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<span style="font-size: 188%">Welcome to Modding on the TWC Wiki</span>
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[[File:Total War Modding.png|center|Total War Modding Banner]]<br>
<center>[[File:Modding_portal_pic.png]]<br>
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<center><big>'''Welcome to Total War Modding on the TWC Wiki!'''
  
<big>All the '''[[Total War Series]]''' games are modifiable to an extent, but the ease, scope and manner of possible modifications varies between the games.  The popularity of the modifications has contributed to the Total War games' ongoing success.</big>
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All the '''[[Total War Series]]''' games are modifiable to an extent, but the ease, scope and manner of possible modifications varies between the games.   
  
This page is not the place to find modifications, please refer to each individual game portal or '''[[:Category:Mods]]''' for that, here you will find links to advice on how to make your own modifications. </center>   
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The popularity of the user-made modifications has contributed to the Total War games' ongoing success. Here you can find links to advice and tools which will enable you to make your own mods.</big>
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 +
If you're looking for mods to play, please refer to the [[Total War Mods]] portal.</center><br>   
 
{{TOC right}}
 
{{TOC right}}
 
 
==Modding on Total War Center==
 
==Modding on Total War Center==
 
*On TWC each game has its own '''Modding Workshop''' section and sections where mods can be posted and discussed, additionally;  
 
*On TWC each game has its own '''Modding Workshop''' section and sections where mods can be posted and discussed, additionally;  
*'''[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php TWC Downloads]''' provides a categorised hosting facility for mods and tools, files up to 100mb can be hosted directly on TWC, larger files hosted off-site can be linked to from the download pages.  
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*'''[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php TWC Downloads]''' provides a categorised hosting facility for mods and tools. Files up to 100mb can be hosted directly on TWC, larger files hosted off-site can be linked to from the download pages.  
 
*TWC's '''[[Mod Register]]''' is available to provide basic information about a mod together with useful links and a permission statement.  
 
*TWC's '''[[Mod Register]]''' is available to provide basic information about a mod together with useful links and a permission statement.  
 
*Modders can apply for '''Hosted Forums''' by contacting {{ModdingHex}}.  
 
*Modders can apply for '''Hosted Forums''' by contacting {{ModdingHex}}.  
<br>
 
  
 +
==Modding Information on the Wiki==
 +
Most of the modding information is divided by game or engine, see the boxes below.
 +
*'''[[Modelling, Textures and Graphics - Modding Index]]''' lists tutorials and resources that apply to all games.
 +
 +
===General-Purpose Resources===
 +
* [[Useful Modding Programs]]
 +
* [[Upload Sites]]
 +
* [[Using Git for Modding]]
 +
 +
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<div class="TWCportal_1">
 
==Warscape Engine Modding Overview==
 
==Warscape Engine Modding Overview==
TW Engine 3 with the graphic engine "Warscape" has been used for [[Total War]] titles from [[Empire: Total War]] onwards, there are similar tools and principles used in modding these games.  Some, but not all, of the games benefit from Assembly Kit tools released by CA.
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The TW Engine 3 with the graphic engine "Warscape" has been used for [[Total War]] titles from [[Empire: Total War]] onwards, there are similar tools and principles used in modding these games.  Some, but not all, of the games benefit from Assembly Kit tools released by CA.
  
 
*[http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Official_CA_modding_tips_and_tutorials Official CA Warscape Modding Tips] - at totalwar.com  
 
*[http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Official_CA_modding_tips_and_tutorials Official CA Warscape Modding Tips] - at totalwar.com  
 
*[http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Content_Creators#Creating_Mods_for_Total_War_-_Where_to_Start Where to Start Guide] - at totalwar.com  
 
*[http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Content_Creators#Creating_Mods_for_Total_War_-_Where_to_Start Where to Start Guide] - at totalwar.com  
 
<br>
 
<br>
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|-
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===Total War Saga: '''Pharaoh'''===
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---- {{Pharaoh Button}}
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[[Total War: Pharaoh]] offers support we've yet to investigate in detail, please update this before making public. Further information is needed on the game; anyone with further knowledge is free to expand this section!
  
 +
For further modding information see:
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* forum sections, when created
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<br>
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|}-->
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{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
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|-
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|style="padding: 1.5em; |
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===Total War Saga: '''Troy'''===
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---- {{Troy Button}}
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[[Total War Saga: Troy]] [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?807397-RPFM-supports-Troy! Rusted Pack File Manager] offers Thrones of Britannia support. Further information is needed on the game; anyone with further knowledge is free to expand this section!
 +
 +
For further modding information see:
 +
* '''[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?2302-Troy-Modding-Workshop Troy Modding Workshop]''' - on TWC, and the '''[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?2310-Tools-Tutorials-and-Resources Tools, Tutorials and Resources section]'''
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<br>
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|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
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|-
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|style="padding: 1.5em; |
 
===Total War: '''Three Kingdoms'''===
 
===Total War: '''Three Kingdoms'''===
----
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---- {{TW3K Button}}
 
[[Total War: Three Kingdoms]] benefits from an Assembly Kit released by CA, the kit includes Dave (for database editing), Terry (for battle map creation), BoB (for compilation of pack files), and the Variant Editor (for editing unit model collections), read more [https://www.totalwar.com/blog/announcing-mod-support-for-total-war-three-kingdoms/#English here].  To find the kit go to the 'Tools' tab in your Steam account.
 
