Terraria: plan a first item mod
Use the upstream tModLoader example to scope a simple item before attempting a large content pack.
What the upstream example shows
The repository includes Fal Arsenal, a Terraria example built for tModLoader. It demonstrates new weapons, enemies and a boss. This is an upstream example, not a ModLab-tested build.
Start with a single item using a placeholder sprite. Do not copy the complexity of the entire arsenal into your first brief.
Record versions first
Record Terraria and tModLoader versions, your operating system and the mod project’s target. Follow tModLoader’s current official project setup instructions.
Ask the agent to confirm the applicable APIs from the installed version. Stop if the proposed code assumes a different loader release.
Write a small acceptance test
Define the item name, how to obtain it and one visible behavior. Test loading, obtaining and using it in a disposable world.
Only add generated artwork after the basic item works. Keep sprite dimensions and animation frames aligned with the real item implementation.
Compare version-sensitive instructions with the current upstream documentation.
Upstream documentation ↗