Thu Sep 30, 2004 11:40 am
NEWBIE ADVICE/Recommendations
Welcome Freelancer Newbs. I created this post for you guys because i know alot of you just want to start, and hopefully ill have enough info just smack dab in your face. This isnt a tutorial is a prelude to learning modding.
When i first started modding i did a small tutorial about 100 lines mabye and it told me to use the dos version of BINI. It taught me how to make ships buyable and it taught me how to edit a weapon. Thats it. As you can see, i have made the osiris mods and im a VET in the fl modding world along with many others. It takes time to learn it but when you do its SOO easy. The trick to modding is "Trial And Error". Sure you need a base of knowledge but you only need to know a few things.
Your game will crash alot but you will also get alot of things to work and your game wont crash. When you first start the trick is not to use FLMM to make mods, its just too cumbersome. Go into the directory on your c drive and directly edit files, it takes less time and will keep your interest longer.
Things you should have:
Biniqdu <---- that edits the .ini files
Freelancer Misc Database <---- Breaks down all nicks and stuff to easy to use info
No story Mod <--- So you can test in SP mode and not play the storyline
Replacement .ini's <--- So you can replace your .ini's if you mess up
Now that you know what you need, you need to learn the coding:
Its not hard at all just a tiny bit of getting used to. It makes sense. Alot of the time things are linked. Now if you link something to something that isnt there, the game will crash. Why? you ask. The game becomes unstable, doesnt know what to do so it stops working.
Explore the different files that are there. The folders and files are pretty self explanatory. Like SOLAR. it has stuff that make up the solar systems ad other stuff. LIke that. Equipment is your most important folder id say. Most of your editing will be done in there, and shiparch.ini which is in the ships folder.
Remember comparison is your best ally in editing. Take two things that you know are close and see their diffs.
i know this isnt a very helpful post as far as teaching you how to mod but i think its a few things you should keep in mind. There are many tutorials out there that teach you how to do many things, but you dont need lengthy tuorials. I, i just asked questions here, and like many of you do now, you guys get answers from us, so keep asking and we'll answer.
please dont answer to this please, it just makes amess and its easier for people who are new here to just see this.
please sticky chips
Mess With the Best Die lIke the Rest
Check out my Freelancer Website FLPoliceclan.tripod.com
AIM SN - SuBZeRo69069 (feel free to IM me if you need any Modding help)
Edited by - SuBXeRo on 9/30/2004 12:42:31 PM
When i first started modding i did a small tutorial about 100 lines mabye and it told me to use the dos version of BINI. It taught me how to make ships buyable and it taught me how to edit a weapon. Thats it. As you can see, i have made the osiris mods and im a VET in the fl modding world along with many others. It takes time to learn it but when you do its SOO easy. The trick to modding is "Trial And Error". Sure you need a base of knowledge but you only need to know a few things.
Your game will crash alot but you will also get alot of things to work and your game wont crash. When you first start the trick is not to use FLMM to make mods, its just too cumbersome. Go into the directory on your c drive and directly edit files, it takes less time and will keep your interest longer.
Things you should have:
Biniqdu <---- that edits the .ini files
Freelancer Misc Database <---- Breaks down all nicks and stuff to easy to use info
No story Mod <--- So you can test in SP mode and not play the storyline
Replacement .ini's <--- So you can replace your .ini's if you mess up
Now that you know what you need, you need to learn the coding:
Its not hard at all just a tiny bit of getting used to. It makes sense. Alot of the time things are linked. Now if you link something to something that isnt there, the game will crash. Why? you ask. The game becomes unstable, doesnt know what to do so it stops working.
Explore the different files that are there. The folders and files are pretty self explanatory. Like SOLAR. it has stuff that make up the solar systems ad other stuff. LIke that. Equipment is your most important folder id say. Most of your editing will be done in there, and shiparch.ini which is in the ships folder.
Remember comparison is your best ally in editing. Take two things that you know are close and see their diffs.
i know this isnt a very helpful post as far as teaching you how to mod but i think its a few things you should keep in mind. There are many tutorials out there that teach you how to do many things, but you dont need lengthy tuorials. I, i just asked questions here, and like many of you do now, you guys get answers from us, so keep asking and we'll answer.
please dont answer to this please, it just makes amess and its easier for people who are new here to just see this.
please sticky chips
Mess With the Best Die lIke the Rest
Check out my Freelancer Website FLPoliceclan.tripod.com
AIM SN - SuBZeRo69069 (feel free to IM me if you need any Modding help)
Edited by - SuBXeRo on 9/30/2004 12:42:31 PM