[[Total War: Three Kingdoms]] benefits from an Assembly Kit released by CA, the kit includes Dave (for database editing), Terry (for battle map creation), BoB (for compilation of pack files), and the Variant Editor (for editing unit model collections), read more [https://www.totalwar.com/blog/announcing-mod-support-for-total-war-three-kingdoms/#English here].  To find the kit go to the 'Tools' tab in your Steam account.
  
 
For further modding information see:
 
For further modding information see:
 
* '''[[Total War: Three Kingdoms - Modding Index]]''' - on TWC Wiki for links to tutorials, useful answers to modding questions, tools and resources.
 
* '''[[Total War: Three Kingdoms - Modding Index]]''' - on TWC Wiki for links to tutorials, useful answers to modding questions, tools and resources.
* '''[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?2278-Total-War-Three-Kingdoms-Mod-Workshop Three Kingdoms Modding Workshop]''' - on TWC, and the '''[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?2284-Tools-Tutorials-and-Resources Tools, Tutorials and Resources section]'''
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* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?2284-Tools-Tutorials-and-Resources 3K Tools, Tutorials and Resources section] - on TWC Forums to reply with questions about the tutorials etc. or add your own!
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?2284-Tools-Tutorials-and-Resources 3K Tools, Tutorials and Resources section] - on TWC to reply with questions about the tutorials etc. or add your own!
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* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?2278-Total-War-Three-Kingdoms-Mod-Workshop Three Kingdoms Modding Workshop] - to ask modding questions.
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
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|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
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|-
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|style="padding: 1.5em; |
 
===Total War Saga: '''Thrones of Britannia'''===
 
===Total War Saga: '''Thrones of Britannia'''===
----
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---- {{ToB Button}}
 
[[Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia]] has an Assembly Kit tool. Both [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?791847-PFM-5-1-Thrones-of-Britannia-Support PFM] and [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?791476-Rusted-PackFile-Manager-now-supports-Thrones-of-Britannia! Rusted Pack File Manager] also offer Thrones of Britannia support.
 
[[Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia]] has an Assembly Kit tool. Both [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?791847-PFM-5-1-Thrones-of-Britannia-Support PFM] and [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?791476-Rusted-PackFile-Manager-now-supports-Thrones-of-Britannia! Rusted Pack File Manager] also offer Thrones of Britannia support.
  
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* '''[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?1514-Thrones-of-Britannia-Modding-Workshop Thrones of Britannia Modding Workshop]''' - on TWC, and the '''[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?1534-Tools-Tutorials-and-Resources Tools, Tutorials and Resources section]'''
 
* '''[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?1514-Thrones-of-Britannia-Modding-Workshop Thrones of Britannia Modding Workshop]''' - on TWC, and the '''[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?1534-Tools-Tutorials-and-Resources Tools, Tutorials and Resources section]'''
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
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===Total War: '''Warhammer I & II'''===
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{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
----
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|-
[[Total War: Warhammer]] benefits from an Assembly Kit released by CA, view the quick start guide for Terry [https://www.totalwar.com/blog/total-war-warhammer-assembly-kit-terry-quick-start-guide/ here]. Please note that due to the Games Workshop licensing Warhammer has a more restrictive EULA for modding than the other titles, search "Modding Terms" [https://store.steampowered.com/eula/364360_eula_0 here].
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|style="padding: 1.5em;  |
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===Total War: '''Warhammer I, II & III'''===
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---- {{Warhammer Button}}
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[[Total War: Warhammer]] benefits from an Assembly Kit released by CA, view the quick start guide for Terry [https://www.totalwar.com/blog/total-war-warhammer-assembly-kit-terry-quick-start-guide/ here]. Please note that due to the Games Workshop licensing, Warhammer has a more restrictive end-user license agreement (EULA) for modding than do the other titles. To be specific, the EULA of Total War Warhammer forbids any mods from including any copyrighted content other than that which is in "Warhammer Fantasy Battles". Even the copyrighted content that is within the other divisions of Warhammer (such as Warhammer 40,000) is forbidden. Search "Modding Terms" [https://store.steampowered.com/eula/364360_eula_0 here].
  
 
For further modding information see:
 
For further modding information see:
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* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?2197-Total-War-WARHAMMER-Mod-Workshop Total War: Warhammer Mod Workshop] - to ask modding questions.
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?2197-Total-War-WARHAMMER-Mod-Workshop Total War: Warhammer Mod Workshop] - to ask modding questions.
 
