Noob modder wanting to learn (Science Vessel mod)

I have had a descent amount of experience with html and coding in the past, and i have stated playing around with the xml files. I got myself an xml editor and started lookin through stuff. i have an idea for a simple mod and would like to stretch my wings by creating it.

I want to add a survey module which would contribute research points to your Civs research total. This in essence would create the "Science Vessel" category. What would i need to do in order to do this? Any Specifics would be appreciated considering this will be my first mod.

Here’s what I want to do:

Copy the survey module component. Add a set amount of research points to be added into the Civs research total every turn (say 5 for the first class, then 10, then 20) these new modules coming available as you research the next "research" tech, eg. Research Academies, Inventions Matrix, Discovery Spheres… ext. However you would have to have a minimum of Stellar Cartography to have these modules available, so it would have a double tech requirement, (eg. Research Academies & Stellar Cartography). I would also like to remove the limit of one per ship that the current survey Module has so that I can have a purely defenseless high out put science vessel or an "Enterprise like" research/exploration/defensive vessel.

Also if any once else wants to take my idea and implement it into your own mod, or take my files once I’m done and use it please do... I love the idea of having my ships work for a greater good then just killing and destruction Again thanks for any input you guys may have. I’m really excited about learning how to do this stuff, but I realize its gonna be a steep learning curve at first.
7,267 views 9 replies
Reply #1 Top
It sounds a really great idea, but unfortunately I don't believe it's possible. The games just not moddable enough.
Reply #2 Top
Modding in GCII is limited to altering whatever is already there, you can't add new features. So no you can't do that. Sorry.
Reply #3 Top
is it not possible to add the
Reply #4 Top
is it not possible to add the


It's because they're in different files, and the game doesn't parse all tags used by all files in every file (if that makes sense ).
Reply #5 Top
what about using whatever tag is used for the research mining starbase? would this tag be able to be used on a ship module... and if not would i be able to use the tag for the mining base to create a lab module for a normal starbase, thus creating the research starbase??
Reply #6 Top
Again, sorry but no, that wouldn't work. I don't think there's any way to achieve what you want as it never occurred to the devs that someone would try to do it .
Reply #7 Top
wich part are you saying no to? are the starbase and ship files separate? if so that sucks, but what about creating a starbase module that gave research points the way a mining base will? these two entries should be in the same file right? so i should be able to copy a tage from the research resourse and insert it into a "lab module" for a starbase... if this would not work could you please be specific as to why? i want to learn... plus if there is any way of manipulating the system id like to figure it out

ps i dont give up easily so i like to know for sure what im dealing with befor i can be ok with walking away from an idea... so sorry if i just keep asking questions...
Reply #9 Top
but what about creating a starbase module that gave research points the way a mining base will?


The module that increases the research ability with the research resource just increases the 'Mining' ability of that type of resource. There is no module specifically to increase research. Since the resources are a hard coded thing they can't be changed by modding, and there is no way to use the [StarbaseAbility]Mining[/StarbaseAbility] tag with non-mining starbases.