Encased Fan How To Create Mod
If you’re an avid gamer and fan of the Encased game, you may be interested in learning how to create your own mods. Mods are a great way to customize your gaming experience and add new content to the game. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to create a mod for Encased. We will cover everything from setting up your modding environment to testing and releasing your mod. So, if you’re ready to start modding, let’s get started!
Before you start modding, you will need to set up your modding environment. The first thing you will need to do is install the Encased Modding Toolkit. This toolkit will provide you with the tools you need to create and edit mods. Once you have installed the toolkit, you will need to create a new project. In the project window, you will be able to select the type of mod you want to create. There are three types of mods you can create: content mods, gameplay mods, and localization mods. Content mods add new items, characters, and areas to the game. Gameplay mods change the way the game plays, such as by adding new features or changing the difficulty. Localization mods translate the game into different languages.
Once you have selected the type of mod you want to create, you can start adding content to your mod. You can do this by using the tools provided in the Encased Modding Toolkit. The toolkit includes a variety of tools, such as a level editor, a character editor, and an item editor. You can use these tools to create new levels, characters, and items for your mod. Once you have finished adding content to your mod, you can test it by running the game with the mod enabled. To do this, simply open the Encased Launcher and select the “Mods” tab. From here, you can enable your mod and launch the game.
Introduction to Encased Fan Modding
Encased, the post-apocalyptic RPG from Dark Crystal Games, has a dedicated modding community that breathes life into the game with custom content, fixes, and enhancements. Modding in Encased can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to tailor the game to your preferences and explore new possibilities. However, it can also be daunting for beginners.
Getting Started with Encased Modding
To get started, you’ll need to download the Encased Modding Toolkit from the game’s official website. This toolkit provides you with the necessary tools and documentation to create and manage mods for Encased.
Once you have the toolkit installed, you can start creating your own mods. Mods can range from simple cosmetic changes to complex gameplay overhauls. The possibilities are endless, limited only by your creativity and technical skills.
To create a mod, you’ll need to create a new project in the modding toolkit. Each project represents a single mod. You can then add files to your project, such as XML files, Lua scripts, and custom assets.
Encased mods are typically distributed as ZIP files. Once you’ve finished creating your mod, you can export it as a ZIP file and share it with the community.
Resource | Description |
---|---|
Encased Modding Toolkit | The official modding toolkit for Encased |
Encased modding community | A forum where modders share their work and discuss Encased modding |
Encased modding documentation | The official documentation for Encased modding |
Setting Up the Necessary Tools
Prerequisites:
- A Windows PC or Mac with Java 8 or higher installed
- An Encased game installation
Creating the Modding Environment:
- Download the Encased Modding Tools: Visit the Encased Modding Tools page on GitHub and download the latest version.
- Install the Java Development Kit (JDK): Download and install the correct version of the JDK for your operating system from the Oracle website.
- Set the JAVA_HOME Environment Variable: Open your system’s environment variables and add a new variable named "JAVA_HOME" with its value set to the installation directory of the JDK.
- Create a Workspace: Create a new folder to serve as your modding workspace. Extract the downloaded Encased Modding Tools into this folder.
Getting the Encased Source Files:
- Extract the Encased Game Files: Navigate to the "Steam\steamapps\common\Encased" directory and extract the "data.zip" file to a convenient location.
- Copy the Source Files to Your Workspace: Copy the extracted "data" folder to your modding workspace.
Configuring the Modding Tools:
- Open the Eclipse IDE: Launch the Eclipse IDE included in the Encased Modding Tools.
- Import the Project: Click "File" -> "Import" and select "Existing Projects into Workspace". Navigate to your modding workspace and select the "Encased" folder.
- Configure the Jars: Right-click on the project and select "Properties". Navigate to the "Java Build Path" tab and add the following jars from your Encased game installation directory:
- "data\lib\encase.jar"
- "data\lib\encase-shared.jar"
- "data\lib\encase-logic.jar"
- Clean and Build the Project: Right-click on the project and select "Clean". This will remove any cached files from previous modding sessions. Then, select "Build" to compile the mod.
Understanding the Game’s Architecture
Encased is built on the Unity game engine, which offers a modular and extensible framework. To create mods, you’ll need a basic understanding of Unity’s architecture and how Encased utilizes its features.