<br>
 
<br>
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|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
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|-
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|style="padding: 1.5em;  |
  
 
===Total War: '''Attila'''===
 
===Total War: '''Attila'''===
----
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---- {{Attila Button}}
 
[[Total War: Attila]] has an Assembly Kit released by CA which incorporates Dave (for database editing), Terry (for battle map creation), BoB (for compilation of pack files) and TeD (for creation of individual battle-map tiles for land, sea and sieges).  Terrain Raw Data was also released allowing tiles created with TeD to be placed on the campaign map, read more [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?687925-Total-War-ATTILA-Assembly-Kit-Released here].   
 
[[Total War: Attila]] has an Assembly Kit released by CA which incorporates Dave (for database editing), Terry (for battle map creation), BoB (for compilation of pack files) and TeD (for creation of individual battle-map tiles for land, sea and sieges).  Terrain Raw Data was also released allowing tiles created with TeD to be placed on the campaign map, read more [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?687925-Total-War-ATTILA-Assembly-Kit-Released here].   
  
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* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?2107-Total-War-Attila-Mod-Workshop Total War: Attila Mod Workshop] - to ask modding questions
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?2107-Total-War-Attila-Mod-Workshop Total War: Attila Mod Workshop] - to ask modding questions
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
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{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
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|-
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|style="padding: 1.5em;  |
 
===Total War: '''Rome II'''===
 
===Total War: '''Rome II'''===
----
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---- {{RomeII Button}}
[[Total War: Rome II]] has an Assembly Kit which includes Dave (for database editing), BoB (for compilation of pack files), and a Variant Editor (for editing the look of characters, units and ships), see the [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?638154-Assembly-Kit-Guide Guide to Rome II Assembly Kit].
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[[Total War: Rome II]] has an Assembly Kit which includes Dave (for database editing), BoB (for compilation of pack files), and a Variant Editor (for editing the look of characters, units and ships), see the [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?638154-Assembly-Kit-Guide Guide to Rome II Assembly Kit].
  
====Main Links====
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This [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?640987-Modding-Guide-for-Novices Modding Guide for Novices] also provides a good starting point for new Rome II modders.
* '''<big>[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?1991-Total-War-Rome-II-Workshop Rome II Mod Workshop on TWC]</big>'''
 
  
====Useful Links====
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For further modding information see:
*[http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Steam_Workshop_and_How_to_Make_Mods Official CA modding tips and tutorials]
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* [[Total War: Rome II - Modding Index]] - on TWC Wiki
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?2010-Tools-Tutorials-and-Resources Tools, Tutorials and Resources on TWC]
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* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?2010-Tools-Tutorials-and-Resources Total War: Rome II Tools, Tutorials and Resources section] - on TWC Forums
====Tutorials and Resources====
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* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?1991-Total-War-Rome-II-Mod-Workshop Total War: Rome II Mod Workshop] - to ask modding questions
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?640987-Modding-Guide-for-Novices Modding Guide for Novices]
 
*[http://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Rome_2_Assembly_kit Assembly Kit]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?751128-Model-Resource-Packs Model Resource Packs] Tunic by Stealth4Health
 
====Tools====
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?619271-Schema-Editor-(updated-8-9) Schema Editor]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?618536-Mod-Manager Mod Manager]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?619242-R2-Script-Extender Script Extender]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?620300-Rome-2-Editor Rome II Unit Editor]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?618353-PFM-3-0-beta Pack File Manager]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?623719 Esf Editor]
 
 
<br>
 
<br>
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|-
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|style="padding: 1.5em; |
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===Total War: '''Shogun 2'''===
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---- {{Shogun2 Button}}
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[[Total War: Shogun 2]] has an Assembly Kit which also allows for 'campaign map reprocessing', find more details about the kit [https://wiki.totalwar.com/w/Official_CA_modding_tips_and_tutorials.html here] and see this guide for [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?564514-How-to-use-the-Official-Modding-Tools How to use the Official Modding Tools].
  
===Shogun 2 Modding===
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For further modding information see:
----
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* '''[[Total War: Shogun 2 - Modding Index]]''' - on TWC Wiki
====Main Links====
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* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?1572-Tools-Tutorials-and-Resources Total War: Shogun 2 Tools, Tutorials and Resources section] - on TWC Forums
*''' <big>[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?1552-Total-War-Shogun-2-Mod-Workshop Shogun 2 Mod Workshop on TWC]</big>'''
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* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?1552-Total-War-Shogun-2-Mod-Workshop Total War: Shogun 2 Mod Workshop] - to ask modding questions
:*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?1572-Tools-Tutorials-and-Resources  Tools, Tutorials and Resources]
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<br>
*[[:Category:TWS2 Modding Tools|TWS2 Modding Tools]] - List on Wiki
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|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
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|-
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|style="padding: 1.5em;  |
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==='''Napoleon''': Total War===
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---- {{NTW Button}}
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[[Napoleon: Total War]] can be modified using user-created tools such as the Pack File Managers, there are no CA released tools for NTW. 
  
