HOWTO: Sandbox Science

[SirJodelstein]

- Start a new Career save

- exit to main menu

- edit the save-file (persistent.sfs): change the line "sci = 0" to "sci = 20000".

- load your game. Voila, enough science to unlock everything, and get the whole fun of science experiments without needing to go through the tech tree.

[SRV Ron]

Still, the tech tree makes it more challenging as you are forced to do the program through Kerbal space exploration history. (History of the alpha development and availability of parts.)

[HeadHunter67]

That's a great idea for those of us who have completed the tech tree and don't feel like slogging through it all over again to unlock it in a new save.

[gtmattz]

I am sorry, but I am confused... Why do this when you can just start a sandbox game? Is this simply so that you can essentially have a sandbox game with the science center open?

[SRV Ron]

I am sorry, but I am confused... Why do this when you can just start a sandbox game? Is this simply so that you can essentially have a sandbox game with the science center open?

The hack allows you to have a Sandbox with the Science Center open for business. Otherwise, packing experiments on a ship in Sandbox is just carrying dead weight.

[Commander Zoom]

Is this simply so that you can essentially have a sandbox game with the science center open?

In a word, yes.

[Sesni]

How do I edit my save file?

[SirJodelstein]

How do I edit my save file?

1. Open your favourite file browser (most probably Windows Explorer or Linux/Mac equivalent)

2. Navigate to your KSP installation folder

3. Inside the folder, open the folder saves/<SAVEGAMENAME>/

4. Open the "persistent.sfs" inside with a text editor, use text search to find the line "sci =" (there should be only one)

5. Edit the value to the desired value and save the file.

[astropapi1]

The only problem with this is the mod parts that aren't integrated to the tech tree yet.

SQUAD! We really need normal science defs in sandbox!

[SRV Ron]

The only problem with this is the mod parts that aren't integrated to the tech tree yet.

Look for updated mods. Some such as Nova Punch are now updated to work with career mode.

[The Destroyer]

Many are, inlucing LLL, KW, NP, Realchute, MJ, And it's very simple to make mod parts work in career.

[SRV Ron]

One wants to make the change to the science data before doing any missions. You can start sandbox career, build something, save, exit to the start screen, get back to Windows, edit the file to add the science points needed to unlock everything, and reenter sandbox career.

Created some interesting small probe landers and orbiter and a three stage launcher from Nova Punch mods in Career. Two stage to orbit on either design. Third stage will send them to a Mun or Minmus landing. Or, they can orbit and return to land on Kerban.

Have replaced the fixed panels with 1x6 auto tracking ones.