Base-Standard Module - Civ7 Modding Tools

Overview

The base-standard module is the fundamental core of Civilization VII, containing age-agnostic definitions, mechanics, and systems that apply throughout the entire game. While Age modules provide era-specific content, the base-standard module establishes the foundational elements that enable all gameplay, regardless of which Age the player is experiencing. This document provides an in-depth reference to the base-standard module’s structure, content, and implementation patterns. Understanding this module is crucial for modders, as it defines the core schema and systems that all mods must integrate with.

Module Location and Structure

Module Path: <GAME_RESOURCES>/Base/modules/base-standard/ The base-standard module follows the standard module structure, with some unique elements:

base-standard/
├── base-standard.modinfo      # Module definition
├── package.json               # Package metadata
├── definitions/               # Schema definitions (unique to base-standard)
│   ├── civilization.civdb
│   ├── leader.civdb
│   ├── unit.civdb
│   ├── constructible.civdb
│   └── ...
├── data/                      # Core gameplay data
│   ├── civilizations.xml
│   ├── leaders.xml
│   ├── units.xml
│   ├── constructibles.xml
│   └── ...
├── ui/                        # User interface elements
├── text/                      # Localization files
├── l10n/                      # Additional localization
├── scripts/                   # JavaScript files
└── maps/                      # Map scripts and definitions

The most distinctive feature of the base-standard module is the definitions/ folder, which contains .civdb files that define the database structures for all game elements. This is exclusive to base-standard and not present in the Age modules.

Core Definition Files

The definitions folder contains schema files that define the structure for all gameplay elements. These .civdb files use a JSON-like format to specify tables, columns, relationships, and constraints for the game’s database.

Key Definition Files

civilization.civdb

File Path: <GAME_RESOURCES>/Base/modules/base-standard/definitions/civilization.civdb This file defines the database structure for civilizations. Key tables include:

{
  "Tables": [
    {
      "Name": "Civilizations",
      "Columns": [
        {"Name": "CivilizationType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Name", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Adjective", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Description", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": false},
        {"Name": "Icon", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": false},
        {"Name": "SortIndex", "Type": "INTEGER", "NotNull": false}
      ],
      "PrimaryKey": {"Name": "PK_Civilizations", "Columns": ["CivilizationType"]}
    },
    {
      "Name": "CivilizationTraits",
      "Columns": [
        {"Name": "CivilizationType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "TraitType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true}
      ],
      "PrimaryKey": {"Name": "PK_CivilizationTraits", "Columns": ["CivilizationType", "TraitType"]}
    },
    {
      "Name": "CivilizationDomains",
      "Columns": [
        {"Name": "CivilizationType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Domain", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true}
      ],
      "PrimaryKey": {"Name": "PK_CivilizationDomains", "Columns": ["CivilizationType", "Domain"]}
    }
  ]
}

These tables define the core structure for civilizations, their traits, and which domains (Ages) they belong to.

leader.civdb

File Path: <GAME_RESOURCES>/Base/modules/base-standard/definitions/leader.civdb This file defines the database structure for leaders. Key tables include:

{
  "Tables": [
    {
      "Name": "Leaders",
      "Columns": [
        {"Name": "LeaderType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Name", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "IsPlayable", "Type": "BOOLEAN", "NotNull": true, "Default": true},
        {"Name": "Icon", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": false},
        {"Name": "SortIndex", "Type": "INTEGER", "NotNull": false}
      ],
      "PrimaryKey": {"Name": "PK_Leaders", "Columns": ["LeaderType"]}
    },
    {
      "Name": "LeaderTraits",
      "Columns": [
        {"Name": "LeaderType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "TraitType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true}
      ],
      "PrimaryKey": {"Name": "PK_LeaderTraits", "Columns": ["LeaderType", "TraitType"]}
    },
    {
      "Name": "CivilizationLeaders",
      "Columns": [
        {"Name": "CivilizationType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "LeaderType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Legacy", "Type": "BOOLEAN", "Default": false}
      ],
      "PrimaryKey": {"Name": "PK_CivilizationLeaders", "Columns": ["CivilizationType", "LeaderType"]}
    }
  ]
}