====Tutorials and Resources====
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For further modding information see:
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=449372 WARNING: Editing multiplayer stats]
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* [[Napoleon: Total War - Modding Index]] - on TWC Wiki
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=443435 Tool and Tutorial Index]
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* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?1440-Tools-Tutorials-and-Resources Napoleon: Total War Tools, Tutorials and Resources section] - on TWC Forums
====Tools====
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* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?1435-Napoleon-Total-War-Mod-Workshop Napoleon: Total War Mod Workshop] - to ask modding questions
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=428754 ESF Editor 1.4.8]
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<br>
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=433370 Pack File Manager 1.6.6 (beta)]
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|}
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=433370 Pack File Manager 1.6.6 (beta)]
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{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
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|-
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|style="padding: 1.5em;  |
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==='''Empire''': Total War ===
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---- {{ETW Button}}
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[[Empire: Total War]] can be modified using user-created tools such as the Pack File Managers. CA have not released any official tools for ETW.
  
 +
For further modding information see:
 +
* '''[[Empire: Total War - Modding Index]]''' - on TWC Wiki
 +
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?1108-Tools-Tutorials-and-Resources Empire: Total War Tools, Tutorials and Resources section] - on TWC Forums
 +
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?651-Empire-Total-War-Mod-Workshop Empire: Total War Mod Workshop] - to ask modding questions
 +
<br>
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|}
 +
</div>
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<div class="TWCportal_1">
  
===Modding NTW===
+
==TW Engine 2 Overview==
----
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The TW Engine 2 was used for [[Rome: Total War]] and [[Medieval II: Total War]], there are similar tools and principles used in modding these games.  Compared to the Warscape games RTW and M2TW allow much greater modding potential including the possibility of making "Total Conversion" mods including completely new campaign maps.
====Main Links====
 
* '''<big>[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?1435-Napoleon-Total-War-Mod-Workshop Napoleon: Total War Workshop on TWC]</big>'''
 
* '''<big>[[:Category:NTW_Modding|NTW Modding on the Wiki]]</big>'''
 
*:[[:Category:NTW_Modding_Tutorials|Modding Tutorials for Napoleon: Total War]]
 
*:[[:Category:NTW_Modding_Tools|Modding Tools for Napoleon: Total War]]
 
  
====Useful Tutorials====
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Once familiar with modding one of the games you will find it relatively easy to mod the other. The methods for changing the campaign maps are almost identical and many text files such as [[export_descr_buildings.txt]] and [[export_descr_unit.txt]] which control unit recruitment are also ''almost'' identical. However, some recognisable files from RTW which still exist in the base M2TW files such as [[descr_daytypes.txt]] confusingly are not actually used by the M2TW game engine!
Basic Tutorials
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=340047 How to make a mod]
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?732663 Getting Started - Modding for Newbies]
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?620537-Warscape-Modding-Primer Warscape Modding Primer]
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?679577-How-to-create-a-new-unit-(for-new-modders)-which-guides-and-PFMs-work-for-me Guide for Creating New Units (For Newbies)]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?480745-EasyEsf-for-ETW-(15-12)/page18&p=12590276#post12590276 Beginner's Guide Installing ESF Editor]
 
General Tutorials
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?339181-STARTPOS-ESF-analysis-and-modifications Editing STARTPOS.ESF analysis and modification]
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?476850-Groupformations-Warscape-Battle-Formations&p=10158177#post10158177 Groupformations Warscape Battle Formations]
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?732075-Adding-custom-battlefield-to-campaign Adding custom battlefield to campaign]
 
* [http://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?46738-A-Beginner-s-Guide-to-Scripting-Scripting-How-To-s A Beginner's-Guide to Scripting]
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?238847-How-to-create-a-custom-unit-a-complete-guide How to Create a Custom Unit - A Complete Guide]
 
  
====Useful Resources====
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=4358 Official RAW Database Table (XML, XSD)]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?463810-Official-CA-Q-amp-A-thread-XML-and-XSD-modding Official CA Q&A thread - XML and XSD modding]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?425548-List-of-all-Lua-functions-used-by-NTW&highlight=lua%20script List of all Lua functions used by NTW]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?605072-Script-o-Rama-2-%28UPDATED-16-06-13%29 Script-o-Rama 2 (UPDATED 16/06/13)]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?389234-Scripting-Commands Scripting Commands]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?422260-UI-Layout-file-documentation UI Layout file documentation]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=338976 The great DB Database]
 
