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Difference between revisions of "Medieval II: Total War - Modding Index"

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<center><big>Tutorials, resources and tools for modding [[Medieval II: Total War]]:'''</big>
 
<center><big>Tutorials, resources and tools for modding [[Medieval II: Total War]]:'''</big>
  
For master list of modding tools (e.g. model exporters) see '''[[M2TW Modding Tools]]''' ''(to be merged here)''
+
'''The below listing provides links to tutorials, useful answers to common modding questions, resources and tools, divided by category.'''<br>
 
 
 
See also '''[[:Category:M2TW Modding Tutorials|M2TW Modding Tutorials Category]]''' for tutorials contained on this Wiki and the '''[[:Category:M2TW Modding|M2TW Modding Category]]''' for other pages.
 
See also '''[[:Category:M2TW Modding Tutorials|M2TW Modding Tutorials Category]]''' for tutorials contained on this Wiki and the '''[[:Category:M2TW Modding|M2TW Modding Category]]''' for other pages.
  
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{{TOC right}}
 
{{TOC right}}
 
==General Information==
 
==General Information==
 +
'''The recommended starting point for any new Medieval II: Total War mod is to use a [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?352216 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.'''
  
===Mod Set-up and Resources===
+
All aspects of the Medieval II: Total War game are modifiable, subject to some [[Hardcoded Limits - M2TW|Hardcoded Limits]] and behaviours.  Additionally, the [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?2296 M2TW Engine Overhaul Project] is now making it possible to change some of that hard-coding by memory editing the game after loading.
'''The recommended starting point for any new Medieval II: Total War mod is to use a [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?352216 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.'''
+
 
 +
===M2TW and Computer Set-up===
 +
For any problems getting M2TW to run '''without''' mods refer to [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?270 Medieval II Technical Discussion & Support]
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?698423 The SafeDisc Issue affecting older Total War games] - by [[Frunk]]
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?688368 Creating a World - Converting Install Disk to Steam] - by [[Gigantus]]
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?749098 Creating a World - Moving Steam's Game Library] - by [[Gigantus]]
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=397636 How To Fix UAC and VirtualStore Problems] - by [[SigniferOne]]
 +
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=96588 Find and download all the released patches here] - by [[Ishan]]
 +
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?801333 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 - [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?745692 Creating a World - Starting Steam Mods the easy Way]''' - by [[Gigantus]]
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=181697 Creating a World - Using the Install Creator] - by [[Gigantus]]
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?746851 How to install mods and submods in Linux (Ubuntu)] - by [[Socrates1984]]
 +
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?661279 The ToolBox - The Universal Mod Launcher v1.204 (Latest Steam Update Compatible)] - by [[Guan Ziyang]]
 +
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed collapse-custom" style="width:auto;"
 +
! Older Methods
 +
|-
 +
|
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?704036 An alternative way to play mods through Steam (Includes Pictures)] - by [[Radboud]]
 +
* ''Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=209116 How to make a Professional Quality Installer for your Mod]'' - by [[Azim]] - <small>images missing</small>
 +
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=212674 Creating a World - Registry Entries for the Launcher ] - by [[Gigantus]]
 +
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=411618 How to get Big MTWII Mods to work with Steam] - by [[Marechal Ney]]
 +
* Answer - [https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=70892 Using .cfg and .bat files] - .org Research Wiki
 +
* Answer - [https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?p=1342304#post1342304 Using mod switch without bat file] - by [[ShellShock]]
 +
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=532599 Multiple installations of a mod (with different submods)] - by [[Emperor of Hell]]
 +
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=353922 Kingdoms Launcher Editing Application] - by [[Squid]]
 +
 
 +
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=582583 Steam compatible modStarter] - by [[Durintwz]]
 +
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?738034 Medieval2ModLauncher (formerly "Launcher.exe replacement")] - by [[v1c7r1x]]
 +
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?730697 SubMod Installer/Manager for Medieval 2/Rome TW] - by [[Rafkos]]
 +
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?688108 Med2ModLauncher - A launcher for Medieval II Total War] - by [[LordJorgonor]]
 +
|}
  
 +
===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 - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?352216 Creating a World - Bare Geomod]''' - by [[gigantus]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=76289 How to Set up M2TW for modding] - by [[Alpaca]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=76289 How to Set up M2TW for modding] - by [[Alpaca]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=466726 How To set up Medieval II for Modding] - by [[King William the Conqueror]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=466726 How To set up Medieval II for Modding] - by [[King William the Conqueror]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=93141 How to Add Multiple Campaigns (aka provincial campaigns)] - by [[Alpaca]]  
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=93141 How to Add Multiple Campaigns (aka provincial campaigns)] - by [[Alpaca]]  
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=143183 Crashes and how to fix them] - by [[uanime5]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?760594 Roadmap to the .txt Basic Files] - by [[Kilo11]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?696367 Enabling Trace in the Crashlog; for detailed reporting of crashes and bugs to modders.] - by [[alreadyded]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=397636 How To Fix UAC and VirtualStore Problems] - by [[SigniferOne]]
 
