Medieval II: Total War - Modding Index

Tutorials, resources and tools for modding Medieval II: Total War:

The below listing provides links to tutorials, useful answers to common modding questions, resources and tools, divided by category.
See also M2TW Modding Tutorials Category for tutorials contained on this Wiki and the M2TW Modding Category for other pages.

You are welcome to edit this page, please read these notes for guidance:-

When adding subject areas please use this layout. When adding items please keep to existing format with the type of article first; Tutorial = extensive tutorial or guide, step by step how to mod something etc. Answer = short piece on minor topic or answer to frequently asked question. Resource = lists of things that work in-game, docudemons, templates, downloads of helpful starting set-ups etc. Tool = modding tools, for extracting, modifying, verifying, re-packing etc. If you remove a link because an item is superseded, shown not to work, etc. please copy the link to the discussion page and note your reason for removal.

Items marked in bold are likely to be widely useful and form a good starting point on the subject. Items marked in italics may be of limited use, due to missing images or being superseded by later articles.

General Information

The recommended starting point for any new Medieval II: Total War mod is to use a Bare Geomod folder as the base, this provides the modder with a fully functional mod-folder that already incorporates bug-fixes for the vanilla game.

All aspects of the Medieval II: Total War game are modifiable, subject to some Hardcoded Limits and behaviours. Additionally, the M2TW Engine Overhaul Project is now making it possible to change some of that hard-coding by memory editing the game after loading.

M2TW and Computer Set-up

For any problems getting M2TW to run without mods refer to Medieval II Technical Discussion & Support

• Tutorial - The SafeDisc Issue affecting older Total War games - by Frunk
• Tutorial - Creating a World - Converting Install Disk to Steam - by Gigantus
• Tutorial - Creating a World - Moving Steam's Game Library - by Gigantus
• Tutorial - How To Fix UAC and VirtualStore Problems - by SigniferOne
• Resource - Find and download all the released patches here - by Ishan
• Resource - Creating a World - Desktop Shortcuts for the Kingdoms Campaigns - by Gigantus

Mod Installation and Launching

Due to changes to the Steam version of M2TW some older methods may not work, or will only work for disc users.

• Tutorial - Creating a World - Starting Steam Mods the easy Way - by Gigantus
• Tutorial - Creating a World - Using the Install Creator - by Gigantus
• Tutorial - How to install mods and submods in Linux (Ubuntu) - by Socrates1984
• Resource - Creating a World - Fixing the 'Block Graphic' Bug - by Gigantus - (added to main folder to fix missing UI and text if user runs mod without unpacking the game)
• Tool - The ToolBox - The Universal Mod Launcher v1.204 (Latest Steam Update Compatible) - by Guan Ziyang

Mod-Folder Set-up

M2TW allows a mod to be placed in a 'mod-folder', the contents of the mod-folder will be used instead of vanilla files with the same names, if the file_first command is used.

• Resource - Creating a World - Bare Geomod - by gigantus
• Tutorial - How to Set up M2TW for modding - by Alpaca
• Tutorial - How To set up Medieval II for Modding - by King William the Conqueror
• Tutorial - How to Add Multiple Campaigns (aka provincial campaigns) - by Alpaca
• Resource - Creating a World - Using Kingdom Campaigns as Mod Base - by Gigantus
• Resource - Mod Folder Installer - by Alpaca
• Resource - Implementing custom campaigns for single player and hotseat - by gigantus - files included in Bare Geomod
• Resource - Basic Kingdoms Mod folder - by gigantus - superceded by Bare Geomod

Troubleshooting Errors

• Tool - Bovine M2TW Checker - by bovi
• Tool - TWTECV: TW Text Editor, Cleaner & Validator - by Withwnar
• Tutorial - Crashes and how to fix them - by uanime5
• Answer - Enabling Trace in the Crashlog; for detailed reporting of crashes and bugs to modders - by alreadyded

Unpacking and Finding the Files

Modders will normally need to unpack the base game to access the original files. After unpacking with CA's tool the sounds and animations remain packed within the 'unpacked' file structure, IDX or similar tool is needed to access them.

• Tutorial - Creating a World - Unpacking the Game - by Gigantus
• Tutorial - Unpacking: The very first steps & simplest method for new modders - by Userpro
• Tutorial - Specific unpacking from the .pack files - by Ishan
• Tutorial - Linux - Unpacking the Game in Linux (Ubuntu) - by Socrates1984
• Tutorial - Roadmap to the .txt Basic Files - by Kilo11
• Answer - Fixing the unpacker on vista/7 to get meshs and textures - by Dewy
• Answer - Unpacking for Windows 7 users - by Alkimachos
• Resource - Patches and Unpacking Information - by Ishan
• Resource - M2TW Ultimate Docudemons 4.0 - by GrnEyedDvl
• Tool - IDX extractor - by Vercingetorix
• Tool - Release of the PACK tool (for packing/unpacking/repacking M2TW PACK files) - by Tellos Athenaios
• Tool - Return of XIDX: with bug fixes and updates for M2TW. - by Tellos Athenaios

Converters & Special Format Editors

Some M2TW files are provided in proprietary formats developed by CA, they need conversion to and from formats that can be read and edited in publicly available software programs.

.texture/.dds

The battle-map textures for units, buildings and landscape are stored in .texture format which is a .dds type compressed file with additional header information.

• Tool - .texture/dds converter - by alpaca - requires python <2.7
• Tool - .texture to .dds converter by iamnew
• Tool - .dds to .texture converter by iamnew
• Tool - IWTE - World editing - by wilddog - includes .texture/dds batch conversion
• Tool - Link to ddsview - by Vladyvid
• Tool - nVidia DDS Utilities - see also DDS & Normal Map Plugin for Photoshop x86\x64 Both - by Ishan

.strings.bin/.txt

The files in the data/text folder provide the text translations visible to mod users, they are stored in .strings.bin format, the game will recreate most of these files from a .txt file if you supply one with the correct name and format. In some cases it may be desireable to edit the .strings.bin file directly.

• Tool - Creating a World - The BinEditor - by Gigantus
• Tool - .strings.bin converter - by alpaca

.mesh/3d programs

Mesh files are used for battle models for units and generals.