These tables define leaders, their traits, and their relationships with civilizations. Unlike civilizations, leaders are not age-specific and can span multiple Ages, as indicated by the “Legacy” column.

unit.civdb

File Path: <GAME_RESOURCES>/Base/modules/base-standard/definitions/unit.civdb This file defines the database structure for units. Key tables include:

{
  "Tables": [
    {
      "Name": "Units",
      "Columns": [
        {"Name": "UnitType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Name", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Description", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "Domain", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "FormationClass", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "Cost", "Type": "INTEGER"},
        {"Name": "Maintenance", "Type": "INTEGER"},
        {"Name": "BaseMoves", "Type": "INTEGER"},
        {"Name": "Combat", "Type": "INTEGER"},
        {"Name": "RangedCombat", "Type": "INTEGER"},
        {"Name": "Range", "Type": "INTEGER"},
        {"Name": "PrereqTech", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "PrereqCivic", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "ReplacesUnitType", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "PromotionClass", "Type": "TEXT"}
      ],
      "PrimaryKey": {"Name": "PK_Units", "Columns": ["UnitType"]}
    },
    {
      "Name": "UnitAbilities",
      "Columns": [
        {"Name": "UnitAbilityType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Name", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Description", "Type": "TEXT"}
      ],
      "PrimaryKey": {"Name": "PK_UnitAbilities", "Columns": ["UnitAbilityType"]}
    },
    {
      "Name": "CivilizationUniqueUnits",
      "Columns": [
        {"Name": "CivilizationType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "UnitType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true}
      ],
      "PrimaryKey": {"Name": "PK_CivilizationUniqueUnits", "Columns": ["CivilizationType", "UnitType"]}
    }
  ]
}

These tables define unit properties, abilities, and their associations with civilizations for unique units.

constructible.civdb

File Path: <GAME_RESOURCES>/Base/modules/base-standard/definitions/constructible.civdb This file defines the database structure for buildings, improvements, and other constructible elements. Key tables include:

{
  "Tables": [
    {
      "Name": "Buildings",
      "Columns": [
        {"Name": "BuildingType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Name", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Description", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "Cost", "Type": "INTEGER"},
        {"Name": "Maintenance", "Type": "INTEGER"},
        {"Name": "PrereqTech", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "PrereqCivic", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "PrereqDistrict", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "ReplacementBuildingType", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "IsWonder", "Type": "BOOLEAN", "Default": false},
        {"Name": "IsAgeless", "Type": "BOOLEAN", "Default": false}
      ],
      "PrimaryKey": {"Name": "PK_Buildings", "Columns": ["BuildingType"]}
    },
    {
      "Name": "Districts",
      "Columns": [
        {"Name": "DistrictType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Name", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Description", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "Cost", "Type": "INTEGER"},
        {"Name": "Maintenance", "Type": "INTEGER"},
        {"Name": "PrereqTech", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "IsSpecialized", "Type": "BOOLEAN", "Default": false}
      ],
      "PrimaryKey": {"Name": "PK_Districts", "Columns": ["DistrictType"]}
    },
    {
      "Name": "CivilizationUniqueBuildings",
      "Columns": [
        {"Name": "CivilizationType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "BuildingType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true}
      ],
      "PrimaryKey": {"Name": "PK_CivilizationUniqueBuildings", "Columns": ["CivilizationType", "BuildingType"]}
    }
  ]
}

These tables define buildings, districts (called Quarters in Civilization VII), and their associations with civilizations. Note the “IsAgeless” flag which determines if a building persists across Age transitions.

modifier-system.civdb

File Path: <GAME_RESOURCES>/Base/modules/base-standard/definitions/modifier-system.civdb This file defines the core modifier system that powers traits, abilities, and effects in the game. Key tables include:

