Modding

This page is under construction. Please help review and edit this page.

The game can be modded using JSON files.

Watch this video on modding to get started: Airships Modding Tutorial Video

Modding Resources

Official Resources

• Modding Introduction
• Mod Graphic Drawing Tutorial
• Monster Nest Mod Example
• Bonusable Values Guide
• Special Eras Modding Guide
• Crew Animation Guide

Other Resources

• Module String Reference Guide

(Contains useful information about specific attributes, but is otherwise outdated)

• Loadables Data Dump

(To poke around the game's loadables)

JSON Information

The basic structure of an attribute is:

"Attribute": "value",

Where "Attribute" will be the attribute you want to add and "Value" is the value you want to set the attribute to.

There are three types of attributes used in ACTS modding:

"value" = string value

value = numerical value

t/f = true or false value

Some attributes can be given a list of values as well:

"AttributeValueList": { "value1", "value2", "value3" },

Appearance Attributes will require a spritesheet to get their graphics from.

1 Tile = 16 pixels, spritesheets are 63 x 63 tiles, or 1024 x 1024 pixels (Note that spritesheets are 63 x 63 because they start from 0. Meaning that x & y go from 0-63.)

When attributes require a coordinate on the spritesheet, the format is ( x , y ) or horizontal then vertical.

Both horizontal and vertical start from ( 0 , 0 ) on the top left and go to ( 63 , 63 ) on the bottom right.

Attribute List

---

Core Attributes

name

Module name referenced by the en.properties file and "flippedFrom" & "verticallyFlippedVersion" attributes.

In-Game displays this name in red when no language value is given.

{
  "name": "value",
}

flippedFrom

Creates horizontally flipped variation of referenced "name".

{
  "name": "value",
  "flippedFrom": "nameValue",
}

verticallyFlippedVersion

Creates vertically flipped variation of referenced "name".

{
  "name": "value",
  "verticallyFlippedVersion": "nameValue",
}

remove

Removes the specified "name" from the game.

Example use is removing modules from a conflicting mod.

{
  "name": "value",
  "remove": t/f,
}

categories

In-Game Editor Module Category. Setting this value blank will make the module valid without appearing in-game.

Vanilla categories: BASIC, COMMAND_AND_CREW, LIFT, PROPULSION, RESOURCES, WEAPONS, TROOPS, AIRCRAFT, STRUCTURAL, SOLID_SHAPES, STRUTS, DECORATIONS

Custom categories can be added by creating a ModuleCategory folder and creating a json file inside. See data/ModuleCategory/categories.json for reference.

{
  "categories": [ "value" ],
}

availableFor

Types of craft the Module is enabled for In-Game Editor. Engine defaults to all.

Default types: AIRSHIP, LANDSHIP, BUILDING

{
  "availableFor": [ "value" ],
}

required

Required Technology, City, or Charge bonus to build the Module in Single Player.

See data/Tech/ folder for Technology bonus files.

See data/Charge/ folder for Charge bonus files.

Miscellaneous bonus files: strategicEras.json, eraModifiers.json, specials.json, upgrades.json

{
  "required": "value",
}

w

Width of the Module in Tiles.

{
  "w": value,
}

h

Height of the Module in Tiles.

{
  "h": value,
}

Module Definition Attributes

Specifies the Modules property for AI Logic.

{
  "isExplosive": t/f, //Rockets, Bomb Bays, Grenades, etc.
  "isSail": t/f,      //Sails.
  "isWeapon": t/f,    //Required for all weapon modules.
  "isGun": t/f,       //All guns (Rifles, Cannons, Turrets, Sponsons, etc.)
  "isCannon": t/f,    //Turrets, Cannons, Suspendium Cannons, Flak Cannons, etc.
  "isRam": t/f,       //Rams.
}

aiMaxY

Sets the maximum height this module can go. Used to limit monster AI.

{
  "aiMaxY": value,
}

createsExceptionalCombatEventAfterMs

This String is often used with Monsters. Triggers the AI for the Module after a specified number of Milliseconds.

ex. A Module with Capture Troops will Capture. A Module with a Weapon will Fire. A Module with Legs will begin to Walk. etc.

