Is the "Building Architect Tool" and "Lot Editor" included in the Steam version?

[GandGolf]

And what exactly can I do with these tools? Will they allow me to change how much power, pollution, crime, value the building has or does it only let you change the 3d models of the buildings?

[Ilja]

BAT is pack for Gmax. You need Gmax for BAT.

You can get more information and links from here:

http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?page=14

[NetPCDoc]

Developer Tools:

• B.A.T. - "Building Architect Tool" (a gmax plug-in) allows one to work with 3d models, etc.
• L.E. - "Lot Editor" allows one to place buildings and props on (either growable or plopable) "Lots".

Community Tools

There are other tools that will allow one to change power, water, garbage, pollution, etc. (even enable transit: on-to, off-of, through - by type) for lots.

[MGB]

Unless you want to make new models for use with the game, you will not need the very complex BAT (Building Architect Tool). It's a set of scripts for use with a 3D Modelling application, gMax. Note you can't edit 3D models (SC4 models are not 3D), you can only make new ones.

The Lot Editor allows you to make custom lots. This is a great place to start with modding, I've a beginners guide you can download:

https://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/30788-mgbs-my-first-mod-tutorial/

You'll also need a copy of PIM (the Plugin Manager). Links to download are in the tutorial.

But, a lot of the things you are looking to change, will require a different tool altogether. SC4 Tool is probably the easier solution for modifying the properties of buildings/lots:

https://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/21368-sc4tool-english/

iLives Reader is more powerful, but has a much harder learning curve:

https://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/21343-ilive-reader-093/