Problem creating a custom mech as campaign starter mech

[sunzoner]

Hi Guys.

I am trying to create a new variant of the blackjack (mechdef_blackjack_BJ-1CU) as a starter mech for use in my campaign. I had wanted to use UAC2s,ERSLs, double heatsinks instead of the normal or DB variant.

I created a modfolder with the D:\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\BATTLETECH\Mods\JT_Start_Mods\StreamingAssets\data\simGameConstants, mech and chassis folders. The mod.JSON file had the path to chassis and mech folders declared.

modtek seems to inject the mod properly. starting the game itself is ok.

After I start a new campaign, i used the custom difficulty to skip the prologue. Then the game hanged at the loading screen. The tooltip keep spinning past 5 minutes.

I tried removing the mech, and chassis folders and just amend the StartingPlayerMech. I used an atlas. It works.

I tried to place the custom mech files into the mech and chassis folders into the game itself. Then i amend the StartingPlayerMech in my mod folder to my mechdef_blackjack_BJ-1CU. it doesnt work.

I tried using the mechdef_blackjack_BJ1 and chassisdef_blackjack_BJ-1 found in the game folder and append CU to the end - > mechdef_blackjack_BJ1CU and chassisdef_blackjack_BJ-1CU. I changed any reference to blackjack_BJ1 to mechdef_blackjack_BJ1CU and keep only mechdef_blackjack_BJ1 in the movement and prefab part of Chassis. I kept the original mechdef_blackjack_BJ1 files as these will be used by the standard enemies.

when I start a new campaign, the game still hang at the loading screen (after skippng prologue).

Can any kind soul please point me to where I could have gone wrong?

 

[Stridercal]

My guess is that your edit work for the new variant has a misplaced comma, improper quote mark, or similar edit error. Check your work with Notepad + + or a .json extension in Firefox.

I'm also seeing mixed reports regarding HBS' mod tool being able to load StreamingAsset folders with DLC content correctly, so it could be that, but i'm not 100% sure there.

Start with checking your variant first.

 

[Axterix13]

Yeah, I'd suggest running your new files through a json validator. And if that says it is fine...

Did you create those mech and chassis folders in the data one? If so, it should look more like this:
Streaming Assets\data\simGameConstants
mech
chassis

Are the "Id" set properly for both the chassisdef and mechdef files?

Have you checked your ModTek.log file? It is found in the .modtek folder.

 

[Hobbes__]

A way to make sure that your 'Mech is running properly is to check if it appears on the mech list on Skirmish mode and if you can edit it there. If the 'Mech doesn't appear properly there, then there's an error within your files and it will hang whenever you try to use it on Campaign/Career.

 

[Axterix13]

The best way to make sure that your 'Mech is running properly is to check if it appears properly on the mech list on Skirmish mode. If the 'Mech doesn't appear properly there, then there's an error within your files and it will hang whenever you try to use it on Campaign/Career.

Just be sure that you remove the blacklist tag (if the mech has it) prior to using this to check, as blacklisted mechs won't appear there regardless.

 

[Hobbes__]

Just be sure that you remove the blacklist tag prior to using this to check, as blacklisted mechs won't appear there regardless.

And make sure to put back the <BLACKLISTED> tag after you check the 'Mech on Skirmish mode, otherwise it can appear as OpFor.

 

[sunzoner]

My guess is that your edit work for the new variant has a misplaced comma, improper quote mark, or similar edit error. Check your work with Notepad + + or a .json extension in Firefox.

I'm also seeing mixed reports regarding HBS' mod tool being able to load StreamingAsset folders with DLC content correctly, so it could be that, but i'm not 100% sure there.

Start with checking your variant first.

Thanks for your advice. This is indeed the probelem.

 

[sunzoner]

Thanks Hobbes__ and Axterix13!

Now I save on a lot of time when building my customised variant mechs!

 

[Stridercal]

Thanks for your advice. This is indeed the probelem.

I've been there, glad to help!