{
  "createsExceptionalCombatEventAfterMs": value,
}

countsAsActiveCrew

Specifies the Module acts as an Active Crew Member, capable of performing Module tasks without Troops occupying the Module, allowing Interior vision of the Module, and preventing Defeat of the craft under certain Conditions.

{
  "countsAsActiveCrew": t/f,
}

instantlyDestroyed

Instantly removes the Module from the battle on destruction, allowing for animated or simplified death sequences from other connected Modules. Most often used on Monster Modules.

{
  "instantlyDestroyed": t/f,
}

---

Appearance Attributes

drawDoors

Specifies the Game Engine should not draw 1 Pixel vertical lines on the left and right edges of the Module.

{
  "drawDoors": t/f,
}

framesAreVariants

Uses given "frames" to randomize the "appearance" of a module.

{
  "framesAreVariants": t/f,
}

appearance

In-game graphic of the Module.

"src" is a spritesheet reference by filename without extension (.PNG).

"x" & "y" are the location on the spritesheet in Tiles.

"w" & "h" are the width and height of the module in Tiles.

"interval" is the time in milliseconds one "frames" cycles to the next "frames".

"frames" start on the first frame, increment down the list, and loop back to the first "frames".

{
  "appearance": { //One frame.
    "src": "value",  
    "x": value, 
    "y": value, 
    "w": value, 
    "h": value
  },
},

OR

{
  "appearance": { //More than one frame.
    "src": "value", 
    "interval": value,
    "frames": [
      { "x": value, "y": value, "w": value, "h": value },
      { "x": value, "y": value, "w": value, "h": value } 
    ]
  },
}

externalAppearances

Exterior graphic of the Module.

"src" is the spritesheet filename without extension (.PNG).

"x" & "y" are the location on the module in Tiles.

Refer to appearance for more information.

{
  "externalAppearances": [ //One frame.
    {
      "x": value,
      "y": value,
      "appearance": {
        "src": "value",
        "x": value,
        "y": value,
        "w": value,
        "h": value 
      }
    },
  ],
}

OR

{
  "externalAppearances": [ //More than one frame.
    {
      "x": value,
      "y": value,
      "appearance": {
        "src": "value",
        "interval": value,
        "frames": [
          { "x": value, "y": value, "w": value, "h": value },
          { "x": value, "y": value, "w": value, "h": value } 
        ] 
      }
    },
  ],
}

damagedExternalAppearances, destroyedExternalAppearances

Damaged and destroyed graphics of a Module.

Identical to externalAppearances in implementation, but define different frames for when a module is damaged or destroyed.

Refer to externalAppearances for more information.

depletedResourceAppearances

Resource-dependant graphics of a module.

Used alongside "appearance" to change the graphic of a module depending on how much of a resource is left. Used in the Coal Store, Small Coal Store, Fire Extinguisher, and Fire Point.

"src" is a spritesheet reference by filename without extension (.PNG).

"x" & "y" are the location on the spritesheet in Tiles.

"w" & "h" are the width and height of the module in Tiles.

{
  "appearance"
  ...
  "depletedResourceAppearances": [
    {
      "src": "value",
      "x": value,
      "y": value,
      "w": value,
      "h": value
    },
  ]
}

externalDrawPriority

Forces the Game Engine to draw "externalAppearances" over the Armor and other Modules. (ex. Legs, Tracks, & Sails)

{
  "externalDrawPriority": t/f,
}

lights

Lights on the interior of the Module, where "r" "g" & "b" are values on the color model, "radius" size of the light in pixels, and "x" & "y" location of the light on the module in Tiles.

{
  "lights": [ { //Normal lights.
    "x": value, 
    "y": value, 
    "r": value, 
    "g": value, 
    "b": value, 
    "radius": value
  } ],
}
{
  "damagedLights": [ { //Damaged module lights.
    "x": value, 
    "y": value, 
    "r": value, 
    "g": value, 
    "b": value, 
    "radius": value
  } ],
}

canParticlesStick

This string is often used for monsters. Used to prevent particles from sticking to the module.

