Skins Definitions Data

Version History

Build Version	Change Date	Change Type	Description
676042	2025-06-21	stable	Current version

Overview

The skins_defs_data.lua file contains auto-generated skin definitions and configurations for Don't Starve Together's inventory system. This file is automatically generated by the export_accountitems.lua script and provides the complete mapping of cosmetic skins to their assets, linking relationships, and organizational structures.

Usage Example

-- File is automatically loaded during game initialization
-- Defines skin asset builds, item pairings, and skin sets

-- Example of how the system works (read-only data):
local function GetSkinBuild(skin_id)
    -- The system uses these definitions internally
    -- to map skin IDs to their visual assets
end

Core Functions

TheInventory:ClearSkinsDataset()

Status: stable

Description: Clears the existing skin dataset before loading new definitions. Called at the beginning of the file to ensure a clean state.

Usage:

TheInventory:ClearSkinsDataset()

Purpose:

Resets any previously loaded skin data
Prepares the inventory system for fresh skin definitions
Ensures consistency across game builds

TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua(build, skin_id, flag)

Status: stable

Description: Registers a skin build with the inventory system, defining the visual assets and restrictions for each cosmetic variation.

Parameters:

build (string): Asset build name for the skin's visual representation
skin_id (string): Unique identifier for the skin item
flag (boolean): Restriction flag (typically false for standard skins)

Example:

-- Character skin registrations
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("wilson_formal", "wilson_formal", false)
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("willow_ancient", "willow_ancient", false)

-- Item skin registrations  
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("spear_rose", "spear_rose", false)
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("armor_grass_woven", "armor_grass_woven", false)

-- Companion skin registrations
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("chester_snow", "chester_snow", false)
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("glommer_flower", "glommer_flower", false)

TheInventory:AddSkinSetInput(emote_id, set_index, skin_id)

Status: stable

Description: Associates skins with coordinated emote sets, enabling themed collections that work together visually.

Parameters:

emote_id (string): Identifier for the emote or action
set_index (number): Index within the emote set (0-based)
skin_id (string): Skin component to include in the set

Example:

-- Gladiator emote set for multiple characters
TheInventory:AddSkinSetInput("emote_fistshake", 0, "wilson_gladiator")
TheInventory:AddSkinSetInput("emote_fistshake", 0, "body_wilson_gladiator")
TheInventory:AddSkinSetInput("emote_fistshake", 1, "willow_gladiator")
TheInventory:AddSkinSetInput("emote_fistshake", 1, "body_willow_gladiator")

-- Sleep emote set with matching bedrolls
TheInventory:AddSkinSetInput("emote_sleepy", 0, "body_pj_blue_agean")
TheInventory:AddSkinSetInput("emote_sleepy", 0, "bedroll_furry_quilt_blue_frost")

TheInventory:AddSkinLinkInput(linked_skin, base_skin)

Status: stable

Description: Creates linking relationships between related skins, such as item variants that share visual themes or companion pets with their containers.

Parameters:

linked_skin (string): Skin that depends on or relates to the base skin
base_skin (string): Primary skin that the linked skin references

Example:

-- Abigail flower links to Abigail ghost forms
TheInventory:AddSkinLinkInput("abigail_flower_ancient", "abigail_ancient")
TheInventory:AddSkinLinkInput("abigail_flower_formal", "abigail_formal")

-- Chest variants linking to base versions
TheInventory:AddSkinLinkInput("chester_eyebone_horn", "chester_horn")
TheInventory:AddSkinLinkInput("chester_eyebone_mystical", "chester_mystical")

-- Item skin relationships
TheInventory:AddSkinLinkInput("armor_dragonfly_fangedcollar", "armor_wood_fangedcollar")
TheInventory:AddSkinLinkInput("boat_grass_pirate_item", "boat_grass_pirate")

TheInventory:AddFreeItemForEveryone(skin_id)

Status: stable

Description: Marks specific skins as free items available to all players without purchase requirements.

