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Configuration: Interface and presentation

Local controls, display options, and presentation behavior.

Settings index

interface

Online router endpoint

Sets the router used for online multiplayer games.

Notes: Online play fails with configuration instructions when this is empty. Use a DNS name or IPv4 address followed by an optional port; the default port is 47800. LAN games use discovery and ignore this setting.

  • Configuration path: interface router
  • Accepted input: text
  • Accepted length: up to 69 characters

Built-in default configuration

interface router = "";

Examples

interface router = "router.example.com:47800";

Tactical combat scroll interval

Sets the minimum interval between tactical-combat edge-scroll events.

Notes: Each tick is approximately 55 milliseconds. Zero restores classic unrestricted scrolling.

  • Configuration path: interface scroll_interval
  • Units: timer ticks
  • Accepted input: a number

Built-in default configuration

interface scroll_interval = 1;

Examples

interface scroll_interval = 1;

Presentation scaler

Selects the filter used to scale the game framebuffer to the window.

Notes: Pixelart preserves the current SDL pixel-art presentation and is the default. CPU scalers use dirty-region processing; higher factors increase worst-case CPU and texture-upload cost.

Allowed choices

  • pixelart
  • bilinear
  • hq2x
  • hq3x
  • hq4x
  • mmpx2
  • mmpx4

Built-in default configuration

interface scaler = pixelart;

Examples

interface scaler = mmpx2;
interface scaler = mmpx4;

Vertical synchronization

Synchronizes rendered frames with the display refresh rate.

Notes: True preserves the restored renderer's default behavior. Disabling synchronization can make screen transitions faster but may cause tearing.

  • Configuration path: interface vsync_enabled
  • Accepted input: true or false

Built-in default configuration

interface vsync_enabled = true;

Examples

interface vsync_enabled = false;

Network debug logging

Logs low-level game packet events and multiplayer Lua startup waits.

Notes: Local to each peer, excluded from saves and network synchronization. Defaults to false in all builds; changes take effect when configuration is loaded or reloaded.

  • Configuration path: interface net_debug_enabled
  • Accepted input: true or false

Built-in default configuration

interface net_debug_enabled = false;

Examples

interface net_debug_enabled = true;

In-game debugger

Enables the Dear ImGui debugging interface and its F10 toggle.

Notes: False prevents the debugger from opening or capturing input. Changes take effect the next time the game starts.

  • Configuration path: interface debugger_enabled
  • Accepted input: true or false

Built-in default configuration

interface debugger_enabled = false;

Examples

interface debugger_enabled = true;

In-game debugger font size

Sets the Dear ImGui debugger base font size relative to the rest of the interface.

Notes: The UI scale also scales text; change this only to adjust text relative to other debugger elements. Changes take effect the next time the game starts.

  • Configuration path: interface debugger_font_size
  • Accepted input: a number
  • Accepted values: 6 to 96

Built-in default configuration

interface debugger_font_size = 10;

Examples

interface debugger_font_size = 16;

In-game debugger UI scale

Uniformly scales the complete Dear ImGui debugger as a percentage.

Notes: This scales windows, widgets, spacing, and text together. Changes take effect the next time the game starts.

  • Configuration path: interface debugger_ui_scale
  • Accepted input: a number
  • Accepted values: 25 to 400

Built-in default configuration

interface debugger_ui_scale = 80;

Examples

interface debugger_ui_scale = 125;

Allow changed Lua sources when loading saves

Allows a saved game to load when active mod Lua files differ from the versions recorded in the save.

Notes: Intended for mod development. Storage format and migration errors still prevent loading. False preserves strict source consistency checks.

  • Configuration path: interface allow_lua_source_hash_mismatch
  • Accepted input: true or false

Built-in default configuration

interface allow_lua_source_hash_mismatch = false;

Examples

interface allow_lua_source_hash_mismatch = true;

Screen fade speed

Sets the fade increment used for ordinary screen transitions.

Notes: The classic value is 10; the MOO2 1.50 default is 25. Individual screens may temporarily select their own transition speed.

  • Configuration path: interface screen_fade_speed
  • Units: percent per fade step
  • Accepted input: a number
  • Accepted values: 1 to 100

Built-in default configuration

interface screen_fade_speed = 25;

Examples

interface screen_fade_speed = 25;

Interface animation settings

Configures presentation-only animation pacing.

Notes: Cloak steps preserve the classic normal and fast animation increments of one and two frames. Positive values through 127 preserve the authoritative uint7 domain; zero is rejected because it prevents the animation loop from advancing.

