How to Upload Thumbnail to Steam Workshop Stellaris

This article is timeless and should exist accurate for any version of the game.

Modding, or creating mods, is the act of modifying the beliefs of the base game (often referred to as vanilla), either for personal apply, or to release publicly to other players, for case via the Steam Workshop.

Every bit with all Paradox games, Stellaris is moddable to a great extent. Motivations of modders may vary widely; amend translation to native linguistic communication, more events or decisions, ameliorate map, major overhaul, shameless adulterous, etc.

This guide is intended to lower the entry barriers to the world of Stellaris modding. However, there is still a learning curve to it, and it cannot supplant the need to read some working vanilla code, and do lots of trial and error experimentation!

Guidelines [edit | edit source]

Create a modernistic for your modifications: use a personal mod even for small changes, and never straight modify the game files in the Steam Stellaris folder, as they may be overwritten without warning.
Utilize a good text editor (recommended: VSCodium or Visual Studio Code) to edit files and search into multiple files. A good text editor can as well format the displayed text so that braces can be collapsed if consummate, and complete/incomplete pairs are highlighted.
Use the fault.log file to go execution errors: The log folder can be found right side by side to the modern folder. Good Editors commonly have the power to track changes to files from outside the programme and prompt for a reload, thus showing you errors with one glance at the file. Annotation that some modifications demand a game to be loaded or even the choice to exist used on screen/in the back-finish earlier their code will run.
Use CWTools for advanced validation and auto-complete: CWTools is a syntax validator for Stellaris modding, developed every bit an extension for Visual Studio Code and also bachelor for Sublime. Read the forum post by the developer for more than info.
Minimize overwrites of vanilla files, unless that is your main goal or somehow necessary (on_action triggers). Calculation separate files and use loading from folders whenever possible, to improve mod compatibility and maintenance. Your files can have any proper name, all files in the binder volition be loaded by the game. And so choose a prefix no i else will ever use similar the name of your mod. Even DLC follows that pattern.
Use a proper merge tool (similar WinMerge, or the Visual Studio Code Extension L13 Diff ), to merge between folders, and update modified vanilla files to a new vanilla patch.
Backup your work to avoid losing everything. Consider using a source control system like Git and a collaborative forge similar GitHub to manage team collaboration.
Utilise UTF-8 encoding for text and .modern files.
Use UTF-eight with BOM for localization and proper name list files.
Indent properly and, again, apply a good text editor, to easily spot unclosed curly braces. Vanilla uses one tab for indentation rather than spaces.
Use comments starting with a # grapheme, to remember your reasons for writing catchy stuff.

Modding tutorial [edit | edit source]

There is a modding tutorial bachelor which covers steps necessary to create a bones mod.

Mod management [edit | edit source]

The get-go steps of modding is getting to know where the mods are located, how they're structured and what to do when uploading your first mod!

Mod folder location [edit | edit source]

Os	Path
Linux	`~/.local/share/Paradox Interactive/Stellaris/modern`
Windows	`…\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\mod`
Mac OS	`~/Documents/Paradox Interactive/Stellaris/mod`

Mods from the Steam Workshop will be placed in …\SteamLibrary\SteamApps\workshop\content\281990, named by their Workshop ID.
Mods from Paradox Mods volition exist placed in the mod folder location, named PDX_*MOD_ID*.

File and binder structure [edit | edit source]

Getting the construction set correctly when creating a modern is essential for it to run properly.

This is the required structure within the main mod folder:

modname.modernistic – Includes the information used by the Stellaris launcher
modname – Folder where all the modified files are placed, in the aforementioned file and folder structure as the game folder
- Mod contents
- descriptor.mod – Required for the new launcher added in patch 2.4. Ignored in the quondam launcher.
- image.ext – PNG and JPEG files are supported. With the new 2.4 launcher, must be a PNG named thumbnail.png

modname.modernistic and descriptor.modern both contain the mod data that the launcher uses when displaying the mod and uploading it.
The 2.iv launcher prefers descriptor.modern and will modify modname.mod to match the information in descriptor.mod, however if the file is non constitute, information technology'll utilize the information in modname.modern. The pre-2.4 launcher ignores information technology.
The path="XXX" is not needed in descriptor.modern.
Annotation that folder and file names are case sensitive on Mac Os X and Linux.

modname.mod construction
This also applies to descriptor.mod.

Name	Required	Clarification	Case
`proper name`	Aye	Proper name of your mod.	`proper name="My Stellaris Modern"`
`path`	modname.modernistic: Yeah descriptor.modern: No (Ignored)	Defines which binder is the mod'southward folder. It can be an accented directory or relative to the `…\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris` directory. The Paradox Launcher volition automatically correct a relative path to the respective absolute path. Notation: Stellaris uses (Unix) slash `/` instead of (Microsoft) backslash `\` (or `\\`).	`path="mod/MyStellarisMod"`
`dependencies`	No	Specifies if the mod should exist loaded later the listed mod(south), if they exist. Very useful for submods or compatibility patches to make certain they overrule certain mods.	dependencies={ "My Other Stellaris Mod" "Not My Stellaris Mod" }
`flick`	No	Specifies the modernistic thumbnail used on Steam Workshop. With the new 2.iv launcher, this must be a PNG file named `thumbnail.png`.	`picture="thumbnail.png"`
`tags`	No	List of tags for Steam Workshop. Using tags also the predefined ones may preclude uploading on Paradox Mods. Alarm: don't forget quotes for tags that contain spaces.	tags={ "Tag1" "Tag2" }
`version`	No	Specifies what the launcher will show as the version of the modernistic. (Not the version of the game it's meant for). Any string is accustomed.	`version="five.4.5"`
`supported_version`	Recommended	Specifies what game version the mod supports. The last number can be replaced with the asterisk () symbol to tell the launcher that mod supports any value, like 2.4.. But the last number supports this.	`supported_version="2.4.1"`
`remote_file_id`	No	Property added by the launcher that includes the Steam Workshop ID. Ignore it.	`remote_file_id="1234567890"`