Parameters:

skin_id (string): Skin identifier to make freely available

Example:

-- Free beefalo clothing sets
TheInventory:AddFreeItemForEveryone("beefalo_horn_war")
TheInventory:AddFreeItemForEveryone("beefalo_head_war")
TheInventory:AddFreeItemForEveryone("beefalo_body_war")

-- Free loading screens
TheInventory:AddFreeItemForEveryone("loading_dst10_signed")
TheInventory:AddFreeItemForEveryone("record_creepyforest")

TheSim:AddTextureToStreamingGroup(group_id, texture_path)

Status: stable

Description: Assigns skin textures to streaming groups for optimized loading and memory management.

Parameters:

group_id (number): Streaming group identifier for organization
texture_path (string): Full path to the texture asset

Example:

-- Wolfgang skin textures organized by streaming groups
TheSim:AddTextureToStreamingGroup(0, "anim/dynamic/wolfgang_ancient.zip:wolfgang_ancient--atlas-0.tex")
TheSim:AddTextureToStreamingGroup(1, "anim/dynamic/wolfgang_combatant.zip:wolfgang_combatant--atlas-0.tex")
TheSim:AddTextureToStreamingGroup(2, "anim/dynamic/wolfgang_cook.zip:wolfgang_cook--atlas-0.tex")

Skin Categories

Character Skins

Description: Cosmetic variations for playable characters affecting their visual appearance.

Pattern: [character]_[theme]

Examples:

-- Base character skins
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("wilson_formal", "wilson_formal", false)
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("willow_ancient", "willow_ancient", false)
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("wolfgang_gladiator", "wolfgang_gladiator", false)

-- Character body parts for detailed customization
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("body_wilson_formal", "body_wilson_formal", false)
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("hand_wilson_formal", "hand_wilson_formal", false)
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("legs_wilson_formal", "legs_wilson_formal", false)

Item Skins

Description: Cosmetic variants for tools, weapons, armor, and other craftable items.

Categories:

Tools: Axes, pickaxes, shovels, hammers
Weapons: Spears, staffs, swords
Armor: Protective equipment with visual modifications
Structures: Buildings and constructions
Containers: Storage items and chests

Examples:

-- Tool skins
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("axe_feathered", "axe_feathered", false)
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("pickaxe_northern", "pickaxe_northern", false)

-- Weapon skins
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("spear_rose", "spear_rose", false)
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("batbat_fantasy", "batbat_fantasy", false)

-- Armor skins
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("armor_grass_woven", "armor_grass_woven", false)
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("armor_marble_chainmail", "armor_marble_chainmail", false)

Beefalo Clothing

Description: Cosmetic modifications for beefalo mounts with complete outfit sets.

Components:

head: Head decoration and accessories
body: Body covering and ornamentation
feet: Hoof modifications and footwear
horn: Horn decorations and modifications
tail: Tail accessories and styling

Examples:

-- War-themed beefalo set
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("beefalo_head_war", "beefalo_head_war", false)
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("beefalo_body_war", "beefalo_body_war", false)
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("beefalo_feet_war", "beefalo_feet_war", false)
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("beefalo_horn_war", "beefalo_horn_war", false)
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("beefalo_tail_war", "beefalo_tail_war", false)

-- Formal beefalo set
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("beefalo_head_formal", "beefalo_head_formal", false)
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("beefalo_body_formal", "beefalo_body_formal", false)

Companion Skins

Description: Visual modifications for companion creatures like Chester, Glommer, and critters.