Fields

Built-in default configuration

interface animation cloak_steps = 1 2;

Examples

interface animation cloak_steps normal = 1;
interface animation cloak_steps fast = 2;

History graph smoothing

Averages history-graph values before drawing them.

Notes: True preserves classic behavior. False displays the unsmoothed graph data, matching MOO2 1.50's no_graph_smoothing setting.

  • Configuration path: interface history_graph_smoothing
  • Accepted input: true or false

Built-in default configuration

interface history_graph_smoothing = true;

Examples

interface history_graph_smoothing = false;

Sets the palette index used to draw links between paired wormholes on the galaxy map.

Notes: The default dark gray color preserves classic behavior and MOO2 1.50.

  • Configuration path: interface wormhole_link_color
  • Accepted input: a number

Built-in default configuration

interface wormhole_link_color = 4;

Examples

interface wormhole_link_color = 10;

Tech Review Achievements order

Configures group and application ordering in the Tech Review Achievements category.

Notes: Each fixed entry is an application, group header, or end marker. Defaults match MOO2 1.50.

  • Configuration path: interface tech_review_achievements
  • Accepted input: 58 entries

Built-in default configuration

interface tech_review_achievements =
    no_tech new_construction_types
    doom_star_construction none
    planet_construction none
    titan_construction none
    transport none
    freighters none
    outpost_ship none
    colony_ship none
    colony_base none
    no_tech spies
    psionics none
    stealth_suit none
    cyber_security_link none
    telepathic_training none
    neural_scanner none
    spy_network none
    no_tech ground_combat
    battleoids none
    powered_armor none
    personal_shield none
    anti_grav_harness none
    plasma_rifle none
    phasor_rifle none
    fusion_rifle none
    laser_rifle none
    pulse_rifle none
    no_tech ship_equipment
    megafluxers none
    emissions_guidance_system none
    dauntless_guidance_system none
    advanced_damage_control none
    survival_pods none
    no_tech colony
    star_gate none
    jump_gate none
    android_scientists none
    android_workers none
    android_farmers none
    advanced_city_planning none
    virtual_reality_network none
    nano_disassemblers none
    microlite_construction none
    biomorphic_fungi none
    universal_antidote none
    microbiotics none
    no_tech miscellaneous
    hyperspace_communications none
    sub_space_communications none
    tachyon_communications none
    evolutionary_mutation none
    heightened_intelligence none
    xeno_psychology none
    imperium none
    galactic_unification none
    federation none
    confederation none
    capitol none
    no_tech none;

Examples

interface tech_review_achievements 2 application = doom_star_construction;

Tech Review Colony order

Configures group and application ordering in the Tech Review Colony category.

Notes: Each fixed entry is an application, group header, or end marker. Defaults match MOO2 1.50.

  • Configuration path: interface tech_review_colony
  • Accepted input: 53 entries

Built-in default configuration

interface tech_review_colony =
    no_tech food
    gaia_transformation none
    terraforming none
    food_replicators none
    weather_control_system none
    soil_enrichment none
    subterranean_farms none
    hydroponic_farm none
    no_tech production
    deep_core_mining none
    robotic_factory none
    recyclotron none
    robo_miners none
    automated_factories none
    no_tech pollution
    core_waste_dumps none
    atmospheric_renewer none
    pollution_processor none
    no_tech research
    galactic_cybernet none
    autolab none
    planetary_supercomputer none
    research_laboratory none
    no_tech money
    galactic_currency_exchange none
    planetary_stock_exchange none
    spaceport none
    no_tech morale
    pleasure_dome none
    holo_simulator none
    no_tech colony_defense
    warp_interdictor none
    artemis_system_net none
    star_fortress none
    battlestation none
    star_base none
    planetary_barrier_shield none
    planetary_flux_shield none
    planetary_radiation_shield none
    ground_batteries none
    fighter_garrison none
    planetary_missile_base none
    armor_barracks none
    marine_barracks none
    no_tech miscellaneous
    dimensional_portal none
    planetary_gravity_generator none
    astro_university none
    alien_management_center none
    space_academy none
    cloning_center none
    biospheres none
    no_tech none;

Examples

interface tech_review_colony 2 application = gaia_transformation;

Tech Review Weapons order

Configures group and application ordering in the Tech Review Weapons category.

Notes: Each fixed entry is an application, group header, or end marker. Defaults match MOO2 1.50.