* '''Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?352216 Creating a World - Bare Geomod]''' - by [[gigantus]]
 
* '''Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=96588 Find and download all the released patches here]''' - by [[Ishan]]
 
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?714887 Creating a World - Using Kingdom Campaigns as Mod Base] - by [[Gigantus]]  
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?714887 Creating a World - Using Kingdom Campaigns as Mod Base] - by [[Gigantus]]  
 
* Resource - [https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=76099 Mod Folder Installer] - by [[Alpaca]]
 
* Resource - [https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=76099 Mod Folder Installer] - by [[Alpaca]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?703242 Implementing custom campaigns for single player and hotseat] - by [[gigantus]] - <small>files included in Bare Geomod</small>
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?703242 Implementing custom campaigns for single player and hotseat] - by [[gigantus]] - <small>files included in Bare Geomod</small>
* ''Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=168944 Basic Kingdoms Mod folder]'' - by [[gigantus]] - <small>superceded by Bare Geomod</small>
+
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=168944 Basic Kingdoms Mod folder] - by [[gigantus]] - <small>superceded by Bare Geomod</small>
 +
 
 +
===Troubleshooting Errors===
 +
* '''Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?788469 Bovine M2TW Checker]''' - by [[bovi]]
 +
* '''Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?624259 TWTECV: TW Text Editor, Cleaner & Validator]''' - by [[Withwnar]]
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=143183 Crashes and how to fix them] - by [[uanime5]]
 +
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?696367 Enabling Trace in the Crashlog; for detailed reporting of crashes and bugs to modders] - by [[alreadyded]]
  
===Unpacking and Packing===
+
===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.
 
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 - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=550619 Creating a World - Unpacking the Game ] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=550619 Creating a World - Unpacking the Game ] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?355307 Unpacking: The very first steps & simplest method for new modders] - by [[Userpro]]  
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?355307 Unpacking: The very first steps & simplest method for new modders] - by [[Userpro]]  
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=405322 Specific unpacking from the .pack files] - by [[Ishan]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=405322 Specific unpacking from the .pack files] - by [[Ishan]]
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?746202 [Linux] - Unpacking the Game in Linux (Ubuntu)] - by [[Socrates1984]]
+
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?746202 Linux - Unpacking the Game in Linux (Ubuntu)] - by [[Socrates1984]]
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?760594 Roadmap to the .txt Basic Files] - by [[Kilo11]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=349098 Fixing the unpacker on vista/7 to get meshs and textures] - by [[Dewy]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=349098 Fixing the unpacker on vista/7 to get meshs and textures] - by [[Dewy]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=449513 Unpacking for Windows 7 users] - by [[Alkimachos]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=449513 Unpacking for Windows 7 users] - by [[Alkimachos]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=96588 Patches and Unpacking Information] - by [[Ishan]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=96588 Patches and Unpacking Information] - by [[Ishan]]
 +
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=118578 M2TW Ultimate Docudemons 4.0] - by [[GrnEyedDvl]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=32 IDX extractor] - by [[Vercingetorix]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=32 IDX extractor] - by [[Vercingetorix]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=524906 Release of the PACK tool (for packing/unpacking/repacking M2TW PACK files)] - by [[Tellos Athenaios]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=524906 Release of the PACK tool (for packing/unpacking/repacking M2TW PACK files)] - by [[Tellos Athenaios]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=488988 Return of XIDX: with bug fixes and updates for M2TW.] - by [[Tellos Athenaios]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=488988 Return of XIDX: with bug fixes and updates for M2TW.] - by [[Tellos Athenaios]]
  
===Common Tools and Resources===
+
===Converters & Special Format Editors===
Tools, tutorials and resources that cover multiple areas of the game:
+
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.
* '''Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=118578 M2TW Ultimate Docudemons 4.0]''' - by [[GrnEyedDvl]]
+
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?624259 TWTECV: TW Text Editor, Cleaner & Validator]] - by [[Withwnar]]
+
====.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 - [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1347 .texture/dds converter] - by [[alpaca]]  - <small>requires python <2.7</small>
 +
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=961 .texture to .dds converter] by [[iamnew]]
 +
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=977 .dds to .texture converter] by [[iamnew]]
 +
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=323503 IWTE - World editing] - by [[wilddog]] - <small>includes .texture/dds batch conversion</small>
 +
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=587629 Link to ddsview] - by [[Vladyvid]]
 +
* Tool - [https://developer.nvidia.com/legacy-texture-tools nVidia DDS Utilities] - <small>see also [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=433479 DDS & Normal Map Plugin for Photoshop x86\x64 Both] - by [[Ishan]]</small>
 +
 
