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Gabbi (Rickisthe1) edited this page Dec 27, 2024 · 4 revisions

Welcome, and congratulations on discovering this document! By doing so, you are not only contributing to a renewed sense of hope for humanity but also sparing countless puppies from an unfortunate fate. More importantly, you are taking your first step toward mastering the art of hacking EarthBound using CoilSnake.

This guide aims to provide you with all the foundational knowledge needed to begin hacking one of the greatest games in modern history. The only prerequisites are basic computer skills and a willingness to learn. Let’s dive in!

How Can EarthBound Be Hacked When It's a Console Game?

Like other console games, EarthBound can be modified by extracting its data and editing it on a computer. Specialized tools allow users to retrieve the game’s ROM (Read-Only Memory) from its cartridge, containing all programming and graphical assets. Once extracted, the ROM can be run on an emulator, which replicates the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) environment, enabling you to play EarthBound on a personal computer.

Getting Started

To begin, you’ll need two essential items:

  1. The ROM file: Obtain this from the game cartridge.
  2. An emulator: Recommended options include:

Once you have the ROM and emulator, you can start experimenting. You can either:

  • Edit the ROM’s hexadecimal values manually (ideal for research and customizations not supported by other tools), or
  • Use specialized tools, like CoilSnake, which automate and simplify many processes. This guide focuses on CoilSnake and other tools widely used by the community.

What About Mother and Mother 3?

While EarthBound Beginnings (Mother) and Mother 3 have also been hacked to some extent, they are less explored compared to EarthBound. Reasons include:

  • Mother: Its NES-based engine is less appealing for modders.
  • Mother 3: Its ROM structure is challenging to modify.

For resources and tools related to these titles, visit the [PK Hack board’s tool index](https://forum.starmen.net/forum/Community/PKHack/The-Catchall-Resources-Hacks-Index-Thread/first). These tools are not covered in this guide.

What Do I Need to Start Hacking?

  1. Operating System:

  2. Text Editor:
    Use a modern editor like:

    Note: Word processors like Microsoft Word are unsuitable.

  3. Image Editor:
    Recommended options include:

    • Photoshop (industry standard, but costly).
    • GraphicsGale (free, ideal for pixel art).
    • Aseprite (popular but paid).
    • GIMP (free alternative to Photoshop).

    Tip: Ensure you use the latest version of GIMP to avoid compatibility issues with CoilSnake.

  4. Dependencies:
    Some tools have third-party dependencies or require interdependencies. Consult each tool’s documentation for details.

  5. Your Brain: Preferably not in a jar.

Acknowledgments

This tutorial draws heavily from [Lyrositor](https://github.com/lyrositor)'s [EB Hacking 101](https://www.lyros.net/files/EBHack101Latest.pdf) guide, used with permission. While the original guide is outdated, it served as a valuable foundation for this resource.

Additional Resources

Need more help?

Useful Resources

Getting Started

Sprites and Graphics

Characters and Dialogue

Misc.

Music

Map Editing

Battle Data

Fan Translation Tutorial

Advanced

CoilSnake Tech Support

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