• Tool - IWTE - World editing - by wilddog - mesh to Blender/Max via collada
• Tool - Mesh 2 ms3d beta 0.18 - by GrumpyOldMan - see also Mesh to MS3D basic tutorial - by zxiang1983
• Tool - Mesh/Cas/Engine - MaxScript version of GOAT tool - by johnwhile

.cas/3d programs

• Tool - IWTE - World editing - by wilddog - cas to Blender/Max via collada
• Tool - .cas exporter for 3DS Max - supplied by CA - see also discussion thread & Link to 3ds Max (student version) - by z3n

Units

Units are most noticeable on the battle-map where they appear using .mesh models, textures and sprites. Unit stats and recruitment will also affect campaign play even if all battles are auto-resolved.

• Tutorial - Unit Makers Tome of Knowledge - by Alletun

Getting Units in Game

Existing models and textures can be re-purposed to create 'new' units by text editing the relevant files.

• Tutorial - Step-by-step : Adding/Importing a unit - by TAKEDA ⬤ SHINGEN
• Tutorial - Adding a New Unit - by Musashi
• Tutorial - Adding Other Factions Units to New Faction - by M3rcury15
• Tutorial - Creating a World - Importing units from another mod - by Gigantus
• Tutorial - How to add a new unit into game - by Stephan
• Tutorial - How to add an existing unit to another faction - by Stephan
• Tutorial - Creating Dismounted Version of Existing Unit - by Zorgrath
• Tutorial - Guide to Formatted modeldb File and Syntax Checker - by KnightErrant
• Tutorial - Enabling War Wagons and Wagon Walls - by DukeofSerbia
• Tutorial - Taro's bag o' tricks (tutorial + some recources) - by Taro_M - multiple topics and sections
• Tutorial - The Guide to the BMDB (battle_models.modeldb) for absolute beginners and non-English speakers - by BM309K58SMERCH
• Tutorial - A Guide on the Descr_Mount.txt - by Polycarpe
• Tutorial - Let's Mod - Age of Petty Kings: Unit Creation - by AdmiralThrawn - video tutorials
• Tutorial - How to add a mangonel to retrofit or bare kingdoms mod - by Ishan
• Tutorial - How to add mercenaries - by impspy
• Tutorial - How to add a Greek Fire Unit - by J@mes - images missing
  
• Tutorial - How to make Mounted Greekfirethrowers/Naffatun with just text - by Eothese
• Tutorial - How to create a GreekFire Cannon - by Eothese
• Tutorial - Elephant Based Berserkers - by Medusa0
• Answer - Adding a Unit to the Game - Solutions to FAQs - by Hesford
• Answer - How to remove a unit from game - by Polycarpe
• Answer - Changing Mount Type of Cavalry Unit - by AliAS
• Answer - How to remove "unlocalized placement text" - by Nakharar
• Answer - How to add an animal handler unit (Wardogs) - by Eothese
• Answer - Quick and dirty method for enabling units for all factions - by Taiji
• Answer - Turning footsoldiers into Captains & Generals with text editing only - by Dimitri_Harkov
• Answer - How to Add Heroes in Custom Battle - by Arandir Tur-Anion de Bodemloze
• Answer - Single Model Units in Campaign - by Moneybags14
• Resource - Formatted campaign modeldb files for all campaigns - Kingdoms & Vanilla 1.5 - by Gigantus
• Resource - Animated Wagon Wall - by Medusa0
• Tool - formatted modeldb file and associated syntax checker - by KnightErrant
• Tool - cururu's unit toolbox, tools for editing of battle_models.modeldb (with cygwin)
  
• Tool - Unit Editor (EDU & BMDB) - by gracul

Models

Unit battle models use the .mesh format, with lower poly lod versions for medium distance views.

• Tutorial - Be a Modder: Doctoring of Medieval 2 units - by Ishan
• Tutorial - Mesh to MS3D basic tutorial - by zxiang1983 (requires Milkshape 3D v1.8 and Mesh 2 ms3d beta 0.18 by GrumpyOldMan)
• Tutorial - Getting your own (made from scratch) models into the game - by PartyElite (includes converting from Milkshape to 3DS Max etc)
• Tutorial - Creating a World - LOD reduction without texture loss - by Gigantus
• Tutorial - Adding MARKA Horses in your mod and creating new versions of them. - by AnthoniusII
• Tutorial - RTW -> MTW2 (converting a RTW cas to MTW2 mesh and setting up in game) - by TSD
• Tutorial - Learn-on-the-job series, AKA "Holding a noob's hand" - by paleologos
• Tutorial - How to merge materials without Grumpyoldmen´s converter - by Icedie El Guaraní
• Tutorial - Finishing Actions before Saving & Exiting a MilkShape model. - by paleologos
• Tutorial - Learn-by-Example Modelling 01:Medieval Dagger - by G|I|Sandy
• Tutorial - Learn-by-Example Modelling 02:Composite UV-Mapping - by G|I|Sandy
• Tutorial - Learn-by-Example Modelling 03:Human Body - by G|I|Sandy - images missing
• Tutorial - Converting RTW units to M2TW - by SigniferOne - images missing
• Tutorial - How to edit M2TW MESH - by Andromachus - images missing
• Tutorial- Adding completely custom weapons to a default figure - by BM309K58SMERCH - images missing
• Answer - Battle model comments - by JuL14n
• Answer - How to: Fix .obj file errors! - by Snelhest
• Answer - Unpack KINGDOMS mesh files so you can convert them to ms3d using GOAT - by colesy606 - where CA unpacker .mesh format is wrong
• Answer - How to fix the UV problem with Taleworlds Models - by warman222
• Answer - Normal maps not applied to converted lod1 - by paleologos
• Answer - How to remove split mesh seams - by Maяcel - images missing
• Answer - How to create a dismounted knight - by Veltro - images missing
• Answer - How-To: UV map merged models - by TWoxy - images missing
• Resource - Base 3d model (man) - by Killerbee
• Resource - Human Body - by G|I|Sandy
• Resource - Heads Pack - by G|I|Sandy
• Resource - Medieval Knights - by G|I|Sandy
• Resource - Sumskilz's Models & Textures - by sumskilz
• Resource - Tons of 3D stuff generously offered to likewise generous peoples - by +Mr.Crow+ - links to content in signature
• Tool - Mesh 2 ms3d beta 0.18 - by GrumpyOldMan
• Tool - M2TW Modeler's Toolbox - by Zarathos
• Tool - GOAT and GOAL: A collection of modelling and animation utilities - by KnightErrant - requires python <2.7
• Tool - Utility for writing UV map templates in dds format - by KnightErrant - requires python <2.7
• Tool - Milkshape .ms3d importer/exporter for 3ds Max and Gmax, version 1.1 - by KnightErrant
• Tool - Mesh/Cas/Engine - MaxScript version of GOAT tool - by johnwhile

Textures

Unit textures are in .texture format which needs to be converted to .dds for editing.

