Considering getting into modding. Where to start?

[LittleBitMore]

I'm considering getting into modding, to see what there is to be done and to do it. I'm wondering what a good way to start is, and some tips along my journey?

I have a few potential mod ideas, and I would like insight on how doable thee mods are, and whether they're good for beginners.

• Overhauling ISRU and mining to make certain planets have different resources, and you need to be wary of what planets have resources to get good ISRU stuff. Each of these resources can be converted one way or another into usable things like Liquid Fuel, Xenon, Oxidiser, Monopropellant, etc.
• Adding more electric generators. Just solar panels and RTGs are boring. I mean, technically there are fuel cells, but not once have I EVER used them.
• Adding some new cross section sizes, to make even smaller things or even bigger things than what is typically allowed.
• Very near future technologies (like moar engines and stuffs), along with an expansion of the tech tree. Basically Interstellar, but more stretched out and doesn't go too far into the future.

What do you more experienced modders recommend about going about these mods, or modding in general?

EDIT: Context on my skill. I have barely any experience with Blendr and modeling, but I do have a lot of experience with programming. I know how to navigate and properly edit config files. I do not know a lot about how the mod folder directories work.

Edited August 17, 2020 by LittleBitMore

[wasml]

On 8/17/2020 at 3:37 PM, LittleBitMore said:

Overhauling ISRU and mining

Sounds like it could be done mostly or entirely with config files (depending on whether you add new converters). Would recommend you become familiar with Module Manager if you aren't already.

The other three look like you'll need to learn some form of 3D modeling - Blender being the most common (I think). I've also seen instructions for wings 3D (another free program) and someone (Beal?) has a tutorial for it. My thought would be to go with Blender as there will be a lot more people that can help when you run into problems(yes - huge learning curve!). If you haven't made any parts before I would recommend starting with something simple like a fuel tank just to run through the processes - fuel tanks don't have animations, pivot transforms, thrust transforms etc to complicate things.

As far as the mod folder structure - it's mostly for organization - as long as it's under GameData KSP will try to load it. There are a few exceptions like the plugin folder but for the most part I'd say just follow the standard structure as that's what everyone is familiar with.

Just re read your post - the tech tree stuff can be done with Module Manager and config files too.

Happy modding!

[LittleBitMore]

21 hours ago, wasml said:

Sounds like it could be done mostly or entirely with config files (depending on whether you add new converters). Would recommend you become familiar with Module Manager if you aren't already.

The other three look like you'll need to learn some form of 3D modeling - Blender being the most common (I think). I've also seen instructions for wings 3D (another free program) and someone (Beal?) has a tutorial for it. My thought would be to go with Blender as there will be a lot more people that can help when you run into problems(yes - huge learning curve!). If you haven't made any parts before I would recommend starting with something simple like a fuel tank just to run through the processes - fuel tanks don't have animations, pivot transforms, thrust transforms etc to complicate things.

As far as the mod folder structure - it's mostly for organization - as long as it's under GameData KSP will try to load it. There are a few exceptions like the plugin folder but for the most part I'd say just follow the standard structure as that's what everyone is familiar with.

Just re read your post - the tech tree stuff can be done with Module Manager and config files too.

Happy modding!

Thank you-- I'll try my hand at either the tech tree one or the ISRU one soon, and once that works, I'll try modelling.