{
  "Tables": [
    {
      "Name": "Modifiers",
      "Columns": [
        {"Name": "ModifierId", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "ModifierType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "RunOnce", "Type": "BOOLEAN", "Default": false},
        {"Name": "Permanent", "Type": "BOOLEAN", "Default": false},
        {"Name": "NewOnly", "Type": "BOOLEAN", "Default": false},
        {"Name": "OwnerRequirementSetId", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "SubjectRequirementSetId", "Type": "TEXT"}
      ],
      "PrimaryKey": {"Name": "PK_Modifiers", "Columns": ["ModifierId"]}
    },
    {
      "Name": "ModifierArguments",
      "Columns": [
        {"Name": "ModifierId", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Name", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Value", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Type", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true, "Default": "ARGTYPE_IDENTITY"}
      ],
      "PrimaryKey": {"Name": "PK_ModifierArguments", "Columns": ["ModifierId", "Name", "Value"]}
    },
    {
      "Name": "TraitModifiers",
      "Columns": [
        {"Name": "TraitType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "ModifierId", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true}
      ],
      "PrimaryKey": {"Name": "PK_TraitModifiers", "Columns": ["TraitType", "ModifierId"]}
    }
  ]
}

The modifier system is one of the most complex but powerful aspects of Civilization VII. It enables traits and abilities to affect gameplay through a flexible, data-driven approach.

age.civdb and age-transition.civdb

File Paths:

<GAME_RESOURCES>/Base/modules/base-standard/definitions/age.civdb
<GAME_RESOURCES>/Base/modules/base-standard/definitions/age-transition.civdb

These files define the Age system and the transitions between Ages. Key tables include:

{
  "Tables": [
    {
      "Name": "Ages",
      "Columns": [
        {"Name": "AgeType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Name", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Description", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "PlayerCivilizationDomain", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "DefeatDomain", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "VictoryDomain", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "MapSizeDomain", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "Banner", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "SortIndex", "Type": "INTEGER"}
      ],
      "PrimaryKey": {"Name": "PK_Ages", "Columns": ["AgeType"]}
    },
    {
      "Name": "AgeTransitions",
      "Columns": [
        {"Name": "FromAgeType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "ToAgeType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "LegacyPointsRequired", "Type": "INTEGER", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "UnlocksNewLeaders", "Type": "BOOLEAN", "Default": false},
        {"Name": "LeaderDomain", "Type": "TEXT"}
      ],
      "PrimaryKey": {"Name": "PK_AgeTransitions", "Columns": ["FromAgeType", "ToAgeType"]}
    },
    {
      "Name": "LegacyPaths",
      "Columns": [
        {"Name": "LegacyPathType", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Name", "Type": "TEXT", "NotNull": true},
        {"Name": "Description", "Type": "TEXT"},
        {"Name": "Icon", "Type": "TEXT"}
      ],
      "PrimaryKey": {"Name": "PK_LegacyPaths", "Columns": ["LegacyPathType"]}
    }
  ]
}

These tables define the core Age mechanics, transitions between Ages, and the Legacy Path system that plays a crucial role in Age progression.

Data Structure for Gameplay Elements

The base-standard module implements the definitions through XML files in the data directory. These files provide the baseline implementation of game elements that are then extended or modified by the Age modules.

Key Data Files

civilizations.xml

File Path: <GAME_RESOURCES>/Base/modules/base-standard/data/civilizations.xml This file defines base civilizations that might span multiple Ages or serve as templates for Age-specific civilizations. It includes:

Basic civilization definitions
Civilization traits and abilities
Starting biases and preferences

<Civilizations>
    <Row CivilizationType="CIVILIZATION_GENERIC" 
         Name="LOC_CIVILIZATION_GENERIC_NAME" 
         Adjective="LOC_CIVILIZATION_GENERIC_ADJECTIVE" 
         StartingTechType="TECH_POTTERY" 
         StartingCivicType="CIVIC_CODE_OF_LAWS" 
         FavoredReligion="RELIGION_PAGANISM"/>
</Civilizations>
<CivilizationAbilities>
    <Row CivilizationType="CIVILIZATION_GENERIC" TraitType="TRAIT_CIVILIZATION_GENERIC_ABILITY"/>
</CivilizationAbilities>

leaders.xml

File Path: <GAME_RESOURCES>/Base/modules/base-standard/data/leaders.xml This file defines leaders that span all Ages. Since leaders persist across Age transitions, they’re primarily defined in the base-standard module. It includes:

Leader definitions
Leader traits and abilities
Leader agendas (AI behavior patterns)
Leader attribute progression

