Editing Modding

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[[File:Double Swords.png|thumb|Through modding, a player wields two [[Energy Sword]]s at once, impossible in normal gameplay.]]

'''Modding''' is the act of altering aspects of a game by manipulating its program code and other resources. A number of things qualify as mods, ranging from palette swaps to the creation of entirely new maps. Some mods involve the alteration of game resources, while others run independently of a game and edit its working memory. Because modding is often used for cheating, it is not allowed on [[Xbox Live]] and the use of a modded Xbox on Xbox Live will result in a terminated account. However, modding can be done without penalty in [[Halo Custom Edition]], an expansion of [[Halo PC]].

Modding in the ''Halo'' series typically involves manipulation of a map's [[tags]].

== By game ==
=== Halo: Combat Evolved ===
[[File:Flying Warthog.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A flying Warthog in Halo Custom Edition.]]
Halo Custom Edition, an expansion to Halo PC, allows users to load and play user-made maps. Because all of the game's assets are stored as "tags" in map files, virtually everything that isn't part of the core game engine can be altered by a mapmaker. This, as one might expect, includes core map geometry, AI scripts, map scripts, textures, weather and skybox effects, sounds, [[weapons]], and [[vehicles]]. This system, combined with the availability of programs that extract tags from official [[campaign]] maps, makes it possible for mapmakers to create custom single-player campaigns, complete with [[cutscenes]].<ref>[http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?22692-Lumoria-Episode-1-Released '''Modacity:''' Lumoria Episode 1 Released]</ref>

"Hacks" are technically another form of modding. Hacks generally take the form of third-party programs that a user activates after starting the game. They operate by [[Wikipedia:Cheating in video games|reading and editing the game's working memory]]. Hacks usable by clients include aimbots, sightjacking programs<ref>[http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?11261-App-Sightjacker-for-1.04-1.07-1.08-1.09-PC '''Modacity:''' [App] Sightjacker for 1.04/1.07/1.08/1.09 PC]</ref>, third-person point-of-view<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=2645 '''Halomaps.org:''' Halo Third Person Fov]</ref> and flycam<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=997 '''Halomaps.org:''' Halo FlyCam]</ref> utilities, [[HUD]]-disabling programs<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=2910 '''Halomaps.org:''' Halo Screen Options]</ref>, texture modifications, name hacks<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=3246 '''Halomaps.org:''' Player Name Hack]</ref>, and draw distance changers<ref>[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=3478 '''Halomaps.org:''' Clipping Distance Changer]</ref>. [[Host]]s can use a wider variety of hacks without causing desynchronizations; these include dedicated server administration tools, weapon mods, hacks that can change individual players' properties on-the-fly<ref>[http://www.modacity.net/forums/showthread.php?22594-rec0-s-Server-App-for-Halo-CE-1.09 '''Modacity:''' rec0's Server App for Halo CE 1.09]</ref>, and even a tool that recreates ''[[Halo 3]]''<nowiki/>'s [[Infection]] mode.<ref name="igbrains">[http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=4314 '''Halomaps.org:''' IG-brainz V1.50]</ref>

Mods and hacks can be used to gain access to retail-only gametypes in the trial version of Halo PC. Programs exist that can convert retail-only maps into demo-compatible maps.

=== Halo 2 ===
[[File:Ascension Modded.png|thumb|The map [[Ascension (Level)|Ascension]], modded to look like an island.]]
It is possible to modify maps that are installed to the hard drive, such as [[Containment (Level)]] and [[Terminal (Level)]]. Because the ''[[Halo 2]]'' engine still uses the "tag" system from ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', it is therefore possible to edit any resource or asset in the map. However, mods will not synchronize for all players unless the person using the modded map is host. (So if a client modded Containment to make [[Assault Rifle]]s fire [[Scorpion]] rounds, and then they joined a game hosted by a non-modder, only the client with the mod would see Scorpion rounds come out of their AR.)

=== Halo 3 ===
Console-based mods because very widely-available in ''[[Halo 3]]'', thanks to the development of the [[File Share]] and other ways of transferring user-created content. Though modding on the scale of Halo Custom Edition cannot be done without a devkit or a modded console, user-created Files can be altered using simple utilities to produce unusual effects.

[[Bungie]] does not allow the uploading of modded map or game variants to one's File Share, nor do they allow the uploading of modded [[Film]]s, Film Clips, or screenshots. However, they do allow the uploading of un-modded Screenshots and Films showcasing modded map and game variants. After viewing a Film or Film Clip, the map and game variants from that Film are stored in a player's Recent Maps and Recent Gametypes; this allows players to share modded maps and gametypes by simply sharing un-modded Films of those gametypes on those maps.