{
  "canParticlesStick": t/f,
}

emitters

In-Game emitter graphic, generates stationary particles; where "x" & "y" location the particles spawn in Tiles, "type" the Particle Type, "emitProbabality" spawns per Millisecond, and "inside" specifying the particles should spawn within the interior of the Module.

See data\ParticleType folder for vanilla Particle types.

{
  "emitters": [ { //Normal emitters.
    "x": value, 
    "y": value, 
    "type": "value", 
    "emitProbability": value, 
    "inside": t/f 
  } ],
}
{
  "damagedEmitters": [ { //Damaged module emitters.
    "x": value, 
    "y": value, 
    "type": "value", 
    "emitProbability": value, 
    "inside": t/f 
  } ],
}
{
  "destroyedEmitters": [ { //Destroyed module emitters.
    "x": value, 
    "y": value, 
    "type": "value", 
    "emitProbability": value, 
    "inside": t/f 
  } ],
}

windows

Windows on the Module; where "x" & "y" are coordinate in Tile.

{
  "windows": [ 
    { 
      "x": value, 
      "y": value 
    }, 
    { 
      "x": value, 
      "y": value 
    },
  ],
}

hitParticle

The Particle the Module creates when hit.

{
  "hitParticle": "value",
}

destructionLength

Duration of a modules destruction, in Milliseconds, before being removed from battle. Often used with animated "destroyedExternalAppearance" with exception of the Kraken.

{
  "destructionLength": value,
}

destructionParticle

Particle(s) created when the Module is destroyed.

{
  "destructionParticle": "value",
}

destructionParticleDensity

Particle Density of "destructionParticle" value. (Only seen accompanying "destructionParticle".)

{
  "destructionParticleDensity": value,
}

hasGenericDestructionFragments

Removes generics explosive fragments that appear when a module is damaged/destroyed. Often used with with "damagedExternalAppearances" & "destroyedExternalAppearance".

{
  "hasGenericDestructionFragments": t/f,
}

fragmentsSpeedMult

Speed multiplier of Fragments that are spawned when the Module is destroyed. Only seen accompanying "destructionParticle".

{
  "destructionParticle"
  ...
  "fragmentsSpeedMult": value,
}

fragmentsDensity

Fragment Density of the Module when destroyed, creating multiple Fragments. Only seen accompanying "destructionParticle".

{
  "destructionParticle"
  ...
  "fragmentsDensity": value,
}

fragmentsFireMult

Speed multiplier of fire-spread speed through a module. Lower value equals slower fire spread and vice versa.

{
  "fragmentsFireMult": value,
}

---

Structure Attributes

Placement Restrictors

The Module cannot have another Module intersect with any Tile in the specified direction.

{
  //Entire side is restricted:
  "topOnly": t/f,
  "bottomOnly": t/f,
  "frontOnly": t/f,
  "backOnly": t/f,

  //Specific tile of a side is restricted:
  "topOnlyList": [ value ],
  "bottomOnlyList": [ value ],
  "frontOnlyList": [ value ],
  "backOnlyList": [ value ],
}

Module Doors

Defines which tiles connect to adjacent modules.

{
  "upDoors": [ value ],     //Defaults to no upDoors
  "leftDoors": [ value ],   //Defaults to all tiles.
  "rightDoors": [ value ],  //Defaults to all tiles.
}

canOccupy

Tiles in the Module personnel can occupy by coordinate in Tile.

{
  "canOccupy": [
    { "x": value, "y": value },
  ]
}

---

Resource Attributes

external

Specifies if the Module cannot be protected by armor. Removes all armor effects including graphics.

{
  "external": t/f,
}

armourType

Forced/Built-In Amour Type for the Module. String is often used with Monsters & Hatches where the Armor is invisible or subjective.

See data\ArmourType for armour type files.

{
  "armourType": "value",
}

hp

Modules Total Hit-Points; before adjacency, bonuses and armor.

{
  "hp": value,
}

explodeHP

HP required before the Module chances explosion; before adjacency, bonuses and armor.