<Leaders>
    <Row LeaderType="LEADER_AUGUSTUS" 
         Name="LOC_LEADER_AUGUSTUS_NAME" 
         InheritFrom="LEADER_DEFAULT" 
         SceneLighting="LEADER_AUGUSTUS_LIGHTING"/>
</Leaders>
<LeaderTraits>
    <Row LeaderType="LEADER_AUGUSTUS" TraitType="TRAIT_LEADER_AUGUSTUS_ABILITY"/>
</LeaderTraits>
<LeaderQuotes>
    <Row LeaderType="LEADER_AUGUSTUS" Quote="LOC_LEADER_AUGUSTUS_QUOTE"/>
</LeaderQuotes>

units.xml

File Path: <GAME_RESOURCES>/Base/modules/base-standard/data/units.xml This file defines universal unit types and mechanics. While most specific units are defined in Age modules, the base-standard module establishes core unit categories and systems. It includes:

Base unit types (Settler, Builder, etc.)
Unit mechanics and systems
Formation classes
Promotion systems

<Units>
    <Row UnitType="UNIT_SETTLER" 
         Name="LOC_UNIT_SETTLER_NAME" 
         Description="LOC_UNIT_SETTLER_DESCRIPTION" 
         Domain="DOMAIN_LAND" 
         FormationClass="FORMATION_CLASS_CIVILIAN" 
         Cost="80" 
         BaseMoves="2" 
         Population="1" 
         FoundCity="true"/>
</Units>
<UnitCapabilities>
    <Row UnitType="UNIT_SETTLER" CapabilityType="CAPABILITY_FOUND_CITY"/>
</UnitCapabilities>

constructibles.xml

File Path: <GAME_RESOURCES>/Base/modules/base-standard/data/constructibles.xml This file defines buildings, quarters (districts), and other constructible elements that are available across all Ages. It includes:

Base building types
Quarter (district) definitions
Wonder mechanics
Adjacency systems
Building yields and effects

<Buildings>
    <Row BuildingType="BUILDING_GRANARY" 
         Name="LOC_BUILDING_GRANARY_NAME" 
         Description="LOC_BUILDING_GRANARY_DESCRIPTION" 
         Cost="65" 
         Maintenance="1" 
         FoodYield="1"/>
</Buildings>
<Districts>
    <Row DistrictType="DISTRICT_CITY_CENTER" 
         Name="LOC_DISTRICT_CITY_CENTER_NAME" 
         Description="LOC_DISTRICT_CITY_CENTER_DESCRIPTION" 
         Cost="0" 
         IsDefault="true"/>
</Districts>

modifier-system-gameeffects.xml

File Path: <GAME_RESOURCES>/Base/modules/base-standard/data/modifier-system-gameeffects.xml This file implements the modifier system that powers traits, abilities, and effects. It includes:

Base modifier types
Standard effect definitions
Requirement sets
Common gameplay modifiers

<Modifiers>
    <Row ModifierId="MODIFIER_PLAYER_CITIES_ADJUST_YIELD" 
         ModifierType="MODIFIER_PLAYER_CITIES_ADJUST_YIELD" 
         SubjectRequirementSetId="REQSET_PLAYER_HAS_AT_LEAST_ONE_CITY"/>
</Modifiers>
<ModifierArguments>
    <Row ModifierId="MODIFIER_PLAYER_CITIES_ADJUST_YIELD" 
         Name="YieldType" 
         Value="YIELD_FOOD" 
         Type="ARGTYPE_IDENTITY"/>
    <Row ModifierId="MODIFIER_PLAYER_CITIES_ADJUST_YIELD" 
         Name="Amount" 
         Value="1" 
         Type="ARGTYPE_IDENTITY"/>
</ModifierArguments>

Implementation Patterns Common Across Ages

The base-standard module establishes several implementation patterns that are followed across all Age modules. Understanding these patterns is essential for creating mods that integrate seamlessly with the game.

