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This is the table of contents for the modding tutorial. Here, you'll learn step by step how to create mods of gradually increasing complexity.
+
This is the hub page for tutorials, guides, and reference materials for creating mods for RimWorld. If you are looking for instructions on how to use RimWorld, please check out the general [[Modding]] hub.
  
In light of little official documentation, this collection of tutorials has been written in hopes that more players will know how to modify RimWorld and make mods that further broaden horizons and make the game appealing to more audiences despite its early state.
+
As RimWorld does not have a formal modding API, nearly all of the information here has been gathered and maintained by the modding community.
  
==Table of contents==
+
'''NEW: [[Modding_Tutorials/RimWorld_1.5_Mod_Updates|RimWorld 1.5 Mod_Updates]]''' - A work-in-progress list of changes datamined by the modding community in the current unstable version of RimWorld 1.5. '''THERE MAY BE ANOMALY SPOILERS, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.'''
  
===Introduction===
+
-----
  
# [[Modding Tutorials/First Steps|First Steps and Some Links]]
+
==About RimWorld==
# [[Modding Tutorials/Essence| Essence of Modding]]
+
RimWorld is a multi-platform game written on Unity 2019.4. However, the Unity Editor is not used for creating mods unless you are creating new shaders.
# [[Installing mods|Installing Mods]]
 
# [[Modding Tutorials/Folder structure|Exploring the Folder Structure]]
 
# [[Modding Tutorials/Mod folder structure|Mod Folder Structure]]
 
#* [[Modding Tutorials/About folder|About folder]]
 
#* [[Modding Tutorials/Defs folder|Defs folder]]
 
#* [[Modding Tutorials/Languages folder|Languages folder]]
 
#* [[Modding Tutorials/Textures folder|Textures folder]]
 
#* [[Modding Tutorials/Sounds folder|Sounds folder]]
 
# [[Modding Tutorials/Recommended software|Recommended Software]]
 
  
===General modding===
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* [[Modding_Tutorials/Recommended_software|Recommended Software]] - Editors and other useful software for mod development
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Mod_Folder_Structure|Mod Folder Structure]] - Explore the basic folder structure of a mod
 +
** [[Modding_Tutorials/About.xml|About.xml]] - About.xml identifies and describes your mod to RimWorld so that it can be loaded properly
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Defs|Defs]] - XML Definitions are used to define and configure content in a way that does not require compiling code
 +
** [[Modding_Tutorials/MayRequire|MayRequire]] - MayRequire and MayRequireAnyOf are used to conditionally load Defs and list entries based on whether a DLC or other mod is loaded
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Localization|Localization]] - Define text strings used for translations and word lists used in name and text generation
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/PatchOperations|PatchOperations]] - PatchOperations are used to modify XML Defs without overwriting them directly
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Sounds|Sounds]] - (Needs Rewriting) Adding sound files for mods
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Textures|Textures]] - How to create and add textures to mods
  