{
  "explodeHP": value,
}

explodeDmg

Explode Damage inflicted by the Module to surrounding Modules when destroyed. Does not affect other vehicles. Damage caused by the Module is calculated by the following:

distSq = (explodingModuleCenterX - targetModuleCenterX)^2 + (explodingModuleCenterY - targetModuleCenterY)^2

damage = baseExplosionDamage / distSq^0.8

{
  "explodeDmg": value,
}

fireHP

HP required to chance engulfing the Module in fire.

{
  "fireHP": value,
}

destroyedHP

HP required before a Module is destroyed. Often used for monsters, where this value indicates a specific HP.

{
  "destroyedHP": value,
}

collisionDamageReceivedMult

Damage multiplier against the Module on Collision with another In-Game object.

{
  "collisionDamageReceivedMult": value,
}

destroyEntireShipOnDestruction

Destroys the entire craft on destruction of the Module.

{
  "destroyEntireShipOnDestruction": true,
}

moveDelay

Time it takes for crew to travel through the module.

{
  "moveDelay": value,
}

weight

Weight of the Module.

{
  "weight": value,
}

cost

Cost of the Module.

{
  "cost": value,
}

coal

How much Coal the Module holds.

{
  "coal": value,
}

coalReload

Time in milliseconds the Module needs to be re-supplied with Coal.

{
  "coalReload": value,
}

command

How much Command the Module generates.

Command Points; 8000 + "Number of Crew" x 800 + "Number of Tiles" x 80

Command Points generated per millisecond; (total command points from modules x 1.5) x 4

{
  "command": value,
}

lift

How much lift the Module generates.

{
  "lift": value,
}

propulsion

How much propulsion the Module generates.

{
  "propulsion": value,
}

supplyProvided

How much supply the Module generates.

{
  "supplyProvided": value,
}

ammo

How much ammo the Module generates.

{
  "ammo": value,
}

water

How much water the Module generates.

{
  "water": value,
}

structuralStressAmount

Structural Integrity the Module adds or removes; can be a negative number, lessening the Structural Integrity penalty.

{
  "structuralStressAmount": value,
}

sickbay

How many personnel may simultaneously heal in the Module.

{
  "sickbay": value,
}

necromancy

Allows the module to revive dead crewmates, paired with "sickbay".

{
  "necromancy": t/f,
}

shipHPBonus

How much bonus HP the Module provides to attached Modules.

{
  "shipHPBonus": value,
}

adjacencyBonusStrength

Additional HP provided through adjacency with another module.

{
  "adjacencyBonusStrength": value,
}

accuracyBonus

Accuracy bonus the Module provides, against deviation.

Deviation = Final Shot Calculation

Example; Crow's Nest + Telescope + Computer = shot_deviation*(0.8)^3

{
  "accuracyBonus": value,
}

preventsBoarding

Prevents Boarding of the Craft until the Module is destroyed.

{
  "preventsBoarding": t/f,
}

crew

Number of "sailor" required for the Module to function. Takes priority over "recommendedCrew".

{
  "crew": value,
}

hangarPositions

Positions Troops take within the Module, in Tiles. Most often seen on Aircraft Modules.

{
  "hangarPositions": [
    {"x": value, "y": value },
  ]
}

recommendedCrew

Recommended number of "sailor" for the module to function properly. For example; an additional "sailor" to deliver Ammunition or Coal. Takes priority over "optionalcrew".

{
  "recommendedCrew": value,
}

optionalCrew

Number of "sailor" populating the Module if no other higher priority Module exists.

{
  "optionalCrew": value,
}

fixedGuards

Number of "guard" required to protect the Module, takes priority over "recommendedGuards".

{
  "fixedGuards": value,
}

recommendedGuards

Number of "guard" recommended to protect the Module, taking priority over any module without the string.

{
  "recommendedGuards": value,
}

maintenanceCost

Maintenance Cost of the Module, applies against Income in Single Player.

{
  "maintenanceCost": value,
}

quarters

Number of personnel the "quartersType" generates.

{
  "quarters": value,
}

quartersType

Troops the Module houses.

See data\CrewType for crew type files.

{
  "quartersType": "value",
}

---

Weapon Attributes

hardness

The damage of the physical Module in a collision scenario; intended for ramming.

{
  "hardness": value,
}

maxXRange

Maximum Range in pixels horizontally that the module can fire at a target.

