Changes

==Intro==

==Intro==

===How XNB mods work===

===What are XNB files?===

The game stores data in a compressed format with the <tt>.xnb</tt> file extension inside its <tt>Content</tt> folder. For example, Abigail's portrait shown during dialogue is from <tt>Content\Portraits\Abigail.xnb</tt>. Each <tt>.xnb</tt> file contains two files: the data file (like an image), and a metadata file (information about the data file). For example, here's what's inside <tt>Content\Portraits\Abigail.xnb</tt>:

The game stores data in a compressed format with the <tt>.xnb</tt> file extension inside its <tt>Content</tt> folder. For example, Abigail's portrait shown during dialogue is from <tt>Content\Portraits\Abigail.xnb</tt>. Each <tt>.xnb</tt> file contains two files: the data file (like an image), and a metadata file (information about the data file). For example, here's what's inside <tt>Content\Portraits\Abigail.xnb</tt>:

* <tt>Abigail.yaml</tt> contains metadata about <tt>Abigail.png</tt> (like what type of file it is). You don't need to worry about this file, since you generally won't be changing it.

* <tt>Abigail.yaml</tt> contains metadata about <tt>Abigail.png</tt> (like what type of file it is). You don't need to worry about this file, since you generally won't be changing it.

An XNB mod replaces some of the game's XNB data files, which lets you change images (like portraits, NPCs, or buildings), data (like crop information or dialogue), or maps (including map behaviour like warps and minigames). XNB mods can also add entirely new content (like new NPCs).

An XNB mod replaces some of the game's XNB files to change images (like portraits, NPCs, or buildings), data (like crop information or dialogue), or maps (including map behaviour like warps and minigames). XNB mods can also add new content (like new NPCs).

===XNB vs SMAPI mods===

'''Note:''' [[Modding:Creating a SMAPI mod|creating SMAPI mods]] is recommended instead if feasible. SMAPI is a modding API that lets you change the game using code. SMAPI mods are more powerful, easier to install and remove, and allow multiple mods to change the same content. They do require writing code though. See [[Modding:Player FAQs]] for more info about the two kinds of mod.

SMAPI is a modding API that lets you change the game using code. SMAPI mods are more powerful, easier to install and remove, and allow multiple mods to change the same content. On the other hand, SMAPI requires you to write code which some modders aren't comfortable with. If you have programming experience, [[Modding:Creating a SMAPI mod|creating a SMAPI mod]] is recommended instead if feasible.

 

See [[Modding:Player FAQs]] for more info about the two kinds of mod.

===Where can I get help?===

===Where can I get help?===