Flex Script v2.1.0 for Stellaris MPP

Welcome to the Flex Script for the Stellaris Mod "More Picks & Points: Traits|Civics|Ethics [FLEX EDITION]" (MPP). This major update introduces a range of new features, optimizations, and user experience improvements, making the script more intuitive, versatile, and efficient.

Features

• Advanced Path Detection: Automatically detects game and mod paths, with options for semi-autonomous and manual input.
• Server Mode: Simplified setup for server hosts, facilitating mod synchronization with clients/friends.
• Customization Interface: Streamlined process for adjusting Stellaris MPP game settings.
• Efficient Settings Management: Robust system for loading and saving settings, enhancing responsiveness.
• User-Friendly Interaction: Improved prompts and instructions for a smoother user experience.
• Optimized Performance: Adjusted for faster execution, with modes tailored for different user needs.
• Auto-Update Feature: This feature ensures that the MPP files are always equal to the Stellaris target files.
• Steam Publishing: After auto-updating, an admin can upload the mod directly to Steam using steamcmd.

Installation

1. Download the Script: Download flexScript.py (or flexScript.exe if using the executable version) from the GitHub repository.
2. Python Requirements: If using the Python script, ensure Python is installed on your system. Download Python.

Customization Usage

• Run flexScript.py using Python, or execute flexScript.exe if using the standalone version.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to locate your Stellaris installation and mod directories.
• Choose your customization options.
• Run and Play!

Publishing to Steam

Flex Script can upload the mod to Steam Workshop after an auto-update. This requires Valve's command line tool steamcmd.

Installing SteamCMD

• Windows: double-click the bundled install_steamcmd.bat. It downloads steamcmd.zip, extracts it into a steamcmd folder next to the batch file and runs the initial setup.
• Linux: run install_steamcmd.sh (requires curl and tar). SteamCMD will be placed in a steamcmd folder alongside the script.

Ensure the SteamCMD directory is on your PATH or note its full path for later use.

Publishing

1. Set the environment variables STEAM_USERNAME and STEAM_PASSWORD for the Steam account that owns the mod (the script will prompt if unset).
2. Run Flex Script and let the auto-update complete. Once finished, the menu reveals a PUBLISH: Upload mod to Steam option.
3. Select the publish option. Flex Script creates a workshop_build.vdf with the necessary appid, publishedfileid, and contentfolder, then runs steamcmd +login <user> <password> +workshop_build_item workshop_build.vdf +quit to upload the mod files.

For more information consult Valve's Workshop Publishing guide.

Server Mode Usage

The server mode streamlines the setup process for multiplayer sessions, making it easy to share custom settings with friends:

1. Set Up Your Settings: First, configure your Flex Script settings (follow the Customization Usage tips above) to your preference in NORMAL mode (or other than SERVER mode).
2. Prepare Server Mode: Convert your Flex Script into a server-ready version through the Flex Script Menu (select "SERVER MODE"). This process adjusts the script to work efficiently for multiplayer sessions.
3. Share with Friends: Distribute the server-ready Flex Script executable (flexScript.exe) and the corresponding settings file (fs_settings.json) to your friends.
4. Easy Client Setup: Your friends should place both the executable and the settings file anywhere in the same directory on their system.
5. Run and Play: Have your friends run the flexScript.exe. The script will automatically configure their game using the shared settings, ensuring everyone is synchronized for multiplayer gameplay.
6. Have fun!!!

This mode ensures a quick and hassle-free setup for all players involved in the multiplayer session, providing a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.

Contributing

Feedback and contributions are welcome. Please feel free to fork the repository, make your changes, and submit a pull request.

Support and Contact

If you encounter any issues or have questions, please open an issue on GitHub or contact me through the Steam MPP mod comment section.

Version History

• v2.1.0: Major overhaul with new features and optimizations.
• Previous versions: See the changelog for detailed version history.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License.