Starbound Change Character Appearance Mod Work May 2026

  "model": "customcharacter.model",
  "textures": [
    "customcharacter.texture1",
    "customcharacter.texture2"
  ],
  "animations": [
    "customcharacter.animation1",
    "customcharacter.animation2"
  ]

This file defines the character's appearance. You will need to replace the model, textures, and animations fields with your own custom assets.

To directly answer the search intent of "starbound change character appearance mod work": Yes, multiple mods work flawlessly in the current build of Starbound. The Character Creation NPC mod is the most reliable, user-friendly, and crash-free option. It requires no console commands, no file editing, and no administrative privileges in singleplayer.

Avoid outdated YouTube tutorials recommending "Appearance Gun" unless you enjoy manual file patching. Stick to workshop mods updated within the last two years. And always, always back up your player folder before making any changes.

Your space explorer shouldn’t be stuck with a bad haircut for eternity. Mod the game, fix the look, and get back to exploring the universe in style.

Changing your character's appearance mid-game in is notoriously difficult because character data (hair, colors, and species) is hard-coded into your .player save file. Standard Workshop mods generally cannot modify these specific values while you are playing.

However, you can still "change" your look using one of the three methods below. 1. The "Mod" Solution: StarExtensions

If you want a modern in-game editor, StarExtensions is currently the best option. It is a specialized tool (not a standard Workshop mod) that modifies the game engine to allow mid-game changes.

How it works: Once installed, you can use the command /editor open to reopen the character creation screen on your current character.

Tip: It is recommended to remove your cosmetic armor before using this to avoid resetting your worn clothes. 2. The External Tool: Starcheat

For a long time, Starcheat has been the go-to external save editor. It allows you to open your save file and directly change your hairstyle, colors, and even your species.

Note: While powerful, some features may break after major game updates. Always make a backup of your storage/player folder before using it. 3. The "Manual" File Edit (No Mods)

If you don't want to install extra software, you can manually swap appearance data between a "template" character and your main character. This is the most stable method but requires several steps. starbound change character appearance mod work

Create a New Character: Make a temporary character with the exact hairstyle and colors you want.

Locate Files: Go to your Starbound folder (storage/player) and find the .player files for both your old and new characters.

Unpack & Swap: Use the dump_versioned_json tool in the game's win32 folder to turn the binary player files into readable text.

Edit "Identity": Search for the "identity" section in both files. Copy the hair, color, and pose values from the new character's text file and paste them into your main character's file.

Repack: Use make_versioned_json to convert the text back into a .player file.

Looking for Cosmetics instead?If you just want to change your clothes, use the Wardrobe Interface mod, which allows you to preview and equip every piece of clothing in the game without editing save files. Mod that changes appearance and race? - Steam Community

, character appearance is hardcoded into your save file, meaning there is no "Barber Shop" or built-in menu to change your look mid-game. Most players use external tools or save file editing to achieve this. 🛠️ Option 1: Using Mods (Easiest)

While standard Steam Workshop mods can't easily edit your save, certain "extensions" add this functionality directly to the game.

StarExtensions: This is widely considered the best tool for this. It allows you to reopen the character creation menu in-game. Command: Once installed, type /editor open in the chat.

Note: It is recommended to unequip your clothes first, as the editor might reset cosmetic slots.

OpenStarbound: An alternative engine for the game that includes a /run player.setSpecies("race") command and other identity-changing tools. 📁 Option 2: Save File Editing (Advanced) "model": "customcharacter

If you don't want to install extensions, you can manually swap your appearance by "borrowing" the data from a new character. 1. Create a "Template" Character

Launch Starbound and create a new character with the exact appearance (hair, colors, etc.) you want for your main. Save and exit the game immediately. 2. Locate Your Save Files Go to \Starbound\storage\player\.

Identify your Main character and your Template character. (Check the "Date Modified" timestamp; the Template will be the newest). Backup your entire folder before touching anything. 3. Use Official Tools to "Unpack" the Save

Starbound saves are binary and unreadable by text editors. You must use the tools in the \Starbound\win32\ folder: Command: dump_versioned_json.exe [MainID].player main.json.

Repeat this for the Template character to get template.json. 4. Swap the "Identity" Data Open both .json files in Notepad++. Search for the "identity" section.

Copy the values for hairType, hairDirectives, and bodyDirectives from the Template to your Main.

Directives are long strings of HEX codes that control your colors (skin, hair, underwear). 5. Repack the Save

Use the sister tool: make_versioned_json.exe main.json [MainID].player.

Replace the old file in your storage/player folder and launch the game. 🎨 Quick Reference: Customization Keys

If you are manually editing the JSON, look for these specific tags: hairType: The sprite name for your hair (e.g., male23). bodyDirectives: HEX codes for skin and underwear color. hairDirectives: HEX codes for hair color. personality: Controls your idle stance.

Here are a few different ways to phrase "starbound change character appearance mod work," depending on where you intend to use the text (e.g., a forum post, a mod description, or a guide). This file defines the character's appearance

You installed a mod, but nothing happens. Here’s the troubleshooting checklist.

Title: Character Appearance Changer

Description: This mod allows players to alter the visual appearance of their existing characters without the need to create a new save file. Whether you want to change your hairstyle, adjust your skin color, or completely overhaul your character's identity, this mod makes it possible directly in-game.

How it works:

Cause: Racial armor mismatch. If you change from a human to an Avian, the game tries to render Avian head feathers on human armor assets.
Fix: Unequip all armor before changing appearance. After changing, re-equip. The game will recalculate the model.

Cause: Outdated Lua script for UI callbacks.
Fix: Update to the mod’s 1.4.4+ version. Old mods rely on player.setSpecies() which was deprecated. New mods use world.sendEntityMessage().