The data structure is similar to the proprietary Valve Information Format.^[1]

Example modname.modernistic file SomeMod.mod

name="SomeMod" path="modern/SomeMod" dependencies={ 	"othermod" 	"another mod" } tags={ 	"Graphics" 	"Economic system" 	"Overhaul" } picture="thumbnail.png" remote_file_id="1234567890" supported_version="2.4.*"

Adding a thumbnail [edit | edit source]

The Steam Workshop allows for a preview thumbnail picture that'll be displayed when searching for mods and as a preview picture if you oasis't uploaded whatsoever, otherwise it'll be placed to the right of the preview pictures.
It'due south recommended to make the thumbnail 512px × 512px at minimum, which is used past the workshop frontpage.
Additionally, the thumbnail file should be under one MB in size, otherwise, it will non be uploaded.
Both JPEG and PNG are supported, and after 2.four, the image file must be named thumbnail.png.

Brand sure the Stellaris launcher is closed, then that it doesn't revert your changes
Open up modname.mod and descriptor.mod files
Make sure picture="thumbnail.png" exists, if not, add it
Add together your epitome file in your modern folder
Starting time up the launcher and update your modernistic
Thumbnail should at present testify up at the Steam Workshop modernistic page

Yous tin can always update the thumbnail at any fourth dimension by updating the modernistic (unless y'all are merely a co-author).

Creating a modern [edit | edit source]

You tin utilize the game launcher to set up a modernistic structure for you past following these simple steps co-ordinate to your launcher of choice:

#	Launcher v1 (<=2.3.3)	Launcher v????
1	Launch the game
2	Navigate to the mods tab
3	Click Mod Tools	Click Upload Mod
iv	Click Create Mod	Click Create Modern
5	Insert the relevant data and click Create Modern at the bottom
6	Navigate to the mod folder and locate your modernistic binder
7	Commencement modding!

Uploading and updating a mod [edit | edit source]

Uploading and updating a modernistic follows the aforementioned process, depending on your launcher of selection:

* – The inserted description will replace the current one used on the modern page!
#	Launcher v1 (<=2.3.3)	Launcher v2 (>=2.iv.0)
i	Launch the game
2	Navigate to the mods tab
iii	Click Modern Tools
iv	Click Upload Mod	Click Upload a Mod
5	Select your modernistic from the list
half dozen	Click Fetch Info and wait for a response	Select mod site
vii		Insert clarification^*
8	Click Upload	Click Upload Modern
ix	The launcher will now upload your changes and inform you lot when it's done or if an error occurred.
10	Navigate to the mod service of choice and locate your modernistic; Steam Workshop, visit the Workshop page, and locate the "Files y'all've posted" push by hovering over "Your Files" on the correct Paradox Mods, visit the Mods page, login, and click "My uploaded mods" in the dropdown bill of fare that appears when hovering over your proper noun

Note that if y'all subscribe to an uploaded version of your modern while you still take the .mod file of your original mod in the mods folder, the uploaded mod volition probable not piece of work.

Game information [edit | edit source]

Console commands, useful for debugging mods.
Defines, which allows you to influence some hardcoded vanilla behaviors
Scopes, Conditions, and Commands used for scripting
Modifiers, used to influence calculations made by the game
Events, used to define popups with decisions
Map, used for pre-generated milky way maps

Game structure [edit | edit source]

Below is a listing of game files and folders, listed alongside the modding guide for each.

Stellaris/common/ [edit | edit source]

