Modding:Getting Started: Difference between revisions

{{GameVersion|1.15}}

The current modding system for Vintage Story is incredibly flexible and quite easy to use even if you don't know how to program. You can add fully functional '''blocks''', '''items''' and even '''entities''' into the game without ever opening an [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_development_environment IDE]. Although it is recommended you learn how to use one if you plan on modding a lot in the future, as they are very convenient.  

This is because nearly every feature of the game relies on the usage of '''JSONs''', which are text documents that utilize a flexible, easy to read format. You can open these files with any text editor, and with just a little bit of practice you can learn how to format them to avoid errors. The best way to learn this is to study the existing JSONs that are visible to anybody who has the game installed. To do so you'll need to locate the Vintage Story Assets folder, which you can learn about at the '''[[Modding:Asset System |Asset System]]''' page. <br> In addition, here is a [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiADhChRriM 12 minute video] that will teach you why json is used, and the basic syntax, making it easier to understand the rest of the documentation.

If you're just starting out it is certainly best to begin with a content mod, as most code mods simply extend the features of blocks, items and entities made from a content mod anyway. Once you've mastered content mods you can move onto coding if you want to add some really special things to your Vintage Story experience.

The first thing you can do while starting your first content mod is to familiarize yourself with the '''[[Modding:Asset System |Asset System]]'''. This is where most of the magic in Vintage Story is accomplished, and you'll be using these resources constantly while modding.