Looking for a modding mentor

[acbooster]

Hey guys, I'm new to the modding community. I really want to start modding heavily, but the only real knowledge I have is some basic on XML. I tried using video tutorials and looking through ModBuddy, but a lot of it isn't clicking yet.

The first thing I want to do is make a new Civ, one that has a unique district like Russia instead of a unique building, and a unique unit. If someone would be willing to help me figure out how to do this, either with or without ModBuddy, please contact me! I would like to eventually upload to the Workshop as well.

 

[RFormica]

OK, first: Do Not Use ModBuddy!!!
I would highly recommend using Notepad++. It is faster, the interface is better, and you can easily view the work of others and the base game files.

I would recommend looking through other mods and comparing strings of code to the civ/leader's unique things.

Spoiler :

<LeaderTraits>
<Row LeaderType="LEADER_RF_EDWARD_IV" TraitType="TRAIT_LEADER_RF_IN_ALL_CHRISTENDOM"/> ---- Leader unique trait ID
</LeaderTraits>

<FavoredReligions>
<Row LeaderType="LEADER_RF_EDWARD_IV" ReligionType="RELIGION_CATHOLICISM"/> ----Favored Religion
</FavoredReligions>
<Traits>
<Row TraitType="TRAIT_LEADER_RF_IN_ALL_CHRISTENDOM" Name="LOC_TRAIT_LEADER_RF_IN_ALL_CHRISTENDOM" Description="LOC_TRAIT_LEADER_RF_IN_ALL_CHRISTENDOM_DESCRIPTION"/> ----Trait name and description
<Row TraitType="TRAIT_AGENDA_RF_METHOD_AND_ORDER" Name="LOC_TRAIT_AGENDA_RF_METHOD_AND_ORDER_NAME" Description="LOC_TRAIT_AGENDA_RF_METHOD_AND_ORDER_DESCRIPTION"/> ----Agenda name and description
</Traits>

<TraitModifiers>
<Row TraitType="TRAIT_LEADER_RF_IN_ALL_CHRISTENDOM" ModifierId="TRAIT_RF_RECIEVE_ENVOYS_LUXURY_RESOUCES"/> ---- These modifiers define what exactly your ability/agenda does
<Row TraitType="TRAIT_AGENDA_RF_METHOD_AND_ORDER" ModifierId="MODIFIER_AGENDA_HIGH_STANDING_ARMY"/>
<Row TraitType="TRAIT_AGENDA_RF_METHOD_AND_ORDER" ModifierId="MODIFIER_AGENDA_HIGH_HAPPINESS"/>
</TraitModifiers>

<Agendas>
<Row AgendaType="AGENDA_RF_METHOD_AND_ORDER" Name="LOC_AGENDA_RF_METHOD_AND_ORDER_NAME" Description="LOC_AGENDA_RF_METHOD_AND_ORDER_DESCRIPTION"/>
</Agendas>

<HistoricalAgendas>
<Row LeaderType="LEADER_RF_EDWARD_IV" AgendaType="AGENDA_RF_METHOD_AND_ORDER"/> ----Which agenda this leader uses
</HistoricalAgendas>

<AgendaTraits>
<Row AgendaType="AGENDA_RF_METHOD_AND_ORDER" TraitType="TRAIT_AGENDA_RF_METHOD_AND_ORDER"/>
</AgendaTraits>

<ExclusiveAgendas>
<Row AgendaOne="AGENDA_RF_METHOD_AND_ORDER" AgendaTwo="AGENDA_STANDING_ARMY"/> ----Alternate agendas
<Row AgendaOne="AGENDA_RF_METHOD_AND_ORDER" AgendaTwo="AGENDA_FUN_LOVING"/>
</ExclusiveAgendas>

<Modifiers>
<Row>
<ModifierId>TRAIT_RF_RECIEVE_ENVOYS_LUXURY_RESOUCES</ModifierId> -----Defines what your Trait is. (Receives Envoys from luxury resources)
<ModifierType>MODIFIER_PLAYER_ADD_DIPLOMATIC_YIELD_MODIFIER</ModifierType> ----This says that your ability adds an envoy. But we're not done with that yet.
</Row>
</Modifiers>

<ModifierArguments>
<Row>
<ModifierId>TRAIT_RF_RECIEVE_ENVOYS_LUXURY_RESOUCES</ModifierId>
<Name>ResourceClassType</Name> ----This defines that you need a specific resource type.
<Value>RESOURCECLASS_LUXURY</Value> ----This means that the needed resource for you to receive an envoy is any Luxury Resource
</Row>
<Row>
<ModifierId>AGENDA_HIGH_HAPPINESS</ModifierId> ----This means that your leader likes happy citizens
<Name>InitialValue</Name>
<Value>10</Value> ----This means that your leader likes civs with happy citizens by +10
</Row>
<Row>
<ModifierId>AGENDA_HIGH_HAPPINESS</ModifierId>
<Name>StatementKey</Name>
<Value>LOC_DIPLO_KUDO_LEADER_RF_EDWARD_IV_REASON_ANY</Value> ----Which Kudos to use for praising you for happy citizens
</Row>
<Row>
<ModifierId>AGENDA_HIGH_HAPPINESS</ModifierId>
<Name>SimpleModifierDescription</Name>
<Value>LOC_DIPLO_AGENDA_PREFER_HAPPINESS</Value>
</Row>
<Row>
<ModifierId>AGENDA_HIGH_STANDING_ARMY</ModifierId> ----Leader likes a large army
<Name>InitialValue</Name>
<Value>12</Value> Likes large army civs by +12
</Row>
<Row>
<ModifierId>AGENDA_HIGH_STANDING_ARMY</ModifierId>
<Name>StatementKey</Name>
<Value>LOC_DIPLO_KUDO_LEADER_RF_EDWARD_IV_REASON_ANY</Value> ----Again, Kudos.
</Row>
<Row>
<ModifierId>AGENDA_HIGH_STANDING_ARMY</ModifierId>
<Name>SimpleModifierDescription</Name>
<Value>LOC_DIPLO_AGENDA_HIGH_STANDING_ARMY</Value>
</Row>
</ModifierArguments>

I hope this helps. If you get abilities and agendas down pat, I can help with units/districts, too.

If you navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steamapps\Common\Sid Meier's Civilization VI\Base\Assets\Gameplay\Data\Modifiers.XML, there is a list of modifiers for unique abilities.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\Steamapps\Common\Sid Meier's Civilization VI\Base\Assets\Gameplay\Data\Agendas.XML is a list of agenda modifiers.

I know that this probably isn't enough, but it's a start. If you have the idea for a unique ability I can help you figure out what code to use for it.

By the way, would you be interested in helping me with Civilopedia entries, citizen names, etc.? I am mostly a coder and would normally just copy that from Wikipedia. I like more flavorful text.

By no means do you need to. It's fine if you don't.

ANYWAY, It's good that you have a basic knowledge of XML. When I first started modding, it looked like gibberish to me.

 

[acbooster]

It's a bit late to tell me not to use ModBuddy lol, I've already gotten adjusted to it. On top of that, my girlfriend has been helping me with all the stuff VisualStudio can do which is what ModBuddy is powered by.

I've already figured out pretty much everything except writing in my own modifiers and adding custom assets, I'm reworking some ideas to get a civ that works fully. I certainly wouldn't mind doing some research and adding in some better flavor for you, writing is my creative hobby after all.

 

[RFormica]

Well thank you! And you're lucky, because modifiers are my specialty.

 

[acbooster]

Haha awesome, I'll shoot you a PM with contact details so we can keep in touch easier