Folder/File	Summary	Guides
agendas	Agendas are given to leader-candidates in Oligarchic authorities-forms	Agendas
ai_budget	Determine how AI should handle resources.	AI
ambient_objects	References used past code to spawn ambient objects	Models
archaeological_site_types	Definitions for Archaeological Sites to be discovered and delved by Science Ships.	Ancestral Relics
anomalies	Events that occur for inquiry ships	Anomalies
armies	Definitions for ground forces types	Armies
~~army_attachments~~ (Deprecated)
artifact_actions	Definitions for Artifact Actions.	Ancestral Relics
ascension_perks	Definitions for Ascent Perks.	Traditions
attitudes	Definitions containing the restrictions for each attitude used by the AI	AI
bombardment_stances	Definitions of battery stances.	Battery Stances
~~buildable_pops~~ (Deprecated)
buildings	Setup for buildings constructable on planets, and those given through events	Buildings
button_effects	Definitions for button effects.	Graphics
bypass	Definitions for bypasses (gateway, worm hole and fifty-gate)	Bypasses
casus_belli	Definitions for casus belli.	Wars
colony_automation	Definitions for colony autobuild types.	Colony Automations
colony_automation_exceptions	Definitions for colony autobuild types.	Colony Automations
colors	Color definitions used for the country color selection	Countries
~~component_flags~~ (Deprecated)
component_sets	Listing of the sets of components used by ships	Ships
component_slot_templates	Slot templates to be used with transport sections.	Ships
component_tags	Used to group components together for common modifiers	Ships
component_templates	Attribute setup for each weapon and the templates used for ships	Ships
country_types	Rules for each country within the game.	Countries
decisions	Definitions for planetary decisions.	Decisions
defines	Bones game behaviors and settings	Defines
deposit_categories	Deposit categories relevant to deposit generation.	Planet Generation
deposits	Setup for the deposits of resources found on planets also as blockers spawned on habitable planets.	Planet Generation
diplo_phrases	Setup for the logic backside the diplomatic phrases used between countries.	AI
diplomacy_economy	Economy units based on affairs. Diplomatic upkeeps like influence upkeep of Federations are defined here.	Affairs
diplomatic_actions	Setup for the rules for diplomatic actions.	Diplomacy
districts	Definitions for districts.	Buildings
economic_categories	Definitions for economic categories.	Economic system
economic_plans	Definitions for AI economic system plans.	AI
edicts	Setup for the edicts used by countries.	Edicts
ethics	Setup for ethics, controlling their modifiers and categories	Ethics
event_chains	Setup for the effect chains used in the events folder	Event chains
fallen_empires	Sets upward the countries and arrangement initializer used for fallen empires	Systems
federation_law_categories	Definitions for federation law categories.	Diplomacy
federation_laws	Definitions for federation laws.	Affairs
federation_perks	Definitions for federation perks.	Diplomacy
federation_types	Definitions for federation types.	Affairs
galactic_focuses	Definitions for galactic focuses relevant to the Galactic Community.	Affairs
game_rules	Logic used for various game actions, i.e. can_enslave_pop. Logic here does not override hardcoded rules.	Gameplay
global_ship_designs	Designs used by the ship designer for each species	Ships
governments	Setup for the governments.	Governments
graphical_culture	Controls the lighting used for ships, which differs between graphical cultures.	Species
lawsuits	Unused.
leader_classes	Definitions for leader classes.	Leaders
mandates	Controls the mandates used by factions	Mandates
map_modes	Definitions for map modes to be used in the milky way view.	Map Modes
megastructures	Definitions for megastructures.	Megastructures
name_lists	Sets upward the names used for each species.	Empire
notification_modifiers	A variation of static modifiers. They have no modifiers and can only exist added to empires.	Static Modifiers
observation_station_missions	Actions that can exist washed with observation stations depending on ethic choices.	Gameplay
on_actions	Events and actions that happens when you move, or do anything.	Events
opinion_modifiers	Stance of Empires on other Empires depending on Political status and Ethics.	Opinion Modifiers
personalities	Shows the personalities of Empires AI traits and of Fallen Empires and enables editing them.	AI
planet_classes	The setup for all the planets and stars in the game.	Planets
planet_modifiers	Spawn chances planet modifiers (f.due east. lush, hazardous weather condition, etc.).	Planet Generation
policies	AI Policy grabbing (What order they take policies in)	Policies
pop_categories	Definitions for pop categories (social strata).	Pop Jobs
pop_faction_types	Population faction types and personalities	Pop Factions
pop_jobs	Definitions for pop jobs.	Pop Jobs
precursor_civilizations	Forerunner civilization weightings	Planets
random_names	Lists of random names for Empires	Gameplay
relics	Definitions for Relics.	Bequeathed Relics
resolution_categories	Definitions for resolution categories relevant to the Galactic Community.	Affairs
resolutions	Definitions for resolutions relevant to the Galactic Community.	Diplomacy
scripted_effects	Pre-defined blocks of Furnishings to exist called elsewhere.	Dynamic
scripted_loc	Pre-defined methods to provide text based on the scoped object'south attributes.	Dynamic
scripted_triggers	Pre-defined blocks of Conditions to be called elsewhere.	Dynamic
scripted_variables	Pre-defined "@" variables to be called from other game files.	Dynamic
section_templates	Container of components that consist bodily ships.	Ship
sector_focuses	Types of sectors and how they act.	Colony Automations
sector_types	Types of sectors and how they act.	Colony Automations
ship_behaviours	Standard transport behaviours.	Transport
ship_sizes	Sizes of the Ships.	Ship
solar_system_initializers	Defines starting systems for players, AI, event systems, hostile systems, etc.	Systems
~~spaceport_modules~~ (Deprecated)
special_projects		Special Projects
species_archetypes	Definitions for species archetypes to give some shared attributes to species classes.	Species
species_classes	Definitions for species classes that are sets of species portraits.	Species
species_names	Definitions for species random names.	Species
species_rights	Definitions for species rights.	Species
star_classes	Types of solar systems (Not individual stars themselves!)	Systems
starbase_buildings	Definitions for starbase buildings that each starbase tin only take one of each of them.	Starbases
starbase_levels	Definitions for starbase levels.	Starbases
starbase_modules	Definitions for starbase modules.	Starbases
starbase_types	Definitions for starbase types. To players, no furnishings, flavour only. To the AI, a starbase auto-build guide.	Starbases
start_screen_messages	Messages that should exist shown to the histrion at the start of the game.	Gameplay
static_modifiers	Blocks of Modifiers to be added to objects.	Static Modifiers
strategic_resources	Definitions for resources, not just strategic resources.	Economic system
subjects	Definitions for subject types.	Diplomacy
system_types	Definitions for system types. No effects, flavour only.	Starbases
technology	Definitions for technologies.	Engineering
terraform	Definitions for terraform methods.	Planets
trade_conversions	Definitions for merchandise value conversions.	Economy
~~tile_blockers~~ (Deprecated)
tradition_categories	Definitions for tradition groups.	Traditions
traditions	Definitions for traditions.	Traditions
traits	Definitions for species traits and leader traits.	Traits
~~triggered_modifiers~~ (Deprecated)
~~war_demand_counters~~ (Deprecated)
~~war_demand_types~~ (Deprecated)
war_goals	Definitions for war goals.	Wars
achievements.txt	Definitions for achievements. Modding this file doesn't make sense, since achievements are disabled for any "common" changing/expanding mods anyhow.
alerts.txt		Messages
message_types.txt		Messages

Stellaris/events/ [edit | edit source]

Folder/File	Summary	Guides
example_events.txt	Contains the event code for a ready of events.	Events

Stellaris/flags/ [edit | edit source]

Folder/File	Summary	Guides
*.dds	A flag image file.	Flags
colors.txt	Sets upward the allowed colors for flags and the randomizable combos.	Flags