==== Devkit mods ====
Devkit mods are essentially limitless. Any object in any map can be altered to do anything. Examples include:
*The development of entirely new weapons, such as "mind powers".<ref name="yt-mind-powers">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIIkNRaGvdA '''YouTube:''' My Very Last Mod: Halo 3 Mind Powers]</ref>
*Altering weapons and grenades to fire different projectiles, or to spawn various objects (like vehicles, active [[Power Drain]]s, or Spartan bipeds) when fired.<ref name="yt-mind-powers"/><ref name="yt-valhalla-devkit-1">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIiQ5Xf4JK8 '''YouTube:''' Halo 3 - Valhalla DEV KIT Mods PART 1 of 2]</ref><ref name="yt-valhalla-devkit-2">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJFZoLns4es '''YouTube:''' Halo 3 - Valhalla DEV KIT Mods PART 2 of 2]</ref>
*Editing Warthogs so that their tires kick up sniper shots instead of dirt.<ref name="yt-valhalla-devkit-2"/>
*Disabling all kill barriers and invisible walls in a map.<ref name="yt-valhalla-devkit-2"/>
*Changing map textures.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtT5uukENzw '''YouTube:''' Halo 3 Modded Map - Snow on Valhalla!]</ref><ref name="yt-get-a-jtag">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwryBRK3Lww '''YouTube:''' Get a JTAG, Have Fun.]</ref>
*Biped swaps (such as playing as a [[Brute]] in Campaign, or turning [[Marine]]s into Spartans).<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzpKvDAm9Vw '''YouTube:''' Halo 3 Dev Kit Mods On Retail Console- Campaign Biped Swaps]</ref>
*Playing on the main menu.<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljkyL7ossWg '''YouTube:''' Halo 3 - Playing on the main menu]</ref>
*Altering the movement speeds of map scenery, such as the wheel on [[Last Resort (Level)|Last Resort]].<ref name="yt-get-a-jtag"/>
*Altering bullet physics; for example, making a Sniper Rifle score headshots through walls, even when missing a target by several feet.<ref name="yt-get-a-jtag"/>
*Attaching a Warthog Turret to another Warthog Turret, attaching ''that'' turret to a detached Machine Gun Turret, and then having a player man each turret, such that one player is carrying another player who is carrying another player.<ref name="yt-get-a-jtag"/>

==== Map variants ====
[[Maps|Map variants]], for example, can be created in [[Forge]] and then modded. Forgeable objects can be replaced with any non-terrain objects in a map. Through this method, a variety of development leftovers can be added to maps. These include partially-Forgeable objects from the [[Halo 3 Epsilon]] build ([[Deployable Lookout Tower]]s<ref name="yt-50-chiefs"/> and [[Shade]]s), unused game objects (like [[Rocket Launcher]] ammo cases and [[Needler]] ammo pickups on [[Blackout (Level)|Blackout]]), and unused map-specific objects (like a hologram of the [[Ark]] on [[Guardian (level)|Guardian]]). Some vehicles cannot be Forged onto a map, but can be modded onto the map; examples include [[Hornets]] and [[Banshees]]<ref name="yt-70-banshees"/> on [[Narrows (level)|Narrows]], and [[Warthogs]] on [[The Pit (level)|The Pit]]. Warthog turrets can be placed independently of a Warthog. Map-specific objects (like [[Sandtrap (level)|Sandtrap]]'s [[Elephant]]s and [[Guardian (level)|Guardian]]'s birds) can be created and moved using modding. Objective objects, such as [[Type 14 Magnetic/Anti-Tank Mine|bombs]], [[Halo 3 Skulls|skulls]] and [[flag]]s, can be modded onto a map, in which case they are available for use in all gametypes. Inactive bipeds ([[Spartan]]s, [[Elite]]s, and [[Monitor]]s<ref name="yt-guardian-mod"/>) can also be placed on maps.<ref name="yt-snowbound-mod"/><ref name="yt-50-chiefs"/> Even large pieces of map scenery, such as the [[UNSC Aegis Fate]] on Sandtrap<ref name="yt-h3-frigates"/>, can be modded, though such mods are only visible to the host.