  
====Essential Tools====
+
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
*Pack File Managers: [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?680538-PFM-3-5-0-Attila-supportPack PFM 3.5.2] | [http://sourceforge.net/projects/packfilemanager/files/Release/ PPM Multiple Versions]
+
|-
*StartPos Editors: [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?416583-Esf-Total-Editor Esf Total Editor] | [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?623719 Edit SF] | [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?480745-EasyEsf-for-ETW-(15-12) Easy Esf]
+
|style="padding: 1.5em; |  
*[http://sourceforge.net/projects/twmodmanager/?source=recommended Mod Manager]
+
==='''Medieval II''': Total War===
*[http://sourceforge.net/projects/saveparser/?source=recommended Save Parser]
+
---- {{M2TW Button}}
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?604949-W-A-L-I W.A.L.I] Possible application
+
[[Medieval II: Total War]] allows easy modification of many elements by straightforward text editing. The campaign map for M2TW can be modified by altering .tga image files and text files. Battlemap unit models and settlement structures can be edited via user-created tools many of which export and import to Milkshape ms3d files.  
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?434980-User-Script-amp-Preferences-Editor User Script & Preferences Editor]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?522159 Easy DB Editor]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?409492-Scripting-And-Debug-Toolkit-v1-1 Scripting And Debug Toolkit v1.1]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?396175-NTW-Data-Checker-%28V1-4%29 NTW Data Checker v1.4]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?496319-HIBAM-Editor-Map-amp-Historical-Battle-editor HIBAM Editor: Map & Historical Battle editor]
 
  
 +
M2TW provides a system of mod-foldering to help avoid over-writing the base files.  [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?352216-Creating-a-World-Bare-Geomod Bare Geomod] is a recommended resource to start modding on a bare but fully functional mod-folder of your own.
  
===Modding ETW ===
+
The M2TW game engine provides an automated system for the generation of unit sprites, but not vegetation sprites, [[IWTE]] can be used to create vegetation sprites and amend the descr_vegetation.db which does not auto-regenerate. The [[descr_geography_new.db]] file can be made to re-generate but there are drawbacks.
----
 
====Main Links====
 
* '''<big>[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?651-Empire-Mod-Workshop Empire: Total War Workshop on TWC]</big>'''
 
*:[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?1108-Tools-Tutorials-and-Resources Tools, Tutorials and Resources]
 
* '''<big>[[:Category:ETW_Modding|ETW Modding on the Wiki]]</big>'''
 
*: [[ETW Modding Tutorials]]
 
*: [[:Category:ETW Modding Tools|ETW Modding Tools]]
 
*: [[:Category:ETW Modding Resources|ETW Modding Resources]]
 
====Useful Tutorials====
 
Basic Tutorials
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?732663 Getting Started - Modding for Newbies]
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?620537-Warscape-Modding-Primer Warscape Modding Primer]
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?679577-How-to-create-a-new-unit-(for-new-modders)-which-guides-and-PFMs-work-for-me Guide for Creating New Units (For Newbies)]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?480745-EasyEsf-for-ETW-(15-12)/page18&p=12590276#post12590276 Beginner's Guide Installing ESF Editor]
 
Startpos Modification Tutorials
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?272139-STARTPOS-ESF-analysis-and-modifications-HYBRID-startpos-esf Editing Starpos.esf Analysis and Modifications (Hybrid startpos.esf]
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?569236-Advanced-How-to-make-complicated-startpos-changes-%96-hyprid-method-limitations-%96-God-Startpos Advanced Startpos Changes]
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?265339-How-to-add-new-building-slots-upgrading-cities-NEW How to add new building slots upgrading cities]
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?336697-How-to-unlock-non-playable-and-emergent-factions How to unlock non-playable and emergent factions]
 
General Tutorials
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?669519-How-to-mod-the-AOR-(area-of-recruitment)-of-a-unit How to mod the AOR (area of recruitment) of a unit]
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?329169-NAVAL-MODDING Naval Modding]
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?594156 How to add new building chains]
 
* [http://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?46738-A-Beginner-s-Guide-to-Scripting-Scripting-How-To-s A Beginner's-Guide to Scripting]
 
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?238847-How-to-create-a-custom-unit-a-complete-guide How to Create a Custom Unit - A Complete Guide]
 
  
 +
For further modding information see:
 +
* '''[[Medieval II: Total War - Modding Index]]''' - on TWC Wiki
 +
* [[:Category:M2TW Modding|Medieval II: Total War Modding Category]] - for other Wiki pages
 +
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?273-Tools-Tutorials-and-Resources Medieval II: Total War Tools, Tutorials and Resources section] - on TWC Forums
 +
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?272-Medieval-II-Total-War-Mod-Workshop Medieval II: Total War Mod Workshop] - to ask modding questions
 +
<br>
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
 +
|-
 +
|style="padding: 1.5em;  |
 +
===Total War: '''Rome Remastered'''===
 +
----{{RTW R Button}}
  
==TW Engine 2 Overview==
+
[[Total War: Rome Remastered]] uses an updated version of the Rome: Total War engine which will accept high definition textures and various other graphics improvements.  Many gameplay elements can still be modded just by altering text files, the political and battle-map can be altered by manipulating .tga files, however, the campaign map uses a modelled mesh for the visible strategic map.
TW Engine 2 was used for [[Rome: Total War]] and [[Medieval II: Total War]], there are similar tools and principles used in modding these games - the methods for changing the campaign map are almost identical and many text files such as export_descr_buildings.txt and export_descr_units.txt which control unit recruitment are also ''almost'' identical
 