Stellaris/fonts/ [edit | edit source]

File	Summary	Guides
fonts.asset	Sets up the fonts used past the game.	Fonts

Stellaris/gfx/ [edit | edit source]

Binder/File	Summary	Guides
advisorwindow	Sets upwards the 3D view for the advisor	Graphics
arrows	Contains the images used by various arrows ingame.	Graphics
cursors	Contains the cursor files/images used ingame.	Graphics
event_pictures	Contains the pictures used in events.	Events
fonts	Contains the font files used ingame.	Fonts
FX	Contains the FX shaders used ingame.	Graphical Effect
interface/	Contains the images used for interfaces ingame.	Graphics
interface/anomaly	Contains the images used for the anomaly mechanic	Graphics
interface/buttons	Contains the images used for buttons	Graphics
interface/diplomacy	Contains the images used for the affairs interface.	Graphics
interface/elections	Contains the images used for the election interface.	Graphics
interface/event_window	Contains the images used for the issue window.	Graphics
interface/flags	Contains the image masks used for flags.	Graphics
interface/fleet_view	Contains the images used for fleets.	Graphics
interface/frontend	Contains the images used for the frontend interface.	Graphics
interface/government_mod_window	Contains the images used for the authorities modification interface.	Graphics
interface/icons	Contains the icons used for everything in the game.	Graphics
interface/main	Contains the images used for generic actions.	Graphics
interface/old	Contains the images used from EU4	Graphics
interface/outliner	Contains the images used for the outliner interface.	Graphics
interface/planetview	Contains the images used for the planet view interface.	Graphics
interface/progressbars	Contains the images used for progress confined ingame.	Graphics
interface/ship_designer	Contains the images used for the ship designer interface.	Graphics
interface/situation_log	Contains the images used for the state of affairs log interface.	Graphics
interface/sliders	Contains the images used for sliders ingame.	Graphics
interface/system	Contains the images used for the system view interface.	Graphics
interface/tech_view	Contains the images used for the engineering view interface.	Graphics
interface/tiles	Contains the images used for the tile view interface.	Graphics
interface/topbar	Contains the images used for the topbar interface.	Graphics
interface/waroverview	Contains the images used for the war view interface.	Graphics
keyicons	Contains the images used for button presses ingame.	Graphics
lights	Contains the logic used for the lite effects ingame.	Graphical Upshot
loadingscreens	Contains the images used for loadscreens.	Graphics
models	Contains the model .mesh files and images.	Models
models/portraits	Contains the portrait .mesh files and images.	Portraits
particles	Contains the logic and images used for particles.	Graphics
pingmap	Contains the logic used for pings.	Graphics
portraits	Contains the logic used for portrait images.	Portraits
projectiles	Contains the logic used for projectiles.	Graphics
shipview	Contains the logic used for ship view.	Graphics
worldgfx	Contains the logic and images used for world graphic effects.	Graphics

Stellaris/interface/ [edit | edit source]

Binder	Summary	Guides
*.gfx	Controls the assignment of image to interface variable.	Interfaces
*.gui	Controls the visual logic of an interface.	Interfaces

Stellaris/localisation/ [edit | edit source]

File	Summary	Guides
*l_simp_chinese.yml	Contains Chinese localisation	Localisation
*l_english.yml	Contains English localisation	Localisation
*l_french.yml	Contains French localisation	Localisation
*l_german.yml	Contains German localisation	Localisation
*l_polish.yml	Contains Polish localisation	Localisation
*l_russian.yml	Contains Russian localisation	Localisation
*l_spanish.yml	Contains Castilian localisation	Localisation
*l_braz_por.yml	Contains Brazilian/Portuguese localisation	Localisation

Stellaris/map/ [edit | edit source]

Folder/File	Summary	Guides
galaxy	Contains the milky way options. You cannot add new ones currently.	Milky way
setup_scenarios	Controls the logic for different sizes of galaxies.	Galaxy

Stellaris/music/ [edit | edit source]

Folder/File	Summary	Guides
*.ogg	A music file.	Music
songs.asset	Controls the assignment of music to a code name, and sets the book of playback.	Music
songs.txt		Music

Stellaris/prescripted_countries/ [edit | edit source]

Binder/File	Summary	Guides
*.txt	Contains a pre-scripted setup for a state. Listed on the side ingame.	Galaxies
setup_scenarios	Controls the logic for dissimilar sizes of galaxies.	Galaxies

Stellaris/sound/ [edit | edit source]

Folder/File	Summary	Guides
*.asset	Sets up sounds.	Sound
*.wav	A sound file.	Sound

Overwriting specific elements [edit | edit source]

See also: #Modern load order

Occasionally, information technology is possible to overwrite a specific game chemical element without needing to replace the entire vanilla file. In some cases adding an element with a similar identifier (id or key) into another file will indistinguishable that chemical element for the game. But in other cases, the version that comes first (First In, But Served; FIOS)/concluding (Last In, But Served; LIOS) volition be used instead.^[2] The gild in which files are candy is based on ASCIIbetical social club of the filenames. If the names are the same, they'll exist processed based on the displayed order in the launcher (or loading template). Before patch ii.5 the load order was the reverse-ASCIIbetical order of the mod brandish name, with vanilla always being first (if it's at the top of the mod list, it'll be loaded last). Note that if there are multiple mods with the aforementioned display proper noun, simply the ane whose modernistic file comes first, will be used.

Note that this feature is not documented and thus might be field of study to arbitrary changes between versions.