 +
===XML Tutorials===
 +
 +
The following are step-by-step tutorials for creating basic content mods.
 +
 +
Basic Tutorials:
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Basic_Melee_Weapon|Basic Melee Weapon]] - How to create a basic melee weapon with a texture mask
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Basic_Ranged_Weapon|Basic Ranged Weapon]] - How to create a basic ranged weapon with custom sound effects
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Basic_Plant|Basic Plant]] - How to create a custom plant with both a cultivated and wild variant
 +
* Custom Animal (Upcoming)
 +
* Simple Building (Upcoming)
 +
* Custom Workbench (Upcoming)
 +
* Custom Drug (Upcoming)
 +
 +
Advanced Tutorials:
 +
* Custom Faction (Upcoming)
 +
* Custom Culture (Upcoming)
 +
* Custom Trader Type (Upcoming)
 +
 +
===C# Guides===
 +
 +
C# is used to create and define custom game behaviors
 +
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Decompiling source code|Decompiling Source Code]] - How to set up and use a decompiler to read vanilla game code
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Setting up a solution|Setting up a Solution]] - How to set up a solution for compiling a custom mod assembly
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Application_Startup|Application Startup]] - Describes the application startup process and the order in which game data is loaded
 +
* Custom Consumable (Upcoming)
 +
* Custom Overlays (Upcoming)
 +
 +
===Slightly Outdated===
 +
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Plague_Gun_(1.1)|Plague Gun]] - This tutorial was created for RimWorld 1.0 but updated for 1.4. While the exact content is obsolete as you can now accomplish the same result with purely vanilla XML, it is still useful as a crash course for end-to-end mod creation and is here until newer tutorials can replace it.
 +
 +
===Uploading to Steam Workshop===
 +
* You can upload your mod to Steam Workshop by enabling Development Mode from your game Options and then using the Upload option under the Advanced button in the vanilla mod manager.
 +
* Note that in order to upload to Steam Workshop, you must own the game on Steam Workshop. Owning RimWorld on GOG or Epic will not work.
 +
* Your Preview.png should be a 640x360 or 1280x720 PNG and '''must''' be under 1MB. If it is too large, then your upload will be rejected with <code>Error : Limit Exceeded</code>
 +
* If you get a <code>OnItemSubmitted Fail</code> error, this usually means that Steam Workshop is having some technical issues at the moment. If it keeps occurring, then the only thing to do is to wait a few hours for it to clear up.
 +
* Steam mod descriptions don't use markdown, they use a variant of BBCode. Please check out the [https://steamcommunity.com/comment/Guide/formattinghelp Steam text formatting guide].
 +
 +
-----
 +
 +
'''Note:''' All of the above tutorials have been cleaned up and reviewed by the #mod-development team on the [https://discord.gg/rimworld RimWorld Discord] in cooperation with RimWorld Wiki staff editors. Please let us know before creating, adding, or making any major edits to the vetted tutorials and guides section!
 +
 +
==Outdated / Under Review==
 +
 +
The following tutorials are either out of date or in need of a rewrite. The information in them might be useful but may not be up to standard; please be aware of any potential inaccuracies until they can be addressed.
 +
 +
* [[Modding Tutorials/First Steps|First Steps and Some Links]]
 +
* [[Modding Tutorials/Essence| Essence of Modding]]
 +
* [[Modding Troubleshooting Tips and Guides]]
 
* [[Modding Tutorials/Testing mods|Testing Mods]]
 
* [[Modding Tutorials/Testing mods|Testing Mods]]
** [[Modding Tutorials/Development mode|Development Mode]]
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** [[Modding Tutorials/Testing mods#Development mode|Development Mode]]
 
* [[Modding Tutorials/Sounds|Adding and Testing Sounds]]
 
* [[Modding Tutorials/Sounds|Adding and Testing Sounds]]
 
* [[Modding Tutorials/Assets|Decompiling Texture/Sound Assets]]
 
* [[Modding Tutorials/Assets|Decompiling Texture/Sound Assets]]
 +
* [[Modding Tutorials/Compatibility|Compatibility]]
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Distribution|Distribution]]
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Modifying defs|Modifying Defs]]
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Troubleshooting|Troubleshooting mods]]
 +
 +
(Redundant, need to be reviewed and consolidated or removed)
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Getting_started_with_mods|Getting Started With XML]]
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Xml_Adding_Weapons_Traits_Research|Adding a New Weapon, Trait and Research to the game]]
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Xml_Patches|Making Patches using Xml]]
  
 
===XML tutorials===
 
===XML tutorials===
  
# [[Modding Tutorials/XML file structure|XML File Structure]]
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* [[Modding Tutorials/XML file structure|XML File Structure]]
# [[Modding Tutorials/XML Defs|Introduction to XML Defs]]
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* [[Modding Tutorials/XML Defs|Introduction to XML Defs]]
#* [[Modding Tutorials/Compatibility with defs|XML Def Compatibility]]
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** [[Modding Tutorials/Compatibility with defs|XML Def Compatibility]]
#* [[Modding Tutorials/Modifying Defs|Modifying defs]]
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** [[Modding Tutorials/ThingDef|ThingDef explained]]
# In-depth XML Def tutorials
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** [[Modding Tutorials/Weapons Guns|Weapons_Guns.xml explained]]. Slightly dated.
#* [[Modding Tutorials/Weapons Guns|Weapons_Guns.xml Explained]]
 
# (Added in Alpha 17) [[Modding Tutorials/PatchOperations|PatchOperations]], replace specific xml elements of core files while keeping the rest untampered
 
  
 