  
 +
For further modding information see:
 +
* '''[[Rome: Total War - Modding Index]]''' - on TWC Wiki
 +
* [[:Category:RTW Modding|Rome: Total War Modding Category]] - for other Wiki pages
 +
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?191-Tools-Tutorials-and-Resources Rome: Total War Tools, Tutorials and Resources section] - on TWC Forums
 +
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?22-Rome-Total-War-Mod-Workshop Rome: Total War Mod Workshop] - to ask modding questions
 +
<br>
 +
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
 +
|-
 +
|style="padding: 1.5em;  |
 +
==='''Rome''': Total War===
 +
---- {{RTW Button}}
 +
[[Rome: Total War]] allows easy modification by text editing for many elements such as; unit stats and recruitment, character traits and diplomacy.  The campaign map for RTW can be modified by altering .tga image files and text files.  Unit recruitment, character traits, diplomacy and many other aspects can be modified by changing text files. Battlemap unit models and settlement structures can be edited with the help of tools such as the [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=141 CAS Importer/exporter for 3ds max] (by Vercingetorix).
  
===Modding Medieval II: Total War===
+
The RTW game engine provides an automated system for the generation of unit and vegetation sprites. The engine will also regenerate a modified descr_vegetation.db file and descr_items.db (for battle-map structures), the [[descr_geography.db]] file will not regenerate.
----
 
====Overview====
 
The campaign map for M2TW can be modified by altering .tga image files and text files. Unit recruitment, character traits, diplomacy and many other aspects can be modified by changing text files. Battlemap unit models and settlement structures can be edited via Milkshape and user created tools.
 
  
====Main Links====
+
There are minor but important differences between the game engines for RTW and the BI and Alexander expansions see [[Features of Rome - Total War's Different Game Engines]] for details.
* '''<big>[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?272-Medieval-II-Mod-Workshop M2TW Mod Workshop on TWC]</big>'''
 
* '''<big>[[:Category:M2TW_Modding|M2TW Modding on the Wiki]]</big>'''
 
:* [[:Category:M2TW Modding Tutorials|M2TW Modding Tutorials]]
 
:* [[M2TW Modding Tools]]
 
:* [[:Category:M2TW Battle Map Modding|M2TW Battle Map Modding]]
 
:* [[:Category:M2TW Campaign Map Modding|M2TW Campaign Map Modding]]
 
  
==== Recent/Important Modding Information ====
+
For further modding information see:
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?747342-Projectile-release-point-changer Projectile release point changer] A tool on how to change the projectile's release point when the bowmen are on the walls.
+
* '''[[Rome: Total War - Modding Index]]''' - on TWC Wiki
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?740100-List-of-non-functional-script-terms-(events-conditions-and-commands) List of non functional script terms] An updated resource on non-functional script terms.
+
* [[:Category:RTW Modding|Rome: Total War Modding Category]] - for other Wiki pages
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?745692-Creating-a-World-Starting-Steam-Mods-the-easy-Way Starting Steam Mods the easy way] A tutorial with all the ways to start mods via Steam.
+
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?191-Tools-Tutorials-and-Resources Rome: Total War Tools, Tutorials and Resources section] - on TWC Forums
 +
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?22-Rome-Total-War-Mod-Workshop Rome: Total War Mod Workshop] - to ask modding questions
 +
<br>
 +
|}
 +
</div>
 +
<div class="TWCportal_1">
  
==== Essential Tools ====
+
==TW Engine 1 Overview==
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?96588-Patches-M2TW-Update-1-5-1-3-amp-1-2-Download-Links M2TW Update 1.5, 1.3 & 1.2]
+
The TW Engine 1 was used for [[Shogun: Total War]] and [[Medieval: Total War]].
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?73692-CA-cas-exporter-released CA .cas exporter]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=4066 M2TW Docudemons]
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?352216-Creating-a-World-Bare-Geomod|Bare Geomod] A resource to start modding on a bare but fully functional mod of your own.
 
  
 +
<br>
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
 +
|-
 +
|style="padding: 1.5em;  |
 +
==='''Medieval''': Total War===
 +
---- {{MTW Button}}
 +
[[Medieval: Total War]] was the first readily 'moddable' Total War game.
  
===Modding Rome: Total War===
+
For further modding information see:
----
+
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?826-Medieval-Mod-Workshop Medieval Mod Workshop] - on TWC Forums
====Overview====
+
* [https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/forumdisplay.php/40-M-TW-Modification M:TW Modification] - Forum on the .org
The campaign map for RTW can be modified by altering .tga image files and text files. Unit recruitment, character traits, diplomacy and many other aspects can be modified by changing text files. Battlemap unit models and settlement structures require 3dsMax to edit.
 