Common binder [edit | edit source]

Folder	Overwrite			Contents
Folder	Type	Error Log	Notes	Contents
achievements
agendas	LIOS	Object key already exists		Agenda definitions and weights.
ai_budget				What fractions of its resource the AI wants to spend on things.
ai_espionage				None (all content in subfolders)
├───operations
└───spynetworks
ambient_objects				Graphics objects.
anomalies	LIOS	Object key already exists		Anomaly description keys, images, spawn chances and conditions, and event pointers.
archaeological_site_types				Archaeology Site definitions.
armies	LIOS	Object central already exists		Regular army type definitions.
artifact_actions	LIOS	Object fundamental already exists		Minor Artifact artifact action definitions.
ascension_perks	LIOS	[None] since three.Ten	Pre version three.X: [Error log] Object key already exists	Ascension Perk definitions.
asteroid_belts				Graphics for asteroid belts.
attitudes	LIOS	Object primal already exists		AI Mental attitude definitions.
bombardment_stances	LIOS	Object key already exists		Orbital battery type definitions.
buildings	LIOS since 3.iii	Object key already exists	Pre version iii.3: Breaks auto-generated modifiers	Building definitions.
button_effects
bypass	LIOS	Object primal already exists		Featherbed type definitions.
casus_belli	LIOS	Object key already exists		Casus Belli conditions.
colony_automation				How player colonies controlled by automated sector management determine which districts and buildings to build. Each designation has its ain script. Not used past AI empires.
colony_automation_exceptions				Conditional overrides to automated sector management.
colony_types	LIOS	Object fundamental already exists		Colony Designation definitions.
colors				RGB country and species colour sets.
component_sets	FIOS	Object key already exists		Ship component icon and frame consignment.
component_slot_templates				Graphics assignments for weapon slot types.
component_tags				Listing of referenceable tags assignable to ship components.
component_templates	FIOS	Object key already exists		Transport component definitions.
country_container
country_customization				Which capital building types and robot portraits empires apply.
country_types	LIOS	[None] since 3.X	Pre version iii.X: [Mistake log] Object key already exists	Rules for empires, enclaves, and other country types.
crisis_levels	LIOS			Become the Crisis rise perk crisis level definitions.
crisis_objectives	LIOS			Menace rewards for completing Become the Crisis objectives.
decisions	LIOS/DUPL	Object cardinal already exists	Entire override ONLY.	Decision definitions and AI weights.
defines	LIOS	[none]	The cake the define is in must be included too. Eastward.g.: `NGameplay = { POLICY_YEARS = 10 }`	Global variables and settings.
deposit_categories				Listing of orbital deposit and planetary feature categories.
deposits	LIOS	Object key already exists		Orbital deposit, planetary feature, and blocker definitions and drop weights.
diplo_phrases				Diplomatic phrase keys and weather for diplomatic deportment.
diplomatic_economy	LIOS	Object key already exists		Diplomatic agreement costs.
diplomatic_actions	NO/LIOS	Object key already exists	Unabridged override ONLY.	Diplomatic activeness conditions.
districts	LIOS since 3.three	Object key already exists	Pre version three.3: Breaks car-generated modifiers	District definitions.
dynamic_text
economic_categories	LIOS	Object key already exists		Definitions and modifier generation for economic categories used by resource blocks and AI budgets. Includes chore categories and subcategories which decide which modifiers use to which jobs
economic_plans				AI empire resource income goals.
edicts	LIOS	Object central already exists		Edict definitions and AI weights.
espionage_assets	LIOS		Entire override : PASS	infiltration Espionage asset definitions.
espionage_operation_categories				infiltration List of espionage operation and intel categories.
espionage_operation_types	LIOS		Unabridged override : PASS	infiltration Espionage functioning definitions.
ethics	LIOS	[none]	Might break "selected ethic" graphic if too many Ethics; Warning: Due to new multiple ethics files, the auto-generated file will randomly break off as some empires accept no ethics when randomly generated. So entire overwrite is suggested.	Empire ethic definitions and ethic attraction modifiers.
event_chains	FIOS	[none]		Event chain image assignment and referenceable counters.
fallen_empires				Fallen empire definitions.
federation_law_categories				Federation law category consignment.
federation_laws				Federation law definitions and AI weights.
federation_perks				Federation perk definitions.
federation_types				Federation type definitions.
first_contact				Kickoff contact progression definitions.
galactic_community_actions				Costs to perform special galactic community actions.
galactic_focuses				Galactic focus definitions.
game_rules	LIOS	[none]		Tooltip generating conditions.
global_ship_designs	FIOS	A ship design already exists		Premade ship designs.
governments	LIOS	Object key already exists		Government blazon conditions, ruler titles, and election candidate weights.
├───regime	LIOS	Object central already exists	Specific override is incommunicable. Entries override ONLY.	Authority definitions.
└───civics	LIOS	Object key already exists		Borough and origin definitions.
graphical_culture				Graphics info for transport skins.
greeting_overlay_sounds
intel_categories				Which data is revealed by specific intel category levels.
intel_levels				Assigns intel category levels to intel level.
lawsuits				Unused
leader_classes	LIOS	Object fundamental already exists		Leader blazon definitions.
mandates	LIOS	Object key already exists		Mandate definitions.
map_modes	LIOS	Object primal already exists		Map manner definitions.
megastructures	LIOS	Object key already exists		Megastructure definitions.
menace_perks				Become the Crisis perk definitions.
message_types				Alert message icon definitions.
