How to Edit Kerbal Save Files: A Science-Based Guide
Embarking on a journey through the cosmos with Kerbal Space Program (KSP) can be an exhilarating experience. However, as you progress, you might find yourself wanting to tweak your save files to enhance your gameplay. Editing Kerbal save files can be a bit of a science, and in this guide, we’ll delve into the intricacies of how to do it effectively.
Understanding Kerbal Save Files
Before diving into the editing process, it’s crucial to understand the structure of Kerbal save files. These files are stored in a directory called “saves” within your KSP installation folder. Each save file is a collection of XML files that contain various pieces of information about your game, including your Kerbal’s stats, spacecraft designs, and more.
When you edit these files, you’re essentially modifying the XML code that defines your game state. This can be a delicate process, as incorrect changes can lead to game crashes or corrupted save files. With that in mind, let’s explore some of the key aspects of Kerbal save files.
Locating and Accessing Save Files
Locating your Kerbal save files is relatively straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Open the KSP installation folder.
- Navigate to the “saves” directory.
- Here, you’ll find all your save files, each named with a timestamp and a unique identifier.
Once you’ve located your save files, you’ll need a text editor that can handle XML files. Notepad++ is a popular choice, as it provides syntax highlighting and other useful features for editing XML.
Editing Kerbal Save Files
Editing Kerbal save files involves making changes to the XML code. Here are some common modifications you might consider:
Modifying Kerbal Stats
One of the most popular reasons to edit Kerbal save files is to modify your Kerbal’s stats. This can include increasing or decreasing their health, oxygen, and other attributes. To do this, locate the Kerbal’s XML file within the save folder and search for the “kerbal” tag. Within this tag, you’ll find attributes like “kerbalClass” and “kerbalName.” You can modify these attributes to change your Kerbal’s class and name, respectively.
Customizing Spacecraft Designs
Another common edit is to customize your spacecraft designs. This involves modifying the XML files that define your spacecraft’s parts and configurations. To do this, locate the spacecraft’s XML file and search for the “part” tag. Within this tag, you can modify attributes like “name” and “type” to change the part’s name and type.
Adding New Parts and Modules
Some players enjoy adding new parts and modules to their KSP experience. This can be done by editing the “parts” and “modules” XML files. These files contain a list of all available parts and modules in the game. To add a new part or module, you’ll need to locate the appropriate XML file and add the new part’s or module’s XML code to the list.
Backup Your Save Files
Before making any changes to your Kerbal save files, it’s essential to create a backup. This ensures that you can revert to the original save file if something goes wrong. To create a backup, simply copy the entire save folder to a separate location on your computer.
Using Third-Party Tools
There are several third-party tools available that can simplify the process of editing Kerbal save files. These tools often provide a user-friendly interface and allow you to make changes without directly editing the XML code. Some popular third-party tools include:
