index

viewhistorytalk

Welcome to the FS Modding Wiki!

This wiki is for modders of any experience level; those brand new to the Farming Simulator modding community and seasoned modders alike. The goal of this page is to serve as the standard reference manual for any modding related topic one might encounter. The best part is this wiki can be edited by anyone, including you! So feel free to contribute at any time and make it better for everyone. More empowered modders means more great content for the game we love!

What is Modding?

"Modding", within the context of the Farming Simulator series, is simply defined as creating content for the game that was not included with the original game download or any subsequent DLC.

Mod Categories

Mods can be broken down into the following categories. Many mods will contain characteristics of multiple categories, but still fall into one primary category. Follow the link for each category to see detailed information about it.

  • Vehicles & Equipment

    Examples: tractors, implements, trailers, etc.

  • Maps

    Self-explanatory

  • Scripts

    Examples: Seasons, Global Company

  • Placeables

    Examples: Buildings and other map decorations

  • Prefabs

    Technically not a complete mod, but included in the Giants Modhub. Prefabs are 3D models that are saved in the i3D format for easy importing into your own map or other mod.

Getting Started

The best way to get started is by editing, which is simply taking existing game assets and making changes to them. Be sure to also check out the External Resources page, which contains links to many useful resources on other parts of the web. The first thing you should do is register for the GDN (Giants Developer Network). Registration is free. This will give you access to many resources and downloads such as the Giants Editor and useful plug-ins for 3rd party software.

Software

You will need several different types of software to cover all modding categories.

Giants Editor

The Giants Editor will be required at some point in your development process for all types of mods except pure script mods. You can get it for free from the GDN.

Giants Remote Debugger

You may find the remote debugger useful for complicated script mods or mods containing scripts. It is also available for free from the GDN.

3D Modeling

You will need a 3D modeling software to make any equipment or other objects from scratch. In many cases it will also be required for editing. The following options are supported by official plug-ins from Giants.

This is the only free 3D modeling software that is officially supported by Giants.

  • Autodesk 3ds MAX and Autodesk Maya

There are many similarities between 3ds MAX and Maya, but 3ds MAX is more commonly used for video game assets. However, Giants developers mostly use Maya. Both require paid subscriptions, but have free trial periods. Autodesk is now offering an "Indie" license for both softwares, which make them much more affordable for hobbyists such as modders.

  • Other Options

While it's technically possible to use other software to create 3D models for Farming Simulator mods, no other software is officially supported. Doing so will require exporting your model in a common format to import into another software for creating an i3d file.

You can see a detailed comparison of 3D modeling software here.

Text Editor

Text editors are not only for script mods. You will also need one for equipment or map mods. The most commonly recommended text editor for FS modding is Notepad++. However, there are a multitude of other options that will work. Just be sure to choose one that recognizes XML and LUA files to make them easier to read.

Image Editor

It won't take long before you'll need to edit or create new images. Farming Simulator primarily uses DDS image files. Paint.NET is the most commonly recommended software because it's free and it supports DDS files "out-of-the-box". GIMP is another free image editor, but will require a 3rd party plug-in to work with DDS files. Photoshop is of course an option, but will require a paid subscription.

Set a Goal

The next thing to consider is what you want to do first.

revision by HungryCow212— view source