  • Configuration path: interface tech_review_weapons
  • Accepted input: 45 entries

Built-in default configuration

interface tech_review_weapons =
    no_tech beams
    death_ray none
    particle_beam none
    mauler_device none
    disrupter_cannon none
    plasma_cannon none
    gauss_cannon none
    phasor none
    graviton_beam none
    neutron_blaster none
    ion_pulse_cannon none
    mass_driver none
    fusion_beam none
    laser_cannon none
    no_tech missiles_torpedoes
    plasma_torpedo none
    proton_torpedo none
    anti_matter_torpedo none
    zeon_missile none
    pulson_missile none
    merculite_missile none
    nuclear_missile none
    no_tech bombs_biological
    bio_terminator none
    death_spores none
    neutronium_bomb none
    anti_matter_bomb none
    fusion_bomb none
    nuclear_bomb none
    no_tech fighters
    heavy_fighter_bays none
    bomber_bays none
    fighter_bays none
    assault_shuttles none
    no_tech special
    black_hole_generator none
    spatial_compressor none
    stellar_converter none
    stasis_field none
    pulsar none
    plasma_web none
    tractor_beam none
    gyro_destabilizer none
    anti_missile_rocket none
    no_tech none;

Examples

interface tech_review_weapons 42 application = tractor_beam;

Tech Review Equipment order

Configures group and application ordering in the Tech Review Equipment category.

Notes: Each fixed entry is an application, group header, or end marker. Defaults match MOO2 1.50.

  • Configuration path: interface tech_review_equipment
  • Accepted input: 79 entries

Built-in default configuration

interface tech_review_equipment =
    no_tech shields
    hard_shields none
    multi_phased_shields none
    shield_capacitors none
    class_x_shield none
    class_vii_shield none
    class_v_shield none
    class_iii_shield none
    class_i_shield none
    no_tech armor
    heavy_armor none
    reinforced_hull none
    xentronium_armor none
    adamantium_armor none
    neutronium_armor none
    zortrium_armor none
    tritanium_armor none
    titanium_armor none
    no_tech drives
    augmented_engines none
    interphased_drive none
    hyper_drive none
    anti_matter_drive none
    ion_drive none
    fusion_drive none
    nuclear_drive none
    no_tech fuels_range
    extended_fuel_tanks none
    thorium_fuel_cells none
    uridium_fuel_cells none
    iridium_fuel_cells none
    deuterium_fuel_cells none
    standard_fuel_cells none
    no_tech computers
    moleculartronic_computer none
    cybertronic_computer none
    positronic_computer none
    optronic_computer none
    electronic_computer none
    no_tech offense
    achilles_targeting_unit none
    structural_analyzer none
    high_energy_focus none
    rangemaster_unit none
    battle_scanner none
    no_tech equipment_defense
    damper_field none
    reflection_field none
    lightning_field none
    displacement_device none
    energy_absorber none
    phasing_cloak none
    cloaking_device none
    stealth_field none
    inertial_nullifier none
    inertial_stabilizer none
    wide_area_jammer none
    multi_wave_ecm_jammer none
    ecm_jammer none
    no_tech scanners
    sensors none
    neutron_scanner none
    tachyon_scanner none
    space_scanner none
    no_tech miscellaneous
    quantum_detonator none
    sub_space_teleporter none
    phase_shifter none
    time_warp_facilitator none
    hyper_x_capacitors none
    fast_missile_racks none
    automated_repair_unit none
    warp_dissipator none
    battle_pods none
    troop_pods none
    scout_lab none
    security_stations none
    transporters none
    no_tech none;

Examples

interface tech_review_equipment 2 application = hard_shields;

Interface text formats

Configures selected interface labels using named placeholders.

Notes: A $NAME$ placeholder is replaced only when its caller supplies NAME; otherwise it remains unchanged. Use $$ for a literal dollar sign.

  • Configuration path: interface format
  • Accepted input: 6 entries
  • Entry names: Text format row

Built-in default configuration

interface format =
    "Mod: $MOD$" 1 r 587 424
    "Version: $VERSION$" 1 r 587 410
    "$TURNS$ turns" 0 l 531 103
    "$TOTAL_PROD$ / $PRODUCT_COST$" 0 r 625 103
    "$XP$/$NEXTLVL$ EP" 0 r 293 91
    "$SPIES$" 0 r 72 3;

Examples

interface format prod template = "$TURNS$ turns";
interface format prod2 template = "$TOTAL_PROD$ / $PRODUCT_COST$";
interface format leader_xp template = "$XP$/$NEXTLVL$ EP";
interface format race_spies template = "$SPIES$";

Empire Info menu layout

Selects the Empire Info tab layout for the loaded INFO.LBX resource.

