---
title: Changing ship properties
summary: A practical XML mod that changes Elite Vanguard hull strength from 1800 to 3600.
section: data
kind: example
status: example
tags: ["X4","modding","editing","parameters"]
sources: ["https://wiki.egosoft.com/X4%20Foundations%20Wiki/Modding%20Support/"]
---
## Find the actual field


The locally inspected X4 9.00 macro `ship_arg_s_fighter_02_a_macro` has `properties/hull/@max = 1800`. This example sets an absolute value of 3600. The source structure and selector were checked against the installed game. The new extension itself was not separately run in game.



## Mod structure


Complete example files are in `wiki/examples/elite_hull`. Place a unique `content.xml` directly at the extension root and the diff at the original macro's relative path. The manifest below targets game version 9.00.




```text
wiki_elite_hull/
├── content.xml
└── assets/units/size_s/macros/
    └── ship_arg_s_fighter_02_a_macro.xml
```




```xml
<content id="wiki_elite_hull" name="Wiki: Elite Hull" version="100"
         author="Your name" enabled="1" save="1"
         description="Sets Elite Vanguard hull to 3600.">
  <dependency version="900" />
</content>
```

## Apply a targeted patch


The diff changes one attribute of one macro. It does not copy the whole original ship definition into the extension. Keeping the change narrow reduces unnecessary conflicts.




```xml
<diff>
  <replace sel="/macros/macro[@name='ship_arg_s_fighter_02_a_macro']/properties/hull/@max">3600</replace>
</diff>
```

## Verify the change


1. Confirm that X4 detects and enables the extension.
2. Check for diff application errors.
3. Compare the selected variant's maximum hull with the original.
4. Test a new instance and an already saved ship separately.
5. Save and reload the test game.



Changing maximum hull is not a repair command for a damaged ship. A later-loading mod may change the same attribute.



## Other properties


Mass, cargo, engines and crew may live in different linked definitions. Do not assume a universal speed or capacity field. Read [macros and components](wiki:ship-macros), [XML diffs](wiki:xml-patches) and [downloadable examples](wiki:examples).