Creating your own Friday Night Funkin’ (FNF) mod can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether you’re looking to add new characters, songs, weeks, or even overhaul the entire game, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the necessary steps. From setting up your environment to testing and sharing your creation, we’ll cover everything you need to know to bring your FNF modding vision to life.
**I. Understanding the Basics: What is Friday Night Funkin’ Modding?**
Friday Night Funkin’ is an open-source rhythm game, meaning its source code is publicly available, allowing modders to alter and expand upon the original game. Modding FNF can involve a wide range of changes, including:
* **Character Replacement:** Swapping the in-game characters (Boyfriend, Girlfriend, Daddy Dearest, etc.) with custom characters.
* **Song Creation:** Adding new songs with custom charts (note patterns) to challenge players.
* **Week Design:** Creating entirely new weeks with unique storylines, characters, and songs.
* **Gameplay Modifications:** Altering the core mechanics of the game, such as note speed, health drain, or even adding new gameplay elements.
* **Visual Overhaul:** Changing the game’s visuals, including backgrounds, sprites, and UI elements.
**II. Setting Up Your Modding Environment:**
Before you can start modding, you’ll need to set up your development environment. This involves downloading and installing the necessary tools and resources.
**A. Required Software:**
1. **Friday Night Funkin’ Source Code:** You’ll need the source code of Friday Night Funkin’. There are a few options for obtaining it:
* **HaxeFlixel Source Code:** The original game was made with HaxeFlixel. Find the latest version of the source code online. This is a complex option.
* **Psych Engine:** Psych Engine is a popular FNF engine that provides a more user-friendly and optimized modding experience. It includes numerous features and improvements that make modding easier. Download it from its official repository (usually on GitHub). Using Psych Engine is highly recommended for beginners.
* **Kade Engine:** Similar to Psych Engine, Kade Engine offers enhanced modding capabilities and optimizations. Download it from its official source.
2. **Haxe and HaxeFlixel:** Haxe is the programming language FNF is built on, and HaxeFlixel is the game engine. If you’re using the original source code, you’ll need to install these. If you’re using Psych Engine or Kade Engine, these are usually included or instructions are provided to install them.
* **Installing Haxe:** Go to the official Haxe website (haxe.org) and download the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Follow the installation instructions provided on the website.
* **Installing HaxeFlixel:** Open your command prompt or terminal and run the following command: `haxelib install flixel`
You may also need to install other Haxe libraries such as `haxelib install flixel-addons` and `haxelib install flixel-ui`.
3. **A Code Editor:** A good code editor is essential for writing and editing code. Some popular options include:
* **Visual Studio Code (VS Code):** A free and powerful code editor with excellent support for Haxe and HaxeFlixel. Download it from code.visualstudio.com.
* **Sublime Text:** Another popular code editor known for its speed and customizability. Download it from sublimetext.com.
* **Atom:** A free and open-source code editor developed by GitHub. Download it from atom.io.
Install the Haxe extension for your chosen code editor to enable syntax highlighting, code completion, and other helpful features.
4. **Image Editing Software:** You’ll need image editing software to create and edit sprites, backgrounds, and other visual assets. Some popular options include:
* **Adobe Photoshop:** A professional-grade image editing software (paid).
* **GIMP:** A free and open-source image editing software (gimp.org).
* **Aseprite:** A pixel art editor specifically designed for creating sprites and animations (aseprite.org).
5. **Audio Editing Software:** You’ll need audio editing software to create and edit music and sound effects. Some popular options include:
* **FL Studio:** A popular digital audio workstation (DAW) used by many music producers (paid).
* **Ableton Live:** Another professional-grade DAW (paid).
* **Audacity:** A free and open-source audio editor (audacityteam.org).
**B. Setting Up the Project:**
1. **Clone the Repository:** If you’re using Psych Engine or Kade Engine, clone the repository from GitHub to your local machine using Git.
bash
git clone
Replace `
2. **Install Dependencies:** Navigate to the project directory in your command prompt or terminal and run the following command to install the necessary dependencies:
bash
haxelib install lime
haxelib install openfl
haxelib install flixel
haxelib install flixel-addons
haxelib install flixel-ui
haxelib install flixel-tweens
haxelib install flixel-input-util
haxelib install hxp
haxelib install polymod
haxelib install discord_rpc
You might need to install additional libraries depending on the engine you’re using and the features you want to include in your mod. Refer to the engine’s documentation for a complete list of dependencies.