===C# tutorials===
 
===C# tutorials===
# [[Modding_Tutorials/Setting up a solution|Setting up]]
+
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Hello World|Hello World]]
# [[Modding_Tutorials/Decompiling source code|Decompiling Source Code]]
+
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Writing custom code|Writing Custom Code]]
# [[Modding_Tutorials/Writing custom code|Writing Custom Code]]
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* [[Modding Tutorials/Linking XML and C#|Linking XML and C#]]
# [[Modding_Tutorials/Def classes|Introduction to Def Classes]]
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* [[Modding_Tutorials/Harmony|Alter Code at Runtime with Harmony]] - this is a best practice for modifying game code, replacing C# code injection to reduce Mod Conflicts
#* [[Modding_Tutorials/Modifying defs|Def Class Compatibility]]
+
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Modifying classes|Adding fields and methods to classes]]
# [[Modding_Tutorials/Harmony | Alter Code at Runtime with Harmony]] - this is a best practice, replacing C# code injection to reduce Mod Conflicts
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* [[Modding Tutorials/ModSettings|Mod settings]] - Add settings to your mod
# [[Modding_Tutorials/Compatibility_with_DLLs|Mod DLL Compatibility]]
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* [[Modding Tutorials/DefModExtension|Def mod extensions]] - Add (custom) fields to Defs
#* [[Modding_Tutorials/Injection|C# Injection]]
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* [[Modding Tutorials/Custom Comp Classes|Custom Comp Classes]] - A quick overview of what types of Comps there are, and what they're suited for.
# [[Modding_Tutorials/Distribution|Distribution]]<br/><br/>
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* [[Modding_Tutorials/ThingComp|ThingComp]] - Learn all there is to know about ThingComps.
''Examples:''
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* [[Modding Tutorials/GameComponent|Components]] - GameComponents, WorldComponents, and MapComponents
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Def classes|Introduction to Def Classes]]
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/Compatibility_with_DLLs|Using Harmony to optionally patch other mods for the sake of compatibility]]
 +
* [[Modding Tutorials/TweakValue|TweakValues]] - Change values on the fly (handy for quick iteration!)
 +
* [[Modding Tutorials/ExposeData|ExposeData]] - Save stuff
 +
* [[Modding Tutorials/BigAssListOfUsefulClasses|The big ass list of useful classes]] - A non-exhaustive list of classes you'll use most
 +
* [[Modding Tutorials/GrammarResolver|Grammar Resolver]] - PAWN_objective, PAWN_possessive? Find out what it all means here.
 +
* [https://github.com/Mehni/ExampleJob/wiki ExampleJob] - Mehni's top to bottom breakdown of Jobs.
 +
* [[Modding_Tutorials/ConfigErrors|Config Errors]] - Provide configuration issues to the user on startup.
 +
* [[Modding Tutorials/DebugActions|Debug Actions]] - Call methods from the debug menu
 +
* [https://www.arp242.net/rimworld-mod-linux.html Getting started with RimWorld modding on Linux]
 +
 
 +
===Art Tutorials===
 +
* [https://spdskatr.github.io/RWModdingResources/artstyle Artstyle] - Officially unofficial guide to RimWorld's Artstyle
 +
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/RimWorld/comments/5tn1pi/rimworldstyle_sprite_tutorials/ Ekksu's guide to creating RimWorld animals]
 +
* [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1114369188 ChickenPlucker's guide to creating apparel]
 +
* [https://github.com/seraphile/rimshare/wiki/Colouring-in-Images Seraphile's guide to masks]
 +
 
 +
===Under Construction===
 +
 
 +
These are currently unfinished and need to be cleaned up or removed
 +
 
 +
* [[Modding Tutorials/Quests]]
 +
* [[Modding Tutorials/Troubleshooting/Finding Exceptions]]
 +
 
 +
===Dangerously Outdated===
 +
 
 +
* [[RimWorld 1.3: XML Mod Creation]]
 
* [[Modding Tutorials/Assembly Modding Example|Assembly Modding]]
 
* [[Modding Tutorials/Assembly Modding Example|Assembly Modding]]
 +
* [[Plague Gun (1.1)|The Plague Gun]] tutorial originally by Jecrell, updated to 1.1+.
 +
* [[Modding Tutorials/Xenotype template]] originally by Ryflamer
 +
 +
* [[Modding Tutorials/Smelter]]
 +
* [[Modding Tutorials/Items]]
 +
* [[Modding Tutorials/Furniture]]
  
==See also==
+
==External Links==
 +
* [https://github.com/roxxploxx/RimWorldModGuide/wiki Roxxploxx's set of modding tutorials]
 +
* [https://spdskatr.github.io/RWModdingResources/ RimWorld Modding Resources - A hub for guides, modders, practical tips]
  
 
[[Category:Modding]]
 
[[Category:Modding]]
 
[[Category:Modding tutorials]]
 
[[Category:Modding tutorials]]

Latest revision as of 19:35, 23 May 2024

Basics Menus Game Creation Gameplay Pawns Plants Resources Gear Mods
Modding Modding Tutorials

This is the hub page for tutorials, guides, and reference materials for creating mods for RimWorld. If you are looking for instructions on how to use RimWorld, please check out the general Modding hub.