Game Objects
Unity represents every entity in the game world as a Game Object. Each Game Object has various components that define its behavior, such as its appearance, physics, and scripts. Mods can create new Game Objects or modify existing ones to introduce new gameplay elements.
Components
Components are the building blocks of Game Objects and determine their functionality. Encased uses a wide range of components, including scripts, meshes, and colliders. Mods can create custom components or modify existing ones to alter the behavior and appearance of Game Objects.
Scripting
Unity’s scripting system allows developers to write custom code that extends the game’s functionality. Encased uses C# scripts to define game logic, object interactions, and other complex behaviors. Mods can utilize scripting to implement new features, quests, or even entirely new gameplay mechanics.
Component | Function |
---|---|
Mesh | Geometric representation of an object |
Collider | Detects collisions between objects |
Script | Custom code that defines object behavior |
Animation | Controls object movement and animations |
Audio | Manages sound effects and music |
Creating Custom Content
1. Creating Items
Custom items can be created using the Item Editor. You can define item properties such as name, description, stats, and effects. Items can be assigned to specific loot tables or added to the game world through scripting.
2. Creating Skills
Custom skills can be created using the Skill Editor. Skills define their effects, cooldowns, and requirements. They can be assigned to character classes or added to the game through scripted events.
3. Creating Abilities
Custom abilities can be created using the Ability Editor. Abilities define their effects, targets, ranges, and cooldowns. They can be assigned to character classes or added to the game through scripted events.
4. Creating Quests
Custom quests can be created using the Quest Editor. Quests define their objectives, rewards, and dialogue. They can be triggered by specific events or NPC interactions. Below is an expanded explanation of the subsections within quest creation:
a. Creating Objectives
Quests can have multiple objectives, each with its own requirements and rewards. Objectives can be anything from defeating enemies to collecting items or talking to NPCs.
b. Setting Rewards
Quests can offer various rewards upon completion, such as experience points, items, or currency. Rewards can be customized to suit the difficulty and importance of the quest.
c. Writing Dialogue
Dialogue plays a crucial role in quests by providing exposition, character development, and interaction with NPCs. Custom dialogue can be written to enhance the storyline and make quests more engaging.
Implementing New Mechanics
Creating new mechanics is a more advanced aspect of modding that allows you to add new gameplay elements to Encased. These mechanics can range from simple additions, such as new character abilities, to complex systems that introduce entirely new gameplay loops. To implement new mechanics, you will need a deep understanding of the game’s codebase and scripting system.
1. Planning and Design
The first step is to carefully plan out the mechanics you want to create. Consider their purpose, gameplay impact, and potential balance issues. It’s important to have a clear understanding of how the new mechanics will fit into the existing game design.
2. Coding the Mechanics
Once you have a plan, you can start coding the mechanics. This will involve creating new scripts, modifying existing ones, and potentially editing the game’s data files. It’s important to follow the game’s coding conventions and use modular design principles to ensure that your code is maintainable and extensible.
3. Scripting the Mechanics
Encased uses a scripting system called Leviathan to control various aspects of the game, including character abilities, combat mechanics, and UI behavior. You can create new scripts to implement your custom mechanics and hook them into the existing game logic.
4. Configuring the Mechanics
Once the mechanics are scripted, you need to configure them through the game’s data files. This includes setting parameters, assigning hotkeys, and defining how the mechanics interact with other game elements. Proper configuration is essential to ensure that your mechanics function as intended.
5. Testing and Iterating
Once you have implemented the mechanics, it’s crucial to thoroughly test them and iterate on the design. This may involve playing the game yourself, gathering feedback from other modders, or using automated testing tools. Be prepared to make adjustments to your code and configuration until the mechanics function smoothly and provide a balanced gameplay experience.
Scripting Language | Data File Formats |
---|---|
Leviathan Scripting Language | JSON, XML, LUA |
Scripting and Event Management
Scripting in Encased Fan Modding involves defining and customizing the behavior of various game elements through Lua scripts. These scripts can be attached to characters, items, maps, or events, allowing you to modify gameplay mechanics, create new interactions, and enhance the overall gaming experience.