The Trait-Modifier Pattern

One of the most important patterns is the trait-modifier system, which powers civilization and leader abilities:

Define a Trait (e.g., TRAIT_CIVILIZATION_DACIA_ABILITY)
Create Modifiers that implement the effects (e.g., MODIFIER_DACIA_COMBAT_BONUS)
Link modifiers to traits through the TraitModifiers table
Assign traits to civilizations or leaders through CivilizationTraits or LeaderTraits

{/*Define the trait*/}
<Traits>
    <Row TraitType="TRAIT_CIVILIZATION_DACIA_ABILITY" 
         Name="LOC_TRAIT_CIVILIZATION_DACIA_ABILITY_NAME" 
         Description="LOC_TRAIT_CIVILIZATION_DACIA_ABILITY_DESCRIPTION"/>
</Traits>

{/*Create modifiers*/}
<Modifiers>
    <Row ModifierId="MODIFIER_DACIA_COMBAT_BONUS" 
         ModifierType="MODIFIER_UNIT_ADJUST_COMBAT_STRENGTH" 
         SubjectRequirementSetId="REQSET_UNIT_IS_DOMAIN_LAND"/>
</Modifiers>
<ModifierArguments>
    <Row ModifierId="MODIFIER_DACIA_COMBAT_BONUS" 
         Name="Amount" 
         Value="5" 
         Type="ARGTYPE_IDENTITY"/>
</ModifierArguments>

{/*Link modifiers to traits*/}
<TraitModifiers>
    <Row TraitType="TRAIT_CIVILIZATION_DACIA_ABILITY" 
         ModifierId="MODIFIER_DACIA_COMBAT_BONUS"/>
</TraitModifiers>

{/*Assign traits to civilizations*/}
<CivilizationTraits>
    <Row CivilizationType="CIVILIZATION_DACIA" 
         TraitType="TRAIT_CIVILIZATION_DACIA_ABILITY"/>
</CivilizationTraits>

This pattern is used consistently across the game for all special abilities, bonuses, and effects.

The Requirement System

Requirements define conditions under which modifiers apply. The base-standard module establishes a robust system for creating and combining requirements:

Define RequirementSets that group related requirements
Create individual Requirements that check specific conditions
Combine requirements using logical operators (ALL, ANY, etc.)
Reference requirement sets in modifiers

{/*Define a requirement set*/}
<RequirementSets>
    <Row RequirementSetId="REQSET_DACIA_HILL_COMBAT" 
         RequirementSetType="REQUIREMENTSET_TEST_ALL"/>
</RequirementSets>

{/*Create individual requirements*/}
<Requirements>
    <Row RequirementId="REQ_UNIT_ON_HILL" 
         RequirementType="REQUIREMENT_PLOT_TERRAIN_TYPE_MATCHES" 
         Inverse="false"/>
</Requirements>
<RequirementArguments>
    <Row RequirementId="REQ_UNIT_ON_HILL" 
         Name="TerrainType" 
         Value="TERRAIN_HILLS"/>
</RequirementArguments>

{/*Link requirements to sets*/}
<RequirementSetRequirements>
    <Row RequirementSetId="REQSET_DACIA_HILL_COMBAT" 
         RequirementId="REQ_UNIT_ON_HILL"/>
</RequirementSetRequirements>

{/*Reference requirement sets in modifiers*/}
<Modifiers>
    <Row ModifierId="MODIFIER_DACIA_HILL_COMBAT_BONUS" 
         ModifierType="MODIFIER_UNIT_ADJUST_COMBAT_STRENGTH" 
         SubjectRequirementSetId="REQSET_DACIA_HILL_COMBAT"/>
</Modifiers>

This system allows for complex conditional mechanics that respond to game state.

The Ageless Flag Pattern

The base-standard module establishes the pattern for content that persists across Age transitions:

Set the IsAgeless flag to true for buildings or content that should persist
For units, set the IsPersistent flag
For mechanics, ensure they’re defined in base-standard rather than Age-specific modules

<Buildings>
    <Row BuildingType="BUILDING_WORLD_WONDER_PYRAMIDS" 
         Name="LOC_BUILDING_WORLD_WONDER_PYRAMIDS_NAME" 
         Description="LOC_BUILDING_WORLD_WONDER_PYRAMIDS_DESCRIPTION" 
         IsWonder="true" 
         IsAgeless="true"/>
</Buildings>

<Units>
    <Row UnitType="UNIT_COMMANDER" 
         IsPersistent="true"/>
</Units>

Ageless content serves as a crucial bridge between Ages, maintaining continuity in the player’s empire.

