M2TW Modding Tools

Some modding tools from Rome - Total War may also be useful for Medieval II - Total War, see here for list of RTW tools.

For modding tutorials see M2TW Modding Tutorials

Many aspects of the file structure for Medieval II are different from previous games and have required separate tools to be developed. A list of tools and related downloads for Medieval II - Total War follows.

When adding tools please also link to any tutorials or primary discussion threads.

Modding Tools for Medieval II - Total War

Tools for Editing Units - Models and Textures

• .texture to .dds and .dds to .texture converter by Alpaca

converts the .texture files used for unit skins etc. to .dds files - also converts .dds back to .texture format.

Nvidia plug-in required to edit .dds files in PhotoShop etc.

• .texture to .dds converter by iamnew

converter from texture file to .dds only

• .dds to .texture converter by iamnew

reverse converter from .dds to texture file - might need original texture file present to work - needs confirmation

• .cas exporter for 3DS Max supplied by CA discussion thread

this tool only works for battle map and strat map animations and strat map models (not battle map models)

also required to use this tool CAS Importer for 3ds max by Vercingetorix

• Mesh 2 ms3d beta 0.18 by GrumpyOldMan

allows battle map unit models to be edited in MilkShape 3D

development and discussion forums for TWC here, for .org here.

Mesh 2 ms3D tutorial by zxiang1983

Tools for Editing Text Files

• .sd converter by Alpaca, tutorial on adding new faction symbol using this tool.

allows the .sd files to be converted and edited which enables inclusion of more faction icons, and control of other elements in data/ui/southern_european/interface

• .strings.bin converter by Alpaca

allows the files in .strings.bin format to be converted to normal text files for editing

(if text file is placed in mod-folder game generates a new .strings.bin file from text file)

• M2SBE - .bin editor by Orly Junior

allows direct editing of files in .bin format

• BMTWTS M2TW Toolset by BrandonM

includes Unit Editor, Region Editor, Plugin Based Extensible Framework and Data Acess Layer

• Name Verifier by tornnight

checks names used are included relevant files.

• Map Position Shifter by tornnight :Shifts descr_strat.txt and descr_events.txt x, y coordinates by a specified amount. Use if adding or removing section of map from bottom or left-hand side.

• battle_models.modeldb Validation/Beautifying/Compacting Tool by tornnight

has various validating and balancing functions for export_descr_unit.txt and battle_models.modeldb, etc.

• formatted battle_models.modeldb by KnightErrant - tutorial

makes the modeldb file a lot easier to edit - also includes a syntax checker

Tools for Editing Battle Map Buildings and Terrain

• IWTE is the most comprehensive tool for this, see also: World File Editing Tools - M2TW

Mapping Tools

• Geomod by Octavius - Discussion thread here and a tutorial by Nakharar and manual by Gigantus.

Allows you to make a whole new map without having knowledge in mapping from new settlements down to new rivers.

Other Downloads

Patches, information files and basic file set-up 'mods':

• patch 1.1 supplied by CA

includes unpacker which is needed to access most files.

• IDX extractor by Vercingetorix

use to extract sound files

• docudemon files supplied by CA

list of events, commands and conditions that can be used in traits, ancillaries and scripting.

• basic mod folder set-up by Alpaca discussion thread

the absolute minimum number of files needed to make mod folder set-up work.

• minimal map set-up by Alpaca

stripped-down map with only one province and faction - can be used as basis for developing new maps.