name_lists				Sets of random names for ships, fleets, armies, planets, and leaders.
notification_modifiers
observation_station_missions	DUPL/LIOS		Unabridged override ONLY.	Observation mail service mission definitions and AI weights.
on_actions	NO/MERGE	[none]	Cannot change existing entries; new entries will exist merged with the existing entry with the same Proper name={}. Load order is top first.	Assigns events to be triggered when certain game actions happen.
opinion_modifiers	DUPL/LIOS	[none]	`add_opinion_modifier` is LIOS	Opinion modifiers and conditions.
personalities	LIOS	Object primal already exists		AI Personality definitions and weights.
planet_classes	LIOS since 3.iii	[none]	Pre version iii.3: DUPL – breaks habitability modifiers if individually overwritten.	Celestial torso graphics and definitions.
planet_modifiers	LIOS	Object key already exists		Random planet modifier spawn chances.
policies	LIOS	Object key already exists	Existing Object key can be override with `NAME = {}`	Policy definitions and AI weights.
pop_categories	LIOS	Object key already exists		Pop category blazon definitions.
pop_faction_types	LIOS	Object key already exists		Faction demands, join conditions, allure modifiers, and deportment.
pop_jobs	LIOS since iii.3	Object key already exists	Pre version 3.three: [Type] NO – Breaks machine-generated modifiers if overwriting a specific job and not the whole file.	Task definitions and auto-assignment weights.
precursor_civilizations				List of Precursor civilizations and weather.
random_names				Components for randomly generated Empire, Federation, Faction, First Contact, and State of war names.
└───base				Lists of angelic object names and randomly generated species name affixes.
relics	NO	Object with key already exists		Relic definitions and AI triumph weights.
resolution_categories				Defines which category private resolutions are in and the category icon.
resolution_groups	LIOS	Object with key already exists		Assigns frames and text colors to resolution categories.
resolutions	LIOS	Object with key already exists		Resolution definitions and AI weights.
script_values				Dynamically calculated referenceable value.
scripted_effects	LIOS	Object key already exists		Scripted furnishings.
scripted_loc				Dynamic localization.
scripted_triggers	LIOS	Object key already exists		Boolean trigger conditions.
scripted_variables	FIOS	Variable name taken		Global variables.
section_templates	NO DUPL/FIOS	Indistinguishable department template found. Multiple sections are named …	Warning: existing tin can't be overwritten, used ships/starbases will get deleted.	Ship section definitions.
sector_focuses	LIOS	Object key already exists		Sector automation construction weights.
sector_types				Sector definitions.
ship_behaviors	FIOS	Behavior proper name already exists		Transport AI.
ship_sizes	LIOS	Object key already exists		Transport chassis definitions, including Starbases and spaceborne aliens.
situations				State of affairs definitions.
solar_system_initializers	FIOS	Initializer already exists		Predefined solar systems, some including country, colony, and/or fleet generation.
special_projects	FIOS	Object key already exists		Special project definitions.
species_archetypes	LIOS since 3.iii	Object key already exists	Pre version 3.3: Breaks car-generated modifiers.	Assigns Trait Points and Trait sets to Species archetypes.
species_classes	LIOS	Object key already exists		Assigns portraits, species classic, and graphical civilization to species classes.
species_names				Lists for randomly generating species names.
species_rights	LIOS	Object key already exists	Effect tooltips are independent of the effects.	Species rights definitions and AI weights.
star_classes	FIOS			Spawn odds and planet generation rules and ecology hazards based on the central star or star set.
starbase_buildings	DUPL/LIOS	Object key already exists	Unabridged override Just.	Starbase building definitions and AI weight modifiers.
starbase_levels	LIOS	Object key already exists		Starbase chassis definitions.
starbase_modules	DUPL/LIOS	Object key already exists	Entire override ONLY.	Starbase module definitions.
starbase_types	LIOS	Object primal already exists		Starbase designation weather condition, AI ratios, and AI buildings & module weights.
start_screen_messages	FIOS	[none]	The first valid function for each location will be used and the rest discarded without event.	Localization keys and conditions used to assemble the game start message.
static_modifiers	LIOS	[none]		Modifier definitions.
strategic_resources	FIOS	[none]		All resource definitions.
subjects	LIOS	[None]	Functions are limited/restricted by: `diplomatic_actions` and `game_rules`	Discipline empire type definitions.
system tooltips				Tooltips displayed when hovering over a organization.
system_types	LIOS	Object fundamental already exists		System designation type conditions and weights.
engineering science	LIOS*	Indistinguishable technology: [tech]	LIOS overrides mostly even so work despite the DUPL-type error entry. Still, if the overwriting tech lacks a "potential" block, it volition inherit the "potential" cake from the overwritten tech.	Engineering science definitions, drop weights, and AI weights.
├───category				List of inquiry categories and icon assignments.
└───tier	LIOS			List of technology tiers. Defines number of previous tier tech requirements.
terraform	DUPL	[none]		Terraforming costs and atmospheric condition for every valid planet blazon pair.
trade_conversions	LIOS	Object key already exists		Trade Policy definitions.
tradition_categories	LIOS	Object key already exists		Tradition tree definitions and AI weights.
traditions	LIOS	Object fundamental already exists	Effect tooltips are independent of the effects.	Individual tradition definitions, including adoption and finisher effects.
traits	DUPL/NO	[none]	Entire override Just.	Leader trait and species trait definitions.
war_goals	LIOS	Object central already exists		War goal definitions, conditions, and AI weights.