• Tutorial - How to create a normal texture file with gimp - by Aneirin
• Tutorial - Normal Map with GIMP - by Icedie El Guaraní - pdf available
• Tutorial - How to Edit Unit Textures - by Che - images missing
• Tutorial - PhotoShop Skinning Tutorial - by Halie Satanus - images missing
• Tutorial - How to make a normal texture file - by phoenix[illusion] - images missing
• Tutorial - Learn-by-Example Modelling 04:Multi-layered Normal Maps - by G|I|Sandy - images missing
• Tutorial - Normal Mapping in Layers - by sumskilz - images missing
• Answer - Mini tutorial on metallic surfaces - by paleologos
• Answer - Notes on dds formats - by wolfslayer - tool referenced is missing
• Resource - Modder's Resources Volume 1 - Battle Banners - by B. Ward - texture templates
• Resource - Modder's Resources Volume 2 - Barded & Mailed Horses - by B. Ward - texture templates
• Resource - Modder's Resources Volume 3 - Generals & Captains - by B. Ward - texture templates
• Resource - Modder's Resources Volume 4 - The Shield Project - by B. Ward - texture templates
• Resource - Modder's Resources Volume 5 - The Armory - by B. Ward - texture templates
• Resource - Modder's Resources Expansion Pack - A Taste of Vanilla - by B. Ward - texture templates
• Resource - AttachmentSet texture inventory - by Hex35
• Resource - Elvasat's Shield Textures Pack - by Elvasat
• Resource - Middle Eastern Shields - by Aura
• Resource - Resource Works by Paleologos - by Paleologos
• Tool - Link to DDS plugin for GIMP - by Gigantus
• Tool - DXT Tool - by Hex35
• Tool - texture/dds converter - by KnightErrant - requires python <2.7

Animations

• Tutorial - Animation for Beginners - by Brian
• Tutorial - How to merge animations from 2 different mods - by Lifthrasir
• Tutorial - The Total guide to Animation in MS3D for M2TW - by BM309K58SMERCH - ms3d section not completed
• Tutorial - Bwian's Guide to the Infinite Possibilities of Animations - by Brian
• Tutorial - Bowstring animated model creation - by AnthoniusII
• Tutorial - How to make musketeers fire by rank perfectly - by BM309K58SMERCH
• Tutorial - How to have multiple battle model general/captain animations in a single faction = by leo.civil.uefs
• Answer - Unpacking Animation Files - by zxiang1983
• Answer - Warman's Animation Insights - by warman222
• Resource - M2TW Animations Released - CA Official Release
• Resource - Marka horse death animation fix- by Razor
• Tool - Return of XIDX: with bug fixes and updates for M2TW - by Tellos Athenaios
• Tool - IWTE - World editing - by wilddog - anims for strat/battle to Blender/Max via collada
• Tool - Animation Utilities: Version 1.1 - by KnightErrant
• Tool - RTW animations converter - by KnightErrant
• Tool - Animations and Skeleton Unpacking Tool - by The Holy Pilgrim
• Tool - Projectile release point changer - by keegi55

Unit Sprites

Unit sprites are 2d renders of the unit in animated poses, they are used for far distance views on most graphics settings.

• Tutorial - Creating a World - Unit Sprite Generating - by gigantus - includes set-up resource
• Answer - Sprite Generation - CA Official Release

Unit Cards

Making unit cards could also be treated solely as a UI issue, but most mods choose to use renders of the unit model in animation pose.

• Tutorial - Making unit cards for M2TW using Milkshape and Photoshop - by Marcus Orentius
• Tutorial - How to make Unit Cards for Mounted Units - by Caesar Clivus - addendum to Marcus Orentius's tutorial - images missing
• Tutorial - Making a unit card - easy and fast method - by Rafkos - doesn't need 3d program
• Tutorial - Unit Cards TWC Wiki Article

Unit Flags/Banners

• Resource - Battle Banner Templates - by B. Ward
• Resource - Banners - M2TW - Wiki Page

Unit Stats, Abilities and Projectiles

• Tutorial - A Beginner's Guide to the Export_Descr_Unit - by Mythic_Commodore
• Tutorial - A Guide on the Descr_Projectile.txt - by Polycarpe
• Tutorial - Custom Effects/Models for Projectiles - UndyingNephalim
• Answer - Creating a World - Functional Grape Shot - by Gigantus
• Answer - Addressing the AI Precursor Bug - by z3n - fix for javelin/throwing units
• Answer - Skirmish Mode Optimisation - by Medusa0
• Answer - More Artillery Pieces in a Unit - by Trajan
• Answer - How to make crossbowmen rate of fire slower - by asiJa
• Answer - The Holy Banana of Jerusalem (Projectile) - by Aranruth
• Answer - Taiji's weapon upgrade system explained - by Taiji
• Answer - How to: Improve cavalry charges - by Krieg_Boy
• Answer - How to add another armour upgrade to units - by PurpleScotch
• Answer - How to enable shield wall formation for units - by AntonisTheGreek - includes battlepage_03 for icon
• Answer - Effective phalanx with pike and sword - by alexgold
• Answer - How to make pikemen start with guard mode by default - by alexgold
• Answer - " How to make units that can fire lots of new projectiles - by EmperorGurkiman
• Answer - Better Visibility for Small Arms Bullets - by Medusa0
• Answer - How to make arrows stay in the ground longer (very easy) - by AleksiMizaro
• Resource - Creating a World: Fixing square projectile trails - by Gigantus
• Resource - Experiments with units and results - by alhoon
• Resource - FAUST (Unit Stat guide) for M2:TW/Kingdoms - by brandybarrel
• Tool - EDU-matic: Automatic unit balance/EDU generation system - by Aradan
• Tool - Total War Projectiles - by Withwnar
• Tool - Export_descr_unit soldier count unlocker - by Jojo00182