Notes: ice requires the matching alternate INFO.LBX resource supplied through the VFS.

Allowed choices

  • classic
  • ice

Built-in default configuration

interface info_menu_layout = classic;

Examples

interface info_menu_layout = classic;

Empire Info research value

Selects the research value displayed in the Colonies screen Empire Info panel.

Notes: Percentage modes display breakthrough chance when positive. Percentage1 otherwise displays current-turn research; percentage2 otherwise displays research remaining to the field cost.

Allowed choices

  • classic
  • accumulated
  • remaining
  • percentage1
  • percentage2

Built-in default configuration

interface print_research_value = classic;

Examples

interface print_research_value = percentage1;

Warn about build queue blockers

Prompts before leaving the colony build screen when Housing, Trade Goods, or Repeat precedes another product.

Notes: When automatic blocker deletion is enabled, blockers are removed without prompting. When this setting is false and automatic deletion is disabled, blockers are retained without a prompt.

  • Configuration path: interface warn_blockers
  • Accepted input: true or false

Built-in default configuration

interface warn_blockers = true;

Examples

interface warn_blockers = false;

Build-list colors

Defines normal and queued font colors for reusable build-list color roles.

Notes: Base, dim, and dark are palette indexes. Native defaults reproduce the classic orange colors and normalize MOO2 1.50's numbered color groups into named roles.

  • Configuration path: interface build_list_colors
  • Accepted input: 10 entries
  • Entry names: Build-list color role

Built-in default configuration

interface build_list_colors default =
    203 202 183
    187 186 184;
interface build_list_colors accent_1 =
    203 202 183
    187 186 184;
interface build_list_colors accent_2 =
    203 202 183
    187 186 184;
interface build_list_colors accent_3 =
    203 202 183
    187 186 184;
interface build_list_colors accent_4 =
    203 202 183
    187 186 184;
interface build_list_colors accent_5 =
    203 202 183
    187 186 184;
interface build_list_colors accent_6 =
    203 202 183
    187 186 184;
interface build_list_colors accent_7 =
    203 202 183
    187 186 184;
interface build_list_colors accent_8 =
    203 202 183
    187 186 184;
interface build_list_colors accent_9 =
    203 202 183
    187 186 184;

Examples

interface build_list_colors default normal base = 0xCB;
interface build_list_colors accent_1 queued dark = 0xB8;

Build-list product formatting

Configures ordering and reusable color roles for Housing, Trade Goods, and colony buildings.

Notes: Items with equal order are sorted by their localized displayed names. Native defaults preserve the classic list order and colors.

  • Configuration path: interface build_list_format
  • Accepted input: 50 entries
  • Entry names: Build-list product

Built-in default configuration

interface build_list_format =
    -2 default
    -1 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default
    0 default;

Examples

interface build_list_format housing order = -2;
interface build_list_format automated_factory color = accent_1;

Skip outpost placement prompts

Skips automatic outpost placement prompts when an outpost ship arrives at a star.

Notes: False preserves classic behavior. Colony placement prompts remain available when the player has a colony ship and an eligible planet.

  • Configuration path: interface no_outpost_prompt
  • Accepted input: true or false

Built-in default configuration

interface no_outpost_prompt = false;

Examples

interface no_outpost_prompt = true;

Initial research selection prompt

Prompts a player with no selected research field to choose one after the first turn.

Notes: True preserves classic behavior. Disabling this suppresses only the initial selection prompt, which is useful for melee games.

  • Configuration path: interface initial_tech_prompt
  • Accepted input: true or false

Built-in default configuration

interface initial_tech_prompt = true;

Examples

interface initial_tech_prompt = false;

Rebel troop display

Displays the rebel troop picture and combat strength in the colony military popup.

Notes: Rebels use the colony owner's ground-combat modifiers. False preserves the classic three-column popup.

  • Configuration path: interface rebel_display
  • Accepted input: true or false

Built-in default configuration

interface rebel_display = false;

Examples

interface rebel_display = true;

Loaded configuration prompt

Displays the configuration adopted from a loaded saved game when the main screen is reached.

Notes: The prompt identifies active mod packages by their stable package IDs. False suppresses the notification.

  • Configuration path: interface loaded_config_prompt
  • Accepted input: true or false

Built-in default configuration

interface loaded_config_prompt = true;

Examples

interface loaded_config_prompt = false;

Displays loaded mod names and versions in the main menu and moves the animated credits to a separate screen.