 +
====.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 - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?585726 Creating a World - The BinEditor] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?585726 Creating a World - The BinEditor] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1006 .strings.bin converter] - by [[alpaca]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1006 .strings.bin converter] - by [[alpaca]]
* Tool - [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1347 texture/dds converter] - by [[KnightErrant]]  - <small>requires python <2.7</small>
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?592623 TEXTURE file converter/editor] - by [[domster]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=587629 Link to ddsview] - by [[Vladyvid
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=323503 IWTE - World editing] - by [[wilddog]] - <small>inc. battle-map structures, vegetation sprites, static strat .cas to ms3d, texture to dds batch conversion</small>
 
* Tool - [https://developer.nvidia.com/legacy-texture-tools nVidia DDS Utilities] - see also [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=433479 DDS & Normal Map Plugin for Photoshop x86\x64 Both] - by [[Ishan]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?725653 Link to 3ds Max (student version)] - by [[z3n]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?2296 M2TW Engine Overhaul Project (memory editing) - by [[youneuoy]]
 
  
===Mod Installation and Launching===
+
====.mesh/3d programs====
* Tutorial - [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?745692 Creating a World - Starting Steam Mods the easy Way] - by [[Gigantus]]
+
Mesh files are used for battle models for units and generals.
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?688368 Creating a World - Converting Install Disk to Steam] - by [[Gigantus]]
+
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1276 Mesh 2 ms3d beta 0.18] - by [[GrumpyOldMan]] - <small>see also [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1283 Mesh to MS3D basic tutorial] - by [[zxiang1983]]</small>  
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?749098 Creating a World - Moving Steam's Game Library] - by [[Gigantus]]
+
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=419049 Mesh/Cas/Engine - MaxScript version of GOAT tool] - by [[johnwhile]]
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=181697 Creating a World - Using the Install Creator] - by [[Gigantus]]
+
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?746851 How to install mods and submods in Linux (Ubuntu)] - by [[Socrates1984]]
+
====.cas/3d programs====
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?704036 An alternative way to play mods through Steam (Includes Pictures)] - by [[Radboud]]
+
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1111 .cas exporter for 3DS Max] - supplied by [[CA]] - <small>see also [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=73692 discussion thread] & [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?725653 Link to 3ds Max (student version)] - by [[z3n]]</small>
* ''Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=209116 How to make a Professional Quality Installer for your Mod]'' - by [[Azim]] - <small>images missing</small>
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=212674 Creating a World - Registry Entries for the Launcher ] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=411618 How to get Big MTWII Mods to work with Steam] - by [[Marechal Ney]]
 
* Answer - [https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=70892 Using .cfg and .bat files] - .org Research Wiki
 
* Answer - [https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?p=1342304#post1342304 Using mod switch without bat file] - by [[ShellShock]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=532599 Multiple installations of a mod (with different submods)] - by [[Emperor of Hell]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=353922 Kingdoms Launcher Editing Application] - by [[Squid]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?661279 The ToolBox - The Universal Mod Launcher v1.204 (Latest Steam Update Compatible)] - by [[Guan Ziyang]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=582583 Steam compatible modStarter] - by [[Durintwz]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?738034 Medieval2ModLauncher (formerly "Launcher.exe replacement")] - by [[v1c7r1x]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?730697 SubMod Installer/Manager for Medieval 2/Rome TW] - by [[Rafkos]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?688108 Med2ModLauncher - A launcher for Medieval II Total War] - by [[LordJorgonor]]
 
  
 
==Units==
 
==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 - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=127787 Unit Makers Tome of Knowledge]''' - by [[Alletun]]
 
* '''Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=127787 Unit Makers Tome of Knowledge]''' - by [[Alletun]]
 
===Getting Units in Game===
 
===Getting Units in Game===
 +
Existing models and textures can be re-purposed to create 'new' units by text editing the relevant files.
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?786543 Step-by-step : Adding/Importing a unit] - by [[TAKEDA ⬤ SHINGEN]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=75706 Adding a New Unit] - by [[Musashi]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=75706 Adding a New Unit] - by [[Musashi]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=74945 Adding Other Factions Units to New Faction] - by [[M3rcury15]]  
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=74945 Adding Other Factions Units to New Faction] - by [[M3rcury15]]  
Line 114: Line 146:
  