Formations

• Answer - How to: remove pike/any units in-between spacing - by noobmoder15
• Answer - Faction specific formations - by bitterhowl

Campaign Map

Mapping

• Tutorial - Creating a World – Basic mapping from scratch - by gigantus
  
• Tutorial - Creating a World - Adding detailed Regions - by gigantus
• Tutorial - Working with the Demis online Mapper - by gigantus
• Tutorial - Height Map with 3Dem - by gigantus
• Tutorial - Creating a World - Adding permanent Stone Forts - by gigantus
• Tutorial - Introduction to Mapping Lesson 1 Lesson 2 Lesson 3 - by GrnEyedDvl Link to MapClass files
• Tutorial - Making a New Campaign Map - by Myrddraal (written for RTW but mostly applicable for M2TW)
• Tutorial - Mapping Essentials-Thanks to Myrddraal - by Vorge
• Tutorial - How I Make My Maps - by BDH (covers use of satellite data - written for RTW but applicable for M2TW)
• Tutorial - Adding a New Region - by Xerces
• Tutorial - Nakharar's Basics: Descr_strat - by Nakharar
• Tutorial - Mapping Video Tutorials - by AdmiralThrawn
• Tutorial - How to create/implement a custom tile in your stratmap. - by leo.civil.uefs
• Tutorial - How to do Realistic Radar Map (Video Tutorial) - by _Capper_
• Tutorial - How-To: Add a New Climate Zone - by Bella - NOTE: only useable for inaccesible areas, new climates crash the battle-map
• Answer - Nakharar's Basics: Regions with Geomod - by Nakharar
• Answer - Basic tips on easier editing and approach in Geo-mod (the novice corner) - by Druvatar De Bodemloze
• Answer - Geomod: How to make new regions, Spot errors using Gmaps + tips - by IZob
• Answer - DIY corrected regions map - by Spur
• Answer - Zeph's Adding Regions To Any Faction Tutorial - by Zephrelial
• Answer - Errabundi's Rebels Right in Place (RRiP) - by Errabundi
• Answer - Make crusades, hording targets, and jihad available for every settlement - by Axe-Battler
• Answer - How to Make a Smooth Coast - by SigniferOne
• Answer - Smooth Coastlines in One Layer by G|I|Sandy
• Answer - Easy Smooth Coastlines - by Russian Gondor
• Answer - Settlements on rivers - by Resurrection
• Answer - Easy way to find a colour not in use for adding new regions! - by danny X
• Answer - Understanding the map_heights to battle map conversion limits - by danny X
• Answer - Easy "work of art" coastlines - by Linyoa - images missing
• Answer - How to: Make a height map without Photoshop (using EarthSculptor) - by WImPyTjeH - images missing
• Resource - Map Editing for AI Path-Finding Problems - by nikolai1962 research project
• Resource - Stripped Down Map - by Alpaca
• Resource - Vanilla Map Settlement Position Numbers - by Nem Godslayer
• Resource - Creating a World - Bare Geomod - by gigantus
• Resource - Creating a World - The Geomod Manual by Gig - by gigantus
• Resource - Creating a World - Gig's Map Collection - by Gigantus
• Resource - Creating a World - Map Templates with Worldwind - by Gigantus
• Resource - A gift to the community: map of the Iberian Peninsula - by 20ninescene
• Resource - Russia Map - by danny X
• Resource - Hi-Res topographic maps, equal area projections - by Siegfriedfr
• Resource - Extended Map v0.1 - by Aura
• Resource - Late Roman Era Campaign Map - by Razor
• Tool - Geomod Tool for Mapping - coding by Octavius, posted by sinople, support by Gigantus
• Tool - TW Map Reader - by Withwnar
• Tool - Region Color Checker - by J@mes
• Tool - Aurun's M2TW Random Map Generator - by Aurun - see post #8 for working DL

Resources and Hidden_Resources

• Tutorial - How To Have More Than 64 “Hard Coded” Hidden Resources - by MIKE GOLF
• Tutorial - How to Edit Trade Resources - by vindex246
• Tutorial - How-to: Add Kingdoms resources to your mod - by Averroës
• Resource - Vanilla resources sorted by region capital - by Averroës
• Resource - Trade Resource Monopoly - by Kaa007 code for merchant at every M2 trade resource
• Answer - How to create new Hidden_Resource - by Polycarpe

Strat Models

See also Characters section for figure strat models.

• Tutorial - Forts: Everything you need to know about permanent, stone and/or buildable forts - by UraniumAtom
• Answer - How to: Change Fort model on Campaign and Battlemap - by Göteborgare images missing
• Answer - The palm's shadow bug resolved. - by robomanus - download and some images missing
• Resource - Creating a World - Editable Settlement Faction Symbols - by Gigantus
• Resource - Byzantine Cities Strat Models - by Aura

Campaign Elements

Cultures

• Tutorial - Adding A New Culture - by uanime5
• Resource - Creating a World - Adding a Culture - by Gigantus

Factions

• Tutorial - Creating a World – Adding a new Faction - by Gigantus - pdf manual with resources
• Tutorial - Creating a New Faction using Saxons and Normans - by selenius4tsd
• Tutorial - Adding a New Faction from Nothing - Step by Step Guide - by DukeofSerbia
• Tutorial - Adding a new Faction - by gigantus - pdf download
• Tutorial - Example of Transforming a Faction into Another - by Zymran
• Tutorial - How to change an already existing faction to a new one (during campaign) - by Aneirin
• Tutorial - Adding a new faction symbol - by alpaca
• Answer - How-To: Create new Papal States and delete the old ones- M3rcury15
• Answer - How to make old factions, appear on kingdoms expansions campaigns - by Demigod Lancer
• Answer - Bwians guide to changing a factions name - by Bwian
• Answer - More money for all factions - by Amorphos
• Tool - Faction and Campaign Editor Modding Helper - by Zeion