{
  "maxXRange": value,
}

minXRange

Minimum Range in pixels horizontally that the module must be from the target to fire the weapon.

{
  "minXRange": value,
}

maxUpRange

Max Range in pixels that the Shot can reach vertically upwards.

{
  "maxUpRange": value,
}

minUpRange

Minimum Range in pixels vertically upwards that the module must be from the target to fire the weapon.

{
  "minUpRange": value,
}

maxDownRange

Max Range in pixels that the Shot can reach vertically downwards.

{
  "maxDownRange": value,
}

minDownRange

Minimum Range in pixels vertically downwards that the module must be from the target to fire the weapon.

{
  "minDownRange": value,
}

shotSpeed

How fast the Shot travels its trajectory in Tiles per millisecond.

{
  "shotSpeed": value,
}

shotSpeedVariation

Variation of shotSpeed for each Shot fired in Tiles per millisecond.

{
  "shotSpeedVariation": value,
}

reload

Time in milliseconds between shots.

{
  "reload": value,
}

clip

Number of Shots the Module can fire before needing a reload.

{
  "clip": value,
}

ammoPerClip

The ammo cost per clip reload. Not the amount of shots in a clip.

{
  "ammoPerClip": value,
}

clipReloadTime

Time it takes to reload the weapon, in milliseconds.

{
  "clipReloadTime": value,
}

inaccuracy

How inaccurate the Module is, before compensating "jitterMerge".

{
  "inaccuracy": value,
}

jitterMerge

How grouped Shots are, the bonus stacking in succession as the weapon remains firing. In percentage, 0.0 being extremely inaccurate and 1.0 always firing the same direction.

{
  "jitterMerge": value,
}

numShots

Number of projectiles in a single Shot. Example: the Grapeshot cannon.

{
  "numShots": value,
}

multiShotJitter

Jitter designed for "numShots". Only seen in the Grapeshot module. In percentage, 0.0 being extremely inaccurate and 1.0 always firing the same direction.

{
  "multiShotJitter": value,
}

blastDmg

Blast Damage caused by the Modules Shots.

{
  "blastDmg": value,
}

blastSplashRadius

Radius of the widened area of damage after a Shot hits the Target, in Pixels. Only seen accompanying "blastDmg".

{
  "blastDmg"
  ...
  "blastSplashRadius": value,
}

penDmg

Penetration Damage caused by the Modules Shots.

{
  "penDmg": value,
}

directDmg

Direct Damage dealt to the Target Module, without Armour penalties.

{
  "directDmg": value,
}

shootTroopsRange

Specifies the Module can Target Troops and at what range.

{
  "shootTroopsRange": value,
}

fixedInaccuracyVsTroops

Fixed Inaccuracy against Troops.

{
  "fixedInaccuracyVsTroops": value,
}

recoilForce

Reverse Propulsion caused by firing the Shot, in negative Tile value.

{
  "recoilForce": value,
}

fireArc

Direction and arc the Module fires.

Values: forwards (right), backwards (left), up, down

{
  "fireArc": { "direction": "value", "degrees": value },
}

optimumRange

Distance from the Module that is optimal for the weapon, indicating how the AI should react to the Module.

{
  "optimumRange": value,
}

muzzleCenterX

Origin relative to the top left of the module indicating where the Shot spawns, X axis in Tiles.

Position desired in pixels / Module width in pixels = "muzzleCenter" in Tiles

{
  "muzzleCenterX": value,
}

muzzleCenterY

Origin relative to the top left of the module indicating where the Shot spawns, Y axis in Tiles.

Position desired in pixels / Module height in pixels = "muzzleCenter" in Tiles

{
  "muzzleCenterY": value,
}

muzzleLength

How far from the point indicated by "muzzleCenter" strings the shot should spawn, in Tiles.

{
  "muzzleLength": value,
}

---

Weapon Appearance Attributes

weaponAppearance

In-Game graphic of the Shot & Barrel.

"shot":

where "src" is a spritesheet reference by filename without extension (.PNG)

"x" & "y" location on the spritesheet in pixels

and "w" & "h" pixel dimensions of the graphic In-Game - where center is rotation.

