUNTIME_TMPFS_SIZE:-$DEFAULT_MYSQL_RUNTIME_TMPFS_SIZE}
-  CLIENT_DATA_VOLUME=${CLIENT_DATA_VOLUME:-$DEFAULT_CLIENT_DATA_VOLUME}
+  MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT=${MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT:-$DEFAULT_MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT}
+  MYSQL_DISABLE_BINLOG=${MYSQL_DISABLE_BINLOG:-$DEFAULT_MYSQL_DISABLE_BINLOG}
+  MYSQL_CONFIG_DIR=${MYSQL_CONFIG_DIR:-$DEFAULT_MYSQL_CONFIG_DIR}
+  CLIENT_DATA_PATH=${CLIENT_DATA_PATH:-$DEFAULT_CLIENT_DATA_PATH}
   BACKUP_HEALTHCHECK_MAX_MINUTES=${BACKUP_HEALTHCHECK_MAX_MINUTES:-$DEFAULT_BACKUP_HEALTHCHECK_MAX_MINUTES}
   BACKUP_HEALTHCHECK_GRACE_SECONDS=${BACKUP_HEALTHCHECK_GRACE_SECONDS:-$DEFAULT_BACKUP_HEALTHCHECK_GRACE_SECONDS}
   DB_WAIT_RETRIES=${DB_WAIT_RETRIES:-$DEFAULT_DB_WAIT_RETRIES}
@@ -1446,7 +1484,7 @@ fi
 
   local project_image_prefix
   project_image_prefix="$(sanitize_project_name "$DEFAULT_COMPOSE_PROJECT_NAME")"
-  if [ "$MODULE_PLAYERBOTS" = "1" ] || [ "$NEEDS_CXX_REBUILD" = "1" ]; then
+  if [ "$STACK_IMAGE_MODE" = "playerbots" ]; then
     AC_AUTHSERVER_IMAGE_PLAYERBOTS_VALUE="$(resolve_project_image_tag "$project_image_prefix" "authserver-playerbots")"
     AC_WORLDSERVER_IMAGE_PLAYERBOTS_VALUE="$(resolve_project_image_tag "$project_image_prefix" "worldserver-playerbots")"
     AC_DB_IMPORT_IMAGE_VALUE="$(resolve_project_image_tag "$project_image_prefix" "db-import-playerbots")"
@@ -1478,6 +1516,9 @@ MYSQL_ROOT_HOST=$DEFAULT_MYSQL_ROOT_HOST
 MYSQL_USER=$DEFAULT_MYSQL_USER
 MYSQL_PORT=$DEFAULT_MYSQL_INTERNAL_PORT
 MYSQL_EXTERNAL_PORT=$MYSQL_EXTERNAL_PORT
+MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT=${MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT:-$DEFAULT_MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT}
+MYSQL_DISABLE_BINLOG=${MYSQL_DISABLE_BINLOG:-$DEFAULT_MYSQL_DISABLE_BINLOG}
+MYSQL_CONFIG_DIR=${MYSQL_CONFIG_DIR:-$DEFAULT_MYSQL_CONFIG_DIR}
 MYSQL_CHARACTER_SET=$DEFAULT_MYSQL_CHARACTER_SET
 MYSQL_COLLATION=$DEFAULT_MYSQL_COLLATION
 MYSQL_MAX_CONNECTIONS=$DEFAULT_MYSQL_MAX_CONNECTIONS
@@ -1506,7 +1547,7 @@ AC_WORLDSERVER_IMAGE_MODULES=${AC_WORLDSERVER_IMAGE_MODULES_VALUE}
 AC_CLIENT_DATA_IMAGE=$DEFAULT_AC_CLIENT_DATA_IMAGE
 AC_CLIENT_DATA_IMAGE_PLAYERBOTS=$AC_CLIENT_DATA_IMAGE_PLAYERBOTS_VALUE
 CLIENT_DATA_CACHE_PATH=$DEFAULT_CLIENT_DATA_CACHE_PATH
-CLIENT_DATA_VOLUME=${CLIENT_DATA_VOLUME:-$DEFAULT_CLIENT_DATA_VOLUME}
+CLIENT_DATA_PATH=$CLIENT_DATA_PATH
 
 # Build artifacts
 DOCKER_IMAGE_TAG=$DEFAULT_DOCKER_IMAGE_TAG
@@ -1560,6 +1601,12 @@ CLIENT_DATA_VERSION=${CLIENT_DATA_VERSION:-$DEFAULT_CLIENT_DATA_VERSION}
 PLAYERBOT_ENABLED=$PLAYERBOT_ENABLED
 PLAYERBOT_MIN_BOTS=$PLAYERBOT_MIN_BOTS
 PLAYERBOT_MAX_BOTS=$PLAYERBOT_MAX_BOTS
+STACK_IMAGE_MODE=$STACK_IMAGE_MODE
+STACK_SOURCE_VARIANT=$STACK_SOURCE_VARIANT
+MODULES_ENABLED_LIST=$MODULES_ENABLED_LIST
+MODULES_CPP_LIST=$MODULES_CPP_LIST
+MODULES_REQUIRES_CUSTOM_BUILD=$MODULES_REQUIRES_CUSTOM_BUILD
+MODULES_REQUIRES_PLAYERBOT_SOURCE=$MODULES_REQUIRES_PLAYERBOT_SOURCE
 
 # Rebuild automation
 AUTO_REBUILD_ON_DEPLOY=$AUTO_REBUILD_ON_DEPLOY
diff --git a/status.sh b/status.sh
index e30a811..2dedd1f 100755
--- a/status.sh
+++ b/status.sh
@@ -53,6 +53,7 @@ AUTH_PORT="$(read_env AUTH_EXTERNAL_PORT)"
 WORLD_PORT="$(read_env WORLD_EXTERNAL_PORT)"
 SOAP_PORT="$(read_env SOAP_EXTERNAL_PORT)"
 MYSQL_PORT="$(read_env MYSQL_EXTERNAL_PORT)"
+MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT="$(read_env MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT)"
 PMA_PORT="$(read_env PMA_EXTERNAL_PORT)"
 KEIRA_PORT="$(read_env KEIRA3_EXTERNAL_PORT)"
 ELUNA_ENABLED="$(read_env AC_ELUNA_ENABLED)"
@@ -254,12 +255,20 @@ ports_summary(){
   for i in "${!names[@]}"; do
     local svc="${names[$i]}"
     local port="${ports[$i]}"
+    if [ "$svc" = "MySQL" ] && [ "${MYSQL_EXPOSE_PORT}" != "1" ]; then
+      printf "  %-10s %-6s %b○%b not exposed\n" "$svc" "--" "$CYAN" "$NC"
+      continue
+    fi
     if [ -z "$port" ]; then
       printf "  %-10s %-6s %b○%b not set\n" "$svc" "--" "$YELLOW" "$NC"
       continue
     fi
     if timeout 1 bash -c "</dev/tcp/127.0.0.1/${port}" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
-      printf "  %-10s %-6s %b●%b reachable\n" "$svc" "$port" "$GREEN" "$NC"
+      if [ "$svc" = "MySQL" ]; then
+        printf "  %-10s %-6s %b●%b reachable %b!note%b exposed\n" "$svc" "$port" "$GREEN" "$NC" "$YELLOW" "$NC"
+      else
+        printf "  %-10s %-6s %b●%b reachable\n" "$svc" "$port" "$GREEN" "$NC"
+      fi
     else
       printf "  %-10s %-6s %b○%b unreachable\n" "$svc" "$port" "$RED" "$NC"
     fi