ShipShaper library mode is an item selector interface added to Tomas Sala's naval sandbox game ShipShaper: Falconeer Chronicles during Early Access. It replaces the original requirement to scroll sequentially through parts or rely solely on contextual surface guessing, giving players a categorized scrolling belt of components to place freely across their hulls and superstructures.
The system was developed in response to community requests for faster, more organized part selection. Developer Tomas Sala designed Library Mode to work side by side with the original freeform building mode rather than replacing it, ensuring players can choose between organic contextual placement and direct catalog selection at any point during construction.
Library Mode vs Classic Freeform Creation
Prior to the update, building required dragging components directly over areas that the game deemed suitable, which caused placement conflicts when decks became crowded with props, rigging, or weaponry. Library Mode removes standard bow, stern, and superstructure restrictions, letting you select an exact component and place it anywhere the physical layout allows.
| Feature | Classic Freeform Mode | Library Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Part Selection | Contextual guessing or cycling with the mouse wheel | Categorized scrolling belt with folding folders |
| Placement Boundaries | Restricted by specific deck and section zones | Looser placement across hull, deck, and superstructures |
| Attachment Logic | Drag-and-drop based on local surface context | Specialized snapping rules based on component type |
| Invalid Placements | Object simply fails to seat or clips into nearby items | Red cursor indicator and red part name warning |
| Variant Switching | Re-selecting or re-rolling contextual components | Dedicated item detail belt to swap visual variants |
| Coexistence | Remains fully accessible in the builder | Active alongside classic mode; selectable at will |
How Snapping and Placement Work in Library Mode
To implement an item browser without breaking ship balance, each component category uses dedicated snapping behavior rather than uniform drag-and-drop logic. When an item is picked from the library, clicking anywhere on an empty floor or right-clicking releases the selection.
Railings and Edges
When you choose a railing from the library, every valid rim across the vessel lights up simultaneously. Hovering near a ledge automatically snaps the rail section to the nearest available rim.
Masts and Dorsal Objects
Masts and centerline props automatically snap along the ship's longitudinal centerline. This snapping applies both to the main deck and to raised superstructure roofs.
Sails, Ropes, and Flags
When selecting sails or pennants, aiming your cursor at any highlighted mast or rigging rope attaches the canvas to that fixture. Square sails, studding sails, and staysails snap along the length of their respective spars and stays. The system also supports mounting multiple jibs along rising mast-to-mast ropes.
Weapon Emplacements and Guns
Guns follow a two-step system tied directly to mounts:
- Hovering a weapon over the hull lights up all open emplacements that match its mount tier (Small, Medium, or Large).
- The library interface dynamically filters gun categories, displaying only the weapons that fit open emplacements currently installed on the hull.
- Placing a gun locks it to the emplacement with correct mirror yaw on opposite flanks, and idle weapons cease turning when the editor cursor hovers above the ship.
Catalog Categories and Variant Swapping
The library belt groups all vessel assets into collapsible categories. Hovering over any collapsed tab reveals the category name alongside an exact count of items inside. Each preview thumbnail is rendered in real time, displaying the ship's currently active color theme.
The major categories available in the library include:
- Gun Emplacements: Structural mount points across light, medium, and heavy profiles.
- Weaponry: Folders split into Small Guns, Medium Guns, and Large Guns (including specialized pieces such as the Ansaldo quad turret).
- Deck Objects: Functional and cosmetic fittings such as winches, gratings, companionway hatches, bitts, and ladders.
- Superstructures: Castles, observation decks, control bridges, and raised platform sections.
- Flags and Pennants: National ensigns, signal flags following the International Code of Signals, and pirate banners.
- Shields and Signs: Heraldic shields, decorative stern plaques, numerals 0 through 9, and 15 naval hull symbols (including anchors, diamonds, chevrons, draft marks, and load lines).
- Propulsion and Steering: Masts, rigging ropes, oars, smokestacks, funnels, and stretchable rudders.
Selecting any placed part opens the Item Detail Belt. This strip allows players to cycle through cosmetic variations of the same physical footprint without deleting the underlying piece. For example, a single deck opening component can be swapped between open gratings, closed wooden hatches, or cargo crate clusters.
Builder Controls and Workflow Tips
Navigating between build modes relies on contextual mouse inputs and shortkeys inside the editor:
- Switching Modes: Painting the bare hull automatically switches the toolset to Hull Mode, while painting any prop or deck attachment switches to Item Mode.
- Backing Out: Clicking empty floor space steps back one menu tier. Clicking a second time on the empty floor opens the full ship statistics window.
- Canceling an Item: Right-clicking while holding a library part drops the piece without placing it. In Hull Mode, right-clicking opens the creation menu.
- Adjusting Hull Length: Dragging the stern handle aft stretches the hull shape backward without resetting deck placements.
- Managing Overlaps: If a weapon or platform placed beneath an elevated deck shifts above the platform after loading, reload the save file or adjust the height manually before re-saving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you still build ships using the original freeform mode?
Yes. The developer confirmed that classic freeform building was retained alongside Library Mode. Players are free to place objects contextually or open the library belt depending on personal preference.
Why does a gun or part show a red cursor when attempting to place it?
A red cursor and red part name indicate an invalid placement. This occurs if a weapon does not match the size of the target emplacement, if an item exceeds clearance tolerances, or if the chosen surface cannot support that specific part type.
How does ship stability work after placing library items?
Placing heavy items, such as large funnels, armored turrets, or multiple engine parts, alters vessel weight and trim. The stats screen provides a 1-to-5 rating for stability, cargo load, and handling. Low stability ratings will glow to warn you that the ship risks capsizing or sinking if taken into World Mode with the full physics toggle activated.
Are all naval terms in Library Mode translated into other languages?
According to official developer patch notes, naval terminology in newly added library categories requires ongoing manual translation. In builds immediately following major content drops, certain specialized terms remain in English until human localization updates are pushed.
