I mean the game was released like yesterday, you're not gonna see a whole lot in the workshop quite yet. The modability of this game looks promising though. I'd be curious what tools there could be to make custom npc's?

Well seeing as someone in another thread got a useful response I'll post that here and answer at least one of my own questions: Yes, there is an avenue for these types of changes.

http://wiki.playstaxel.com/Code_Based_Mod

Looks to be pretty cut to the bone, but I would assume it works as described. Not terribly helpful or friendly though, based on the text found on that page:

"Past this point it's up to you to look around and find out what you can. One recommendation is to find out how to decompile Staxel.dll, as it is not obfuscated, and have a look at the actual code."

Considering this game has been in development for "nearly four years", it shouldn't matter if it was released today. It certainly seems as if there hasn't been much consideration put into the modding side, but it still stands that there is a way to do it.

there are not just graphical mods. on the site there is a mod that adds working springler among other things.

The fact there's a working sprinkler, a tool rack (which acts similar to the selves but seems to be full-sized tool placement), and things like new blocks with effects (the sauna mod) makes me think there's lots of room for functional mods. In terms of NPC and ENTIRELY new feature mods, though, I have my doubts due to how little there's been done so far to even suggest a concept run/concept showing. What we need are modders who, despite the current state, are willing to go through the work to willingly prove if things like new NPCs/building types are possible (as one example).

Basically, it seems like it works quite well, but I can't imagine it's like some games (such as ARK) that boasted a nearly full modding suite on early access launch. Which it isn't bad, but it will somewhat hinder it. I think if the game's team took the modders already making leaps and asked them directly to work on things/attempt new mod types, we could probably see very quickly what's possible.

Hell, people that thing up things like the sprinkler seems like they should be asked to "test bed" potential new features/items that could be retroactively included into the game. That'd likely require cooperation between the devs and the creator, but I know many modders love the idea of being able to contribute to the game and "feature boost" titles like this that do have more long-term development plans. Smaller mod-originated features can stave off the "development crawl" that happens for titles, delivering a "flow" that at least doesn't trickle off.

I agree. I love the concept of a game like this but based on reviews and gameplay footage it feels sandbox to the point that you have to make your own fun which can be very hit or miss. I appreciate the aesthetics of this game, but mindlessly farming towards no eventual goal (apart from more farming) definitely pushes me away.

Based on the code-mod wiki page and the fact that the DLLs are not obfuscated it would seem that the capabilities for full game modding are there, it would just be a heavy workload for someone to undertake "for fun." As much as I'm willing to take that dive, the cost of the game is a tad prohibitive which is why my aim was to get information beforehand.