Emergent Factions and Hordes

• Tutorial - How to create an emerging faction - by Swagger
• Tutorial - How to create an emerging faction with Barons Alliance script - by Polpolgio
• Tutorial - A more comprehensive faction_emerge, and from differences between shadowing and not shadowing - by selv
• Tutorial - Guide to Emergent Factions in M2TW - TWC Wiki Article
• Tutorial - How to create a playable horde - by boboav
• Tutorial - Making a non playable horde faction - by leo.civil.uefs
• Tutorial - How to make an emergent faction playable from start - by Supermoler

Characters

• Tutorial - Creating a World – Character portraits, creation and use - by gigantus
• Tutorial - Hero Abilities - by ackrite26
• Tutorial - Hero Abilities Tutorial - by Noobio
• Tutorial - Family trees compendium of knowledge - by Kiliç Alì
• Tutorial - Advanced Family Trees - by GrnEyedDvl
• Tutorial - How to make completely new portraits - by The Spartan Warlord - some images missing
• Answer - Creating a World - Killing characters multiple ways - by Gigantus
• Answer - Creating Hyper-Extended Family Trees - by Lopus
• Answer - Making a Family Tree With an Under Age Faction Heir or Leader - by TNZ
• Answer - How to have more than one faction leader or heir - by King William the Conqueror
• Answer - Setting Heirs to your preference - by konny - using Authority
• Answer - How to force male offspring and more than four children - by Furin
• Answer - HowTo: Custom Portraits - by antirelic
• Answer - How to: give custom portraits to dead characters - by Kiliç Alì
• Answer - How to get Rid of Bald generals in Medieval II - by Ishan - images missing
• Answer - How to add a custom title for family members - by Hellenikon
• Resource - The mystery of the missing reinforcement portrait solved - by Gigantus - included in Bare Geomod
• Tool -Family tree visualization - freeware tool - by Averroës

Agents

• Tutorial - Working Patriarch & Redesigned Bishops - by gracul
• Answer - Creating a World - Faction Limits for Agents - by Gigantus
• Resource - Guide to Game Mechanism Behind Assassins - TWC Wiki Article

Character Strat Models

Adding different levels of character strat model requires having additional models/textures and changes to traits.

• Tutorial - How to add strat map character levels & change battle models - by Ishan
• Tutorial - Strat Map Models Reloaded - by Alletun - converting battle models to strat characters - images missing
• Tutorial - How to add new models different for each faction (for the campaign map) - by =NF= Vasileios_the2nd
• Answer - Creating a World - Replacing Strat Models - by gigantus
• Resource - Muslim_Assassin.CAS FIXED - by Melooo182
• Tool - Python strat model converter for Milkshape Users - by KnightErrant

Traits, Ancillaries and Attributes

The commands and conditions used in setting traits and ancillaries overlap with those used in Scripting.

• Tutorial - Beginners Guide to Coding Traits - by Alpaca
• Tutorial - Beginners Guide to Triggers & Monitors - by Alpaca
• Tutorial - How To: The Ancillary Guide - by Swagger
• Tutorial - Leader traits with faction-wide effects - by gracul
• Tutorial - How to make family/clan/tribe traits for your faction - by Spice Master
• Tutorial - Representing raiding via traits - by Genghis Skahn
• Tutorial - Epithets via ancillaries - by Withwnar
• Answer - Making a unique/specific settlement(s) capture trait - by Genghis Skahn
• Answer - How piety works and how to activate the alternative piety mode - by Hellenikon
• Answer - Prisoner Treatment - by Aikanár
• Answer - Things that affect Bodyguard Size in M2TW - byWithwnar
• Answer - Hidden Attributes - by Meneth
• Answer - Basic Character Specialization - by Meneth
• Answer - Varied Adoption - by Meneth
• Answer - Setting Heirs to your preference - by konny - using Authority
• Answer - TimeWithArmy Condition - by konny
• Answer - Want tougher AI generals to fight? Here's how - by DrJambo - adds Command stars by trait
• Answer - Make all ancilliaries transferable - by Furin
• Resource - List of Character Attributes - supplied by CA, posted by Epistolary Richard
• Resource - Trait List for Generals - by bamsuls
• Resource - List of scripting effects for Ancillaries and Traits - by Sirlion
• Tool - ATVTW - Trait/Ancillary Validator - by Squid
• Tool - Enabling traits and ancillaries to use region label instead of region ID - by bovi

Names

Note: most name problems won't crash M2TW, but they will stop the battle editor loading!

• Tutorial - Guide to Modding Character Names - by deRougemont
• Tutorial - Unique Names (and avoiding labels) - by Withwnar
• Resource - Name lists for generals and family members - by Spice Master
• Resource - Fantasy Name Generator - by danny X - links to name generating sites
• Tool - Name Verifier - by tornnight
• Tool - Creating a World - EDA\EDB\names converter for data\text files - by gigantus

Buildings and Settlements

• Tutorial - A Guide to Export_Descr_Buildings.txt - by Mythic_Commodore
• Tutorial - How to Make New Buildings - by Mythic_Commodore
• Tutorial - Mines - by EarendilElenthol
• Tutorial - A Guide To settlement_mechanics.xml - by Tsarsies
• Tutorial - The Complete Guide to Plugins - by SigniferOne
• Tutorial - Multiple core buildings for the same settlement level - by leo.civil.uefs
• Answer - Converting Huge Cities to Castles - by severdhope
• Answer - One Settlement Type - by Meneth
• Answer - How to force a choice between buildings - by Polycarpe
• Tool - EDB validator - by HouseOfHam

Army/Unit Recruitment

Recruitment can also involve Scripting and Events.