 
===Models===
 
===Models===
 +
Unit battle models use the .mesh format, with lower poly lod versions for medium distance views.
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=412456 Be a Modder: Doctoring of Medieval 2 units] - by [[Ishan]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=412456 Be a Modder: Doctoring of Medieval 2 units] - by [[Ishan]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1283 Mesh to MS3D basic tutorial] - by [[zxiang1983]] <small>(requires Milkshape 3D v1.8 and [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1276 Mesh 2 ms3d beta 0.18] by GrumpyOldMan)</small>
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1283 Mesh to MS3D basic tutorial] - by [[zxiang1983]] <small>(requires Milkshape 3D v1.8 and [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1276 Mesh 2 ms3d beta 0.18] by GrumpyOldMan)</small>
Line 143: Line 176:
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?617091 Sumskilz's Models & Textures] - by [[sumskilz]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?617091 Sumskilz's Models & Textures] - by [[sumskilz]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?705897 Tons of 3D stuff generously offered to likewise generous peoples] - by [[+Mr.Crow+]] - <small>links to content in signature</small>
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?705897 Tons of 3D stuff generously offered to likewise generous peoples] - by [[+Mr.Crow+]] - <small>links to content in signature</small>
 +
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1276 Mesh 2 ms3d beta 0.18] - by [[GrumpyOldMan]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?647775 M2TW Modeler's Toolbox] - by [[Zarathos]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?647775 M2TW Modeler's Toolbox] - by [[Zarathos]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=190197 GOAT and GOAL: A collection of modelling and animation utilities] - by [[KnightErrant]] - <small>requires python <2.7</small>
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=190197 GOAT and GOAL: A collection of modelling and animation utilities] - by [[KnightErrant]] - <small>requires python <2.7</small>
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=153977 Utility for writing UV map templates in dds format] - by [[KnightErrant]] - <small>requires python <2.7</small>
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=153977 Utility for writing UV map templates in dds format] - by [[KnightErrant]] - <small>requires python <2.7</small>
[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=134461 Milkshape .ms3d importer/exporter for 3ds Max and Gmax, version 1.1] - by [[KnightErrant]]
+
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=134461 Milkshape .ms3d importer/exporter for 3ds Max and Gmax, version 1.1] - by [[KnightErrant]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=419049 Mesh/Cas/Engine - MaxScript version of GOAT tool] - by [[johnwhile]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=419049 Mesh/Cas/Engine - MaxScript version of GOAT tool] - by [[johnwhile]]
  
 
===Textures===
 
===Textures===
 +
Unit textures are in .texture format which needs to be converted to .dds for editing.
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?688721 How to create a normal texture file with gimp] - by [[Aneirin]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?688721 How to create a normal texture file with gimp] - by [[Aneirin]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=191778 Normal Map with GIMP] - by [[Icedie El Guaraní]] - <small>[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?191778-Normal-Map-with-GIMP&p=15801870&viewfull=1#post15801870 pdf available]</small>
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=191778 Normal Map with GIMP] - by [[Icedie El Guaraní]] - <small>[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?191778-Normal-Map-with-GIMP&p=15801870&viewfull=1#post15801870 pdf available]</small>
Line 159: Line 194:
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?696477 Mini tutorial on metallic surfaces] - by [[paleologos]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?696477 Mini tutorial on metallic surfaces] - by [[paleologos]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=143321 Notes on dds formats] - by [[wolfslayer]] - <small>tool referenced is missing</small>
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=143321 Notes on dds formats] - by [[wolfslayer]] - <small>tool referenced is missing</small>
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?655072 DXT Tool] - by [[Hex35]]
 
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=93861 Modder's Resources Volume 1 - Battle Banners] - by [[B. Ward]] - <small>texture templates</small>
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=93861 Modder's Resources Volume 1 - Battle Banners] - by [[B. Ward]] - <small>texture templates</small>
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=174226 Modder's Resources Volume 2 - Barded & Mailed Horses ] - by [[B. Ward]] - <small>texture templates</small>
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=174226 Modder's Resources Volume 2 - Barded & Mailed Horses ] - by [[B. Ward]] - <small>texture templates</small>
Line 171: Line 205:
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?633345 Resource Works by Paleologos] - by [[Paleologos]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?633345 Resource Works by Paleologos] - by [[Paleologos]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=221769 Link to DDS plugin for GIMP] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=221769 Link to DDS plugin for GIMP] - by [[Gigantus]]
 +
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?655072 DXT Tool] - by [[Hex35]]
 
* Tool - [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1347 texture/dds converter] - by [[KnightErrant]]  - <small>requires python <2.7</small>
 
* Tool - [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1347 texture/dds converter] - by [[KnightErrant]]  - <small>requires python <2.7</small>
  
Line 180: Line 215:
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=568933 Bowstring animated model creation] - by [[AnthoniusII]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=568933 Bowstring animated model creation] - by [[AnthoniusII]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=582979 How to make musketeers fire by rank perfectly] - by [[BM309K58SMERCH]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=582979 How to make musketeers fire by rank perfectly] - by [[BM309K58SMERCH]]
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?801277 How to have multiple battle model general/captain animations in a single faction] = by [[leo.civil.uefs]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=74055 Unpacking Animation Files] - by [[zxiang1983]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=74055 Unpacking Animation Files] - by [[zxiang1983]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=494659 Warman's Animation Insights] - by [[warman222]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=494659 Warman's Animation Insights] - by [[warman222]]
Line 191: Line 227:
  
 
===Unit Sprites===
 
===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 - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?663024 Creating a World - Unit Sprite Generating]''' - by [[gigantus]] - <small>includes set-up resource</small>
 
* '''Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?663024 Creating a World - Unit Sprite Generating]''' - by [[gigantus]] - <small>includes set-up resource</small>
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=97254 Sprite Generation] - CA Official Release
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=97254 Sprite Generation] - CA Official Release
Line 203: Line 240:
 