  
====Main Links====
 
* '''<big>[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?22-Rome-Total-War-Workshop RTW Modding Workshop on TWC]</big>'''
 
* '''<big>[[:Category:RTW_Modding|RTW Modding on the Wiki]]</big>'''
 
:*[[RTW Modding Tutorials (index)|RTW Modding Tutorials]]
 
:*[[:Category:RTW Modding Tools|RTW Modding Tools]]
 
:*[[:Category:RTW Campaign Map Modding|RTW Campaign Map Modding]]
 
:*[[:Category:RTW Files|RTW Text Files]]
 
  
====Recent/Important Modding Information====
+
|}
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?741786-Creating-a-World-Starting-RTW-Mods-the-Batch-Way Starting an RTW mod by .bat]
+
{| class="wikitable" style="width: 100%"
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?311674-EDU-matic-Automatic-unit-balance-EDU-generation-system EDU-matic Unit Balance Generation System]
+
|-
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?111344-The-Complete-EDU-Guide The Complete EDU guide]
+
|style="padding: 1.5em;  |
 +
==='''Shogun''': Total War===
 +
----
 +
[[Shogun: Total War]] was the first-ever game in the Total War Series, it is widely regarded as being hard/impossible to mod. Some unit stats and other small matters can be altered if The Mongol Invasion expansion is used, but most modding efforts were concentrated on the more receptive next game in the series.  
  
====Essential Tools====
+
For further information see:
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=43 PAK Extractor] (by Vercingetorix) to access RTW packed files.
+
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?2244-Shogun-Total-War Shogun: Total War forum] - on TWC
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=141 CAS Importer/exporter for 3ds max] (by Vercingetorix) for 3D modelling.
+
* [https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/forumdisplay.php/71-S-TW-Modification S:TW Modification forum] - on the .org
*[http://developer.nvidia.com/nvidia-texture-tools-adobe-photoshop Photoshop DDS plugin] - to open texture files.
 
  
 +
<br>
 +
|}
 +
</div>
  
==TW Engine 1 Overview==
+
{{Modding Portal}}
<big>TW Engine 1 was used for [[Shogun: Total War]] and [[Medieval: Total War]].</big>
 
 
 
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?25-Medieval-Shogun-Total-War-General-Discussion Medieval/Shogun Discussion Including Modding]</big>
 
 
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
<center>{{TWPortalsPics}}</center>
 
  
  
 
[[Category: Modding]]
 
[[Category: Modding]]
 
[[Category: Portals]]
 
[[Category: Portals]]

Revision as of 07:28, 25 March 2024

Total War Modding Banner


Welcome to Total War Modding on the TWC Wiki!

All the Total War Series games are modifiable to an extent, but the ease, scope and manner of possible modifications varies between the games.

The popularity of the user-made modifications has contributed to the Total War games' ongoing success. Here you can find links to advice and tools which will enable you to make your own mods.

If you're looking for mods to play, please refer to the Total War Mods portal.


Modding on Total War Center

  • On TWC each game has its own Modding Workshop section and sections where mods can be posted and discussed, additionally;
  • TWC Downloads provides a categorised hosting facility for mods and tools. Files up to 100mb can be hosted directly on TWC, larger files hosted off-site can be linked to from the download pages.
  • TWC's Mod Register is available to provide basic information about a mod together with useful links and a permission statement.
  • Modders can apply for Hosted Forums by contacting lolIsuck & Dismounted Feudal Knight.

Modding Information on the Wiki

Most of the modding information is divided by game or engine, see the boxes below.

General-Purpose Resources


Warscape Engine Modding Overview

The TW Engine 3 with the graphic engine "Warscape" has been used for Total War titles from Empire: Total War onwards, there are similar tools and principles used in modding these games. Some, but not all, of the games benefit from Assembly Kit tools released by CA.


Total War Saga: Troy


Total War Saga: Troy main page

Total War Saga: Troy Rusted Pack File Manager offers Thrones of Britannia support. Further information is needed on the game; anyone with further knowledge is free to expand this section!

For further modding information see:


Total War: Three Kingdoms


Total War: Three Kingdoms main page

Total War: Three Kingdoms benefits from an Assembly Kit released by CA, the kit includes Dave (for database editing), Terry (for battle map creation), BoB (for compilation of pack files), and the Variant Editor (for editing unit model collections), read more here. To find the kit go to the 'Tools' tab in your Steam account.

For further modding information see:


Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia


Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia main page

Total War Saga: Thrones of Britannia has an Assembly Kit tool. Both PFM and Rusted Pack File Manager also offer Thrones of Britannia support.

For further modding information see:


Total War: Warhammer I, II & III


Total War: Warhammer main page

Total War: Warhammer benefits from an Assembly Kit released by CA, view the quick start guide for Terry here. Please note that due to the Games Workshop licensing, Warhammer has a more restrictive end-user license agreement (EULA) for modding than do the other titles. To be specific, the EULA of Total War Warhammer forbids any mods from including any copyrighted content other than that which is in "Warhammer Fantasy Battles". Even the copyrighted content that is within the other divisions of Warhammer (such as Warhammer 40,000) is forbidden. Search "Modding Terms" here.

For further modding information see:


Total War: Attila


Total War: Attila main page

Total War: Attila has an Assembly Kit released by CA which incorporates Dave (for database editing), Terry (for battle map creation), BoB (for compilation of pack files) and TeD (for creation of individual battle-map tiles for land, sea and sieges). Terrain Raw Data was also released allowing tiles created with TeD to be placed on the campaign map, read more here.