Types:

Chester Variants: Different chest appearances and themes
Glommer Skins: Butterfly companion modifications
Critter Skins: Small companion creature variations
Pet Accessories: Additional decorative elements

Examples:

-- Chester variations
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("chester_snow", "chester_snow", false)
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("chester_mystical", "chester_mystical", false)

-- Glommer modifications
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("glommer_flower", "glommer_flower", false)
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("glommerflower_fantasy", "glommerflower_fantasy", false)

-- Critter skins
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("glomling_puft", "glomling_puft", false)
TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua("dragonling_bat", "dragonling_bat", false)

Emote Sets

Coordinated Themes

Emote sets group related skins that work together for specific actions or themes:

Gladiator Set (emote_fistshake):

-- All characters get gladiator-themed skins for the fistshake emote
TheInventory:AddSkinSetInput("emote_fistshake", 0, "wilson_gladiator")
TheInventory:AddSkinSetInput("emote_fistshake", 1, "willow_gladiator") 
TheInventory:AddSkinSetInput("emote_fistshake", 2, "wolfgang_gladiator")

Sleep Set (emote_sleepy):

-- Pajama themes with matching bedrolls
TheInventory:AddSkinSetInput("emote_sleepy", 0, "body_pj_blue_agean")
TheInventory:AddSkinSetInput("emote_sleepy", 0, "bedroll_furry_quilt_blue_frost")

Western Set (emote_tiphat):

-- Western-themed character skins for hat-tipping
TheInventory:AddSkinSetInput("emote_tiphat", 0, "wanda_western")
TheInventory:AddSkinSetInput("emote_tiphat", 1, "wathgrithr_western")

Skin Linking System

Relationship Types

Parent-Child Relationships:

-- Abigail's flower controls her ghost appearance
TheInventory:AddSkinLinkInput("abigail_flower_ancient", "abigail_ancient")
TheInventory:AddSkinLinkInput("abigail_flower_formal", "abigail_formal")

Item Variant Relationships:

-- Different armor materials sharing the same style
TheInventory:AddSkinLinkInput("armor_dragonfly_fangedcollar", "armor_wood_fangedcollar")
TheInventory:AddSkinLinkInput("armor_dragonfly_roman", "armor_wood_roman")

Container-Content Relationships:

-- Chester's eyebone matches his appearance
TheInventory:AddSkinLinkInput("chester_eyebone_horn", "chester_horn")
TheInventory:AddSkinLinkInput("chester_eyebone_mystical", "chester_mystical")

Asset Streaming Organization

Streaming Groups

Textures are organized into numbered groups for efficient loading:

Group 0: Ancient theme skins Group 1: Combat/Gladiator theme skins
Group 2: Cooking/Chef theme skins Group 3: Formal theme skins

Example Organization:

-- Wolfgang ancient skins in group 0
TheSim:AddTextureToStreamingGroup(0, "anim/dynamic/wolfgang_ancient.zip:wolfgang_ancient--atlas-0.tex")
TheSim:AddTextureToStreamingGroup(0, "anim/dynamic/wolfgang_mighty_ancient.zip:wolfgang_mighty_ancient--atlas-0.tex")

-- Wolfgang combat skins in group 1
TheSim:AddTextureToStreamingGroup(1, "anim/dynamic/wolfgang_combatant.zip:wolfgang_combatant--atlas-0.tex")
TheSim:AddTextureToStreamingGroup(1, "anim/dynamic/wolfgang_mighty_combatant.zip:wolfgang_mighty_combatant--atlas-0.tex")

Security and Validation

Signature Validation

The file includes cryptographic signatures to ensure data integrity:

TheInventory:ValidateWithSignature("4a57af8288567d39848c3028c0430cdd8b790b7f...")

