How to make a mod that makes enemies spawn outside of settlements.(Mod)

 

Creating a mod to make enemies spawn outside of settlements in a Fallout game involves several steps. You'll need to use the Creation Kit, which is the official modding tool for Bethesda games, along with some knowledge of scripting and level design. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Set Up Your Tools

1. Download and Install the Creation Kit:

   • Obtain the Creation Kit for Fallout 4 (or the appropriate version for your game) through the Bethesda launcher or Steam.

2. Familiarize Yourself with the Creation Kit:

   • Spend some time learning the basics of the Creation Kit interface and how to create, modify, and save plugins (ESP files).

Step 2: Identify Settlements and Define Spawn Areas

1. Open the Creation Kit and Load Your Game’s Data:

   • Load the Fallout4.esm (or appropriate master file) in the Creation Kit.

2. Locate Settlement Cells:

   • Use the Cell View window to find and load the cells that contain the settlements. Settlements usually have “Workshop” in their cell names.

3. Define Spawn Points Outside Settlements:

   • In the cells surrounding each settlement, find appropriate locations to place enemy spawn points. These should be close enough to pose a threat but not so close that they spawn directly within settlement boundaries.

Step 3: Create Enemy Spawn Points

1. Place New Spawn Markers:

   • In the Render window, navigate to the location outside the settlement where you want enemies to spawn.
   • Right-click in the Render window and choose “New” to create a new object.
   • Select the type of spawn marker you want to use (e.g., “NPC Marker” or specific enemy type markers).

2. Configure Spawn Marker Properties:

   • Double-click on the spawn marker to open its properties.
   • Set the type of enemies that will spawn (e.g., Raiders, Super Mutants).
   • Adjust the spawn frequency, timing, and any other relevant settings.

Step 4: Implement Scripts (Optional for Advanced Behavior)

1. Create New Scripts or Use Existing Ones:

   • If you want more control over the behavior of enemy spawns, you might need to write or modify Papyrus scripts.
   • In the Object Window, navigate to Miscellaneous > Script.
   • Right-click and select “New Script” to create a new script.

2. Write the Spawn Logic:

   • Write scripts to control when and how enemies spawn. For example, you could create scripts to trigger spawns based on player actions or in-game events.
   • Use the Papyrus scripting language to handle these conditions.

3. Attach Scripts to Spawn Markers:

   • Attach your scripts to the spawn markers or appropriate game objects.

Step 5: Testing and Balancing

1. Save Your Plugin:

   • Save your changes as a new plugin (ESP file).

2. Test In-Game:

   • Launch Fallout and load your mod to test the new enemy spawn points.
   • Ensure that enemies spawn outside settlements as intended and that they behave correctly.

3. Balance Spawn Rates:

   • Adjust spawn rates, enemy types, and other settings based on your testing to ensure the game remains balanced and challenging.

Step 6: Finalize and Publish Your Mod

1. Finalize Your Mod:

   • Make any final adjustments and ensure there are no conflicts or bugs.

2. Package and Publish:

   • Package your mod files correctly, including the ESP file and any associated scripts or assets.
   • Publish your mod on platforms like Nexus Mods or Bethesda.net, providing clear installation instructions and a detailed description.

Example Spawn Point Setup in Papyrus Script (Simplified):

papyrus
Scriptname MyEnemySpawner extends ObjectReference

ActorBase Property EnemyType Auto
Float Property SpawnInterval = 600.0 ; Time in seconds between spawns
Int Property MaxEnemies = 5
Int CurrentEnemyCount = 0

Event OnInit()
    RegisterForSingleUpdate(SpawnInterval)
EndEvent

Event OnUpdate()
    if CurrentEnemyCount < MaxEnemies
        PlaceAtMe(EnemyType, 1, true)
        CurrentEnemyCount += 1
    endif
    RegisterForSingleUpdate(SpawnInterval)
EndEvent

Event OnCellDetach()
    UnregisterForUpdate()
EndEvent

This script would be attached to a spawn marker and would spawn a specified enemy type at regular intervals, up to a maximum number of enemies.

By following these steps, you can create a mod that enhances the immersion and challenge of Fallout by making enemies spawn strategically outside of settlements.