mod installation order?

[Dubious]

To elaborate a bit:

Component mods will need to be manually added to the "components.txt" file if you don't want to wipe out whatever has already been added to it. Since the TDM uses only the standard components file, you can install it and replace it's component file with the same file from a really extensive mod, such as Devnull's. But additional mods must then be added to it line by line. The same holds true for any other files (such as TechAreas) included in a mod, and as pointed out by Marty Ward, you will also have to change the AI and (probably) "emp" files for all the other races (both custom and default) before they will use the new "added" components. (Changes to existing components will be automatically implemented.) If you don't bother with changing the AIs, you will have a decided advantage over the other empires and ultimately be (unfairly) disappointed in the AI's performance.

In addition, when the next patch comes out, you will need to repeat the entire process unless you can determine that nothing has changed in the same "standard" files. (The "ExamDiff" tool in the Modders Tools archive is a help with this.)

All of this is why LemmyM is working on a "mod merger" tool or tools. (Give him some encouragement.)


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"All sources are dubious until their reliabilty has been repeatedly proven. Even then their information should be independently verified." - The unwritten "spooks handbook"

[This message has been edited by Dubious (edited 27 May 2001).]