Hey everyone! I've always thought it would be amazing to modify my favorite games, whether that's speeding up the boot time or altering character appearances. I've read a lot about it, and it seems like it really depends on the game and what you want to achieve.
From what I gather, if a game supports modding and has an active community, that's a good start. But I've also learned that some modifications are as simple as tweaking a few settings in the game files, while others could take weeks of complex programming.
So, my question is: how much programming knowledge do I need to actually create a mod, or at least know how to find what I need? Programming can be quite challenging, and I've been learning C++ from a site like learncpp.com. But I wonder if it's really relevant for modding or if I'll need to dive deeper. Also, how do I know when I have enough knowledge to actually start modding? I'm learning just as a hobby and not for a job. Thanks!
4 Answers
Don't get caught up in the 'it depends' responses! Modding is about altering another program that runs in memory. If the game has a 'modloader', that's your best friend. But if you're doing it manually, you need to understand how the program's memory works, especially the stack, heap, and code segments. It might sound intense, but once you grasp these basics, you'll be on your way to modding a lot of different games!
Honestly, it all comes down to the specific game you're modding and what type of mod you want to create. You can't really give a one-size-fits-all answer. Modding can range anywhere from simple tweaks to major overhauls, so depending on your target game, the required programming skills will vary. If you're looking to mod something like Fallout 4, you'd be off to a good start!
That makes sense! I get that there's no exact answer. I just want to know what a 'decent' amount of knowledge is when it comes to modifying games without having to know how to create one from scratch.
Jumping into modding sounds like a blast! C++ is a great starting point, keep exploring and experimenting because that’s where the fun really lies!
Learning game development aspects will teach you almost everything you need to mod games effectively. It’s not a separate field, rather a mix of different skills. Spending time with C++ is a good move since that's a core technology in many games.
Thanks for the clarity! This gives me a much better focus of what to learn. I appreciate the breakdown!