• Tutorial - Using Era System to Recruit Units - by DukeofSerbia
• Tutorial - Creating a World - Advanced recruiting with event counters - by Gigantus
• Tutorial - How to script unit recruitment according to a characters title (Anc) - by Aneirin
• Answer - Creating ZoR (Zone of Recruitment) and Recruiting Mercenaries from Buildings - by TWoxy
• Answer - Giving Units and Buildings the Free Upkeep Ability - by Soulghast
• Answer - Legion-Names for M2TW - by Amon Amarth 930
• Answer - AOR concept: 199+ AOR with just 8 resources - by Kiliç Alì
• Answer - export_desc_buildings txt unit recruitment rate parameters - by leo.civil.uefs

Diplomacy

• Answer - Using toggle_demeanour to mod diplomacy - by alpaca

Religion

• Tutorial - Adding A New Religion - by uanime5
• Tutorial - How to add a religion - by geeko
• Tutorial - Nakharar's Basics : Religion - by Nakharar
• Answer - How To: Change Faction Religion and Church - by Dragon Tex

Guilds and Missions

• Tutorial - Guide to Guilds - by DarkKnight
• Tutorial - Guide to Missions - by DarkKnight
• Tutorial - Guild Requirements Reworked - by Kylan271

Events

Events can also be added via Scripting.

• Tutorial - How To Add Historical Events - by selenius4tsd
• Tutorial - Implementing Marian Reforms in M2TW - by Aradan
• Answer - descr_events file for modified time-scale - by foolfromhell
• Answer - for people who want to use gunpowder right away - by Axe-Battler
• Tool - Historic Events Checker - Version 1.0 Released On 14/06/2014 - by Zarathos
  

Battle Maps

For more information on the wiki see Category:M2TW Battle Map Modding.

• Answer - Uses for show_cursorstat in battle-maps - by z3n

Custom Maps

• Tutorial - Battle Editor Manual (for TATW and other games) - by jản - see also Workshop re-post of thread - by Gigantus

Environment

• Tutorial - Vegetation editing - by makanyane
• Tutorial - Grass editing in vegetation.db - by makanyane

Battle Map Structures

• Resource - Creating a World - Black Settlement Fix for Steam - by Gigantus - this is needed for all Steam version players not just modders
• Tutorial - Creating a World - Stone Forts on the Battle Map - by Gigantus
• Tutorial - Forts: Everything you need to know about permanent, stone and/or buildable forts - by UraniumAtom
• Tutorial - How to add teutonic castles to all the east european factions both in strat and battle maps. - by Ishan - images missing - see .worldpkgdesc - M2TW for updated info
• Tutorial - IWTE Video Tutorial - Editing The Terrain / Creating Your First Settlement - by xHolyCrusader
• Tutorial - IWTE Custom settlements - Step by Step for creating. Most important things you must know - by leo.civil.uefs
• Tutorial - Creating a working layout for your custom settlement - by leo.civil.uefs
• Tutorial - Creating a generic custom settlement (easy step by step procedure) - by leo.civil.uefs
• Tutorial - How to create/implement a custom tile in your stratmap - by leo.civil.uefs
• Tutorial - How to use custom settlements from another mod in yours, both in campaign and custom battles. (Editing .worldpackage files) - by leo.civil.uefs - for custom battle section refer to .worldpkgdesc - M2TW
• Tutorial - IWTE Tutorial - by Red_Devil
• Tutorial - King Kong's Tutorial for IWTE - by King Kong - see pdf by Gigantus for version with images
• Tutorial - Editing .worldterrain files (IWTE) - by wilddog
• Tutorial - Battlemap Building Textures - by Makanyane - needs updating for IWTE
• Tutorial - World Collision Entry alterations - by Makanyane
• Tutorial - IWTE for the complete utter noob - by BURNY26 - images missing
• Answer - IWTE - Changing Settlement effect lighting - by wilddog
• Answer - Hints and tips for milkshape for buildings with IWTE - by Makanyane
• Resource - Permanent Stone Forts for SS6.3 Late Campaign - by Rozanov
• Resource - Fort fixes for Crusades Campaign forts - by Gigantus
• Resource - Creating a World - Reduced City Textures - by Gigantus
• Resource - Ambient building reduction mod - by Makanyane
• Resource - Custom Settlements Repository - by Germanicu5 - some download links work, not all
• Tool - IWTE - World editing - by wilddog
• Tool - MaxScript version for World and WorldCollision files - by johnwhile

AI

See also The AI Workshop.

• Tutorial - Understanding MTW2/Kingdoms.exe Pathfinding, XML and the AI - by z3n
• Tutorial - Basics of Battle AI and Pathfinding - by z3n
• Tutorial - AI Personalities - Wiki Page
• Tutorial - Invade and Defend Decisions - by z3n
• Tutorial - M2TW AI Modification: An Interactive Essay - by CavalryCmdr on Total War Heaven
• Tutorial - AI Expansion- by tupodawg999
• Answer - Know how about invasions and Ai-horde-mode behavior - by Userpro
• Answer - Improved Horde Faction Behavior - by FactionHeir
• Answer - AI General Behavior - discussion thread
• Answer - Revolt and Garrison Behavior - discussion thread
• Resource - Skynet AI - by z3n