===Unit Flags/Banners===
 
===Unit Flags/Banners===
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=93861 Battle Banner Templates] - by [[B. Ward]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=93861 Battle Banner Templates] - by [[B. Ward]]
 +
* Resource - [[Banners - M2TW]] - Wiki Page
  
 
===Unit Stats, Abilities and Projectiles===
 
===Unit Stats, Abilities and Projectiles===
Line 210: Line 248:
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=304177 Creating a World - Functional Grape Shot ] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=304177 Creating a World - Functional Grape Shot ] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?709003 Addressing the AI Precursor Bug] - by [[z3n]] - <small>fix for javelin/throwing units</small>
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?709003 Addressing the AI Precursor Bug] - by [[z3n]] - <small>fix for javelin/throwing units</small>
 +
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?775599 Skirmish Mode Optimisation] - by [[Medusa0]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=71971 More Artillery Pieces in a Unit] - by [[Trajan]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=71971 More Artillery Pieces in a Unit] - by [[Trajan]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=110099 How to make crossbowmen rate of fire slower] - by [[asiJa]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=110099 How to make crossbowmen rate of fire slower] - by [[asiJa]]
Line 227: Line 266:
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=311676 EDU-matic: Automatic unit balance/EDU generation system] - by [[Aradan]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=311676 EDU-matic: Automatic unit balance/EDU generation system] - by [[Aradan]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=384274 Total War Projectiles] - by [[Withwnar]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=384274 Total War Projectiles] - by [[Withwnar]]
 +
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?802641 Export_descr_unit soldier count unlocker] - by [[Jojo00182]]
  
 
===Formations===
 
===Formations===
Line 275: Line 315:
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=465009 Hi-Res topographic maps, equal area projections] - by [[Siegfriedfr]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=465009 Hi-Res topographic maps, equal area projections] - by [[Siegfriedfr]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?619401 Extended Map v0.1] - by [[Aura]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?619401 Extended Map v0.1] - by [[Aura]]
 +
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?772223 Late Roman Era Campaign Map] - by [[Razor]]
 
* '''Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=201955 Geomod Tool for Mapping]''' - coding by [[Octavius]], posted by [[sinople]], support by [[Gigantus]]  
 
* '''Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=201955 Geomod Tool for Mapping]''' - coding by [[Octavius]], posted by [[sinople]], support by [[Gigantus]]  
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?438278 TW Map Reader] - by [[Withwnar]]  
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?438278 TW Map Reader] - by [[Withwnar]]  
Line 302: Line 343:
  
 
===Factions===
 
===Factions===
* '''Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=225194 Creating a World – Adding a new Faction ] - by [[Gigantus]] - <small>pdf manual with resources</small>
+
* '''Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=225194 Creating a World – Adding a new Faction ]''' - by [[Gigantus]] - <small>pdf manual with resources</small>
 
* '''Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=76202 Creating a New Faction using Saxons and Normans]''' - by [[selenius4tsd]]
 
* '''Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=76202 Creating a New Faction using Saxons and Normans]''' - by [[selenius4tsd]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=79274 Adding a New Faction from Nothing - Step by Step Guide] - by [[DukeofSerbia]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=79274 Adding a New Faction from Nothing - Step by Step Guide] - by [[DukeofSerbia]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?p=4439761#post4439761 Adding a new Faction] - by [[gigantus]] - <small>pdf download</small>
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?p=4439761#post4439761 Adding a new Faction] - by [[gigantus]] - <small>pdf download</small>
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=168310 Example of Transforming a Faction into Another] - by [[Zymran]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=168310 Example of Transforming a Faction into Another] - by [[Zymran]]
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=144431 How to create an emerging faction] - by [[Swagger]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=221709 How to create an emerging faction with Barons Alliance script] - by [[Polpolgio]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?760433 A more comprehensive faction_emerge, and from differences between shadowing and not shadowing] - by [[selv]]
 
* Tutorial - [[Emergent_Factions_-_M2TW| Guide to Emergent Factions in M2TW]] - TWC Wiki Article
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=465246 How to create a playable horde] - by [[boboav]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=427912 How to make an emergent faction playable from start] - by [[Supermoler]]
 
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?693668 How to change an already existing faction to a new one (during campaign)] - by [[Aneirin]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?693668 How to change an already existing faction to a new one (during campaign)] - by [[Aneirin]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=88296 Adding a new faction symbol] - by [[alpaca]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=88296 Adding a new faction symbol] - by [[alpaca]]
Line 320: Line 355:
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=71626 More money for all factions] - by [[Amorphos]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=71626 More money for all factions] - by [[Amorphos]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?708313 Faction and Campaign Editor Modding Helper] - by [[Zeion]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?708313 Faction and Campaign Editor Modding Helper] - by [[Zeion]]
 +
 +
====Emergent Factions and Hordes====
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=144431 How to create an emerging faction] - by [[Swagger]]
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=221709 How to create an emerging faction with Barons Alliance script] - by [[Polpolgio]]
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?760433 A more comprehensive faction_emerge, and from differences between shadowing and not shadowing] - by [[selv]]
 +
* Tutorial - [[Emergent_Factions_-_M2TW| Guide to Emergent Factions in M2TW]] - TWC Wiki Article
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=465246 How to create a playable horde] - by [[boboav]]
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?800751 Making a non playable horde faction] - by [[leo.civil.uefs]]
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=427912 How to make an emergent faction playable from start] - by [[Supermoler]]
  
