BAR modding limits: unit scaling and custom models
What you can change with current mod tools and what requires a standalone mod project.
Tags: bar modding, unit scaling, custom models, Spring RTS engine, modoptions
What BAR modding supports right now
BAR runs on the Spring RTS engine, which is highly capable. The game's own modding layer sits on top of that engine and offers a narrower set of tools. You can rewrite unit stats, change build menus, adjust health and damage, and rescale units from existing models with some effort.
What you cannot do through the normal modding path is swap in custom 3D models for multiplayer matches. A true mod that adds new models requires building a standalone project that uses BAR as a template, and those do not work in official multiplayer.
Rescaling existing models
Changing the size of an existing unit model is possible. A scaling gadget written by Sprung has circulated in the community for this purpose. The work involved is not massive in terms of code volume, but it requires understanding how the game handles model transformations, bone weights, and collision hulls. Getting the visual right is the easy part. Making collisions and weapon targeting accurate takes more testing.
Modoptions versus direct Lua edits
When friends want to experiment with tweakdefs or tweakunits together, the clean route uses modoptions in the lobby. The !bset command provides quick one-off changes for a single match. Modoptions are better when you want persistent, named configurations that any host can select from the lobby menu without typing commands.
Where the documentation lives
BAR does not maintain a single external documentation site for modding. The practical knowledge base lives in pinned messages in community channels, the Spring RTS wiki (especially Lua_UnitDefs), the BAR source repository on GitHub, and community-maintained template files like BAR-Tweaks on GitHub. For most modding questions, checking the source code directly and referencing the Spring RTS wiki gives faster answers than searching for external guides.
Setting up a dedicated BAR server
Serious modding groups sometimes run their own BAR servers with teiserver and SPADS autohost. The SPADS wiki on GitHub carries installation guides for Windows LAN servers and client configuration. With Ansible playbooks, a full teiserver plus autohost setup can deploy in under thirty minutes. This matters for modders who want a private testing ground.
Creed of Champions and serious play
Creed of Champions attracts players who care about clean execution and respectful teamwork. Whether running custom balance mods or standard ladders, the group treats mistakes as learning moments. The environment values improvement over ego.
[Crd] The first and only community I have seen that actually holds up to its values. I have honestly not had a single bad experience here.