FIOS – First in, only served.

LIOS – Concluding in, only served

DUPL – Duplicates

NO – Cannot individually overwrite

Please note that not everything could be tested extensively.

Localisation binder [edit | edit source]

Localisation is likely LIOS

A guide for overwriting localisation can be establish here.

Events folder [edit | edit source]

Events are treated as FIOS

Interface folder [edit | edit source]

Interface is likely LIOS

Tools & utilities [edit | edit source]

Tools [edit | edit source]

Notepad++ – Powerful editor to alter files.
WinMerge – Contrasts the difference between two text files. Useful for updating mods.
VSCodium – Powerful, hackable, free open source editor. Use with CWTools extension, powerful syntax checker for Paradox games.
VS Code – Powerful, hackable, free editor from Microsoft (based on open up source code). Apply with CWTools extension, powerful syntax checker for Paradox games.
Maya exporter – Clausewitz Maya Exporter to create your own 3D models.
Spaceship Generator – A Blender script to procedurally generate 3D spaceships
paint.net – Freeware software for digital photo editing
Irony Mod Manager – Modern Managing director with conflict solver for Paradox Games
Stellaris Galaxy Generator – by BlackPhoenix134 (preview)
Static Galaxy Generator – A static milky way generator and editor for your mods. (How to use)
Sublime Text – Powerful, moddable, hackable text editor. Install packages as your needs evolve.
Random Empire Generator – by u/MarinusWA0.
List of Stellaris triggers, modifiers and effects – for most game versions since launch, includes compare between Stellaris patches GitHub characteristic.

Help links [edit | edit source]

Steam Workshop – The place for where you lot tin share your creations with other players.
The Stellaris Modding Den – the key modding discord for Stellaris.
Stellaris Modding Subreddit
Paradox Graphics – A Comprehensive Guide – In-depth documentation for preparing 3d models for Clausewitz engine games similar Stellaris.

Advanced tips [edit | edit source]

For the bigger mods using a source control management tool (Git, …), it is handy to create a symbolic link betwixt Stellaris mod folder and the working directory of the local repository, particularly if the mod also has sub-mods. Notation that you lot'll still demand to copy the .mod file(s) manually, only they rarely change. Run the following command from the parent directory of main git folder, replacing:
- <mod_path_name> by the value of path attribute from .mod file
- <git_mod_folder> by the name of the sub-binder that contain mod data (folders common, decisions, events, etc…)

mklink /J "%USERPROFILE%\Documents\Paradox Interactive\Stellaris\mod\<mod_path_name>" ".\<git_mod_folder>"

Testing Mods [edit | edit source]

Certain, more than obscure Console commands (that don't show up if you type 'help' in the console) are extremely useful in the process of testing a modern and more than specific alterations.

observe – switches yous to Observer Manner. You will no longer play as any specific graphic symbol – this will allow the game to run for a long period of time, uninterrupted. It besides makes every invisible trait and secret organized religion visible.
run <filename.txt> – runs script in a txt file located in the in the Documents install directory. Information technology will be executed from the player's scope. Useful for testing tricky scripts – you lot can just have the script open in a different window, run information technology, tweak the script, save it, and run it again – it will be recompiled every time.
reloadevents – reloads and recompiles every single event (may take a while depending on your hardware). Useful if you want to tweak an entire event or chain of events without rebooting the game every time. non all the same implemented
~~reloadloc~~ reload text – reloads the entire localisation table. Useful if you lot spot a typo while testing your mod, or if you are trying to fit every bit much text in an event frame as possible.

Troubleshooting mod installation [edit | edit source]

Multiplayer requires aforementioned modern listing and load gild for all players.

Try reload mods button in launcher. All installed mods > Reload installed mods.

Cheque if non-ASCII characters exist in the address of the mod folder.

Verify integrity of Stellaris installation files (for Steam correct click on Stellaris > Backdrop > Local files > Verify). Warning: Verification tool does not check for whatever additional files put into the installation folder, and those might still alter the checksum. Cheque patch notes and compare your unmodded game (vanilla) with reference checksum.

Make certain your antivirus is not blocking the launcher. It might do so silently without a warning.

Check if your OneDrive ran out space or is disconnected if you are using it (you lot might not know that you are).

If y'all have a mod both as a local and as a workshop subscription game will refuse to load information technology. Remove or move one, including root Stellaris/mod/.mod file

Delete Paradox Launcher database files every bit they might be corrupted (backup get-go):

Do the steps on bespeak v at #Purging all mods.
In the Paradox Launcher use Mods > Reload installed mods.

If you are using Irony Mod Manager do not fire Conflict Solver unless you intend to apply it. Conflict Solver creates list of conflicts and generates overwrites for each i based on your load order. So if you alter modern composition of a drove or load order you have to rerun conflict solver each time (alternatively delete patch binder in /Stellaris/mod/) You tin purge Irony settings stored in .roaming/Mario/ if y'all ever demand to.

Purging all mods [edit | edit source]

This will reset your mod settings completely (nuclear pick!):

Quit Stellaris and Stellaris (Paradox) Launcher
Unsubscribe from all mods. Stellaris Workshop -> Your files (under your avatar) -> Subscribed items – > Unsubscribe From All .
Quit Steam
Go to SteamLibrary\steamapps\workshop\content\281990 and delete everything.
Go to the Stellaris settings folder (one above the mod folder) and delete the following files (some of these might non be nowadays in the bodily version):
- dlc_load.json
- game_data.json (but pre ii.8 launcher)
- mods_registry.json (but pre ii.viii launcher)
- launcher-v2.sqlite (since 2.8 beta launcher)
- in settings.txt everything within last_mods={ }
Restart Steam.
Open Paradox launcher.
Close Paradox launcher.
Resubscribe to your mods.
Expect UNTIL ALL DOWNLOADS ARE Washed. Practise NOT Beginning PARADOX LAUNCHER UNTIL DOWNLOADS ARE COMPLETE.
Start Paradox Launcher.
Close Paradox launcher.

Modernistic load order [edit | edit source]

Ordering mods incorrectly can lead to problems in game. Mods that edit the same game files will disharmonize. The following section will give general tips on load order and a general load order guide. Ordering mods correctly volition reduce problems, simply is not guaranteed to fix all problems.

