Adding New Variants

[Stridercal]

This has been posted to death, I know, but it seems like the techniques required have changed since 1.3 was launched. I'm just hoping for a simple solution here, PAHLESE HALP!

All I want to do is add several simple variants based on TRO 3050. And I do mean simple stuff only - TDR-9SE, VND-3L, ZEU-9S, KTO-20... that sort of thing.

I created new mechdef and chassisdef files, made sure my changes didn't conflict with hard point placement, etc. But under the new store system, I can't seem to get the new variants to appear, no matter what I've tried. I tried using the new variants as my starting lance for the Campaign mode, and just got an endless load screen. So it seems like the game isn't able to "find" the updated files...?

So, step one: Create mech variants - DONE!

Step two: Do I have to edit the manifest to get these variants into my single player game?

Step three: How do I get them into the store, or as a mission reward, or my starting lance, or into my hands somehow, anyhow?

Pre-1.3, I was able to add SLDF stuff to stores easily, but now... even though everything looks the same, the same techs aren't working. Does anyone have a quick and easy way to get a few modern variants into my game?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ronhatch]

This has been posted to death, I know, but it seems like the techniques required have changed since 1.3 was launched. I'm just hoping for a simple solution here, PAHLESE HALP!

All I want to do is add several simple variants based on TRO 3050. And I do mean simple stuff only - TDR-9SE, VND-3L, ZEU-9S, KTO-20... that sort of thing.

I created new mechdef and chassisdef files, made sure my changes didn't conflict with hard point placement, etc. But under the new store system, I can't seem to get the new variants to appear, no matter what I've tried. I tried using the new variants as my starting lance for the Campaign mode, and just got an endless load screen. So it seems like the game isn't able to "find" the updated files...?

So, step one: Create mech variants - DONE!

Step two: Do I have to edit the manifest to get these variants into my single player game?

Step three: How do I get them into the store, or as a mission reward, or my starting lance, or into my hands somehow, anyhow?

Pre-1.3, I was able to add SLDF stuff to stores easily, but now... even though everything looks the same, the same techs aren't working. Does anyone have a quick and easy way to get a few modern variants into my game?

Thanks in advance!

Only the store has changed in 1.3, and since they aren't loading when you edit the starting lance, don't worry about the store yet... there's something more fundamental you haven't done correctly. You should also be able to see your new variants in Skirmish mode once you've got it right.

If you aren't using ModTek/BTML, then you always need to edit the manifest when you add things. (Changes to existing equipment don't require editing the manifest if you modify the existing equipment file in place, but then updates to the game can overwrite your changes. Better to make a new file and use the manifest to redirect the game to your copy.) If you also want the new variants to show up as possible AI forces, you'll need to modify the database also... which means that for most users, you're better off just using ModTek/BTML which will take care of both the manifest and the database for you.

Editing the version manifest is pretty simple... copy the line from a similar variant and modify the data to match your new mech.

 

[Ashram Darkstar]

For the database update you can try this tool if you're not using ModTek/BTML: BMIT - BattleTech Metadatabase Import Tool. You can find it on NexusMods or do a web search. I haven't tried it on the current version of the game though, so back up your database file before using it.

 

[Stridercal]

Going to use the modding tools as suggested, and with help from JK (of the JK Variants mod), we (well, JK) figured out the formatting errors.

Going to try and confirm implementation this weekend, and then decide on where to put the mechs into the game.

Thanks for the reply and advice!!!

 

[Maverick *ScORpIOnS*]

Lemme know how this turns out.-- I, too, am trying to load up some custom variants. (already made the clones of the mechs i'm using and made my re-namings.) but i'm stuck at the endless blackscreen with "framerate" in the corner. I think it was something i snagged on in the manifest file, when adding the "mechDef" "chassisdef" "moveDef" the sprite call-to, and the "prefab" call-to lines. (sprite and prefab were both cloned of the TBolt 5S and renamed to the mech-name to match the mech/chassis/move calls.)