ACF (Artillery Combat Framework) Basics — Garry's Mod Guide

Master ACF in Garry's Mod. Learn about armored vehicle construction, engines, armor, realistic ballistics, damage models, and controls for intense combat.

The Armored Combat Framework (ACF) is a powerful addon for Garry's Mod that brings realistic, physics-based armored vehicle combat to the game. ACF allows players to des, build, and pilot highly detailed tanks, armored cars, and other combat vehicles, complete with functional turrets, armor plating, and complex damage models.

ACF revolutionizes vehicle combat in Garry's Mod by providing a framework for creating incredibly detailed and functional armored vehicles. It moves beyond simple prop-based contraptions to offer a system where individual components like engines, transmissions, armor plates, and weaponry are simulated with realistic physics. This allows for deep customization and engaging combat scenarios.

Key concepts and components of ACF:

• Vehicle Construction:
• Chassis: The base structure of your vehicle, often built from metal props.
• Armor Plates: Different types and thicknesses of armor can be applied to the chassis. Armor has specific properties like penetration resistance.
• Engines: Various engine types (e.g., V8, electric) provide power. They have stats like horsepower and torque.
• Transmissions: Control how engine power is delivered to the wheels, affecting acceleration and top speed.
• Tracks/Wheels: Functional components that allow the vehicle to move.
• Weaponry:
• Turrets: Functional turrets that can traverse and elevate.
• Cannons/Guns: Various types of cannons and machine guns with realistic ballistics, reload times, and damage.
• Ammunition: Different shell types (AP, HE, HEAT) have varying effectiveness against different armor types.
• Damage Model:
• Component Damage: Damage is applied to specific components (engine, tracks, turret). Damaging an engine can immobilize the vehicle, while destroying tracks prevents movement.
• Penetration: Shells must overcome the armor's thickness and composition to deal damage to internal components.
• Controls:
• Driving: Typically controlled with WASD keys for movement and mouse for steering/turret aiming.
• Firing: Usually bound to mouse clicks.

Getting Started with ACF:

1. Download and install the ACF addon from the Steam Workshop.
2. Spawn ACF components (engines, armor, wheels, turrets) from the spawn menu.
3. Use welds to assemble your vehicle's chassis and attach components.
4. Connect components using ACF's specialized tools (e.g., connecting an engine to a transmission, and transmission to tracks).
5. Mount weapons and ensure they are properly connected and powered.
6. Test drive your creation and refine its des based on performance and combat effectiveness.

ACF offers a steep learning curve but provides an incredibly rewarding experience for those interested in realistic vehicle combat and engineering.