 
===Characters===
 
===Characters===
Line 356: Line 400:
  
 
====Traits, Ancillaries and Attributes====
 
====Traits, Ancillaries and Attributes====
:''The commands and conditions used in setting traits and ancillaries overlap with those used in [[#Scripting|Scripting]]
+
The commands and conditions used in setting traits and ancillaries overlap with those used in [[#Scripting|Scripting]].
 
* Tutorial - [https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=77176 Beginners Guide to Coding Traits] - by [[Alpaca]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=77176 Beginners Guide to Coding Traits] - by [[Alpaca]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=77177 Beginners Guide to Triggers & Monitors] - by [[Alpaca]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=77177 Beginners Guide to Triggers & Monitors] - by [[Alpaca]]
Line 363: Line 407:
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=562852 How to make family/clan/tribe traits for your faction] - by [[Spice Master]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=562852 How to make family/clan/tribe traits for your faction] - by [[Spice Master]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?759174 Representing raiding via traits] - by [[Genghis Skahn]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?759174 Representing raiding via traits] - by [[Genghis Skahn]]
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?781300 Epithets via ancillaries] - by [[Withwnar]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?759168 Making a unique/specific settlement(s) capture trait] - by [[Genghis Skahn]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?759168 Making a unique/specific settlement(s) capture trait] - by [[Genghis Skahn]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=391736 How piety works and how to activate the alternative piety mode] - by [[Hellenikon]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=391736 How piety works and how to activate the alternative piety mode] - by [[Hellenikon]]
Line 378: Line 423:
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?741757 List of scripting effects for Ancillaries and Traits] - by [[Sirlion]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?741757 List of scripting effects for Ancillaries and Traits] - by [[Sirlion]]
 
* '''Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=307657 ATVTW - Trait/Ancillary Validator]''' - by [[Squid]]
 
* '''Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=307657 ATVTW - Trait/Ancillary Validator]''' - by [[Squid]]
 +
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?787979 Enabling traits and ancillaries to use region label instead of region ID] - by [[bovi]]
  
 
====Names====
 
====Names====
:''Note: most name problems won't crash M2TW, but they will stop the battle editor loading!''
+
Note: most name problems won't crash M2TW, but they will stop the battle editor loading!
 
* '''Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?84637 Guide to Modding Character Names]''' - by [[deRougemont]]
 
* '''Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?84637 Guide to Modding Character Names]''' - by [[deRougemont]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=485535 Unique Names (and avoiding labels)] - by [[Withwnar]]  
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=485535 Unique Names (and avoiding labels)] - by [[Withwnar]]  
Line 394: Line 440:
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=253598 A Guide To settlement_mechanics.xml] - by [[Tsarsies]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=253598 A Guide To settlement_mechanics.xml] - by [[Tsarsies]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=176711 The Complete Guide to Plugins] - by [[SigniferOne]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=176711 The Complete Guide to Plugins] - by [[SigniferOne]]
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?803981 Multiple core buildings for the same settlement level] - by [[leo.civil.uefs]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=77459 Converting Huge Cities to Castles] - by [[severdhope]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=77459 Converting Huge Cities to Castles] - by [[severdhope]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=403241 One Settlement Type] - by [[Meneth]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=403241 One Settlement Type] - by [[Meneth]]
Line 400: Line 447:
 
   
 
   
 
===Army/Unit Recruitment===
 
===Army/Unit Recruitment===
::''Recruitment can also involve [[#Scripting|Scripting]] and [[#Events|Events]]''
+
Recruitment can also involve [[#Scripting|Scripting]] and [[#Events|Events]].
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?75791 Using Era System to Recruit Units] - by [[DukeofSerbia]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?75791 Using Era System to Recruit Units] - by [[DukeofSerbia]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?707820 Creating a World - Advanced recruiting with event counters ] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?707820 Creating a World - Advanced recruiting with event counters ] - by [[Gigantus]]
Line 425: Line 472:
  
