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

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==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]]
 +
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?708773 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 - [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://wiki.twcenter.net/index.php?title=Using_Git_for_Modding How To Setup Git for a Medieval 2 mod] - by [[Medik]]
* 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?788469 Bovine M2TW Checker]''' - by [[bovi]]
+
====.texture/.dds====
* '''Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?624259 TWTECV: TW Text Editor, Cleaner & Validator]''' - by [[Withwnar]]
+
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 - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?585726 Creating a World - The BinEditor] - by [[Gigantus]]
+
* 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=1006 .strings.bin converter] - by [[alpaca]]
 
* 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/showthread.php?592623 TEXTURE file converter/editor] - by [[domster]]
 
 
* 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=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/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://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] - <small>see also [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=433479 DDS & Normal Map Plugin for Photoshop x86\x64 Both] - by [[Ishan]]</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]]
+
====.strings.bin/.txt====
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1111 .cas exporter for 3DS Max] - supplied by [[CA]] - <small>[https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=73692 discussion thread]</small>
+
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/forumdisplay.php?2296 M2TW Engine Overhaul Project (memory editing)] - by [[youneuoy]]
+
* 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]]
  
===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/showthread.php?t=323503 IWTE - World editing] - by [[wilddog]] - <small>mesh to Blender/Max via collada</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/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?t=181697 Creating a World - Using the Install Creator] - 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?746851 How to install mods and submods in Linux (Ubuntu)] - by [[Socrates1984]]
+
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?704036 An alternative way to play mods through Steam (Includes Pictures)] - by [[Radboud]]
+
====.cas/3d programs====
* ''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>
+
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=323503 IWTE - World editing] - by [[wilddog]] - <small>cas to Blender/Max via collada</small>
* Answer - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=212674 Creating a World - Registry Entries for the Launcher ] - by [[Gigantus]]
+
* 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>
* 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]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?801333 Creating a World - Desktop Shortcuts for the Kingdoms Campaigns] - by [[Gigantus]]
 
* 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://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]]
Line 119: Line 150:
  
 
===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 156: Line 188:
  
 
===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>
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* 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>
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* 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 - [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?655072 DXT Tool] - by [[Hex35]]
 +
* Tool - [http://www.twcenter.net/forums/downloads.php?do=file&id=1347 texture/dds converter] - by [[alpaca]]  - <small>requires python <2.7</small>
  
 
===Animations===
 
===Animations===
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* 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]]
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* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=609212 Marka horse death animation fix]- by [[Razor]]
 
* Resource - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=609212 Marka horse death animation fix]- by [[Razor]]
 
* '''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]]
 +
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=323503 IWTE - World editing] - by [[wilddog]] - <small>anims for strat/battle to Blender/Max via collada</small>
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=105527 Animation Utilities: Version 1.1] - by [[KnightErrant]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=105527 Animation Utilities: Version 1.1] - by [[KnightErrant]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=144292 RTW animations converter] - by [[KnightErrant]]
 
* Tool - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=144292 RTW animations converter] - by [[KnightErrant]]
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===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
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===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===
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* '''Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?699623 Understanding MTW2/Kingdoms.exe Pathfinding, XML and the AI]''' - by [[z3n]]
 
* '''Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?699623 Understanding MTW2/Kingdoms.exe Pathfinding, XML and the AI]''' - by [[z3n]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?721076 Basics of Battle AI and Pathfinding] - by [[z3n]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?721076 Basics of Battle AI and Pathfinding] - by [[z3n]]
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?728591 AI Personalities] - by [[z3n]]
+
* Tutorial - [[AI Personalities]] - Wiki Page
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?749175 Invade and Defend Decisions] - by [[z3n]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?749175 Invade and Defend Decisions] - by [[z3n]]
 
* Tutorial - [http://rtw.heavengames.com/cgi-bin/forums/display.cgi?action=ct&f=9,6718,,1 M2TW AI Modification: An Interactive Essay] - by CavalryCmdr on Total War Heaven
 
* Tutorial - [http://rtw.heavengames.com/cgi-bin/forums/display.cgi?action=ct&f=9,6718,,1 M2TW AI Modification: An Interactive Essay] - by CavalryCmdr on Total War Heaven
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* '''Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?708388 MTW2 Battle Scripting]''' - by [[z3n]]
 
* '''Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?708388 MTW2 Battle Scripting]''' - by [[z3n]]
 
* '''Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=478561 A Guide to Events]''' - by [[ilmrik]]
 
* '''Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=478561 A Guide to Events]''' - by [[ilmrik]]
 +
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?810368-Recruitment-Inside-Forts-Forts-as-Semi-Minor-Settlements Forts as Minor Settlements - Recruitment Inside Forts - Income From Forts - Named Forts] - by [[Jadli]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=469443 The Long Road- Campaign Script System] - by [[ilmrik]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=469443 The Long Road- Campaign Script System] - by [[ilmrik]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?618733 Get a character_record when you need it] - by [[Withwnar]]
 
* Tutorial - [https://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?618733 Get a character_record when you need it] - by [[Withwnar]]

Latest revision as of 04:27, 13 February 2024

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