Refreshed Ground Units

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Author: salemonz

Last revision: 15 Oct, 2025 at 14:39 UTC

File size: 3.16 MB

On Steam Workshop

Description:

<<< AI TRIGGER WARNING >>> Mod author is a dirty human sellout that uses generative AI to make aspects of mod content.

• v1.0.0 — 15 October 2025 — Initial Release

In order to force the game to use different ground unit assets for each race, this mod changes the TroopDefinitions*.xml files. This mod is incompatible with other mods that modify those files.

XL users: THIS MOD IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH XL. XL ALREADY INCORPORATES THIS MOD CONTENT. YOU DO NOT NEED THIS MOD AND XL.

Distant Worlds: Universe (DW1) had some GREAT ground unit art assets for each race. It was super neat to see the Dhayut spider tanks and the Zenox battle suits.

Distant Worlds 2 just uses the same ground unit icons for all races. Meh.

This mod attempts to bring back a lot of the DW1 graphics.

HOWEVER…

Due to the way DW2 handles ground units (white silhouette), many of the old DW1 ground units didn’t look good at all. I have replaced many units with new art to try and maximize the distinction–though with graphics that small, it is a challenge.

THIS MOD INCLUDES ALL MINOR RACES, even though they aren’t playable. Someday when all the DW2 DLCs are released, we can play as every featured race and their ground units.

1. Subscribe to this mod here in steam workshop.
2. Launch DW2.
3. Within the game, In the Modifications menu, enable the mod.
4. <<< IMPORTANT >>> You must EXIT and RESTART Distant Worlds 2 before the mod will work.
5. After re-loading DW2, start a new game and enjoy!

Hey! I’m salemonz, the mod author.

The Distant Worlds 2 Refreshed mod series is my attempt to increase my skills with generative AI applications, 3D modeling and photo-editing programs.

I’m just a dad gamer who enjoys tinkering with his games. I hope these mods add to your enjoyment of DW2!