As RimWorld does not have a formal modding API, nearly all of the information here has been gathered and maintained by the modding community.

NEW: RimWorld 1.5 Mod_Updates - A work-in-progress list of changes datamined by the modding community in the current unstable version of RimWorld 1.5. THERE MAY BE ANOMALY SPOILERS, YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.


About RimWorld[edit]

RimWorld is a multi-platform game written on Unity 2019.4. However, the Unity Editor is not used for creating mods unless you are creating new shaders.

  • Recommended Software - Editors and other useful software for mod development
  • Mod Folder Structure - Explore the basic folder structure of a mod
    • About.xml - About.xml identifies and describes your mod to RimWorld so that it can be loaded properly
  • Defs - XML Definitions are used to define and configure content in a way that does not require compiling code
    • MayRequire - MayRequire and MayRequireAnyOf are used to conditionally load Defs and list entries based on whether a DLC or other mod is loaded
  • Localization - Define text strings used for translations and word lists used in name and text generation
  • PatchOperations - PatchOperations are used to modify XML Defs without overwriting them directly
  • Sounds - (Needs Rewriting) Adding sound files for mods
  • Textures - How to create and add textures to mods

XML Tutorials[edit]

The following are step-by-step tutorials for creating basic content mods.

Basic Tutorials:

  • Basic Melee Weapon - How to create a basic melee weapon with a texture mask
  • Basic Ranged Weapon - How to create a basic ranged weapon with custom sound effects
  • Basic Plant - How to create a custom plant with both a cultivated and wild variant
  • Custom Animal (Upcoming)
  • Simple Building (Upcoming)
  • Custom Workbench (Upcoming)
  • Custom Drug (Upcoming)

Advanced Tutorials:

  • Custom Faction (Upcoming)
  • Custom Culture (Upcoming)
  • Custom Trader Type (Upcoming)

C# Guides[edit]

C# is used to create and define custom game behaviors

  • Decompiling Source Code - How to set up and use a decompiler to read vanilla game code
  • Setting up a Solution - How to set up a solution for compiling a custom mod assembly
  • Application Startup - Describes the application startup process and the order in which game data is loaded
  • Custom Consumable (Upcoming)
  • Custom Overlays (Upcoming)

Slightly Outdated[edit]

  • Plague Gun - This tutorial was created for RimWorld 1.0 but updated for 1.4. While the exact content is obsolete as you can now accomplish the same result with purely vanilla XML, it is still useful as a crash course for end-to-end mod creation and is here until newer tutorials can replace it.

Uploading to Steam Workshop[edit]

  • You can upload your mod to Steam Workshop by enabling Development Mode from your game Options and then using the Upload option under the Advanced button in the vanilla mod manager.
  • Note that in order to upload to Steam Workshop, you must own the game on Steam Workshop. Owning RimWorld on GOG or Epic will not work.
  • Your Preview.png should be a 640x360 or 1280x720 PNG and must be under 1MB. If it is too large, then your upload will be rejected with Error : Limit Exceeded
  • If you get a OnItemSubmitted Fail error, this usually means that Steam Workshop is having some technical issues at the moment. If it keeps occurring, then the only thing to do is to wait a few hours for it to clear up.
  • Steam mod descriptions don't use markdown, they use a variant of BBCode. Please check out the Steam text formatting guide.

Note: All of the above tutorials have been cleaned up and reviewed by the #mod-development team on the RimWorld Discord in cooperation with RimWorld Wiki staff editors. Please let us know before creating, adding, or making any major edits to the vetted tutorials and guides section!

Outdated / Under Review[edit]

The following tutorials are either out of date or in need of a rewrite. The information in them might be useful but may not be up to standard; please be aware of any potential inaccuracies until they can be addressed.

(Redundant, need to be reviewed and consolidated or removed)

XML tutorials[edit]

C# tutorials[edit]

Art Tutorials[edit]

Under Construction[edit]

These are currently unfinished and need to be cleaned up or removed

Dangerously Outdated[edit]

External Links[edit]