How do I install mods? I just got the game.

[OGETW1]

I just got this game, and I'm also new to PC gaming. So I don't have a lot of knowlege on this stuff. I hear that some of the mods are pretty awesome but I just don't know what do. I already installed a couple mods on my computer (for Empire) but they don't work. Do I need to save them in a certain file or spot, or do I need mod manager or something like that. This rar file thing came up? I would really appreciate some help on this. Just don't give me to much crap about my lack of knowledge about this stuff lol

[Humble Warrior]

Well my usual rule is always play the vanilla (original) version first before modding. Believe it or not, some Mods are very much personal preference and you may find it worse than the original. Really.

However, if you really want to start into mods straightaway then you`re gonna need to check out the popular mods and read what people think about them. If you like the idea then download and save the file somewhere you`ll remember (you can make a file like `My Mods folder`).

I haven`t tried all ETW`s Mods, but some require manual installation (I recommend being careful with these at your level of experience) and others will install for you, giving you directions and all you need to do is say `yea` or `nay`.

ALWAYS read any Readmes that come with the Mod.

[MorganH.]

Take a look here and see what You think is best for you !
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=1071

When you have decided on one of these mods,then,like Humble Warrior wrote,read carefully through the installation notes!

Then, if you still are not sure what to do,post a ''help''thread in the particular Mod Forum and ask for some assistance !

If you dont want any big overhauling mods but just want some unit-retextures or extra smoke,sounds,blood.music etc,look here;
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=1075

All those Mod threads come also with installation notes which you need to read through,but for most just putting them into your Empire data folder will do the trick !(you do need Winrar of course to unpack them;http://download.cnet.com/WinRAR-32-b...-10007677.html )

but again, if you need any assistance with any particular mod,just post in the according mod thread!

Only When you have a lot of seperate mods in your data folder its wise to use the so called Modmanager
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=240335

Finally i advise to use one of the overhauling Mods because they consist of a variety of Most seperate Mods and additional AI +gameplay changes !

Good luck and above all;have Fun !!

btw;If you have any specific questions you can allways Pm me so i can try and help you out
welcome to the forums!!!

[OGETW1]

Thank you guys so much for the help!

[MorganH.]

Your welcome & good luck & have Fun!!

[Skyline Pete]

(you can make a file like `My Mods folder`)

Heh, my mod folder is like 20gb in size with all the various mods and custom changes and my own personal mods that I've done over time as well as numerous backups of my ETW data directory for when patches show up.