> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/DarkoniusXNG/Legends-of-Dota-Redux/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# VScripts overview

> Overview of the Lua scripting layer in Legends of Dota Redux

## What are VScripts?

Dota 2 custom games use a server-side Lua scripting system called **VScripts**. When a custom game loads, the Dota 2 engine executes a root entry point (`addon_game_mode.lua`) which bootstraps every other module using Lua's `require` function or Valve's `LinkLuaModifier` helper for modifier classes.

All scripts live under:

```
game/scripts/vscripts/
```

Modifiers (passive buff/debuff classes) must be registered before use:

```lua theme={null}
LinkLuaModifier(
    "modifier_neutral_power",
    "abilities/modifiers/modifier_neutral_power.lua",
    LUA_MODIFIER_MOTION_NONE
)
```

Regular modules are loaded with `require`:

```lua theme={null}
local constants = require('constants')
require('lib/timers')
```

## Script file reference

| File                  | Purpose                                                                      |
| --------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `addon_game_mode.lua` | Root entry point; wires up all game-mode events                              |
| `pregame.lua`         | Hero/skill selection phase — the most important file in Redux                |
| `ingame.lua`          | Gameplay systems: respawning, gold balancing, towers, mutators               |
| `commands.lua`        | All player-typed chat commands (vote, debug, and cheat commands)             |
| `optionmanager.lua`   | Shared key–value store for game options                                      |
| `util.lua`            | General-purpose utilities used across all other modules                      |
| `constants.lua`       | Hardcoded numeric constants shared across the project                        |
| `network.lua`         | Network table helpers for syncing state to clients                           |
| `chat.lua`            | Custom chat system used during the menu/lobby phase                          |
| `skillmanager.lua`    | Functions for swapping hero skills mid-game                                  |
| `spellfixes.lua`      | Per-ability corrections, fixes, and balance patches                          |
| `dedicated.lua`       | Dedicated-server configuration helpers                                       |
| `lod_debug.lua`       | Console commands for server-side debugging                                   |
| `optionmanager.lua`   | Game option accessors (`GetOption` / `SetOption`)                            |
| `panorama_shop.lua`   | Layout and logic for the custom Panorama shop (from Angel Arena: Black Star) |
| `obstacles.lua`       | Obstacle spawn list for the deprecated Duel arena mechanic                   |
| `survival.lua`        | Incomplete co-op holdout game mode (Ash47)                                   |
| `challenge.lua`       | Incomplete co-op holdout variant (Ash47)                                     |
| `triggers.lua`        | Map trigger handlers                                                         |
| `stats_client.lua`    | Client-side statistics collection                                            |

## Directory structure

```
vscripts/
├── addon_game_mode.lua
├── pregame.lua
├── ingame.lua
├── commands.lua
├── optionmanager.lua
├── util.lua
├── constants.lua
├── network.lua
├── chat.lua
├── skillmanager.lua
├── spellfixes.lua
├── lod_debug.lua
├── panorama_shop.lua
├── abilities/
│   ├── modifiers/
│   ├── mutators/
│   ├── global_mutators/
│   ├── hero_perks/
│   └── ...
├── lib/
│   ├── timers.lua
│   ├── wearables.lua
│   └── StatUploaderFunctions.lua
└── statcollection/
    └── init.lua
```

## How scripts are loaded

`pregame.lua` is the main bootstrap file. It requires every other core module and calls `LinkLuaModifier` for every Lua-based modifier that the game needs:

```lua theme={null}
-- Standard module requires
local constants = require('constants')
local SpellFixes = require('spellfixes')
require('lib/timers')
require('chat')
require('dedicated')

-- Modifier registration (must happen before any unit with that modifier is spawned)
LinkLuaModifier(
    "modifier_vampirism_mutator",
    "abilities/mutators/modifier_vampirism_mutator.lua",
    LUA_MODIFIER_MOTION_NONE
)
```

After all requires, `pregame.lua` loads the game's KV (key-value) data into `GameRules.KVs`:

```lua theme={null}
GameRules.KVs = {}
GameRules.KVs["npc_abilities"]         = util.abilityKVs
GameRules.KVs["npc_abilities_custom"]  = LoadKeyValues('scripts/npc/npc_abilities_custom.txt')
GameRules.KVs["npc_abilities_override"]= LoadKeyValues('scripts/npc/npc_abilities_override.txt')
GameRules.KVs.herolist                 = LoadKeyValues('scripts/npc/herolist.txt')
GameRules.KVs.abilitylist             = LoadKeyValues('scripts/kv/abilities.kv')
```