Scripting

• Tutorial - Alpaca's Script-O-Rama - by Alpaca
• Tutorial - MTW2 Battle Scripting - by z3n
• Tutorial - A Guide to Events - by ilmrik
• Tutorial - Forts as Minor Settlements - Recruitment Inside Forts - Income From Forts - Named Forts - by Jadli
• Tutorial - The Long Road- Campaign Script System - by ilmrik
• Tutorial - Get a character_record when you need it - by Withwnar
• Tutorial - Remove ancillary with script or the give_ancillary mission - by Withwnar
• Tutorial - I_CharacterTypeNearTile and testing for adjacency - by Withwnar
• Tutorial - Scripted buildings: create_building and destroy_buildings - by Withwnar
• Tutorial - Creating a World - Building and maintaining unique Buildings - by Gigantus
• Tutorial - Creating a World - Disasters and the add_events command - by Gigantus
• Tutorial - Tutorial for a Garrisonscript - by weissnicht
• Tutorial - A garrison script that incorporates the ‘destroy_units’ command - by TNZ
• Tutorial - The placement of units, Coded and Scripted - using various commands - by Archaon
• Tutorial - How to implement a field-cost script - by Amon Amarth 930
• Tutorial - Yes/No Event Tutorial - by Swagger
• Tutorial - How to create a complex religion change script - by Polpolgio
• Tutorial - Unique Names (and avoiding labels) - by Withwnar
• Tutorial - Give a region to another faction via script - by Withwnar
• Tutorial - Complex Interactive Events - by AJStoner
• Tutorial - Creating Localised Re-Emerging Factions without using the Horde Ability - by TMK
• Tutorial - Scripted sieges - by gsthoed
• Tutorial - Moneybag14's Naval Invasions Tutorial - by Moneybags14
• Tutorial - How to script unit recruitment according to a characters title (Anc) - by Aneirin
• Tutorial - Religion conversion script - by Master Zuma
• Tutorial - Creating a World - The Recruit Limit Script - by Gigantus
• Answer - Make a settlement a power centre for training special units - by Ishan
• Answer - Scripted unit recruitment pool replenishment - by Epistolary Richard
• Answer - Scripting based on Difficulty and AI/Player - by tornnight
• Answer - The use of destroy_units in the campaign script - by Gorrrrrn
• Answer - Instant garrisons and their disbandment - by Gigantus
• Answer - How to spawn family members via script - by OfficerJohn
• Answer - Emergent Generals Script - by SonofPeverel
• Answer - Mongol invasion script - by gracul
• Answer - Creating a script to give all the names you want to a settlement - by Polpolgio
• Answer - How to call a crusade with papal state - by boboav
• Answer - Script for selecting the heir - by Miguel_80
• Answer - Script for annexing a faction by marriage ties - by Miguel_80
• Answer - Union with changing faction in game - by Miguel_80 - download gives menu with hotseat menu promoted to main menu so "command faction" works
• Answer - Faction destroyed event - by Withwnar
• Answer - Test that a faction is dead/alive including hordes - by Withwnar
• Answer - Move the campaign camera to a character with script - by Withwnar
• Answer - diplomacy_mission: how to use - by Withwnar
• Answer - Reload-safe Yes/No Events - by Withwnar
• Answer - Script to add a "Capital" building - by Withwnar
• Answer - How to disable autoresolve for the player - by Aikanár
• Answer - Working with 'restrict_autoresolve' command - by Archaon
• Answer - Guide to 'restrict_clickable_area' Command - by Archaon
• Answer - King's Purse script - by Vegas_Bear
• Answer - Carl - the Taxman (economy script) - by Fred Putz
• Answer - Sapping on the Campaign map - by David93
• Answer - Creative Disasters and Events - by Lusitanio
• Answer - Accelerating Stratmap Animations via Script - by Gigantus
• Answer - Adding blank keyboard shortcuts for scripting purposes - by gracul
• Resource - 12 turns per year with proper aging - by GrnEyedDvl
• Resource - List of non functional script terms (events, conditions and commands) - by Gigantus
• Resource - Diplomacy Modification By Scripting Research Thread - by Archaon
• Resource - Archaon's Loyal Allies (Player restrictions on attacking aliies) - by Archaon
• Resource - Forced Diplomacy v1.2 - by Withwnar
• Resource - Script Fixes for Kingdom Campaigns (Welsh Uprising & Kalmar Union) - by Gigantus
• Resource - End Turn number logging script - download - by tmodelsk
• Resource - Campaign_script.txt - syntax coloring & folding for UltraEdit - by tmodelsk
• Resource - Azumi's simple, efficient debt script - by 4zumi
• Resource - Economic Script - by Danya82
• Tool - TW Script Editor - by Squid
• Tool - GrnEyedDvl's Script Replicator - by GrnEyedDvl
• Tool - TWCapital v1.4: script generator for a Faction Capital building - by Withwnar
• Tool - TWRegionOwnerSwitch: script generator for changing a region's owner - by Withwnar
• Tool - M2TW Campaign and Show Me Script Editor - by Azim
• Tool - Set counter value (in save) - by MageNuada

Sounds

• Tutorial - Creating a World - Developer's Setup Kit for Sound Editing - by Gigantus
• Tutorial - Extracting sounds - by Arakorn
• Tutorial - How to Extract the Sound Files - TWC Wiki Article
• Resource - Sound text files released (M2 and Kingdoms) - CA Official Release
• Resource - Kingdoms Sound Files (alternative DL) - CA Official Release
• Resource - Creating a World - Fixing the "Failed to Initialise Audio System" Error - by Gigantus
• Tool - SoundExtractor v1.2 - by Withwnar

Voices

• Tutorial - How to create a new accent - by Aikanár
• Tutorial - How to change the accent of a faction using vanilla accents - by IZob
• Tutorial - Unit voices and Unique voice overhauls - by Ngugi
• Answer - How to remove the "Our units are under attack!" speech - by BM309K58SMERCH
• Resource - Sounds voices packs for non-English Steam version - by Miguel_80
• Tool - EDSUV Lister - by Beiss - lists units with voice entries
• Tool - EDU Lister - by Beiss - lists units in EDU with their accents

Effects

• Answer - How to Add Missing sounds in the Greek firethrower units - by Ishan
• Answer - How to add missing SFX sound for stakes in your mods - by Ishan
• Tool - Release of the EVT mod tool - by Tellos Athenaios

Music

• Tutorial - El Monstero's Definitive Guide to Modding Med 2's Music - by El Monstero29
• Tutorial - How to Add Your Own Music to M2TW - by Trajan
• Resource - Medieval Total War & Viking Invasion music addon - by Elendil 03
• Resource - Royalty Free Music - by GrnEyedDvl
• Resource - Remixed Medieval Music - by Reimu Hakurei

UI

• Tutorial - Everything you ever wanted to know about banners! - by Bwian - covers strat map banners and faction icons
• Tutorial - Adding a New Faction Symbol - by Alpaca
• Tutorial - How to make new info cards - by headsh0ts
• Tutorial - Creating and Adding New 2d Building Art with GIMP (For Beginners) - by Mank
• Tutorial - Alletun's Eyecandy Tutorial (loading screens and menu) - by Alletun - images missing
• Tutorial - Changing Faction Icon - by AliAS - images missing
• Tutorial - Kingdoms: making an UI - by cedric37 - images missing
• Tutorial - Vanilla faction symbols: How to make one yourself - by Glowbal - images missing
• Tutorial - Guide for editing Army Banners (strat-map) - by Tsar Stefan Dusan IV - images missing
• Answer - How to Get Rid of Faction Borders on the Mini Map - by Icefrisco
• Resource - Ned's coat of arms templates - by Aneirin
• Tool - Release of the SD mod tool - by Tellos Athenaios
• Tool - Alpaca's .sd Converter for interface files - by alpaca