3. **Build the Project:** Once the dependencies are installed, build the project by running the following command:
bash
lime test windows (or linux or mac)
This will compile the game and create an executable file. If the build is successful, you should be able to run the game and see the default Psych Engine or Kade Engine interface.
**III. Modding the Game: Core Concepts and Techniques**
Now that you have your development environment set up, you can start modding the game. This section will cover some of the core concepts and techniques involved in FNF modding.
**A. Understanding the Project Structure:**
Familiarize yourself with the project structure. Key folders include:
* **`assets/`:** This folder contains all the game’s assets, such as sprites, audio files, and fonts.
* `assets/images/`: Contains images for characters, backgrounds, and UI elements.
* `assets/music/`: Contains the music tracks for the game.
* `assets/sounds/`: Contains sound effects.
* `assets/data/`: Contains data files, such as chart data for songs.
* **`source/`:** This folder contains the game’s source code.
* `source/states/`: Contains the code for different game states, such as the main menu, story mode, and freeplay mode.
* `source/characters/`: Contains the code for the game’s characters.
* `source/songs/`: Contains song related classes.
* `source/options/`: Contains classes related to options menu.
* `source/Achievements.hx`: Contains achievements of the game.
* **`mods/`:** This folder is where you’ll typically place your mod’s assets and code. This keeps your modifications separate from the original game files, making it easier to manage and update your mod. (Only for engines like Psych Engine and Kade Engine.)
**B. Character Modding:**
1. **Creating Character Sprites:**
* Design your character’s sprites using your image editing software. You’ll need sprites for different animations, such as idle, singing up, singing down, singing left, singing right, and losing.
* Each animation should consist of a series of frames that, when played in sequence, create the illusion of movement.
* Ensure that the sprites are properly aligned and sized to fit the game’s style.
* Name the sprites according to the engine’s naming conventions. For example, the idle sprite might be named `characterName_idle0.png`, `characterName_idle1.png`, etc.
2. **Creating the Character Class:**
* Create a new Haxe class for your character in the `source/characters/` or `mods/characters/` folder (depending on the engine).
* Extend the `Character` class (or a similar base class) provided by the engine.
* Override the `loadAnims()` function to load your character’s sprites and define the animations.
* Override the `animation.play()` to control when animations are played based on character actions (singing, idle, losing).
* Adjust the character’s position, size, and offset to match your sprites.
haxe
import flixel.FlxSprite;
import flixel.animation.FlxAnimationController;
class MyCharacter extends Character
{
public function new(x:Float, y:Float, character:String = ‘mycharacter’)
{
super(x, y, character);
frames = Paths.getSparrowAtlas(‘characters/MyCharacter’);
animation.addByPrefix(‘idle’, ‘mycharacter_idle’, 24, false);
animation.addByPrefix(‘singLEFT’, ‘mycharacter_left’, 24, false);
animation.addByPrefix(‘singRIGHT’, ‘mycharacter_right’, 24, false);
animation.addByPrefix(‘singUP’, ‘mycharacter_up’, 24, false);
animation.addByPrefix(‘singDOWN’, ‘mycharacter_down’, 24, false);
animation.play(‘idle’);
flipX = false;
antialiasing = true;
}
override function update(elapsed:Float)
{
super.update(elapsed);
}
}
3. **Integrating the Character into the Game:**
* To use your custom character in a week or song, you’ll need to modify the corresponding week or song file.
* In the `create()` function of the week or song state, replace the existing character with your custom character.
haxe
// Example in PlayState.hx
var dad:MyCharacter = new MyCharacter(100, 100, ‘mycharacter’);
add(dad);
**C. Song and Week Modding:**
1. **Creating a New Song:**
* Compose your song using your audio editing software. Export the song in OGG format for best compatibility.