Icon Sets and Assets

The base-standard module includes definitions for icons and visual assets used throughout the game.

Icon XML Files

File Path: <GAME_RESOURCES>/Base/modules/base-standard/data/icons/ This directory contains XML files defining icons for various game elements:

civilization-icons.xml: Civilization symbols
leader-icons.xml: Leader portraits
unit-icons.xml: Unit symbols
building-icons.xml: Building icons
resource-icons.xml: Resource icons

<GameData>
  <IconDefinitions>
    <Row ID="ICON_CIVILIZATION_ROME" Size="32" Path="civ_sym_rome_32.dds"/>
    <Row ID="ICON_CIVILIZATION_ROME" Size="45" Path="civ_sym_rome_45.dds"/>
    <Row ID="ICON_CIVILIZATION_ROME" Size="50" Path="civ_sym_rome_50.dds"/>
    <Row ID="ICON_CIVILIZATION_ROME" Size="64" Path="civ_sym_rome_64.dds"/>
    <Row ID="ICON_CIVILIZATION_ROME" Size="80" Path="civ_sym_rome_80.dds"/>
  </IconDefinitions>
</GameData>

When creating mods, you can either reference existing icons or define new ones following this pattern.

Asset References

The base-standard module establishes patterns for referencing various types of assets:

Icon References: Use the icon ID in relevant tables (e.g., Icon="ICON_CIVILIZATION_ROME")
Model References: Reference 3D models for units and structures
Texture References: Reference textures for UI elements
Animation References: Reference animations for units and leaders

<Leaders>
    <Row LeaderType="LEADER_AUGUSTUS" 
         Name="LOC_LEADER_AUGUSTUS_NAME" 
         Icon="ICON_LEADER_AUGUSTUS"/>
</Leaders>

<Units>
    <Row UnitType="UNIT_WARRIOR" 
         Name="LOC_UNIT_WARRIOR_NAME" 
         MeshAsset="ASSET_UNIT_WARRIOR"/>
</Units>

Modders typically reference existing assets rather than creating new ones, as the latter requires specialized tools.

Cross-References

For core architecture concepts, see Civ7 Modding Architecture
For database schema details, see Database Schemas
For Age module specifics, see Age Modules
For real-world examples, see DLC and Community Mod Patterns

Conclusion

The base-standard module serves as the foundation of Civilization VII, defining the core structures, systems, and patterns that all gameplay is built upon. While Age modules provide era-specific content, base-standard establishes the universal elements that ensure consistency across the entire game experience. By understanding the base-standard module, modders can create content that integrates seamlessly with the game’s core systems and functions consistently across all Ages. Whether adding new civilizations, implementing unique abilities, or modifying gameplay mechanics, a thorough knowledge of base-standard is essential for effective Civilization VII modding.

Overview

Official

Community

Reference

​Overview

​Module Location and Structure

​Core Definition Files

​Key Definition Files

​civilization.civdb

​leader.civdb

​unit.civdb

​constructible.civdb

​modifier-system.civdb

​age.civdb and age-transition.civdb

​Data Structure for Gameplay Elements

​Key Data Files

​civilizations.xml

​leaders.xml

​units.xml

​constructibles.xml

​modifier-system-gameeffects.xml

​Implementation Patterns Common Across Ages

​The Trait-Modifier Pattern

​The Requirement System

​The Ageless Flag Pattern

​Icon Sets and Assets

​Icon XML Files

​Asset References

​Cross-References

​Conclusion

Overview

Module Location and Structure

Core Definition Files

Key Definition Files

civilization.civdb

leader.civdb

unit.civdb

constructible.civdb

modifier-system.civdb

age.civdb and age-transition.civdb

Data Structure for Gameplay Elements

Key Data Files

civilizations.xml

leaders.xml

units.xml

constructibles.xml

modifier-system-gameeffects.xml

Implementation Patterns Common Across Ages

The Trait-Modifier Pattern

The Requirement System

The Ageless Flag Pattern

Icon Sets and Assets

Icon XML Files

Asset References

Cross-References

Conclusion