Alright, let's dive deep into the fascinating world of BP editing in SimpleRockets 2 on your iPad! Have you ever looked at one of your meticulously crafted rockets and thought, "If only I could tweak that part just a little bit..."? Well, BP editing is your answer! It unlocks a level of customization that goes far beyond the in-game UI, allowing you to fine-tune parameters, reposition parts with pixel-perfect accuracy, and even create entirely new functionalities.
This guide will take you through the process step-by-step. It might seem a little daunting at first, but trust me, with a bit of practice, you'll be a BP editing pro in no time!
Getting Started: Your First Peek Under the Hood
Step 1: Accessing the Blueprint File
This is the crucial first step. You need to locate the blueprint file of the rocket you want to edit.
- Launching SimpleRockets 2: First, make sure SimpleRockets 2 is open on your iPad.
- Navigating to Saved Crafts: Go to the "Load" menu where all your saved rockets and crafts are listed.
- Finding Your Target: Locate the specific rocket you wish to modify. Do not load the craft into the designer yet.
- The Share Button: To the right of your craft's name, you'll see a "Share" icon (it looks like a box with an upward-pointing arrow). Tap on this icon.
- Saving to Files: A share sheet will appear. Scroll through the options until you find "Save to Files". Tap on this.
- Choosing a Location: You can save the blueprint file (.sfs extension) to your iCloud Drive or "On My iPad". Choose a location you can easily remember. I usually create a dedicated folder named "SR2 Blueprints" for better organization.
- Saving the File: Tap "Save" in the top right corner. Congratulations! You've successfully exported your blueprint file.
Unlocking the Secrets: Editing the Blueprint File
Step 2: Installing a Text Editor
The .sfs file is essentially a text file containing all the information about your rocket's structure and properties. To edit it, you'll need a good text editor app on your iPad.
- App Store Exploration: Open the App Store and search for "text editor".
- Recommended Apps: Some popular and reliable text editors for iPad include:
- Textastic Code Editor (paid, but powerful)
- Runestone (free and excellent for plain text)
- iA Writer (paid, known for its clean interface)
- Working Copy (free for basic text editing, with Git integration)
- Installation: Choose a text editor that suits your needs and install it on your iPad.
Step 3: Opening the Blueprint File in the Text Editor
Now, let's open the blueprint file you saved earlier.
- Launching Your Text Editor: Open the text editor app you installed.
- Navigating to Files: Most text editors have an option to "Open" or "Browse Files". Tap on this.
- Locating the .sfs File: Use the file browser within the text editor to navigate to the location where you saved your blueprint file (e.g., iCloud Drive/SR2 Blueprints).
- Opening the File: Tap on the .sfs file to open it in the text editor. You'll see a wall of text – don't be intimidated! This is the raw data of your rocket.
Step 4: Understanding the Blueprint Structure (A Brief Overview)
Before you start making changes, it's helpful to understand the basic structure of the .sfs file.
- Part Blocks: Your rocket is described in blocks of text, each representing a single part. These blocks usually start with the part's name (e.g.,
part = SolidFuelBooster-1). - Properties: Within each part block, you'll find various properties that define the part's characteristics, such as:
position = x, y, z(the part's coordinates in 3D space)rotation = qx, qy, qz, qw(the part's orientation as a quaternion)scale = sx, sy, sz(the part's size)fuel = value(the amount of fuel in a fuel tank)thrust = value(the thrust of an engine)specId = partName(the internal name of the part)
- Connections: The way parts are connected is also defined within these blocks, often using
attNodeNproperties.
Step 5: Making Your Edits (The Fun Part!)
Now for the actual editing. Be extremely careful when making changes. Incorrect edits can lead to broken rockets or even prevent the game from loading properly. It's always a good idea to make a backup copy of your .sfs file before you start editing!
