what is the easiest TW version to learn to modify?

**olya** · January 15, 2009, 01:10 AM

privet!

I like these games/mods:
MTW:VI, with the XL3.0 mod.
RTW:Roma Surrectum and Europa Barbarorum.
Pro Deo Et Rege (before my Kingdoms disk broke)
The Long Road for MTW2 now. I look forward to Dominion of the Sword, as well.

We want to learn how to modify these games. What is easiest the game to learn on? The first: MTW? Also, where is the best place to start. I know a little about computers, but not too familiar with the terms? Should I learn C++ or some other language first?

oh, sorry. i mean to modify the map. the skins and ai i would like to borrow from others, if allowable.

**dragonsign** · January 15, 2009, 04:12 AM

Hi there,

I beliveve that M2TW kingdoms is easy to learn, Visit the mod workshop http://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=272

and the TWC university and browse the tutorials

to mod the campaignmap skins etc.. you dont need to know c++.
To mod the campaignmap you aonly need gimp, that is free.

**Legio** · January 15, 2009, 11:33 AM

I have heard that RTW is easier to modify than M2, and in my experience it is. Just watch out for a few files that CA makes you do in triplicate

C++ is not needed for TW games, but a decent command of GIMP, Photoshop, or some other image editor. They are all easy to learn, though.
Good luck on your modding!

**olya** · January 24, 2009, 05:40 PM

Thanks you for this help. Everybody is so nice here. I am going to start with MTW2, because it is more new than Rome. I just wish, one can pick the prince of the kingdom, such as in Rome TW.

I have finished the mod folder and simple tests that Alpaca has tutored at the Guild. Now I would like to start my maps training. I have GIMP and have opened the map in that program.

Does anyone know where next step is? I mean the next BEST step to make my mod? Training?

**Legio** · January 24, 2009, 05:50 PM

Go to the Medieval 2 Tutorials Section or snoop around at the TWC University.

**olya** · January 24, 2009, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by Legio Caesar

Go to the Medieval 2 Tutorials Section or snoop around at the TWC University.

yes, it's confusing! it is not ordered by programs. some have photoshop, some have irfanview, i am looking for GIMP. unless the programs are all so similar, but as we know it only takes one wrong key press!

i am still doing research before i begin, so i am trying most comprehensive (?) start. i do not want to be the person who pulls her hair out!

**Legio** · January 24, 2009, 06:41 PM

Most mapping can be done with GIMP, and Photoshop has many of the same tools as GIMP, the interface is just a little different~however, if you want the Photoshop look, there is a GIMP plug-in that gives you the Photoshop interface.

Whatever you do, don't pull your hair out!

**olya** · January 24, 2009, 06:49 PM

i see lots of people do scream, especially at Guild! this is why i am slow.

i have now downloaded irfanview. i do not like it as much as GIMP. the zoom is blurry and with GIMP it is very sharp.

there is a post where i look for the bigmap 1.06. in your classified ads. what is best strategy, legio? wait for the person with the map to send it or better for me to make the vanilla map larger? this last strategy makes me nervous! maybe i should ask for the map most like bigmap and permission to make use of it? i think i do not want to be too technical before i have more skills.

**Legio** · January 24, 2009, 06:51 PM

Always ask for permission, but if it is an open-source file, then you can use it and if you ever release your mod to the public you must give credit to the creator of the source-pack.

**olya** · January 24, 2009, 07:12 PM

spasiba! i am off to search for the best map to mod, while i wait for bigmap! i will thank the makers of everything. i plan to take a little from here, and a bit from there to make the best of all mods into one mod. Olichka's Maxi Mod!

**Dewy** · January 25, 2009, 09:39 AM

You can't just credit the creators you have to ask first. Lol C++ just saying that takes 2 years at UNI to learn.

**olya** · January 25, 2009, 11:13 AM

very good! but if you look more you will see that this is what citizen legio caesar said first. i have already read this.

edit: dewy, maybe you can answer this for me? is it best to patch to 1.3 for MTW2 for modification? or stay at 1.2? i have taken alpacas tutorial and have a successful mod folder in 1.2. too, still i have trouble removing area (helsinki) after taking giganticus (sp?) and greeneyeddevil advice:

http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=192760

**Legio** · January 25, 2009, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by Dewy

You can't just credit the creators you have to ask first. Lol C++ just saying that takes 2 years at UNI to learn.

I said that if it is an open resource such as Age of Vikings and Fanatics or 1066: Conquests, then you can credit, but if it's a mod in development, etc. then of course ask!