Smoke Mines

Try this or similar. Used as mine pods in an older mod.

in weapon_equip.ini

[Explosion]
nickname = mine04_mark01_explosion
effect = green_cloud_flash_impact
lifetime = 0.000000, 0.000000
process = disappear
strength = 100
radius = 20
hull_damage = 140
energy_damage = 0
impulse = 0

[Mine]
nickname = mine04_mark01_ammo
explosion_arch = mine04_mark01_explosion
loot_appearance = ammo_crate
units_per_container = 10
requires_ammo = true
hit_pts = 2
one_shot_sound = fire_mine_regular
detonation_dist = 8
lifetime = 8
force_gun_ori = true
DA_archetype = equipment\models\mines\br_plasma_mine.3db
material_library = equipment\models\br_equip.mat
ids_name = 459264
ids_info = 459265
mass = 0.100000
volume = 0.000000
owner_safe_time = 4
linear_drag = 0.400000
seek_dist = 800
top_speed = 100
acceleration = 200
const_effect = li_mine01

[MineDropper]
nickname = mine04_mark01
ids_name = 459266
ids_info = 459267
DA_archetype = equipment\models\weapons\li_cm_dropper01.cmp
material_library = equipment\models\li_equip.mat
HP_child = HPConnect
hit_pts = 801
explosion_resistance = 1.000000
debris_type = debris_normal
parent_impulse = 20
child_impulse = 80
volume = 0.000000
mass = 10
damage_per_fire = 0
power_usage = 0
refire_delay = 0.100000
muzzle_velocity = 10
toughness = 3.300000
projectile_archetype = mine04_mark01_ammo
dry_fire_sound = fire_dry
separation_explosion = sever_debris
lootable = true
LODranges = 0, 20, 60, 10

and in effects.ini

[Effect]
nickname = green_cloud_flash_impact
effect_type = EFT_EXPLOSION_MISSILE
snd_effect = asteroid_explosion
vis_effect = gf_explosion_rh_battleship__gasgeyser

Try experimenting with different effetcs if you dont like the green colours this one gives…

Heheh, I know that one. Had lots of fun with those Mine Pods. As for the smoke grenade effect, yea, take that gasgeyser effect in ALE editor, and resize and recolour. Not necessarily exactly what a smoke grenade looks like, but nonetheless, still priceless ;D

you may even try the gf_flakcannon (weapons_ale.ini) without ALE editing it already looks great…

PS: And never forget, realistic look isn’t the most important, just make a beautiful effect which reminds players a smoke grenade. If you want to make something cool: 1. make sg beautiful 2. modify it to remind us a realistic effect. 3. Make sure it looks nice from close and far away as well. 4. optimize (performance)