How can I add a new civ to 0 A.D. via modding?

[Lunari8546]

I can't find any tutorials out there about how to create a new civ. I downloaded Delenda_Est Mod and look through it's files. I saw a civs folder within simulation/data/, I copied one of their civs into my mod and modified. I can open the game normally but when I press Singleplayer > Matches, it stuck in "Loading map data. Please wait..." and with bunch of errors on the top-left side.

[Nescio]

First of all, which version of 0 A.D. are you using, the latest stable (A23) or the svn development version (A24)? If you take files from a A24 mod and apply them on A23, or vice versa, you're very likely to encounter errors. It's best to disable all other mods and take files directly from the default (public) game. You can browse the latest stable files at https://github.com/0ad/0ad/tree/eb2fc5c53d0c55de308be6dc5bb7f952cfbc210d/binaries/data/mods/public and files of the svn development version at https://trac.wildfiregames.com/browser/ps/trunk/binaries/data/mods/public .

To introduce a new civilization, you need to add a simulation/data/civs/{civ}.json file, yes. You can copy one from elsewhere and edit it, or write a new one from scratch. Open the file in a text editor. The crucial thing is the civ code (line 2), e.g. 

    "Code": "athen",

This should match the file name (hence athen.json), is used for civ-bonuses and technologies (under simulation/data/technologies), and entity templates (under simulation/templates). Now if view the rest of your {civ}.json file, you'll see many fields (e.g. "Emblem", "Music", "WallSets", "StartEntities", "Formations", SkirmishReplacements") include file names. Make sure those files actually exist, and verify they're correct! Otherwise you will get errors.

You also might want to have a look at https://wildfiregames.com/forum/topic/21083-how-to-modify-0-ad/ , a thread containing a lot of questions and answers about modifying the game.

[Panther]

Welcome to the Forum, Lunari8546.

Learning to create mods requires alot of patience and knowledge that one must build up first.

A civilisation is hooked up with many factors such as; 3D models, textures, actors and templates, meaning that just copying one folder won't do you much good.

Delenda represents a very complex mod which changes the whole gameplay. I'd advise you to start with something smaller to explore the basics.

If you require help, feel free to DM me.

 

[Lunari8546]

@Nescio @Panther

Thanks for your replies, I figured it out why the errors occurred. It's because I created many civ.xmls but it was empty inside.

The main problem now is that "StartEntities": [] seems to be not working. When I start the game using my civ. It said that it cannot load the unit file, but the unit file exists. Also removing the units in StartEntities, only leaving civil_centre not work as well. 

[Panther]

Solved.

[balduin]

@Lunari8546 any progress? What kind of mod are you planning to create?

Edited December 19, 2020 by balduin

[makiman]

Hi There!.

I have a cuestion. Could chance it the civilization name during the playgame?. Would be it posible?...Thanks you guy.

[Classic-Burger]

1 hour ago, makiman said:

Hi There!.

I have a cuestion. Could chance it the civilization name during the playgame?. Would be it posible?...Thanks you guy.

Change the  civ name?

[makiman]

Yes but when it's playing. For example, in the next level city. You know? I mean like as technology.

Thanks.

Edited 2 hours ago by makiman

[Classic-Burger]

2 minutes ago, makiman said:

Yes but when it's playing. For example, in the next level city. You know? I mean like as technology.

Thanks.

I'm more confused.

[Classic-Burger]

civ.js you can change the name.

 

Inside

Public/simulation/data

[Gönndolsalv]

I'm also confused

what are you trying to do?

[makiman]

If I choose Britains or other civ, after I'd like chance the civ name when i'm playing.

Thanks.

Edited 2 hours ago by makiman

[Classic-Burger]

1 minute ago, makiman said:

If I choose Britains, after I'd like chanche the civ name. 

Thanks.

I don't understand you, what language do you speak natively?

[makiman]

Spanish.

[Classic-Burger]

7 minutes ago, makiman said:

Spanish.

Write your question in Spanish and we'll try to understand it from there.

[Deicide4u]

26 minutes ago, makiman said:

Yes but when it's playing. For example, in the next level city. You know? I mean like as technology.

The man wants to change the civilization name dynamically. For example, if he's playing "Celts", he'd like to become either "Britons" or "Gauls" once he reaches a new phase, or researches some technology.

This is kinda tricky to do. There were concepts of this in the early discussions, but the team decided for more distinct civilizations instead of playable "factions" within the existing civilizations.

[makiman]

Yes! That is I want to do.