 
===Events===
 
===Events===
::''Events can also be added via [[#Scripting|Scripting]]''
+
Events can also be added via [[#Scripting|Scripting]].
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=92185 How To Add Historical Events] - by [[selenius4tsd]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=92185 How To Add Historical Events] - by [[selenius4tsd]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=524825 Implementing Marian Reforms in M2TW] - by [[Aradan]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=524825 Implementing Marian Reforms in M2TW] - by [[Aradan]]
Line 510: Line 557:
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?702436 How to script unit recruitment according to a characters title (Anc)] - by [[Aneirin]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?702436 How to script unit recruitment according to a characters title (Anc)] - by [[Aneirin]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=221744 Religion conversion script] - by [[Master Zuma]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=221744 Religion conversion script] - by [[Master Zuma]]
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?785849 Creating a World - The Recruit Limit Script] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=320881 Make a settlement a power centre for training special units] - by [[Ishan]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=320881 Make a settlement a power centre for training special units] - by [[Ishan]]
 
* Answer - [https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=72085 Scripted unit recruitment pool replenishment] - by [[Epistolary Richard]]
 
* Answer - [https://forums.totalwar.org/vb/showthread.php?t=72085 Scripted unit recruitment pool replenishment] - by [[Epistolary Richard]]
Line 535: Line 583:
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=397155 Carl - the Taxman (economy script)] - by [[Fred Putz]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=397155 Carl - the Taxman (economy script)] - by [[Fred Putz]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=518270 Sapping on the Campaign map] - by [[David93]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=518270 Sapping on the Campaign map] - by [[David93]]
 +
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?800880 Creative Disasters and Events] - by [[Lusitanio]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?606609 Accelerating Stratmap Animations via Script] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?606609 Accelerating Stratmap Animations via Script] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=401790 Adding blank keyboard shortcuts for scripting purposes] - by [[gracul]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=401790 Adding blank keyboard shortcuts for scripting purposes] - by [[gracul]]
 +
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?175383 12 turns per year with proper aging] - by [[GrnEyedDvl]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?740100 List of non functional script terms (events, conditions and commands)] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?740100 List of non functional script terms (events, conditions and commands)] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?295898 Diplomacy Modification By Scripting Research Thread] - by [[Archaon]]  
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?295898 Diplomacy Modification By Scripting Research Thread] - by [[Archaon]]  
Line 544: Line 594:
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?752677 End Turn number logging script - download] - by [[tmodelsk]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?752677 End Turn number logging script - download] - by [[tmodelsk]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?743655 Campaign_script.txt - syntax coloring & folding for UltraEdit] - by [[tmodelsk]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?743655 Campaign_script.txt - syntax coloring & folding for UltraEdit] - by [[tmodelsk]]
 +
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?771427 Azumi's simple, efficient debt script] - by [[4zumi]] 
 +
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?799160 Economic Script] - by [[Danya82]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=445393 TW Script Editor] - by [[Squid]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=445393 TW Script Editor] - by [[Squid]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=239062 GrnEyedDvl's Script Replicator] - by [[GrnEyedDvl]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=239062 GrnEyedDvl's Script Replicator] - by [[GrnEyedDvl]]
Line 552: Line 604:
  
 
==Sounds==
 
==Sounds==
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?801425 Creating a World - Developer's Setup Kit for Sound Editing] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=67985 Extracting sounds] - by [[Arakorn]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=67985 Extracting sounds] - by [[Arakorn]]
 
* Tutorial - [[Extracting_Sounds| How to Extract the Sound Files]] - TWC Wiki Article
 
* Tutorial - [[Extracting_Sounds| How to Extract the Sound Files]] - TWC Wiki Article
 
* '''Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=74106 Sound text files released (M2 and Kingdoms)]''' - CA Official Release
 
* '''Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=74106 Sound text files released (M2 and Kingdoms)]''' - CA Official Release
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=119871 Kingdoms Sound Files (alternative DL)] - CA Official Release
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=119871 Kingdoms Sound Files (alternative DL)] - CA Official Release
 +
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?791937 Creating a World - Fixing the "Failed to Initialise Audio System" Error] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=542796 SoundExtractor v1.2] - by [[Withwnar]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=542796 SoundExtractor v1.2] - by [[Withwnar]]
 
===Voices===
 
===Voices===
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* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=499907 Unit voices and Unique voice overhauls] - by [[Ngugi]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=499907 Unit voices and Unique voice overhauls] - by [[Ngugi]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=583501 How to remove the "Our units are under attack!" speech] - by [[BM309K58SMERCH]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=583501 How to remove the "Our units are under attack!" speech] - by [[BM309K58SMERCH]]
 +
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?729909 Sounds voices packs for non-English Steam version] - by [[Miguel_80]]
 
* Tool - [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1687 EDSUV Lister] - by [[Beiss]] - <small>lists units with voice entries</small>
 
* Tool - [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1687 EDSUV Lister] - by [[Beiss]] - <small>lists units with voice entries</small>
 
* Tool - [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1693 EDU Lister] - by [[Beiss]] - <small>lists units in EDU with their accents</small>
 
* Tool - [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1693 EDU Lister] - by [[Beiss]] - <small>lists units in EDU with their accents</small>
Line 571: Line 626:
 
* '''Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?772156 El Monstero's Definitive Guide to Modding Med 2's Music]''' - by [[El Monstero29]]
 
