Learning to Mod Games: A Beginner's Guide
Introduction
Are you interested in learning how to mod games? Modding, which involves changing the source code of a game to create new and interesting ways to play, can be a fun and creative endeavor. In this blog, we will explore the basics of game modding using the free game Raven Field as an example.
Getting Started
To begin modding Raven Field, you will need the Windows version of the game. Simply download it from the official website and choose a folder to save it in. Additionally, you will need a tool called dnspy, which can be obtained from the provided link in the video description. Make sure to download the Windows 64-bit version, unless you have a 32-bit operating system.
Once you have downloaded the necessary files, extract them by right-clicking on each zip file and selecting "Extract All". Remember, these are folders, not zip files, so there's no need to keep the zip files after extraction. Feel free to delete them to keep your workspace tidy.
Exploring Raven Field
Before we dive into modding, let's take a moment to familiarize ourselves with Raven Field. Launch the game and take a few minutes to play around. You can choose a resolution, such as 1440 by 900, and select different weapons to get a feel for the gameplay.
For example, let's experiment with the shotgun. Select it and click the deploy button. As you play, you'll notice that the shotgun shoots around ten bullets. To make things more interesting, let's see if we can modify this number.
Modding the Game
Now that we have a basic understanding of Raven Field, let's dive into modding the game. Start by opening the Raven Field data folder, located in the game's installation directory. To make it easier, you can copy the path by right-clicking on the folder and selecting "Copy". Additionally, create a shortcut to Raven Field on your desktop for quick access.
Next, navigate to the dnspy folder and create a shortcut for dnspy.exe on your desktop as well. Open dnspy and go to "File" and then "Open". Paste the path to the Raven Field data folder that you copied earlier. Inside the data folder, locate the "Assembly-CSharp.dll" file and select it for analysis.
Now, we will search for the code that controls the number of bullets shot by the shotgun. In dnspy, use the shortcut "Ctrl+Shift+K" to open the search bar. Enter "bullets" or "projectile" to find relevant code. Once you find the code responsible for shooting projectiles, analyze it by right-clicking and selecting "Analyze". This will open the code in a separate tab.
In the code, locate the "shoot" function. This function defines what happens when the player shoots the gun. Look for the section that spawns the projectiles and controls the number of bullets shot per shot. We can modify this code to change the behavior of the shotgun.
To keep things simple, let's set the number of projectiles per shot to 100. Add an if condition to check if the gun already shoots more than five bullets. If it does, change the value of "projectiles per shot" to 100. Finally, save the changes by clicking on "File" and selecting "Save Module".
Testing the Mod
Now it's time to test our mod! Start Raven Field again and select the shotgun. Take some distance from the targets and fire. You should notice that the shotgun now shoots a lot more bullets than before. Keep in mind that the game has a limitation on the number of bullet holes it can display, so older bullet holes will disappear after a few shots.
If the increased number of bullets is causing lag or other issues, don't worry. You can easily revert the changes by editing the code again. Simply remove the if condition we added earlier, compile the code, and save the module.
Additional Modding Possibilities
In addition to modifying the number of bullets shot by the shotgun, there are countless other possibilities for game modding. For example, you can disable certain actions, change character attributes, modify game physics, or add new features.
If you're interested in exploring more advanced modding techniques, there are plenty of online resources and communities dedicated to game modding. Feel free to share your ideas and experiences in the comments section below. Happy modding!
Disclaimer: Modding games can be a complex process, and it's important to respect the terms and conditions set by the game developers. Always make sure to create backups of any files you modify and only use mods on your personal copy of the game.
App Modding: The Pros and Cons
Pros of App Modding
- Customization: Modding allows users to customize their app experience according to their preferences.
- Enhanced Features: Users can add new features to apps, improving functionality beyond the original design.
- Community Development: Modding communities foster collaboration and creativity among users.
Cons of App Modding
- Security Risks: Modding may expose users to security vulnerabilities or malware.
- App Stability: Modding can lead to app instability or crashes, affecting user experience negatively.
- Legal Issues: Modding might violate terms of service or copyright laws, leading to legal consequences.
What Happens If You Don't Mod an App?
If you choose not to mod an app:
- The app remains in its original state, following the developer's design and functionality.
- You avoid potential security risks associated with modified apps.
- Your app usage complies with legal terms and conditions.
Conclusion
Whether to mod an app depends on your preferences, but it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Understand the potential risks and benefits before deciding to modify any application.