* Create a corresponding chart file (usually in JSON format) that defines the note patterns for the song.
* The chart file specifies the timing, position, and type of each note.
{
“song”: {
“song”: “My Song”,
“notes”: [
{
“sections”: [],
“mustHitSection”: false,
“typeOfSection”: “0”,
“lengthInSteps”: 16,
“bpm”: 130
}
],
“bpm”: 130,
“needsVoices”: true,
“speed”: 3.1,
“player1”: “boyfriend”,
“player2”: “mycharacter”,
“gfVersion”: “gf”,
“stage”: “stage”
},
“difficulty”: “Normal”
}
2. **Creating a New Week:**
* Create a new Haxe class for your week in the `source/states/` or `mods/states/` folder.
* Extend the `MusicBeatState` class (or a similar base class).
* In the `create()` function, define the songs, characters, and storyline for your week.
* Create a menu item for your week in the story mode menu.
haxe
import flixel.FlxG;
import flixel.FlxSprite;
import flixel.FlxState;
import flixel.ui.FlxButton;
class MyWeek extends MusicBeatState
{
override public function create():Void
{
super.create();
var bg:FlxSprite = new FlxSprite().loadGraphic(Paths.image(‘stages/mystage’));
add(bg);
var songButton:FlxButton = new FlxButton(FlxG.width / 2 – 100, FlxG.height / 2 – 50, “My Song”, function() {
FlxG.switchState(new PlayState()); // Replace with your PlayState
});
add(songButton);
}
}
3. **Integrating Songs and Weeks into the Game:**
* To add your new song or week to the game, you’ll need to modify the story mode menu or freeplay menu.
* Add a new button or menu item that leads to your song or week.
**D. Gameplay Modifications:**
1. **Adjusting Note Speed:**
* You can adjust the note speed by modifying the `speed` variable in the chart file or in the song’s Haxe code.
* Increasing the note speed will make the game more challenging.
2. **Modifying Health Drain:**
* You can modify the health drain rate by adjusting the `healthLoss` variable in the `PlayState.hx` file.
* Increasing the health drain will make it easier to lose the game.
3. **Adding New Gameplay Elements:**
* You can add entirely new gameplay elements by creating custom Haxe classes and integrating them into the `PlayState.hx` file.
* This can involve creating new note types, special effects, or even new game mechanics.
**IV. Testing and Debugging Your Mod:**
Testing and debugging are crucial steps in the modding process. It’s essential to thoroughly test your mod to ensure that it works as intended and to identify and fix any bugs or issues.
**A. Running the Game in Debug Mode:**
Run the game in debug mode to view error messages and debug information. This can help you identify the source of any problems.
**B. Using the Debug Console:**
The debug console provides a way to execute commands and view debug information in real-time. Use the debug console to test different aspects of your mod and to diagnose any issues.
**C. Logging and Tracing:**
Use logging and tracing statements to print information to the console. This can help you track the flow of execution and identify where problems are occurring.
haxe
FlxG.log.add(“This is a debug message.”);
trace(“This is another debug message.”);
**D. Common Modding Issues and Solutions:**
* **Crashes:** Crashes are often caused by null pointer exceptions or invalid memory access. Check your code for potential null values and ensure that you’re not accessing memory that you shouldn’t be.
* **Graphical Glitches:** Graphical glitches can be caused by incorrect sprite offsets, scaling issues, or problems with the rendering pipeline. Double-check your sprite settings and ensure that your sprites are properly aligned.
* **Audio Issues:** Audio issues can be caused by incorrect audio formats, volume settings, or problems with the audio playback system. Ensure that your audio files are in the correct format and that your volume settings are appropriate.
* **Chart Synchronization Problems:** Desynchronization issues arise when the notes don’t sync properly with the music. Review the chart file meticulously, ensuring the BPM, timings, and note placements are accurate. Some engines provide tools for real-time chart editing, which can aid in synchronization.
