Modding guide
From X-Wiki
This is quick and dirty guide for newbies who want to start modding X3 and need the very basic informations on this subject.
This is not a tutorial but merely a collection of usefull links.
Note to experianeced users: feel free to add any usefull links.
How do I create a ship?
If you only want to create new ship (with your name and modified parameters - such as speed) and not to create new graphic for the ship, then you will need to:
- use X3 Editor to open TShips file and add new ship entry. Then create new catalog with X3 ModManager and save your new modified TShips into that catalog (detailed instructions).
If, on the other hand, you want to create your own graphics for your ship (or any other object), you will need: (in order of usage)
- 3d modeling software: Gmax (free) or 3ds Max (commercial).
- DBOX - utility to import and export models into proprietary X3 format. Works with both Gmax and 3ds Max.
- X3 Editor and X3 ModManager - for making new mod and changing TShips.
To release your work, you can use Ship Manager which can create an installer, so users can easilly install/uninstall your ship.
How hard is to do that?
It is hard. Modding of any game requires some skill (but not much), but also some sense. If you are able to search the Internet, if you can figure out things on your own - then you can surely do it. If, on the other hand, you ask qustions first - without even trying to search for the subject yourself, then you will have difficulties.
Of course you need to have moderate knowledge about computers. If you have problems finding out where your X3 game is installed, you might reconsider trying to mod anything. But if you are willing to learn, nothing is lost.
