Difference between revisions of "Data file"
Undo revision 40261 by Ipodsoft (talk) downloadranking(dot)com spam
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This article is an introduction to mod files: their uses, differences, and importance both to using and making mods. Understanding how plugin files work is fundamentally important to understanding how to mod the game. | This article is an introduction to mod files: their uses, differences, and importance both to using and making mods. Understanding how plugin files work is fundamentally important to understanding how to mod the game. | ||
== Master Files (*.esm) and Plugins (*.esp) == | == Master Files (*.esm) and Plugins (*.esp) == | ||
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Note that not all game data is contained in the master and plugin files. Textures, meshes, sounds, videos, etc. are all part of the full game, and are stored separately in Archives (.bsa files) or as loose files. | Note that not all game data is contained in the master and plugin files. Textures, meshes, sounds, videos, etc. are all part of the full game, and are stored separately in Archives (.bsa files) or as loose files. | ||
{{NewFeature|Skyrim uses the new [[Papyrus]] script engine. A side effect of this is that scripts are now saved externally as separate source and compiled files, and are no longer included directly in the plugin file.}} | {{NewFeature|Skyrim uses the new [[Papyrus]] script engine. A side effect of this is that scripts are now saved externally as separate source and compiled files, and are no longer included directly in the plugin file.}} | ||
== Dependencies == | == Dependencies == | ||
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In regular gameplay, it's not really necessary to know about masters, but modders need to understand them, since gameplay debugging often requires working with FormIDs. | In regular gameplay, it's not really necessary to know about masters, but modders need to understand them, since gameplay debugging often requires working with FormIDs. | ||
== FormIDs == | == FormIDs == | ||
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As FF is the last mod index (255 in decimal) reserved for save generated references, and 00 and 01 are always reserved for Skyrim.esm and Update.esm, that gives a total of 252 plugin files that can be loaded by the game in addition to the core files. | As FF is the last mod index (255 in decimal) reserved for save generated references, and 00 and 01 are always reserved for Skyrim.esm and Update.esm, that gives a total of 252 plugin files that can be loaded by the game in addition to the core files. | ||
== Records and Overrides == | == Records and Overrides == | ||
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Again, this is just like the card game. The two new swords form two new stacks, and the four redefined swords go on top of existing cards, overriding them. But in this case, one of those cards goes on top of the card added by Cool Swords-- thus overriding ''its'' changes as well as as original Skyrim.esm sword/card. Note in particular, that the changes are ''not'' merged. Each newly added card/record completely replaces the card/record under it. | Again, this is just like the card game. The two new swords form two new stacks, and the four redefined swords go on top of existing cards, overriding them. But in this case, one of those cards goes on top of the card added by Cool Swords-- thus overriding ''its'' changes as well as as original Skyrim.esm sword/card. Note in particular, that the changes are ''not'' merged. Each newly added card/record completely replaces the card/record under it. | ||
== Load Order == | == Load Order == | ||
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* Newer plugins trump older plugins | * Newer plugins trump older plugins | ||
* Newer master files trump older master files | * Newer master files trump older master files | ||
== Summary == | == Summary == | ||
Remember the the game engine is effectively playing a game of stacked cards. And when you create a mod, you're simply creating a hand of cards that will be played in that game. From that ending table, with its various stacks of cards, arises the gameworld that the player enters and lives in. | Remember the the game engine is effectively playing a game of stacked cards. And when you create a mod, you're simply creating a hand of cards that will be played in that game. From that ending table, with its various stacks of cards, arises the gameworld that the player enters and lives in. | ||
==Active Files== | ==Active Files== | ||
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* The active file is always loaded last in the editor, regardless of its file date. This guarantees that all the info and changes in the active file can be viewed without being overwritten by another plug-in. | * The active file is always loaded last in the editor, regardless of its file date. This guarantees that all the info and changes in the active file can be viewed without being overwritten by another plug-in. | ||
* If you do not set an Active plugin, you will be prompted to create a new one when you save. This then becomes the active file. | * If you do not set an Active plugin, you will be prompted to create a new one when you save. This then becomes the active file. | ||
== Removing Master File Dependencies From Plugins == | == Removing Master File Dependencies From Plugins == | ||
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# Click "OK" | # Click "OK" | ||
# After the plugin is finished loading, save the changes | # After the plugin is finished loading, save the changes | ||
== Changing the Order of Master Files in the Master File List for a Plugin == | == Changing the Order of Master Files in the Master File List for a Plugin == | ||
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[[Category:Editor Reference]] | [[Category:Editor Reference]] | ||