hOW DO YOU GET STARTED

[Coolkid]

How do you actually get started on creating a mod?I have no idea how to do it so can somebody help me PLEASE!!!!

[Leonidas The Lion]

Are you talking about a big or a small mod.

[lentonius]

well, a mod can be anything from adding a couple of units to completely changing the whole game, adding a map, anything really.

What is it you would like to do? Do you want to become a skinner, and make textures for units? Or, do you want to do 3d modeling and make 3d models? Theres many things to do, but I cannot tell you what appeals to you. Look around the RTW modification forums, and have a good look at existing mods and what they have done, then you should begin to know what you would like to do.

However, is you want to create a huge mod, you cannot do it all by yourself, and live long enough to complete it

You should practice doing some units maybe, or make a map, but practice and once you become good at whatever it is you want to do, your work will be noticed, and you'll be surprised at how quickly you can get a mod team to work for your mod.

If you want to skin, you will need a good art program for the computer, I highly reccomend you download the 30 day Adobe Photoshop CS2 trial, it gives you 30 days to try it out before you buy it. Other good ones are Corel Paint Shop Pro and GIMP, but i have never tried these.

If you want to Model units and other 3d things, you will need 3DS MAX, a 3D Modeling and animation program. You can also get a 30Day free trial for this.

If you want to make maps, you will need an art program that can edit .TGA files. Im sure you can get one for free somewhere, just look on Google.

If you want to Script or Code things into the game, you only need a text editing tool, which everybody has.

Anyway, I hope I was of use,

Good Luck
Lentonius

[Hader]

Ok, first to answer your Q. Just look through this and you will find everything you need.
http://www.twcenter.net/forums/showthread.php?t=52574
Under misc is a General Mod development gude by General Sun, you might find that really handy.

Secondly, this does not belong here, this section is for tutorials only, no question threads. Belongs in Mod workshop.

[Felixion]

I think you may misunderstand what making a mod is. It's not a process that is included in the game, it involves personally changing game files to alter the play, something that requires some computer skills, it's as easy as I think you are anticipating. Also, maybe don't make thread titles all caps.

[Legionary Jezza]

Some bits are easy, some bits are hard.

[Publius]

Some bits are easy, some bits are hard.

Very informative ...
Just remember that the tutorials section is your friend - not many people take full advantage of all of the information (and there is quite a lot) which is here. A better bet might actually to be to go to the Scriptorium Modding Catalogue, as it puts everything together very nicely w/ links etc. And if you cant find something there, then remember that this is a website designed for total war addicts - I bet someone would be willing to help you So just start with small stuff and work your way up. Good luck

Edit: Why is this still in the tutorials section? Should be moved ...