Modding

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(Contains useful information about specific attributes, but is otherwise outdated)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