While we're waiting for the official modding manuals I thought I might help with modding in the meantime.

So far, I have messed around with faction traits for custom factions, If you want to create custom traits (or edit existing ones) here is how:

Firstly, download this ExampleTrait mod and add it to the community folder (you need to create it if you have not already) It should be located at %MyDocuments%\Endless Space 2\Community But it can vary. Once unzipped into the folder you should be able to run the game and find it in the mods menu, if you activate it you should find 2 new example traits (one has 2 levels) in the start modifiers section of the custom empire creation screen.

ExampleTrait.zip

I have put many comments in each of the files explaining what each part does to my knowledge.

So that you can change bits around, reload the mod and end up creating a mod for yourself.

Using a mod to edit vanilla Traits instead of add them:

I was asked this on the workshop so I'm writing it here in case anyone else finds it useful.

Changing a trait requires less work than creating one, If you want to change a traits effect the only file you need from the example trait zip above is the SimulationDescriptors[ExampleTrait].XML in that file use the name of an already existing trait e.g. FactionTraitBigFleets1 and set the modifier to what you want e.g. with big fleets trait maybe you want to increase command points but also increase upkeep costs. and that's it the mod should overwrite vanilla. you may also want to use the FactionTraits[ExampleTrait].xml file to adjust the costs of traits you edit. Also make sure to remove database plugins (in ExampleTrait.xml) for any files you delete as they are not necessarily and might case issues.

If you have any questions about it or want me to try create a tutorial for a different type of mod please ask.

Here is a list of some Target Properties that can be used in Simulation Descriptors for traits along with their commonly used paths and operations:

To be used in this fashion: <Modifier TargetProperty="[Target Property]" Operation="[Operation]" Value="[Number]" Path="[Path]"/>

Hey Legendkiller,

Here's what you would have to do:

- Find the TechnologyDefinition of the technology you want the module to be linked to.

- Add a new TechnologyPrerequisite in the module's ModuleDefinition so it matches one of the SimulationDescriptorReference listed in the TechnologyDefinition

- Add a new FactionTrait which unlocks the technology

Do you want to create a new module, create a new technology, create a new trait, or use only existing data?