For further modding information see:


Total War: Rome II


Total War: Rome II main page

Total War: Rome II has an Assembly Kit which includes Dave (for database editing), BoB (for compilation of pack files), and a Variant Editor (for editing the look of characters, units and ships), see the Guide to Rome II Assembly Kit.

This Modding Guide for Novices also provides a good starting point for new Rome II modders.

For further modding information see:


Total War: Shogun 2


Total War: Shogun 2 main page

Total War: Shogun 2 has an Assembly Kit which also allows for 'campaign map reprocessing', find more details about the kit here and see this guide for How to use the Official Modding Tools.

For further modding information see:


Napoleon: Total War


Napoleon: Total War main page

Napoleon: Total War can be modified using user-created tools such as the Pack File Managers, there are no CA released tools for NTW.

For further modding information see:


Empire: Total War


Empire: Total War main page

Empire: Total War can be modified using user-created tools such as the Pack File Managers. CA have not released any official tools for ETW.

For further modding information see:


TW Engine 2 Overview

The TW Engine 2 was used for Rome: Total War and Medieval II: Total War, there are similar tools and principles used in modding these games. Compared to the Warscape games RTW and M2TW allow much greater modding potential including the possibility of making "Total Conversion" mods including completely new campaign maps.

Once familiar with modding one of the games you will find it relatively easy to mod the other. The methods for changing the campaign maps are almost identical and many text files such as export_descr_buildings.txt and export_descr_unit.txt which control unit recruitment are also almost identical. However, some recognisable files from RTW which still exist in the base M2TW files such as descr_daytypes.txt confusingly are not actually used by the M2TW game engine!


Medieval II: Total War


Medieval 2: Total War main page

Medieval II: Total War allows easy modification of many elements by straightforward text editing. The campaign map for M2TW can be modified by altering .tga image files and text files. Battlemap unit models and settlement structures can be edited via user-created tools many of which export and import to Milkshape ms3d files.

M2TW provides a system of mod-foldering to help avoid over-writing the base files. Bare Geomod is a recommended resource to start modding on a bare but fully functional mod-folder of your own.

The M2TW game engine provides an automated system for the generation of unit sprites, but not vegetation sprites, IWTE can be used to create vegetation sprites and amend the descr_vegetation.db which does not auto-regenerate. The descr_geography_new.db file can be made to re-generate but there are drawbacks.

For further modding information see:


Total War: Rome Remastered


Rome: Total War & Remastered Portal

Total War: Rome Remastered uses an updated version of the Rome: Total War engine which will accept high definition textures and various other graphics improvements. Many gameplay elements can still be modded just by altering text files, the political and battle-map can be altered by manipulating .tga files, however, the campaign map uses a modelled mesh for the visible strategic map.

For further modding information see:


Rome: Total War


Rome: Total War main page

Rome: Total War allows easy modification by text editing for many elements such as; unit stats and recruitment, character traits and diplomacy. The campaign map for RTW can be modified by altering .tga image files and text files. Unit recruitment, character traits, diplomacy and many other aspects can be modified by changing text files. Battlemap unit models and settlement structures can be edited with the help of tools such as the CAS Importer/exporter for 3ds max (by Vercingetorix).

The RTW game engine provides an automated system for the generation of unit and vegetation sprites. The engine will also regenerate a modified descr_vegetation.db file and descr_items.db (for battle-map structures), the descr_geography.db file will not regenerate.

There are minor but important differences between the game engines for RTW and the BI and Alexander expansions see Features of Rome - Total War's Different Game Engines for details.

For further modding information see:


TW Engine 1 Overview

The TW Engine 1 was used for Shogun: Total War and Medieval: Total War.


Medieval: Total War


Medieval: Total War main page

Medieval: Total War was the first readily 'moddable' Total War game.

For further modding information see:


Shogun: Total War


Shogun: Total War was the first-ever game in the Total War Series, it is widely regarded as being hard/impossible to mod. Some unit stats and other small matters can be altered if The Mongol Invasion expansion is used, but most modding efforts were concentrated on the more receptive next game in the series.

For further information see:


Total War Modding

Indexes to Tools, Tutorials & Resources by Game:
Three Kingdoms | Warhammer I, II & III | Attila | Rome II | Shogun 2 | Napoleon: Total War | Empire: Total War | Medieval II: Total War | Rome: Total War & Remastered
Cross Platform Information:
Modelling, Textures and Graphics - Modding Index

Main Categories for Other Modding Pages on the Wiki:
M2TW Modding Category | RTW Modding Category

Modding Workshops on TWC:
Troy | Three Kingdoms | Brittania | Warhammer I, II & III | Attila | Rome II | Shogun 2 | Napoleon | Empire | Medieval II | Rome | Rome Remastered | Medieval I

Other Wiki Sections: Total War Center | Total War Series | Total War Mods | TWC Wiki