Getting started...

[TheJonesy]

I know this topic may have come up quite of few times, but I'm in a dilemma. Your topics and tutorials are informative, but I have no idea what your saying. Yes, I'm new at this and very fascinated, so can someone please tell me what I need, what to do, and how to get started? Thank You...

[Ben]

You'll need to be more specific. There are many different ways to mod a GTA game, and, as such, there are different tools and methods used to go about it. I'd recommend NOT starting with San Andreas as it's a lot more complex in terms of files and their roles compared to GTA3 and VC.

 

The first thing I'd recommend is finding a tutorial that suits your needs and explains how to do what it is that you want to do. Next, you'll need to familiarise yourself with the files you'll be modding - find out where they are in your GTA folder, and find out how to open them (Google the filename if you can't find the answer here). Then it's just a case of familiarising yourself with the tool, and practising making the changes you'd like until you get them how you want to. Some things are really simple - editing a vehicle's handling, for example, is as easy as opening up handling.cfg with Notepad and changing some values (although using a handling editor would probably be better). Modelling, on the other hand, is a bit more complicated .

 

That is, of course, assuming that you want to mod the game yourself, as opposed to installing mods made by someone else. In that case, you'll need to follow the readme included - if it sucks at giving instructions, then post here what the mod is and what type of mod it is (for example, is it a mission mod or are you trying to replace a vehicle?).

 

That should get you started on the right track - good luck .

 

Oh, and I forgot to mention that the most important part of any modding endeavour is to BACK UP YOUR ORIGINAL FILES FIRST! It'll save you a lot of hassles in the long run.

[TheJonesy]

THANK YOU...I just needed a hint for help. The one thing about tutorials, is that they talk about stuff AFTER you get the tools. I just need help finding and changing files along with the right programs. I know I should start with easier, but I really want to mod SA. I don't exactly plan on making my own, just using already created ones (vehicles, skins, etc.) I don't plan on making my own for a while.

 

So, can anybody, who's experience, help me again. And again, thank you BEN, live saver!

[TheJonesy]

...another question...How do you back up files and prevent your computer from messing up? And also, how do you put in a mod someone created, download it from a website, and put it into the game?

 

I NEED HELP...I'M DESPERATE!!!!!

[92F]

To backup, you just need to copy and paste the files into another folder.

 

The files you'd need to backup would be the gta.img, handling, default, carcols and carmods files. Any other files you change, it would be wise to copy them before modding.

 

To install mods into the game follow this tutorial: Link

[TheJonesy]

Me again,

I know there is a whole tutorial on this, but just as yes or no, does installing and changing mods in SA really differ between version 2.0 and the older versions?

 

(If there is, can you kind of help describe exactly what they are talking about in the "Modding 2.0" tutorial...I got IMG Tool, but not the other one said in the tutorial...)

 

I know I'm a pain in the @$$, but please help...

Edited May 14, 2007 by TheJonesy