Number of starting abilities.

How to change the amount of points to distribute

from GalCiv2 Forums
I have been looking around, and I can't seem to find a way to change the standard 10 starting ability points you can distribute with a Custom Race. I found a similar option, called
modding
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The Political Machine 2024
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I don't think that there is a way to directly set the number of points you get. Only workaround I've seen is to give some abilities a negative customization point cost, so by choosing it you'll get points added, rather than subracted, from your total.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Hmmm, nice idea. Didn't think of that. Going to try that right now!
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Btw, you can also make the point cost to 0, so no need for points. ^^
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
That would be interesting... In one of the later patches they could add negative abbilities, like low birthrate so that you could in essence spend more points without unbalancing the game.
Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
The custom race saves are xml also. You can edit them to set the value of things that aren't even available with customization (like miniturization). There is a section for techs too, but you'll need to find the proper names for the techs you want. It's similar to the raceconfig, but saved individually for each custom race (including custoized ingame races). They are the .raceconfig files found in MyGames\GalCiv2

The AI uses the raceconfig.xml for it's stats. Editing the raceconfig.xml will allow you to change the bonuses for the AI, while editing the custom .raceconfig files only affects the player. This means you can give the AI bonuses when they are an enemy, but have them be the normal config when you play as that race. It could work the other way too, but do you really need to make the game easier than it is?

*Backup any files in the main game directory before you edit them*
Reply #9 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
There is another copy of the main game files in the metaverse folder if you forgot to make backups. I wouldn't alter these though because I think it might not let you use the metaverse if you do.... Maybe I'm wrong though.
Reply #10 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Some of you may want to try a mod I made for the ability bonuses. If so follow this Link

By the way I am already working on a mod with a "negative" dimension regarding values. However it is far from done and not ready for public download also there appears to be a 4 item display limit for the in game list.