Menu and Loading Screens

• Answer - How-To: Add multiple campaigns (aka provincial campaigns) - by alpaca
• Answer - 31 factions without the Faction Select screen crashing - by uanime5 - attachments missing
• Resource - 29 Factions on selection display - by Gigantus included in Bare Geomod
• Resource - Union with changing faction in game - by Miguel_80 - download gives menu with hotseat menu promoted to main menu so "command faction" works

Videos

• Tutorial - Creating your own Menu Background video - by Neige
• Answer - How to add own video into the game - by AliAS
• Answer - How to Make a Better Movie Background (using demo video) - by Mythic_Commodore

Text Descriptions

This section is for general information about all text areas, for unit descriptions see Units section, etc.

• Resource -Converted battle tooltips shared and strat TXT files - by Gigantus
• Tool - Release of the CUF (font & text rendering) mod tool - by Tellos Athenaios

Console Commands and Config Preferences

Adjustments that can be made via in-game console commands or in players .cfg preferences instead of in modded files:

• Tutorial - How to Get Awesome Graphics in Medieval II - by HaHawk - also uses post processor
• Answer - Creating a World: High Resolution Screenshots - by Gigantus
• Answer - How To: Enable year and season display - by Alpaca
• Answer - How to Disable Green Arrows and Unit Banners - TWC Wiki Article
• Answer - How to Unlock all Factions - TWC Wiki Article
• Answer - How to make vanilla hotseat - by Supermoler

Tool Support and Format Research

This section is only likely to be of use to tool developers or those with obscure problems with tools/file format.

• Answer - Quotes strings.bin file format - by Tellos Athenaios
• Answer - How the game can use your files - by Sinuhet
• Resource - mesh converter documentation - by KnightErrant
• Resource - SourceCode for BrandonM's Toolset - by BrandonM - Note: Tools themselves no longer available
• Resource - Plugin Example for BrandonM's Toolset - by BrandonM - Note: Tools themselves no longer available
• Resource - Texture header information - by grumpyoldman

Miscellaneous

• Tutorial - Creating a World - Named Forts - by Gigantus - involves placing permanent forts and using script spawned agents
• Answer - Using a spare faction to preserve "destructible" pre-placed forts - by Carle
• Tutorial - Cinematic Editor Tutorial - by D major - video guides missing
• Tutorial - Nakharar's Basics: Resources - by Nakharar
• Tutorial - Nakharar's Basics: Rebels - by Nakharar
• Tutorial - Getting Attention for your mod/Basic mod infrastructure - by Killerbee
• Tutorial - Guide to the first steps in making a mod (The Novice Corner) - by Druvatar De Bodemloze
• Tutorial - Errors to avoid when making a mod (The Novice Corner) - by Druvatar De Bodemloze
• Tutorial - All tips to avoid unknown errors by the game when you install/create mods - by Ralendil
• Tutorial - File/Mod Compression Tutorial - by DaDump
• Answer - Automatically testing your mod's campaign. - by leo.civil.uefs
• Answer - M2TW commonly used modding terms (The Novice Corner) - by Druvatar De Bodemloze
• Answer - Config Fixer Trick for Mod Installers- by Spurius
• Answer - Finding/fixing EOL & Encoding problems in Notepad++ - by Withwnar
• Answer - Finding incorrect usages of "" with Notepad++ - by Withwnar
• Answer - Increased Movement Points(Cavalry, Infantry and/or Siege) - by spanish_emperor
• Answer - How to fix siege units slowing down your armies - by Serious J
• Answer - Prolong or shorten campaign time - by Clint Eastwood
• Answer - Changing the Counter from Turns to Years - TWC Wiki Article
• Answer - Changing the Number of Years per Turn - TWC Wiki Article
• Answer - How to Remove the Pope - TWC Wiki Article
• Answer - How to make a movie from battle replay - by Eyeswater
• Answer - The mystery of non merging fleets solved - by Gigantus
• Answer - Changing hidden keyboard settings (console key) - by Gigantus
• Answer - Creating a World - Slowing down Strat Map scrolling - by Gigantus
• Answer - Miniscript to hide/unhide stratmap-ui whilst ingame - by Userpro
• Answer - Unified Mod Version Tracking \ Troubleshooting Proposal - by Germanicu5
• Answer - Renaming lots of files using DOS - by Kinjo
• Answer - How-To: Get files off your disc - by The_Solo
• Resource - Creating a World - Fixing the 'Block Graphic' Bug - by Gigantus
• Resource - alpaca's odds and ends - by alpaca
• Resource - L'Outremer Work Pack for Modders - by Swagger - abandoned mod contents, free to use with credit
• Resource - Syntax highlighting for Total War files in Sublime Text 3 - by Aneirin
• Tool - Recruitment Viewer + Units Stats Viewer v1.05 - by Rafkos
• Tool - PercentageUnitAttribute log error filter - by Withwnar
• Tool - PackFile Tools: Packfile-Slicer - by Hex35
• Tool - PackFile Tools: Packfile-Builder (re-packer) - by Hex35
• Tool - Text-string Editor - by XXZit - for bulk replace & more sophisticated functions
• Tool - Link to Useful tool for making a file list - by Griffon
• Tool - Link to Link Shell Extension - by nekus
• Tool - Link to .xml editor - by HorseArcher
• Tool - Link to Bulk Rename Utility - @ snapfiles.com

Historical Reference

• Resource - Link to weapon/armour site - by Druvatar De Bodemloze
• Resource - Link to World history atlas - by King William the Conqueror
• Resource - Link to Coat of arms - Website - by Aneirin

See Also

• Medieval II: Total War Tools, Tutorials and Resources sub-forum on TWC where most of the tutorials and resources listed above are hosted.
• Medieval II: Total War Mod Workshop on TWC to ask any questions not covered in the tutorials section.
• Collection of M2TW Guides - for information on playing M2TW

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