General Tips

Mods at the summit of the list are loaded outset, mods lower down will overwrite.
Endeavour to build a modernistic listing around 1 or two large mods. Large mod examples are Gigastructural Engineering, ACOT, ZOFE, NSC, ESC, etc. Trying to brand a mod pack office with many big mods requires avant-garde modding abilities such equally custom coding/scripting. Load society correctness volition only go and then far.
Mods can be ordered in two ways.
- Irony Mod Manager (IMM): In IMM mods tin can be ordered in the right hand Collection Mods panel. Mods can be moved by clicking and holding the left mouse push while dragging the mod up or down the listing. A mod tin also exist moved by editing their order number, or moved to offset/last position or moved up or downwardly by one position using the arrow icons to the left and correct of the modernistic number. Once ordering is washed click apply.
- Paradox Launcher: Like to IMM y'all can drag a mod up or down, or renumber the mod to change its society.
Mods starting time with ~ get at the very peak of the list.
Mods beginning with ! go to the very bottom (some exceptions).
The more ! a modernistic has the farther down it goes (a !! modern will be below a ! mod).
Mods that resolve conflicts (patch mods) between 2 or more than mods get anywhere below the mods they patch. A section after all your normal mods is probably amend for system and visualization.
Mods that are submods go beneath the primary modern. For example, Planetary Diversity would be higher in the load order, and the sub modules (such equally Planetary Diversity – Exotic Worlds) go below Planetary Diversity main modernistic.

General Order

Sort mods z to a – then move the mods around using the beneath list as a guide.
The list is comprised of modern blazon categories. A modernistic category higher in the list has lower priority and will exist overwritten by conflicting mods lower in the listing. The numbers in the list practise not indicate priority. For case, the mod category Unofficial patches is position 1. AI mods are position ii. AI mods are lower in the listing, and as such will overwrite Unofficial patches if there is a conflict.
Examples of mods that vest to a category will be given in brackets. The order of the mods in the bracket has nothing to exercise with load order, they are only examples of types of mods.

Unofficial patches e'er go at the very top (Ariphaos Unofficial Patch, Community Patch) (annotation that community flash patch reverts ariphaos fixes in a number of places. If not patching with Irony Conflict solver, don't use community patch.)
AI mods, which includes mods that edit AI economies (Starnet, Galvius, Better Ultimate Economic Plan, etc.)
- Information technology is highly inadvisable to use more than i AI modern, unless you lot know what you are doing.
Map generation mods (More Natural Looking Galaxies)
Prerequisite mods (Guillis Planetary Modifiers, Amazing Space Battles, SLEX)
Music mods (Infinite Ambient Music)
Namelist mods (Simply Star Names, Lithoid Namelist)
Species mods (new species and edits to existing ones, such as Trace'due south Amend Necroids)
Trait and leader mods (Trait Diversity, Merged Leader Levels)
Content addition mods (Generally these are mods that add extra content to the game such as origins, events, archæology, stories. Examples include Precursor Story Pack, Origins Extended, More Events Mod)
Flag/Emblem mods (Just More Flags, StarClan Emblems)
Room/background mods (Diverse Rooms, Backgrounds Drove)
Cityscape mods (Collection of Cities, Interesting Cities)
Federation/Vassal mods (Exalted Domination – Vassals and Tributaries, Federation Expanded)
General gameplay mods that don't fit anywhere else (jump Gates, L-Cluster Access, Invasion! SA)
Shipset mods (Dark Necroid Ships, NSC and NSC submods. Put NSC below all other shipset mods)
Technology mods (Examples are Gigastructural Technology, ACOT, ZOFE, Upper Limits, Technology Dominant, Extra Ship Components (ESC) (if using ACOT and ZOFE, make sure to identify the mod Acquisition of Technology (ACT) beneath them, and place ESC below ACOT, ZOFE and Act)
Space affecting mods (Real space, Immersive Milky way)
UI Overhaul mods (UI Overhaul Dynamic (UIOD), Tiny Ship Components)
Planetary Multifariousness and its submods
Tradition and ascension perk mods (Plentiful traditions, Expanded Stellaris Rising Perks. These should go below UIOD just higher up their UIOD Patches)
Ethics & Civics mods (Ideals and Civics Redux, Civics Expanded – These should go below UIOD just above their UIOD Patches)
UIOD Overrides (Dark Blue UI Overhaul, Immersive Beautiful Stellaris/Universe)
Fix and tweak mods (Ambitious Crisis Engine, Necroids Bug Fix, Reduce Aura Graphics, Diplomacy Adjustments)
Patch mods (UIOD Patches, !Patch ESC Combined Ships in Scaling Lite, !Patch – Cubemap Fix, !!Universal Modifiers Patch, ! The Merger of Rules)
- In that location are two types of patch mods. First are patch mods that resolve conflicts between several mods, for example Real Space (one) System Calibration (two) Gigastructural Engineering (3) Patch.
- Adjacent, there are omnibus/full general patch mods. These mods change game behaviour to account for many mods, for case The Merger of Rules, Universal Resource Patch.
- Place omnibus/general patch mods Below patch mods that resolve conflicts for a few mods.

External links [edit | edit source]

Stellaris Dev Diary #31: Modding (Scripting Anomalies)
Stellaris Dev Diary #32: Modding art
Stellaris Dev Diary #182: The Perils of Scripting and How to Avoid Them
Stellaris Dev Diary #204: Scripting Language and Moddability Improvements
Stellaris Dev Diary #240: Scripting Improvements in 3.iii

Meet likewise [edit | edit source]

Mods

References [edit | edit source]

↑ VDF is a ad-hoc file format designed by Valve to support storage of hierarchical data, which is besides used past Steam. Open VDF parser: https://github.com/rossengeorgiev/vdf-parser/, for .Internet
↑ forum:990537

[1] VDF is a ad-hoc file format designed by Valve to support storage of hierarchical data, which is besides used past Steam. Open VDF parser: https://github.com/rossengeorgiev/vdf-parser/, for .Internet

[2] rum:990537