Lua Scripting
Encased Fan supports Lua scripting, which allows you to write custom scripts to extend and modify the game’s functionality. Lua scripts can be used to perform a wide range of tasks, such as:
- Creating and initializing new game objects
- Defining custom interactions between objects
- Managing inventory, quests, and other gameplay elements
- Modifying the game’s environment and behavior
Event Management
Encased Modding also includes an event management system that allows you to define and trigger events within the game. Events can be used to initiate specific actions, such as spawning new enemies, starting cutscenes, or triggering dialogue. You can customize the trigger conditions, parameters, and effects of events to create complex and dynamic gameplay experiences.
Event System Details
Event Trigger Conditions |
---|
– Character actions (e.g., entering a room, talking to an NPC) |
– Environmental conditions (e.g., time of day, weather) |
– Script commands (e.g., triggering an event from another script) |
**Event Parameters**
Event Parameters |
---|
– Event name |
– Trigger conditions |
– Event actions |
**Event Actions**
Event Actions |
---|
– Spawn game objects |
– Play sounds or music |
– Trigger dialogue or cutscenes |
Balancing and Playtesting Your Mod
Documenting Changes
Keep a detailed log of every change you make to your mod, including the reason for the change and any potential implications. This record will significantly assist in troubleshooting issues during testing.
Internal Playtesting
Rigorously test your mod on your own to identify any bugs, glitches, or imbalances. Explore a wide range of scenarios and playstyles to ensure that your mod functions smoothly under various conditions.
External Playtesting
Once you’re satisfied with your mod’s stability, share it with trusted friends or community members who can provide objective feedback. Encourage them to challenge your mod’s mechanics and report any issues they encounter.
Balancing Mechanics
Evaluate the overall balance of your mod. Are certain items or abilities too powerful or weak? Do enemies pose an appropriate challenge at different stages of the game? Adjust parameters and modify mechanics as needed to ensure a fair and engaging experience.
Enemy Encounters
Design enemy encounters that are both challenging and rewarding. Consider the number, difficulty, and abilities of enemies in each encounter. Adjust the frequency of encounters to maintain a sense of progression and prevent monotony.
Reward Structure
Ensure that the rewards you provide to players for completing challenges and progressing through your mod are appropriate for the effort they put in. Consider the balance between challenge, reward, and fun to avoid frustration or excessive grinding.
Replayability and Variety
Introduce elements of replayability into your mod. This could include multiple endings, branching storylines, or randomly generated content. Provide variety in gameplay experiences to keep players engaged and encourage them to revisit your mod multiple times.
Distributing Your Mod to the Community
8. Packaging and Uploading Your Mod
Once your mod is complete, you’ll need to package it into an archive format like 7z, Zip, or Rar. Ensure that all necessary files, such as the mod file, assets, and documentation, are included within the archive.
Next, choose a suitable platform for uploading your mod. This could be the official Encased Modding Hub or other community-run forums or discords dedicated to the game.
When uploading your mod, provide clear and detailed instructions on how to install and use it. Include the following information:
- Mod name and version
- Compatibility requirements (e.g., Encased version, other mods)
- Installation instructions
- Gameplay changes and features
- Known bugs or limitations
Additional Tips for Distributing Your Mod
Tip | Description |
---|---|
Keep your mod updated | Regularly release updates to fix bugs, improve performance, or add new features. |
Engage with the community | Participate in discussions, answer questions, and gather feedback to improve your mod. |
Respect other modders | Acknowledge the work of other modders and avoid creating mods that conflict or overlap unnecessarily. |
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Mod Not Loading
Ensure that the mod is correctly placed in the “Mods” folder within the Encased directory. If the folder does not exist, create it.
2. Scripting Errors
Double-check the syntax of your scripts. Any errors will be displayed in the game’s logs, accessible through the “Support” menu.
3. Asset Loading Issues
Ensure that all assets (textures, models, etc.) used by the mod are properly packaged and accessible within the mod’s folders.
4. Compatibility Conflicts
If the mod is experiencing conflicts with other mods, try disabling or adjusting the priority order of the mods in the game’s “Mods” menu.
