beginner to modding and need help

[eaglesfan8036 0]

I have just gotten back into sc4 and was wanting to do some modding to the game to make it more fun and creative because I am bored of all the stuff that is in it. I have never modded anything before and was wanting some help on getting mods into my game so that I can play with a more diverse and interesting game.

Thank you

[The Avatar 1,088]

Are you interested in modding apects of the game yourself or downloading mods? Either way, make sure your copy of SC4 includes Rush Hour (SC4 RH or Deluxe) and is fully updated; otherwise, it will not be compatible with mods.

For downloading mods, the STEX and LEX are two great places to begin. There are many sites for SC4 custom content, but those are two main ones that have high-quality content. Downloading mods is all about personal preference, but there are some mods that the community generally consoders essential. These include the RHW, and NWM. Other highly recommended mods can be found on list.

"Some good custom content creators are SimGoober, SimFox, Dusktrooper, ILL Tonkso, Equinox, Pegasus, nofunk, Jasoncw, the entire NYBT, the entire HKABT, roe99, kellydale2003, scotty222, nycc06, Glenni, and Mattb325. Remember, this is not a complete list of all good custom content creators; this is a list of some of my favorites who came to mind."

Remember, downloading mods is all about personal preference. Most users strive for realism in their cities, so they download a slope mod, terrain mod, lots of custom buildings (BATs and lots), and custom flora to make their cities look better. Others care only about the function of the game and only download mods like the radius doublers/quadruplers and other assorted mods. It's about what you want.

As for modding the game yourself, there are many different things you can do. Using the Plugin Manager*, you can mod properties of buildings in SC4. Using the BAT* (Building Architect Tool - an addon to Gmax), you can create your own custom buildings using 3D modeling. Using the Lot Editor*, you can edit and create lots. Using SC4 Terraformer**, you can create custom regions.

* All of these can be found on this page.

** This can be found here.

Hope this helps!

[Ganaram Inukshuk 906]

If I may,...

The NAM is renowned to be the number one transit essential, but don't get far ahead your yourself. (Luigi, you failed to mention that the DBE is the most advanced of the NAM plugins and that it takes intense knowledge of how things work to, well, make it work. Not recommended for beginners and especially not recommended to those who don't pay attention to documentation.)

Additionally, the NAM is required for the following:

- RHW - An advanced highway construction alternative.

- NWM - Adds widened versions of the pre-existing OWR, AVE, and RD networks, in addition to the TLA networks. More simplistic to use, and who wouldn't want widened roads?

- SAM - Adds different street networks. Probably the only NAM plugin made for aesthetics than anything.

- RuRP - An old-school alternative to the RHW-2 Dashed Line CPs, except they're dashed-line pieces for Road. Also comes with three SAM curves.

- STR - Adds Single-Track Rail and various accessories. More fitting in rural areas.

- HSR - An aesthetic override to the Monorail network. Comes in a ground and elevated version.

- DBE - The most advanced of all the NAM Plugins, and the most complained-about plugin, despite all of our warnings... Allows you to create diagonal bridges using terrain and slope trickery. Not recommended for beginners.

- Additional bridges - There are a lot of them out there...

I would recommended just RHW and NWM, but NOT the DBE, unless you absolutely know what you're doing and you agree to read the documentation.

Additionally, be sure to pick up Hotfix 301. It's the most recent NAM Controller update.

Also, if you're pursuing doing any sort of modding that scales up to the NAM, please contact the NAM Team on adding pieces.

  Edited June 25, 2012 by Ganaram Inukshuk  

[The Avatar 1,088]

If I may,...

The NAM is renowned to be the number one transit essential, but don't get far ahead your yourself. (Luigi, you failed to mention that the DBE is the most advanced of the NAM plugins and that it takes intense knowledge of how things work to, well, make it work. Not recommended for beginners and especially not recommended to those who don't pay attention to documentation.)

I would recommended just RHW and NWM, but NOT the DBE, unless you absolutely know what you're doing and you agree to read the documentation.

Eh, good point.

[colco2121 55]

WELCOME TO SIMTROPOLIS.

If you would like help, check out the Live Chat.

The Forums are a great place to discuss simcity, get help, and show off your cities.

The STEX and LEX are great download places where top-quality downlaods are found.

SC4devotion is another great forum for simcity.

Some rather good teams include PEGPROD, NDEX, BSC, NAM team, BLaM (defunct), SFBT (from a german site), NYBT, HKABT, VIP team (newer), LBT/HBS, AC team, SCAG team, the RMIP for custom airports, and there are many indepenent creators. Read guide to custom content and Haljackey's RHW guide(link in his signature)

Best, colco2121

[eaglesfan8036 0]

yea i got the deluxe version, but yea ive never done any sort of add ons or mods to any game so the simpler the better lol. so what should i use as a beginner? i dont have a huge interest in like making mods or anything just using them and trying to implement them into my game