TiMan: Created page with "{{Hpl3SomaGettingStarted|step=6}} Your mod, map, and first script now work. This final step establishes a repeatable development loop and points to deeper documentation. ==..."

2026-07-30T10:50:15Z

Created page with "{{Hpl3SomaGettingStarted|step=6}} Your mod, map, and first script now work. This final step establishes a repeatable development loop and points to deeper documentation. ==..."

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{{Hpl3SomaGettingStarted|step=6}}

Your mod, map, and first script now work. This final step establishes a repeatable development loop and points to deeper documentation.

== Use the development loop ==

# Make one small map or script change.
# Save the changed file.
# Return to the running game.
# Press <code>F5</code> when the map must be restarted.
# If the change fails, press <code>F1</code> and check '''Show Error List''' and '''Show HPL Log''' before changing anything else.

For faster testing, launch the mod in development mode with the <code>-mod</code> command-line argument:

<pre>
Soma.exe -mod "C:\full\path\to\SOMA\mods\MyFirstMod\entry.hpc"
</pre>

The path passed to <code>-mod</code> is the full path to the mod's <code>entry.hpc</code>. See [[HPL3/SOMA/Developer Commands|Developer Commands]] for <code>-map</code>, <code>-mapfolder</code>, <code>-mappos</code>, and other launch options.

== When something breaks ==

Work backward to the last passing checkpoint:

# If the script fails, temporarily remove only your newest script change and read the first relevant error.
# If the map fails, reopen it in the editor and check that its split <code>.hpm_*</code> files are present.
# If the mod fails before loading the map, compare <code>entry.hpc</code>, <code>resources.cfg</code>, and <code>config/main_init.cfg</code> with the clean <code>MinimalCustomMapMod</code>.
# If the editor cannot find mod content, recheck <code>WIPMod.cfg</code> and the <code>(Working on mod)</code> indicator.

See [[HPL3/SOMA/Modding/Developer Debug Menu|Developer Debug Menu]] for the full set of debug controls.

== Where to go next ==

Choose documentation by task rather than reading the entire wiki in order:

* '''Build a larger environment:''' [[HPL3/SOMA/Level Design|SOMA Level Design]]
* '''Learn map scripting:''' [[HPL3/Scripting/HPL3 Scripting Guide|HPL3 Scripting Guide]]
* '''Learn programming fundamentals:''' [[HPL3/Scripting/AngelScript Fundamentals|AngelScript Fundamentals]]
* '''Understand mod configuration:''' [[HPL3/SOMA/Modding|SOMA Modding]]
* '''Prepare for release:''' [[Mod Distribution]]

== Final checkpoint ==

You have completed Getting Started when you can:

* launch your copied mod;
* edit and save its map;
* edit its map script and see the result;
* reload the map; and
* locate script errors and the HPL log.

HPL3/SOMA/Getting Started/Test Debug and Continue - Revision history

TiMan: Created page with "{{Hpl3SomaGettingStarted|step=6}} Your mod, map, and first script now work. This final step establishes a repeatable development loop and points to deeper documentation. ==..."