5. Incorrect Mod Manifest
Check that the mod’s manifest file (info.json) is properly formatted and contains accurate information, such as the mod’s name, version, and dependencies.
6. Permission Issues
Make sure that the game has write permissions to the mod folder. Try running the game as an administrator.
7. Outdated Mod
Ensure that the mod is compatible with the current version of Encased. Update the mod or the game if necessary.
8. Corrupted Mod Files
Reinstall the mod or extract the files from a fresh download to rule out any file corruption issues.
9. Miscellaneous Issues
Below is a table of additional troubleshooting tips for various issues:
Issue | Solution |
---|---|
No UI elements appearing | Check if the mod is loading scripts that handle UI elements. |
Game crashes during load | Try disabling any other mods that may be conflicting with your mod. |
Lua errors in console | Verify that the mod’s Lua scripts are written correctly and do not contain errors. |
Mods not appearing in game | Ensure that the game’s “Enable Mods” option is enabled in the “Settings” menu. |
Advanced Modding Techniques
Beyond the basics of creating and editing mods, there are a number of advanced techniques that can be used to enhance the functionality and complexity of your mods.
Using Assets From Other Mods
Instead of creating your own assets from scratch, it is possible to use assets from other mods. To do this, you will need to obtain permission from the original mod author.
Creating Custom Scripts
Encased Fan How To Create Mod supports the use of custom scripts to add new functionality to your mods. Scripts can be written in C# and can be used to create new items, abilities, quests, and more.
Customizing the User Interface
You can customize the user interface of your mods by creating new menus, dialogs, and widgets. This can be done using the Encased Fan How To Create Mod’s built-in UI editor.
Creating New Game Modes
Encased Fan How To Create Mod allows you to create new game modes that can change the way the game is played. For example, you can create a new game mode that adds new enemies, changes the level design, or modifies the game’s mechanics.
Creating Multiplayer Mods
With Encased Fan How To Create Mod, it is possible to create multiplayer mods that allow players to play together over the internet or LAN. To create a multiplayer mod, you will need to use the Encased Fan How To Create Mod’s built-in network API.
Creating World Editors
World editors allow you to create and edit custom levels for Encased Fan How To Create Mod. To create a world editor, you will need to use the Encased Fan How To Create Mod’s built-in level editor API.
Creating Custom Dialogue Trees
Encased Fan How To Create Mod supports the use of custom dialogue trees. Dialogue trees can be created in XML.
Creating Custom Dialogue Options
In addition to creating custom dialogue trees, you can also create custom dialogue options. Dialogue options can be created in XML.
Character Overhaul
With the right tools and knowledge, you can even completely overhaul the appearance and abilities of the characters in the game. This can be done by modding their character models, textures, and animations. You can even create your own custom characters from scratch.
Encased Fan How To Create Mod
Creating a mod for Encased requires an understanding of game files, modding tools, and the game’s engine. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to create a mod for Encased:
- Prerequisites: Install the Encased Modding Kit and have a basic understanding of programming and game development.
- Extract Game Files: Use the Encased Modding Kit to extract the game’s core files, typically located in the game’s installation directory.
- Create Mod Folder: Create a new folder within the “mods” directory in the game’s installation directory. This will be your mod’s working folder.
- Initialize Mod: Create a mod descriptor file named “mod.json” in your mod folder. This file contains basic information about your mod, such as its name, description, and dependencies.
- Edit Game Files: Use the modding kit or external tools to edit the game’s files, such as scripts, text files, or textures. Place your modified files in the appropriate folders within your mod folder.
- Testing and Debugging: Regularly test your mod while it’s in development to identify and resolve any issues or errors.
- Package and Share: Once your mod is complete, package it into a ZIP file, including all necessary files and a readme with instructions. Share your mod with the Encased modding community.
People Also Ask
How to find modding tools?
You can find the Encased Modding Kit on the official Encased website or through the Steam Workshop.
Where to find game files?
Game files are typically located in the game’s installation directory. Use the Encased Modding Kit to extract these files.
What languages are used for modding?
Encased uses Lua for scripting. Basic knowledge of programming and game development is helpful for modding.
How to update or uninstall a mod?
To update a mod, simply replace the old mod folder with the updated one. To uninstall a mod, delete its folder from the “mods” directory.