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Get started with AI modding

Every mod can be written by hand with a text editor - see Your first mod. This section is for when you want help: the modkit and an AI agent that builds the mod from your description.

The modkit

The modkit is a download that holds:

  • Examples and templates: complete, working mods to copy and change.
  • The validator: a checker that finds the mistakes which would crash the game or hide your mod, before you start the game.
  • Rules and skills for AI agents: everything Claude Code, Codex or OpenCode needs to build a mod from your description, check it and copy it into the game.

A mod made with the modkit is the same folder of files as one made by hand. The examples and the validator are useful without an AI too: see Without an AI agent.

Get access first

During the developer preview the modkit is private. These pages are open to everyone; the download is not. To get it, email your GitHub username to jan@blindflugstudios.com or moritz@blindflugstudios.com (no GitHub account yet? The install pages show how to make one - it is free). You will get an invitation email from GitHub; accept it, and the download step on the install pages works. GitHub asks you to switch on two-factor authentication before you can accept - the install pages walk you through it. Without the invitation, GitHub answers "Could not resolve to a Repository".

What you need

  • Ground of Aces on Steam, on Windows or Mac.
  • A computer where you can install programs (admin rights).
  • About 20-30 minutes for the one-time setup.
  • A free GitHub account. GitHub is the website where the modkit lives.

The install pages set up these tools for you, one command at a time:

Tool What it does for you Needed?
Git Downloads the modkit and keeps it up to date Yes
GitHub CLI (gh) Logs you in to GitHub from the terminal Yes
Claude Code (or Codex, or OpenCode) The AI agent that builds your mod Yes
Python Runs the mod checker (validator) directly Optional, recommended

What it costs

Honest up front

The game's modding, the modkit and the Steam Workshop are free. The AI agents are not.

  • Claude Code needs a paid Claude subscription (Pro or higher). The free Claude plan does not include it.
  • Codex needs a paid ChatGPT plan.
  • OpenCode is open source and free to install, but the AI model behind it is not always free. Its free models are offered for a limited time, may use your prompts for training and are clearly weaker than Claude or GPT - enough for a first simple mission. For steady use you pay per use. See OpenCode.

Don't want to pay for an AI? Everything works by hand: see Your first mod.

The whole journey in 5 steps

  1. Install the tools once: Windows or Mac.
  2. Get the modkit: gh repo clone blindflugstudios/goa-modkit. You do this once. Later, git pull fetches updates. Your own mods live in the mods/ folder and are never touched by updates.
  3. Describe your mod to the agent in plain English, for example "Make me a mission where two Spitfires escort a damaged bomber home over the Channel."
  4. The agent builds it, checks it and copies it into the game's Mods folder.
  5. Load it in the game: open the Mods window and press Refresh, load your save, and fly. Your first AI mod in 10 minutes shows every click.

The 10 minutes count from step 2, once the tools are installed.

Stuck at any point? See When nothing happens or ask in the modding channel on Discord.