- Example 1: Precise Repositioning: Let's say you want to move a small RCS thruster a tiny bit to the right. Find the part block for that thruster and look for the
positionproperty. Increment the 'x' value by a small amount (e.g., 0.01). - Example 2: Fine-Tuning Fuel: If you want a specific amount of fuel in a stage, find the fuel tank part and edit the
fuelproperty to your desired value. - Example 3: Adjusting Scale (Use with Caution!): You can change the size of parts by modifying the
scaleproperty. However, be aware that drastically changing the scale can lead to visual glitches or unexpected physics behavior. - Example 4: Modifying Thrust: For engines, you can adjust the
thrustvalue. Be careful, as this can significantly alter your rocket's performance. - Adding Custom Properties (Advanced): For more advanced users, you can even add custom properties to parts, which can then be utilized by in-game scripts (if you're into that!).
Step 6: Saving Your Changes
Once you've made your desired edits, it's time to save the file.
- Save Option: In your text editor, look for the "Save" option. Make sure you save the changes to the same .sfs file you opened.
Step 7: Importing Your Edited Blueprint Back into SimpleRockets 2
Now, let's bring your modified blueprint back into the game.
- Returning to SimpleRockets 2: Open SimpleRockets 2 again.
- Going to the Load Menu: Navigate back to the "Load" menu.
- The Import Button: Look for an "Import" button (it might be next to the "New Craft" button or within the "Load" menu itself, often depicted by a downward-pointing arrow into a box). Tap on this.
- Navigating to Your File: Use the in-game file browser to locate the .sfs file you edited (the same location where you saved it earlier).
- Selecting and Importing: Tap on the .sfs file to select it and then tap "Import".
- Loading Your Masterpiece: Your edited craft should now appear in your list of saved crafts. Load it into the designer and see your changes in action!
Important Considerations and Tips
- Backup, Backup, Backup! Always create a backup of your original .sfs file before making any edits. This will save you from potential frustration if something goes wrong.
- Start Small: Begin with small, incremental changes to understand how different properties affect your craft.
- One Edit at a Time: Make one or two changes at a time, save, and then load the craft to see the impact. This makes it easier to identify the source of any issues.
- Refer to the Wiki: The SimpleRockets 2 wiki can be a valuable resource for understanding the different properties and their functions.
- Community Resources: The SimpleRockets 2 community forums and Discord server are great places to ask questions and learn from other BP editors.
- Experimentation is Key: Don't be afraid to experiment, but always do so with a backup!
How to... Frequently Asked Questions
How to find the exact coordinates of a part?
Quick Answer: In the .sfs file, look for the position = line within the part's block. The three numbers represent the x, y, and z coordinates.
How to rotate a part by a specific angle?
Quick Answer: The rotation = property uses quaternions. For precise angle adjustments, you might need to use external tools or online quaternion calculators. It's often easier to slightly adjust the existing quaternion values through trial and error.
How to change the color of a part via BP editing?
Quick Answer: Color information is usually stored within the paintScheme property as numerical values. You'll need to experiment or refer to online resources for the specific color codes.
How to duplicate a part using BP editing?
Quick Answer: Copy the entire part block (from part = ... to the closing curly brace }) and paste it below. Make sure to change the part's name (e.g., SolidFuelBooster-1 to SolidFuelBooster-2) and its position to avoid overlapping.
How to precisely align two parts together?
Quick Answer: Carefully examine the position properties of both parts and manually adjust the coordinates of one part until they align as desired. Small increments (e.g., 0.001) can be helpful.
How to remove a part through BP editing? Quick Answer: Simply delete the entire part block corresponding to the part you want to remove.
How to change the attachment point of a part?
Quick Answer: Look for the attNodeN properties within the part block. These define the attachment nodes. Modifying these requires a good understanding of the connection system and can be complex.
How to give a part a custom name in the BP file?
Quick Answer: Look for the title = property within the part's block and change the text value to your desired name.
How to add a completely new part that's not already in the game? Quick Answer: BP editing only allows you to modify existing parts and their properties. Adding entirely new parts requires modding, which is a more complex process.
How to revert back to the original blueprint if I make a mistake? Quick Answer: If you created a backup (as strongly recommended!), simply import the backup .sfs file back into the game. If you didn't, you might have to recreate the craft or load an older saved version (if available).
Happy BP editing! Remember to be patient, experiment cautiously, and most importantly, have fun unleashing the full potential of your SimpleRockets 2 creations!