**V. Optimizing Your Mod:**
Optimizing your mod is important to ensure that it runs smoothly on a variety of hardware configurations. Here are some tips for optimizing your FNF mod:
* **Use Optimized Sprites:** Use optimized sprite formats, such as PNG with indexed colors, to reduce the size of your sprite files. Consider using sprite sheets (atlases) to reduce the number of draw calls.
* **Optimize Audio Files:** Use optimized audio formats, such as OGG Vorbis, to reduce the size of your audio files. Use appropriate bitrates to balance audio quality and file size.
* **Reduce the Number of Objects:** Reduce the number of objects in your scenes to minimize the amount of processing required. Consider using object pooling to reuse objects instead of creating new ones.
* **Optimize Code:** Optimize your code to reduce the amount of processing required. Use efficient algorithms and data structures. Avoid unnecessary calculations and memory allocations.
* **Disable Unnecessary Features:** Disable unnecessary features to reduce the amount of processing required. For example, you can disable shadows or particle effects if they’re not essential to your mod.
**VI. Sharing Your Mod:**
Once you’re satisfied with your mod, you can share it with the Friday Night Funkin’ community. There are several ways to share your mod:
* **GameBanana:** GameBanana is a popular website for sharing mods for various games, including Friday Night Funkin’. Upload your mod to GameBanana to make it available to a wide audience.
* **GitHub:** GitHub is a popular platform for sharing code and collaborating on projects. You can create a GitHub repository for your mod and share the source code with others.
* **Discord:** Discord is a popular communication platform used by many Friday Night Funkin’ modders. You can share your mod in Discord servers dedicated to FNF modding.
**A. Creating a Mod Package:**
Create a mod package that includes all the necessary files and instructions for installing your mod. This will make it easier for others to install and use your mod.
* Include all the assets (sprites, audio files, data files) in the mod package.
* Include a README file with instructions on how to install and use the mod.
* Consider including a thumbnail image and a description of your mod.
**B. Providing Clear Instructions:**
Provide clear and concise instructions on how to install and use your mod. This will help ensure that others can easily enjoy your creation.
* Specify the required software and dependencies.
* Provide step-by-step instructions on how to install the mod.
* Explain any special considerations or known issues.
**C. Promoting Your Mod:**
Promote your mod to increase its visibility and reach. Share your mod on social media, forums, and other online communities.
* Create a trailer or demo video showcasing your mod.
* Share screenshots and artwork from your mod.
* Engage with the community and respond to feedback.
**VII. Advanced Modding Techniques:**
Once you’ve mastered the basics of FNF modding, you can explore more advanced techniques to create even more complex and impressive mods.
**A. Custom Events and Scripting:**
Use custom events and scripting to create dynamic and interactive gameplay experiences. You can use Haxe code to create custom events that trigger specific actions in the game.
**B. Custom Shaders and Effects:**
Use custom shaders and effects to enhance the visual appearance of your mod. You can use shader languages like GLSL to create custom shaders that modify the way the game is rendered.
**C. Advanced Animation Techniques:**
Explore advanced animation techniques, such as skeletal animation and inverse kinematics, to create more realistic and expressive character animations.
**D. AI and Pathfinding:**
Implement AI and pathfinding algorithms to create more intelligent and challenging opponents. You can use AI techniques to control the behavior of the game’s characters and create more dynamic and engaging gameplay experiences.
**VIII. Resources and Communities:**
There are many resources and communities available to help you learn and improve your FNF modding skills.
* **Friday Night Funkin’ Modding Wiki:** The FNF Modding Wiki provides a comprehensive collection of information and resources related to FNF modding.
* **Psych Engine Documentation:** The Psych Engine documentation provides detailed information on how to use the Psych Engine for modding.
* **Kade Engine Documentation:** The Kade Engine documentation provides detailed information on how to use the Kade Engine for modding.
* **Friday Night Funkin’ Modding Discord Servers:** Join Discord servers dedicated to FNF modding to connect with other modders, ask questions, and share your creations.
**IX. Conclusion:**
Modding Friday Night Funkin’ is a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to express your creativity and contribute to the game’s vibrant community. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to create your own FNF mods and bring your unique vision to life. Remember to experiment, learn from others, and most importantly, have fun!