Scope of comparison#
On 27 October 2026, Modding Support and linked primary materials were reviewed for XML, MD, maps, tools, packaging, Workshop and version changes. This wiki focuses on mod development; game walkthroughs and the complete ship encyclopedia remain in the official knowledge base.
Links below lead to our explanations. Each article lists its primary sources. This is a coverage map rather than a claim to have tested every engine feature.
Where to start#
| Task | Our articles |
|---|---|
| Understand an extension | First mod, content.xml |
| Extract and package files | X Catalog Tool, ext_ and subst_ |
| Change XML | Patches, selectors with expected results |
| Write MD | Cues, libraries, variables |
| Understand parameter types | Value types, XSD schemas |
| Build a ship | Macro/component, new ship, models |
| Work with the economy | Wares and production |
| Change the universe | Maps, highways, 9.00 resource areas |
| Change the interface | A custom window, Lua ↔ MD |
| Add an emblem | Custom logos |
| Update and distribute | 9.00 changes, multiple versions, Workshop |
Choose a source#
Establish the game version and layer first: XML data, MD, UI or assets. Read the primary material and current files from your own installation. An XR guide does not establish X4's action set; a 2018 article does not establish the 9.00 format.
Independent examples include expected results without claiming game verification. A source author's experiment is not our own game test either.
Remaining detailed guides#
Full step-by-step guides for character skins, custom paintmods, turret setup, multimats and docking interiors remain missing. A general modeling article does not cover them. Add these with an exact tool version, an independent minimal example and an observable result.
Propose material through GitHub. Do not attach complete game assets, other authors' mods, personal saves or private documents.