Replay system
Overview
A replay is a file stored within the game save, containing any information needed to repeat (replay) a game from start, in a movie-like fashion. This feature is to allow players to view how their world came to be.
Creating & playing a replay
Replays can be automatically generated as the map is played, behind the scenes. To enable this, the "Record replay" option needs to be checked when starting a new game. Replays have rather strong limitations, see below.
Playing a replay will play back in chronological order the actions taken in the world, as if the player was recording. The speed of playback can be increased or decreased to fine-tune the viewing experience.
To play replays, from the main menu go to Single Player -> Load game, then find the ▶ Start replay button in the upper right.
The replay GUI
A simple control GUI is available to control replay playback:
1. Pause/play the replay 2. Slow down playback 3. Speed up playback 4. Playback position
In multiplayer replays it is also possible to change the viewpoint player.
Limitations
- Replays for worlds created in older versions cannot be played. Downgrading is needed to view the replay.
- Adding/removing mods to the save will also break the replay.
- Although the replay option is part of the map settings, it is not saved to map exchange strings, hence it needs to be enabled manually after importing an exchange string.
- Playback view is locked to the character in singleplayer.
- There is no way to skip ahead, the entire replay must be watched up until the point of interest.
- Re-winding (A.K.A. Going backwards in time ) is not possible.
Advanced Features
- The game can be saved at any time during playback, thus it is possible to play again from any time during the replay.
- Changing the script files inside the save will not invalidate the replay. This can be used e.g. to collect data or screenshots in the background as the replay runs.