The video game industry is worth over 150 billion dollars, and that's for good reason. So many people love to play video games. And, lots of people like customizing their video games to do what they want them to do. That's called modding.
Are you interested in getting into game modding? Are you feeling overwhelmed, and unsure on how to get started?
Well, we've got the 411. Let's go through how to start modding games.
Choose Your Games
Game modding can be completely different depending on the game you're working with, so first you'll need to know what game you'll be starting with. Some games are a lot easier to mod than others.
Some games offer specific tools to help you mod the game - they might even be offered by the developer.
Other games require you to wade through the data files to modify the game - a much more difficult task. Games that have a large online community tend to be easier to get started with, too, since they have more resources available.
Some games you might want to try out when you're learning how to mod include:
- The Sims 2, 3, or 4
- Minecraft
- Super Mario Maker
- The Fallout series
- Elder Scrolls: Morrowind
- Divinity Original Sin 2
You should also ensure that you're modding on the right platform. Especially when you're just starting out, it's easiest to mod on a PC. It can be extremely difficult - if not literally impossible - to mod games for console devices. You don't want buy a game to mod only to find out you're on the wrong device!
Your previous skills and experience will also impact what games you should look at trying. Some games require a more extensive knowledge of different coding languages, for example.
Look At Resources
Depending on the game you choose, there could be lots of thorough resources out there to help you boost your modding skills. You can look at the framework of other mods, and see how other gamers got the game to bend to their will.
If you're a visual learner, there are lots of different YouTube tutorials to help you learn the basics.
Have The Right Equipment
Modding can be harder on your computer than just playing the game, so it's important to ensure that it's up to snuff.
That's especially true if you're working with a lot of different programs and files. Install as much memory on your computer as possible. That way, you won't have to be constantly transferring things to a hard drive. If you're buying a new computer, buy one with a state of the art graphics card.
And ensure that you're considering the CPU and GPU of any potential computer before you put any money down.
You'll want to ensure your view is as clear as possible. Invest in a large, high-quality monitor. If you can afford one of the many great 4k options, it's time to splurge.
There is also software you can use to take your modding to the next level. Dreamweaver, of course, can be helpful when you're coding.
You can also find tools for specific games to help you out. For example, you can check out a Terraria mod server if you're looking to host a server.
Work Your Way Up
If you try and undertake a big modding project right away, you're sure to feel overwhelmed and might even give up. Bigger projects have tons of little details that go into them. That's why it's important to start small when you're modding.
Think of something simple you'd like to change about the game, like the color of your character's shirt. Learn how to make that change, and it'll help begin the process of building up your modding skills so that you can create bigger and more complicated mods.
Talk To Others
Most modders don't work in a vacuum. They collaborate with others, and get advice. They make changes to their mods based on the feedback they receive, and can get help if they don't know how to do something. So look for modding communities that revolve around games you're interested in.
Many of them operate on Discord, so you may need to get an invitation. Look at forums like Reddit, and see if there's a modding community page for your game of choice.
Stay Organized
When you're modding a game, you can end up with a ton of different files. You don't want to accidentally lose your latest version, so do your best to stay organized.
Create a document to keep track of your changes, so you'll know what to go back to if you accidentally cause a bug. Make backup copies often - and back up your game saves too.
Some games have specific mod manager programs to help you keep your mods organized. Look and see if your game offers one, especially if you're testing your mods' compatibility with other third-party mods.
Start From The Beginning
When you're modding a game, you'll want to start on a clean version of the game. You don't want old mods you've used or a buggy save to cause a problem. Back up your saves and mods to a hard drive, and re-install the game from scratch. Make sure any caches left behind have been cleared.
Modding Games: Start Today
No matter what your game of preference is, there are tons of great ways you can begin modding games.
Do you want to read more about related topics? Scroll through some of our amazing posts about video gaming and so much more.
You must be logged in to post a comment.