* '''Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?772156 El Monstero's Definitive Guide to Modding Med 2's Music]''' - by [[El Monstero29]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=77905 How to Add Your Own Music to M2TW] - by [[Trajan]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=77905 How to Add Your Own Music to M2TW] - by [[Trajan]]
 +
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?794570 Medieval Total War & Viking Invasion music addon] - by [[Elendil 03]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=174949 Royalty Free Music] - by [[GrnEyedDvl]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=174949 Royalty Free Music] - by [[GrnEyedDvl]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?596752 Remixed Medieval Music] - by [[Reimu Hakurei]]  
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?596752 Remixed Medieval Music] - by [[Reimu Hakurei]]  
Line 598: Line 654:
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=226962 How to Make a Better Movie Background (using demo video)] - by [[Mythic_Commodore]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=226962 How to Make a Better Movie Background (using demo video)] - by [[Mythic_Commodore]]
 
===Text Descriptions===
 
===Text Descriptions===
:''For general information about all text areas, for unit descriptions see Units section, etc:''
+
This section is for general information about all text areas, for unit descriptions see Units section, etc.
 
* Resource -[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?636796 Converted battle tooltips shared and strat TXT files] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Resource -[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?636796 Converted battle tooltips shared and strat TXT files] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=357460 Release of the CUF (font & text rendering) mod tool] - by [[Tellos Athenaios]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=357460 Release of the CUF (font & text rendering) mod tool] - by [[Tellos Athenaios]]
Line 645: Line 701:
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?647862 The mystery of non merging fleets solved] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?647862 The mystery of non merging fleets solved] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?635725 Changing hidden keyboard settings (console key)] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?635725 Changing hidden keyboard settings (console key)] - by [[Gigantus]]
 +
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?804450 Creating a World - Slowing down Strat Map scrolling] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=309517 Miniscript to hide/unhide stratmap-ui whilst ingame] - by [[Userpro]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=309517 Miniscript to hide/unhide stratmap-ui whilst ingame] - by [[Userpro]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=517411 Unified Mod Version Tracking \ Troubleshooting Proposal] - by [[Germanicu5]]
 
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=517411 Unified Mod Version Tracking \ Troubleshooting Proposal] - by [[Germanicu5]]
Line 652: Line 709:
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=155490 alpaca's odds and ends] - by [[alpaca]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=155490 alpaca's odds and ends] - by [[alpaca]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=415459 L'Outremer Work Pack for Modders] - by [[Swagger]] - <small>abandoned mod contents, free to use with credit</small>
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=415459 L'Outremer Work Pack for Modders] - by [[Swagger]] - <small>abandoned mod contents, free to use with credit</small>
 +
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?742616 Syntax highlighting for Total War files in Sublime Text 3] - by [[Aneirin]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?708711 Recruitment Viewer + Units Stats Viewer v1.05] - by [[Rafkos]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?708711 Recruitment Viewer + Units Stats Viewer v1.05] - by [[Rafkos]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=430792 PercentageUnitAttribute log error filter] - by [[Withwnar]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=430792 PercentageUnitAttribute log error filter] - by [[Withwnar]]
Line 668: Line 726:
  
 
==See Also==
 
==See Also==
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=406671 Collection of M2TW Guides]
+
*'''[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?273-Tools-Tutorials-and-Resources Medieval II: Total War Tools, Tutorials and Resources]''' sub-forum on TWC where most of the tutorials and resources listed above are hosted.
 +
*[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?272-Medieval-II-Total-War-Mod-Workshop Medieval II: Total War Mod Workshop] on TWC to ask any questions not covered in the tutorials section.
 +
* [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=406671 Collection of M2TW Guides] - for information on playing M2TW
 +
 
  
 
{{Modding Portal}}
 
{{Modding Portal}}

Revision as of 00:29, 20 September 2020

Medieval II: Total War Modding Banner


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

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.

Older Methods

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.

Troubleshooting Errors

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.

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.

.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.

.mesh/3d programs

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

.cas/3d programs

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.

Getting Units in Game

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

Models

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

Textures

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

Animations

Unit Sprites

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

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.

Unit Flags/Banners

Unit Stats, Abilities and Projectiles

Formations

Campaign Map

Mapping

Resources and Hidden_Resources

Strat Models

See also Characters section for figure strat models.

Campaign Elements

Cultures

Factions

Emergent Factions and Hordes

Characters

Agents

Character Strat Models

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

Traits, Ancillaries and Attributes

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

Names

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

Buildings and Settlements

Army/Unit Recruitment

Recruitment can also involve Scripting and Events.

Diplomacy

Religion

Guilds and Missions

Events

Events can also be added via Scripting.

Battle Maps

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

Custom Maps

Environment

Battle Map Structures

AI

See also The AI Workshop.

Scripting

Sounds

Voices

Effects

Music

UI

Menu and Loading Screens

Videos

Text Descriptions

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

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:

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.

Miscellaneous

Historical Reference

See Also


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