---
title: Plugin Development
description: Information about creating and maintaining plugin for SE Launcher (CringeLauncher)
published: true
date: 2025-07-07T13:40:59.987Z
tags: 
editor: markdown
dateCreated: 2025-07-07T12:39:12.054Z
---

# Plugin Development

Client plugins in **SE Launcher (CringeLauncher)** are designed to be significantly more powerful than regular Steam Workshop mods. They have the ability to **modify game behavior at runtime**, access **internal APIs**, and even **patch the game code**, including sensitive components like the **DirectX 11 renderer** of the game engine. This allows for extensive customization and feature development well beyond the capabilities of the vanilla modding system.

> **Note**: Prior experience with **C# programming** is **required** to start developing plugins.

You can start learning C# here:
- [Get started with C#](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/csharp/tour-of-csharp/)
- [Introduction to C# in .NET](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/csharp/)

---

## Getting Started

To begin developing plugins for SE Launcher, follow the steps below:

### 1. Choose and Install an IDE

You will need a C#-capable integrated development environment. Below are some popular free options:

- **Visual Studio 2022 Community Edition**  
  [https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/community/](https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/vs/community/)

- **JetBrains Rider (Free for Non-Commercial Use)**  
  [https://www.jetbrains.com/rider/](https://www.jetbrains.com/rider/)

- **Visual Studio Code + C# Extension**  
  Download VS Code: [https://code.visualstudio.com/](https://code.visualstudio.com/)  
  Install the C# extension: [https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-dotnettools.csdevkit](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-dotnettools.csdevkit)

### 2. Install Plugin Templates

To create a plugin project, you need to install the official templates. Open a terminal or command prompt and execute:

```bash
dotnet new install CringePlugins.Templates --nuget-source https://ng.zznty.ru/v3/index.json
```


After installation, the **SpaceEngineers Plugin Template** will be available in your IDE’s "Create New Project" menu.

### 3. Create and Launch the Plugin

Create a new project using the installed template. Once the project is created, you can start debugging the game directly from your IDE.

Here are typical hotkeys to start a debug session:

- **Visual Studio**: `F5` to start debugging, `Shift + F5` to stop
- **Rider**: `Shift + F9` to debug, `Shift + F10` to run
- **VS Code**: `F5` to start debugging

---

## What Next?

Once you’ve created your initial plugin project, here are the next steps to explore and extend your plugin:

1. **[Navigating Game Code](./development/decompiling-game)**  
   Learn how to decompile the game to understand its internal structure.

2. **[How to Create Configs](./development/plugin-configs)**  
   Learn how to use the launcher's built-in config system to make your plugin configurable.

3. **[Creating UIs](./development/plugin-ui)**  
   Explore different built-in UI frameworks supported by the launcher for developing user interfaces.

4. **[Patching Game Code](./development/patching)**  
   Understand how to use the Harmony library to write runtime patches for the game.

5. **[Publishing](./development/publishing)**  
   Instructions on preparing and publishing your plugin.

    5.1 **[Publishing to Official PluginHub](./development/publishing/guidelines)**  
        Follow the guidelines to submit your plugin to the official PluginHub.

    5.2 **[Distributing via Your Own Source](./development/publishing/custom-source)**  
        Learn how to host and distribute your plugin independently.

---