Are you ready to tweak your Kerbal Space Program (KSP) universe to your exact specifications? Editing save files can unlock amazing possibilities, from rescuing stranded Kerbals to dramatically altering your in-game progress. This guide provides a safe and effective method for modifying your KSP save files, empowering you to become a true master of your space program.
Understanding KSP Save Files
Before diving into the editing process, it's crucial to understand what you're working with. KSP save files are essentially complex text files (using the .sfs extension) storing all the data about your game state – your vessels, Kerbals, technology, funds, and more. Modifying these files directly can have significant impacts, so proceed with caution. Always back up your save file before making any changes. A simple copy-paste to a new file is all you need to ensure you can revert to your original game state if something goes wrong.
Tools You'll Need
While you can technically edit these files using a plain text editor like Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac), it's strongly recommended to use a more advanced text editor designed for handling large, structured text files. These tools often have features like syntax highlighting and improved search functionality, making the process much easier and less prone to errors. Popular choices include:
- Notepad++ (Windows): Free, powerful, and widely used.
- Sublime Text (Windows, macOS, Linux): A highly versatile editor with a free version available.
- Atom (Windows, macOS, Linux): Another free and open-source option with many plugins.
The Editing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
This guide focuses on the most common edits – rescuing stranded Kerbals or altering funds. More advanced modifications require a deeper understanding of the KSP save file structure.
Step 1: Locate Your Save File
Your KSP save files are located within your game's save directory. The exact location varies depending on your operating system:
- Windows:
%USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\Squad\Kerbal Space Program - macOS:
~/Library/Application Support/Squad/Kerbal Space Program - Linux:
~/.local/share/Squad/Kerbal Space Program
Step 2: Backup Your Save File
Before even opening your save file, create a backup. Copy the .sfs file you wish to modify and paste it into a new location – this ensures you can restore the original if necessary.
Step 3: Open the Save File with Your Chosen Text Editor
Open the backup .sfs file using your selected text editor.
Step 4: Locate the Relevant Data
The save file is complex. Use the editor's search function (Ctrl+F or Cmd+F) to find specific values.
-
To rescue a stranded Kerbal: Search for the Kerbal's name. You'll find their status within the vessel data. Changing their
statusparameter fromDeadtoAlivewill revive them (though they may require additional adjustments to their health). -
To modify funds: Search for
"funds". You'll find a numerical value representing your current funds. Carefully change this number to adjust your in-game finances.
Step 5: Save Your Changes
Once you've made the necessary modifications, carefully save the changes to your edited file (remember, it's the backup you are editing).
Step 6: Load the Edited Save File in KSP
Load the edited save file in Kerbal Space Program. Verify that your changes have been successfully implemented.
Caution and Considerations
- Accidental Corruption: Incorrect edits can corrupt your save file rendering it unusable. Always back up your original before modifying it.
- Game Updates: Changes to the game's structure could make old editing methods ineffective.
- Cheat Detection: While editing save files is technically allowed, using it to gain unfair advantages in multiplayer modes is often against the terms of service.
By following this guide and exercising caution, you can safely and effectively edit your Kerbal Space Program save files. Remember to always back up your files, and explore the possibilities of your space program with confidence!