Notes: False preserves the classic animated credits on the main menu. When enabled, select Credits below the ordered mod list to view the original animation.

  • Configuration path: interface main_menu_mod_list
  • Accepted input: true or false

Built-in default configuration

interface main_menu_mod_list = false;

Examples

interface main_menu_mod_list = true;

Keep End of Turn Wait in multiplayer

Keeps the End of Turn Wait option selected when opening game settings in hotseat or network multiplayer games.

Notes: False preserves classic behavior, which clears the option outside a single-player game.

  • Configuration path: interface keep_end_of_turn_wait_in_multiplayer
  • Accepted input: true or false

Built-in default configuration

interface keep_end_of_turn_wait_in_multiplayer = false;

Examples

interface keep_end_of_turn_wait_in_multiplayer = true;

Allow future technology browsing

Keeps research-category buttons available for browsing technology fields beyond the next research choice.

Notes: True preserves classic behavior. False restores MOO2 1.50's no_future_tech_peek option without retaining its inverse legacy name.

  • Configuration path: interface allow_future_technology_browsing
  • Accepted input: true or false

Built-in default configuration

interface allow_future_technology_browsing = true;

Examples

interface allow_future_technology_browsing = false;

Battle confirmation message timeout

Sets how long battle attack, outpost-destruction, mind-control, and bombardment confirmation messages remain visible.

Notes: Each tick is approximately 55 milliseconds. Zero waits for manual dismissal. The default of 32767 is approximately 30 minutes and matches MOO2 1.50.

  • Configuration path: interface confirm_battle_message_timeout
  • Units: timer ticks
  • Accepted input: a number

Built-in default configuration

interface confirm_battle_message_timeout = 32767;

Examples

interface confirm_battle_message_timeout = 180;

Center tactical camera on next ship

Centers the tactical combat camera when initiative selects the next ship.

Notes: True preserves classic initiative behavior. False retains the non-initiative camera behavior, matching MOO2 1.50's no_center_on_next_ship setting.

  • Configuration path: interface center_on_next_ship
  • Accepted input: true or false

Built-in default configuration

interface center_on_next_ship = true;

Examples

interface center_on_next_ship = false;

Show Death Spore damage

Shows Death Spore damage instead of the special-effect label in ship-design displays.

Notes: False preserves the classic special-effect label.

  • Configuration path: interface death_spore_list_damage
  • Accepted input: true or false

Built-in default configuration

interface death_spore_list_damage = false;

Examples

interface death_spore_list_damage = true;

Show Bio Terminator damage

Shows Bio Terminator damage instead of the special-effect label in ship-design displays.

Notes: False preserves the classic special-effect label.

  • Configuration path: interface bio_terminator_list_damage
  • Accepted input: true or false

Built-in default configuration

interface bio_terminator_list_damage = false;

Examples

interface bio_terminator_list_damage = true;

Main-map overview star markers

Replaces star pictures with overview-map color markers in the Maximum galaxy's all-stars view.

Notes: Only applies to Maximum galaxies at maximum zoom-out. Player-owned systems use their player color. Unvisited neutral systems use bluish-gray, visited or contested neutral systems use gray, and black holes retain their overview marker. False preserves the normal star pictures.

  • Configuration path: interface main_map_overview_markers
  • Accepted input: true or false

Built-in default configuration

interface main_map_overview_markers = false;

Examples

interface main_map_overview_markers = true;

Main-screen tax rate

Displays a nonzero tax percentage above the treasury balance on the Main galaxy screen.

Notes: False preserves the classic two-line treasury display. When enabled and tax is nonzero, a third line shows the percentage above BC and income, using the research percentage's base font settings and font-height spacing. Treasury balance, income formatting, and negative-value colors are unchanged. Local to each player, excluded from saves and synchronization.

  • Configuration path: interface main_screen_tax_rate
  • Accepted input: true or false

Built-in default configuration

interface main_screen_tax_rate = false;

Examples

interface main_screen_tax_rate = true;

Maximum galaxy zoom mode

Selects geometric subdivision or classic display scales for Maximum-galaxy zoom levels.

Notes: Half is the default: each zoom-in step halves the visible width and height, showing one quarter of the previous map area. Classic restores the wider 72-star-style zoom scales.

Allowed choices

  • half
  • classic

Built-in default configuration

interface maximum_galaxy_zoom_mode = half;

Examples

interface maximum_galaxy_zoom_mode = classic;