Purpose:

Prevents unauthorized modification of skin data
Ensures consistency across different game clients
Validates that skin definitions match expected values

Protection Guards

Engine Change Protection:

if TheInventory.AddFreeItemForEveryone == nil then
    -- Fallback validation for older engine versions
else
    -- Modern engine with free item support
end

Auto-Generation Process

Source: export_accountitems.lua

Generation Steps:

Clear existing skin dataset
Process skin asset definitions from game data
Generate restricted build registrations
Create skin set associations for emotes
Establish skin linking relationships
Configure free item availability
Organize texture streaming groups
Apply cryptographic validation

Update Frequency: Generated with each game build containing skin changes

Integration Points

Inventory System

The definitions integrate with the game's inventory system to:

Display available skins in character selection
Apply visual changes when skins are equipped
Manage skin ownership and acquisition
Handle skin preview and inspection

Asset Pipeline

Works with the game's asset system to:

Load appropriate texture and animation files
Stream skin assets efficiently during gameplay
Manage memory usage for large skin collections
Support dynamic loading of cosmetic content

Performance Considerations

Memory Management

Streaming Groups: Skins are organized into groups that can be loaded/unloaded based on relevance

Lazy Loading: Only assets for equipped or previewed skins are fully loaded

Texture Compression: Skin textures use optimized formats for reduced memory footprint

Network Optimization

Lightweight Definitions: Only essential data is networked between players

Client-Side Assets: Visual assets are stored locally, only IDs are synchronized

Batch Updates: Multiple skin changes are bundled for efficient network transmission

Common Usage Patterns

Checking Skin Availability

-- The system uses these definitions to determine what skins exist
local function IsSkinDefined(skin_id)
    -- Internal system checks against registered builds
    return TheInventory:IsValidSkinId(skin_id)
end

-- System can find linked skins for compatibility
local function GetLinkedSkin(base_skin)
    -- Uses the linking data to find related items
    return TheInventory:GetLinkedSkinId(base_skin)
end

Emote Set Discovery

-- System identifies which skins work together for emotes
local function GetEmoteSetSkins(emote_id, character_index)
    -- References the skin set input data
    return TheInventory:GetSkinsForEmoteSet(emote_id, character_index)
end

Skin Strings: Localized text for skin names and quotes
Skin Assets: Visual asset definitions and mappings
Skin Affinity Info: Character-skin compatibility rules
Skin Gifts: Gift system configuration for skin distribution
Skin Set Info: Coordinated skin collection definitions

Version History​

Overview​

Usage Example​

Core Functions​

TheInventory:ClearSkinsDataset()​

TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua(build, skin_id, flag)​

TheInventory:AddSkinSetInput(emote_id, set_index, skin_id)​

TheInventory:AddSkinLinkInput(linked_skin, base_skin)​

TheInventory:AddFreeItemForEveryone(skin_id)​

TheSim:AddTextureToStreamingGroup(group_id, texture_path)​

Skin Categories​

Character Skins​

Item Skins​

Beefalo Clothing​

Companion Skins​

Emote Sets​

Coordinated Themes​

Skin Linking System​

Relationship Types​

Asset Streaming Organization​

Streaming Groups​

Security and Validation​

Signature Validation​

Protection Guards​

Auto-Generation Process​

Integration Points​

Inventory System​

Asset Pipeline​

Performance Considerations​

Memory Management​

Network Optimization​

Common Usage Patterns​

Checking Skin Availability​

Finding Related Skins​

Emote Set Discovery​

Related Modules​

Version History

Overview

Usage Example

Core Functions

TheInventory:ClearSkinsDataset()

TheInventory:AddRestrictedBuildFromLua(build, skin_id, flag)

TheInventory:AddSkinSetInput(emote_id, set_index, skin_id)

TheInventory:AddSkinLinkInput(linked_skin, base_skin)

TheInventory:AddFreeItemForEveryone(skin_id)

TheSim:AddTextureToStreamingGroup(group_id, texture_path)

Skin Categories

Character Skins

Item Skins

Beefalo Clothing

Companion Skins

Emote Sets

Coordinated Themes

Skin Linking System

Relationship Types

Asset Streaming Organization

Streaming Groups

Security and Validation

Signature Validation

Protection Guards

Auto-Generation Process

Integration Points

Inventory System

Asset Pipeline

Performance Considerations

Memory Management

Network Optimization

Common Usage Patterns

Checking Skin Availability

Finding Related Skins

Emote Set Discovery

Related Modules