"shotAnimationInterval" is Time in milliseconds one "frames" cycles to the next.

"shotFrames":

Where "src" is a spritesheet reference by filename without extension (.PNG)

"x" & "y" location on the spritesheet in pixels

and "w" & "h" pixel dimensions of the graphic In-Game.

"barrelAnimation":

Where "interval" is time in milliseconds one "frames" cycles to the next

"loop" indicates the weapon's animation should reset after having been fired

"finishLoopCycle" indicates whether the animation should always complete its loop after being started

"loopConstantly" indicates "frames" will cycle continuously

"msPerShot" is the amount of animation in milliseconds that one Shot causes

"frames": where "src" is a spritesheet reference by filename without extension (.PNG)

"x" & "y" location on the spritesheet in pixels

and "w" & "h" pixel dimensions of the graphic In-Game.

"loop" set to true & by itself, without "finishLoopCycle" & "loopConstantly";

where firing the weapon will simply advance the animation by "msPerShot" frames.

If set to false, the animation will reset to the first frame after every shot fired, resuming by playing msPerShot frames.

Please keep in mind not all values are necessary and could have various results. ex. Removing "barrel" from the script.

"back"':

where "src" is a spritesheet reference by filename without extension (.PNG)

"x" & "y" location on the spritesheet in pixels

and "w" & "h" pixel dimensions of the graphic In-Game.

"hitExplosionSize" & "missExplosionSize" are the size of the In-Game explosion graphic, in Tiles.

In decimal: ex. #.##

"barrelX" is position horizontally from the top left the barrel of the Module in Pixels.

Rotation position desired in pixels on the spritesheet X - ("w" aka Barrel Width Pixels / 2) = "barrelX"

In decimal: ex. #.##

"barrelY" is position vertically from the top left of the barrel in the Module in Pixels.

Rotation position desired in pixels on the spritesheet Y - ("h" aka Barrel Height Pixels / 2) = "barrelY"

In decimal: ex. #.##

"recoil" is pixels the "barrel" graphic moves when a Shot is fired.

"shotEmitter" generates stationary particles from Shots; "type" the Particle Type, and "emitProbabality" spawns per millisecond.

In decimal: ex. #.##

"exhaust" is animated particles from the Shot:

"type" the Particle Type

"p" is probability per miliseconds

"backOffset" how far backward (left) they are spawned from the center in pixels

"angleRange" radians it will animate from center (0 being perfect line, pie 180 degrees, 2pie any direction)

"randomOffset" offset in pixels any direction

and "speedMin" & "speedMax" the speed at which the exhaust moves in pixels per millisecond.

Note: While frames are present in the script; values are not necessary and may cause errors in achieving a desired animation result. ie "barrel" vs "barrelAnimation"

{
  "weaponAppearance": {
    "shot": { "src": "value", "x": value, "y": value, "w": value, "h": value },
    "shotAnimationInterval": 1000,
    "shotFrames": [
      { "src": "value", "x": value, "y": value, "w": value, "h": value },
      { "src": "value", "x": value, "y": value, "w": value, "h": value }
    ],
    "barrel": { "src": "value", "x": value, "y": value, "w": value, "h": value },
    "barrelAnimation": {
      "interval": 1000,
      "loop": true,
      "finishLoopCycle": false,
      "loopConstantly": true,
      "msPerShot": 1000,
      "frames": [
        { "src": "value", "x": value, "y": value, "w": value, "h": value },
        { "src": "value", "x": value, "y": value, "w": value, "h": value }
      ]
    },
    "back": { "src": "value", "x": value, "y": value, "w": value, "h": value },
    "hitExplosionSize": value,
    "missExplosionSize": value,
    "barrelX": value,
    "barrelY": value,
    "recoil": value,
    "shotEmitter": { "type": "value", "emitProbability": value },
    "exhaust": {
      "type": "value",
      "p": value,
      "backOffset": value,
      "angleRange": value,
      "randomOffset": value,
      "speedMin": value,
      "speedMax": value
    }
  },
}

muzzleFlash

Removes In-Game graphic for the muzzle flash for the module.

{
  "muzzleFlash": t/f,
}

---

---

---