FS25 Modding: Unveiling the New Features
Farming Simulator 25 is just around the corner, and the excitement among fans and modders is building. With the release of this highly anticipated installment, everyone is eager to see what new features and improvements the game will bring. While the initial announcement and trailer left much to the imagination regarding modding, FarmCon 24 provided a wealth of information from the developers, revealing some exciting updates.
Stefan Maurus, a programmer and lead integrator at GIANTS Software, gave a detailed presentation on the new modding features that will set FS25 apart from its predecessors. In this article, we’ll explore everything that was revealed at FarmCon 24, highlighting the new tools, features, and challenges that await the dedicated modding community as they dive into Farming Simulator 25.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most significant changes coming for modders in this latest version of the popular farming simulation game.
Enhanced Material System
The material system in previous games was functional but had room for improvement. FS25 addresses this with a more flexible and in-depth system. The new multi-material setup allows a single object to be assigned multiple materials, helping to optimize performance by reducing texture and shader issues. This enhancement means modders can create more realistic vehicles with greater ease, applying detailed textures and achieving a lifelike appearance without compromising performance.
One of the standout additions is the clear coat texture, which adds a glossy finish to vehicle paint and can be adjusted for different materials. Additionally, the game now includes a scanned list of colors, allowing modders to match the exact hues of real-world vehicles, resulting in even more authentic models.
- Multi-material setup allows for multiple materials on one mesh.
- Shader parameters and textures can vary across materials.
- Detailed textures can be customized for each material.
- Fully customizable materials offer greater creative freedom.
Merged Shadows and Lighting Improvements
FS25 introduces merged shadows, enhancing how vehicles interact with light sources. This improvement ensures that vehicles cast realistic shadows, even when illuminated by multiple light sources, without overloading the hardware. The update to the UV layout for static light functions and emissive maps further enhances lighting effects, improving system performance and reducing the strain on resources.
Dynamic Wheel Configurations
For modders who have struggled with generating extensive XML files for tire configurations, FS25 brings a much-needed relief. Dynamic wheel configurations allow modders to specify tire sizes, and the game automatically selects the appropriate tires from its database. This streamlines the modding process, ensuring consistency across brands and configurations while saving time and effort.
Standardized Dashboards and Improved Static Lights
Dashboards can now be standardized and shared across multiple vehicles, reducing redundancy and simplifying updates. When changes are made to a dashboard, they will automatically apply to all vehicles using that setup, saving modders the hassle of manually updating each one.
Lower Link Width Adjustments
Attaching tools to vehicles has often led to unrealistic behavior in previous games. The introduction of adjustable lower link widths in FS25 addresses this issue, allowing modders to set the correct width for each category. This improvement enhances functionality and realism, making tractors behave more accurately when connecting to implements.
Simplified Material and Animation Configurations
FS25 offers easier material and animation configurations for modders. By linking configurations through XML files, modders can quickly set up customized textures and animations, significantly reducing development time. This feature will be especially useful for creating complex mods with multiple components.
Refined I3D References and Collision Masks
The integration of I3D references has been refined, allowing non-essential visual elements to be flagged for runtime loading, which enhances overall game performance. The collision mask system has also been improved, enabling more precise physical interactions and simplifying the setup process for tools and attachments.
Maya and Blender Integration
Maya now fully supports the updated vehicle shader, providing a preview that matches in-game visuals. While Blender integration is still in progress, full support for the material system is expected to be available soon, offering modders a similar experience across both platforms.
Updated Modding Resources
The Blender Modding Book, set to be released on October 23, 2024, will offer comprehensive tutorials and step-by-step instructions for creating mods using Blender. This resource will be invaluable for modders looking to master the art of modding in FS25. Additionally, the Collector’s Edition of the game includes updated modding tutorials that focus on complex vehicles and the new material system, making it an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced modders.
Conclusion – What’s New for FS25 Modding?
As anticipated, Farming Simulator 25 brings significant advancements in modding, offering new features and tools that make the process easier and more efficient. These updates are not only a boon for experienced modders but also make it more accessible for newcomers to join the community.
With a focus on realism, improved functionality, and user-friendly tools, FS25 is set to enhance the modding experience like never before. The combination of updated features, comprehensive guides, and dedicated support from GIANTS Software ensures that the modding community will continue to thrive and expand.
Stay tuned for more updates on Farming Simulator 25, its features, and the exciting mods that the community is sure to create. The next generation of Farming Simulator is just around the corner!