A list of notable objects that can be modded on each map:
*[[Avalanche (Level)|Avalanche]]
**Missile Pod Turret<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AKF3CxMB-4g '''YouTube:''' Halo 3 Map Variants: UFO Landing]</ref>
*Blackout
**Rocket Launcher ammo chest
**Needler ammo crystal
*[[Construct (Level)|Construct]]
**Needler ammo crystal<ref name="yt-newconstruct"/>
**Purple lift beam<ref name="yt-newconstruct"/>
**Rocket Launcher ammo chest<ref name="yt-newconstruct"/>
**Sentinel biped<ref name="yt-newconstruct">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-YA5ELoPbg '''YouTube:''' Halo 3: "Newconstruct" Mod]</ref>
*Guardian
**Ark hologram (host-only)
**Bird<ref name="yt-h3-hologramfest">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OaHkjraDNA '''YouTube:''' Halo 3: New Guardian Mod - "HologramFest"]</ref>
**Blue (door frame?) hologram<ref name="yt-h3-hologramfest"/>
**Fog plane<ref name="yt-h3-hologramfest"/>
**Halo hologram<ref name="yt-h3-hologramfest"/>
**Milky Way hologram<ref name="yt-h3-hologramfest"/>
**Shade (Forgeable)<ref name="yt-guardian-mod">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9_86hXtIR4 '''YouTube:''' Halo 3 Guardian mod]</ref><ref name="yt-h3-hologramfest"/>
**Needler ammo crystal<ref name="yt-guardian-mod"/>
*Narrows
**Banshee (Forgeable)<ref name="yt-70-banshees">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmTdoTPB_so '''YouTube:''' Halo 3: Mod "70 banshees"]</ref>
**Hornet (Forgeable)
*The Pit
**[[Pelican]] (unusable)<ref>[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SCAFUcD3Bc '''YouTube:''' Halo 3: PELICANS on The Pit *Mod*]</ref>
**Warthog
*Sandtrap
**Elephant
**Frigate, ''Aegis Fate'' (host-only)
**Frigate, ''Pillar of Autumn'' (host-only)<ref name="yt-h3-frigates">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaaglZ69qpQ '''YouTube:''' Halo 3: Sandtrap Modded map: 2 Frigates!]<div style="margin-left:2em">''Pillar of Autumn'' name visible on Frigate 35 seconds into the video.</div></ref>
**[[Phantom]] wreckage pieces
*[[Snowbound (Level)|Snowbound]]
**Boundary turret<ref name="yt-snowbound-mod">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yALeahP4hu0 '''YouTube:''' Snowbound mod]</ref><ref name="yt-50-chiefs">[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TJagZAwmZU '''YouTube:''' Halo 3 Snowbound MOD (X360) 50+ Master Chiefs & MORE????]</ref>
**Deployable Lookout Tower (Forgeable)<ref name="yt-50-chiefs"/>
**Shade (Forgeable)
*[[Valhalla (Level)|Valhalla]]
**Trees
*All
**Spartan biped<ref name="yt-guardian-mod"/><ref name="yt-50-chiefs"/><ref name="yt-h3-hologramfest"/><ref name="yt-newconstruct"/>
**Elite biped<ref name="yt-guardian-mod"/><ref name="yt-h3-hologramfest"/><ref name="yt-newconstruct"/>
**Monitor biped<ref name="yt-guardian-mod"/>
**Bomb
**Flag<ref name="yt-guardian-mod"/>
**Skull (oddball)<ref name="yt-guardian-mod"/><ref name="yt-newconstruct"/>

==== Game variants ====
Gametype modifications allow changes to certain settings in gametypes. Most settings use enumerated values -- in other words, a finite list of choices -- preventing any significant mods from being made. It is possible, however, to enable Forging capability in any gametype. There are also some settings that are stored as integer values, for example:
*Respawn Time
*Flag/Bomb Return Time
*Sudden Death Time
*Captures per Round
*Flag/Bomb Reset Time

Most other settings are enumerated, and the only values available are those usable in-game. The Primary and Secondary Weapons settings are exceptions; though enumerated, they support values that are not accessible in-game. When such values are assigned to these settings, the settings will appear to have blank values (when editing the gametype in-game). If the gametype settings specify a weapon that is not available in a map, the player will spawn with an Assault Rifle in place of that weapon. The list of usable weapon values is as follows:
*[[Battle Rifle]]
*[[Assault Rifle]]
*[[Plasma Pistol]]
*[[Spiker]]
*[[SMG]]
*[[Carbine]]
*[[Energy Sword]]
*[[Magnum]]
*[[Needler]]
*[[Plasma Rifle]]
*[[Rocket Launcher]]
*[[Shotgun]]
*[[Sniper Rifle]]
*[[Brute Shot]]
*[[Energy Sword|Depleted Sword]]
*[[Beam Rifle]]
*[[Spartan Laser]]
*[[No weapon]]
*[[Gravity Hammer]]
*[[Mauler]]
*[[Flame Thrower]]
**''If the player drops this weapon and is not holding another, they will end up with no held weapon.''
*[[Missile Pod]]
**''If the player drops this weapon and is not holding another, they will end up with no held weapon.''

