M2TW Modding Tools
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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.
Contents
Modding Tools for Medieval II - Total War
Tools for Editing Units - Models and Textures
- 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.
- converter from texture file to .dds only
- 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]]
- 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
- to automate correction of Region ID's within conditions in EDA and EDCT
- TWTECV: TW Text Editor, Cleaner & Validator by Withwnar
- .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
- Creating a World - The BinEditor by Octavius manual and support by Gigantus
- allows direct editing of files in .bin format
- allows the files in .strings.bin format to be converted to normal text files for editing - requires old version of Python to run.
- (if text file is placed in mod-folder game generates a new .strings.bin file from text file)
- allows direct editing of files in .bin format
- includes Unit Editor, Region Editor, Plugin Based Extensible Framework and Data Acess Layer
- 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.
- 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, unpackers, information files and basic file set-up 'mods':
- includes unpacker which is needed to access most files.
- use to extract sound files
- Return of XIDX: with bug fixes and updates for M2TW Revised IDX pack/unpacker for M2TW sound and skeleton files.
- docudemon files supplied by CA
- list of events, commands and conditions that can be used in traits, ancillaries and scripting.
- the absolute minimum number of files needed to make mod folder set-up work.
- stripped-down map with only one province and faction - can be used as basis for developing new maps.
- Bare Geomod by Gigantus - start-up basic mod-folder with numerous bug-fixes for vanilla game.
