MODDING & MAPPING
This topic explains the creator tools currently prepared for Sector Rot, what they support and what modders and map creators should understand before starting a project.
Current Game Version
Sector Rot Version Alpha 0.8.1
Sector Rot is still in active development. The creator tools are updated alongside the game, so mods and maps should always mention the game version they were created for.
Creator Packages
Two separate creator packages are currently available:
Sector Rot Modding Kit
The Modding Kit is intended for creators who want to modify gameplay systems or create new content using editable data files.
It includes:
- Ready-to-edit templates
- Reference files from the game
- Example content
- Validation tools
- Packaging tools
- Mod installation structure
- Modding documentation
Supported content includes:
- Classes
- Perks
- Achievements
- Weapons
- Ammunition
- Enemies
- Loot
- Containers
- Difficulty settings
- Environment settings
- Colors
- Icons
- Audio
- Campaigns
- Game modes
- Open Run configuration
- Player Guide content
Mods are loaded separately from the original game data. Modders do not need access to the original Sector Rot source code.
Sector Rot Public Map Maker
The Public Map Maker is intended for players who want to create custom ASCII maps without using the internal development editor.
It allows creators to:
- Create new maps
- Resize the map canvas
- Place terrain and gameplay symbols
- Add walls, floors and environmental hazards
- Place doors and terminals
- Add enemies and containers
- Configure loot
- Add player spawn points
- Create exits and map transitions
- Validate the finished map
- Package the map as a map-only mod
The Public Map Maker contains only the tools needed for public map creation. The internal Sector Rot editor remains a separate development tool.
How Mods Work
Sector Rot uses a data-driven modding structure.
A mod is installed in its own folder and contains only the files that it adds or replaces. The original game files do not need to be edited.
This makes it easier to:
- Install and remove mods
- Keep the original game intact
- Test different projects
- Share mods with other players
- Detect missing or invalid files
- Update mods for future game versions
Each mod should include:
- A unique mod ID
- A visible mod name
- The author name
- The supported Sector Rot version
- A short description
- The required data files
- Optional icons, audio or custom maps
What Creators Need to Understand
Sector Rot is still an Alpha project.
Systems, data formats and validation rules may change between major versions. A mod created for an older version may require an update before it can be used with a newer release.
Creators should:
- Keep backups of their projects
- Use unique IDs for custom content
- Avoid editing original game files
- Validate the project before packaging it
- Mention the supported game version
- Test the mod or map in a separate profile
- Include clear installation instructions
- Report tool or documentation problems
The included validators are designed to detect common problems such as:
- Missing required fields
- Duplicate IDs
- Invalid symbols
- Broken map exits
- Missing spawn points
- Invalid item or enemy references
- Unsupported file paths
- Incorrect package structure
Maps and Gameplay Mods
A custom map can be released by itself as a map-only mod.
A larger project can combine:
- Custom maps
- New enemies
- New weapons
- New classes
- Custom loot
- Campaign data
- New game rules
- Custom audio and icons
This allows creators to build anything from a single survival map to a larger custom campaign or gameplay conversion.
Creator Rights
The Sector Rot Modding Kit and Public Map Maker are free for creators.
Sector Rot will not claim ownership over original content created by the community, including:
- Custom maps
- Original writing
- Custom artwork
- Original audio
- New gameplay concepts
- Custom campaigns
- Original mod content
Creators remain responsible for ensuring that the content they use belongs to them or that they have permission to use it.
Mods must not redistribute the paid Sector Rot game or its complete original data as a replacement download.
Getting the Tools
The Modding Kit and Public Map Maker are distributed as separate ZIP packages.
Contact me through the Sector Rot Discord and mention what you want to create:
- A custom map
- A map pack
- A gameplay mod
- New weapons or enemies
- A custom campaign
- A larger conversion
I will provide the appropriate creator package, documentation and templates.
Support and Feedback
Use the Modding & Mapping section for:
- Tool support
- Documentation questions
- Validation errors
- Map feedback
- Mod compatibility
- Feature requests
- Sharing development progress
- Finding collaborators
The goal is to make Sector Rot modding transparent, accessible and useful for both new creators and experienced modders.
Thank you for helping expand the world of Sector Rot.