Gametypes also have the .blf (Blam File Header/Blam Library Format) header, which stores information such as the Variant Name, Variant Author, and Variant Description. These fields may be edited to hold any value, including censored terms and control characters, and displayed in the menu. Control characters allow symbols and icons to be inserted into the map's description. An XML-like syntax allows colored text, the current date and time (updated in real-time), and the name of a viewer's gamertag to be inserted into the description. It can become difficult for any information about the file to be verified locally, including the original author.

==== Screenshots and Films ====
Programs allow the armor worn by players in Films to be changed. Any armor permutation may be substituted, including [[Recon]] and [[Bungie Armor]]. Screenshots can be replaced with any image.

=== Halo: Reach ===
Players in ''Halo: Reach'' have been able to use offline mods to unlock armor pieces prematurely<Ref>[http://www.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/FileDetails.aspx?fid=10555626 '''Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files:''' Haunted Helmet Mod] (''film'')</ref>, "fly" [[UNSC Frigate]]s in [[Long Night of Solace (level)|Long Night of Solace]]<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/FileDetails.aspx?fid=9655390&player=JumboDragonfly '''Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files:''' Flying The Frigate] (''film clip'')</ref> (by "attaching" the Frigates to [[Sabre]]s), "fly" the [[Pillar of Autumn]] on its titular level (using the same method, but with a Banshee)<ref>[http://www.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/FileDetails.aspx?fid=7971331 '''Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files:''' Flying The Pillar of Autumn] (''film clip'')</ref><ref>[http://www.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/FileDetails.aspx?fid=8145865 '''Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files:''' [Hack<nowiki>]</nowiki> 戦艦オータム - 操縦 ☆] (''film clip'')</ref>, pilot [[Seraph]]s and other normally-unusable vehicles<ref name="reach-secret-vehicles">[http://www.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/FileDetails.aspx?fid=9905110 '''Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files:''' Secret Vehicles] (''film clip'')</ref><ref>[http://www.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/FileDetails.aspx?fid=8407846&player=JumboDragonfly '''Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files:''' Flying The Transport Jet] (''film clip'')</ref><ref>[http://www.bungie.net/Stats/Reach/FileDetails.aspx?fid=8123935&player=JumboDragonfly '''Bungie.net: Halo Reach Files:''' Flying The Longsword] (''film clip'')</ref>, use [[Jackal]] shields<ref name="reach-secret-vehicles"/> and other normally-unusable items, and use a [[Bungie]]-exclusive font glyph (the Bungie logo) as a Service Tag.

Devkit mods also revealed hidden functionality in the Beta. One could join and host Local and [[System Link]] games, and break into the [[Custom Game]] lobby via the [[Theater]] lobby. (Gametype settings were entirely non-functional, though whether this is due to the Beta or due to the devkit mods is unclear.) As in ''Halo 3'', weapons could be altered to fire different projectiles or spawn new objects, like vehicles.<ref name="yt-get-a-jtag"/>

== Bungie takes action ==
{{main|Halopedia:Bungie With Teeth}}
[[File:Suspended2.jpg|right|350px|thumb|The consequence of using mods online]]
This has become such a widespread problem in the [[Matchmaking]] system that [[Bungie]] was forced to resolve the problem by releasing auto-updates which ban hackers from the system and terminate their accounts. Bungie has banned thousands of players and is working to clean up the rest, earning in the process the moniker 'Banhammer.' Several sites offer a list of cheaters and hackers.

Although there used to be several ways to mod, Xbox Live and Bungie have collaborated to rectify the programming mistakes and prevent the game from being modded as much. They are also reinforcing much stricter punishments for cheaters, such as instant bans and longer suspensions.

== Sources ==
''Note'': There is no "true source" for modding as it is done at a players demand. However, it may be witnessed in the following games.
*''[[Halo: Combat Evolved]]''
*''[[Halo: PC]]''
*''[[Halo: Custom Edition]]''
*''[[Halo 2]]''
*''[[Halo 2 Vista]]''
*''[[Halo 3 Beta]]- please note that this was the beta version and not the final product''
*''[[Halo 3]]''
*''[[Halo 3: ODST]]''
*''[[Halo: Reach]]''

==External links==
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HptMIgQN_k&mode=related&search Why We Mod] - A collection of creative mods displayed in a music video.
*http://www.macgamingmods.com - A Modding Website Dedicated to Mac users.

== References ==
<references/>

[[Category:Terms and Phrases]]