For ETW modding where do I start to learn?

[straggler13]

I know there is a LOT of good stuff out in this forum about ETW modding. I have read a lot. But I still do not know where to begin. First, I need to understand the overall structure and contents of the file system. Then I would begin to understand the rest of the vast amount of material herein, and thusly, know what to study next..

Help.

[Aradan]

Maybe start here?

[straggler13]

Maybe start here?

Thanks. I have done this.And have read most of the descriptions of these tools.

But some time ago I read a general description of the structure of ETW.

I cannot find that again. Without it or a better handle on where to start, I am "all at sea", as Napoleon might have said.

Starting by jumping into these very useful tools/apps when I don't know their significance is not going to get me down the road.

I need to start at step one. And I am beginning to think that:

a. I cannot get there from here,
or,
b. It is all over my head and I am not sharp enough to 'get it'.
or
c. The level of understanding starts with a realization of what is needed.
Since I have no idea what is needed, I have no understanding of what to look for.

I will try an analogy:

-Knowledgeable Person: "Hey, I found that big, red box that we need!"

-Me: " Do we need a big, red box?"

-Person far smarter and better informed than me: " Well, of coarse!"

Do you see? I don't.

[Aradan]

OK then, how about this one?

[Phoenix Rising]

If you want to start modding, try just using Lt Chamber's Pack Manager Tool and try editing the stats of units. Get confident with it, then try more advanced stuff ie. making your own units, changing the building recruitment chain etc.