This topic contains a list of links to many helpful tools and guides for modding Medieval II: Total War.
How to Install Medieval II: Total War patch 1.2 and use the unpacker This guide will help you with installing the 1.2 patch for Medieval II: Total War and using the unpacker.
Vista and the VirtualStore Windows Vista sometimes hides unpacked files and modifications in the Virtual Store. This article will tell you how to get them back.
A guide to the export_descr_units.txt file This guide will help you understand the file that contains lots of information for each unit in the game.
How to Make New Units This guide will learn you how to make new units for M2TW.
HOWTO: Make unit cards for M2TW using Milkshape and Photoshop This tutorial will teach you how to make units cards for M2TW using Milkshape and Photoshop.
A Guide to the export_descr_buildings.txt file This article will help you understand the basic file for all buildings in M2TW.
M2TW AI Modification: An Interactive Essay This guide will tell you how to modify the M2TW campaign AI.
General
7-Zip This free utility can be used to extract files in the .zip, .rar, and other file formats. This is handy as many mods are only offered in the .rar format, which Windows does not natively support.GraphicsTexture to DDS converter Converts the textures to .dds format, which you can edit with several graphics editors.
Python Required to run the Texture to DDS converter above.
Photoshop CS3 A graphics editor which can be used to edit the .dds files the game uses for unit textures (with the plugin below), as well as every other image in the game.
Paint Shop Pro X2 Another graphics editor which can be used to edit the .dds files the game uses for unit textures (with the plugin), as well as every other image in the game. Includes a 30 day trial version.
Nvidia .dds plugin for Photoshop & Paint Shop Pro X2 This plugin was made for Photoshop, but also works on Paint Shop Pro. It allows those applications to view, edit, and save the .dds files that RTW uses for textures.
The Gimp A free graphics editor, which can be used to edit both .dds files (with the plugin below), and unit cards.
Gimp DDS plugin This plugin allows The Gimp to import and export .dds files.
Modelling
Milkshape 3D Allows you to view and edit models for M2TW.
Hussarknight
Getting Started
Units
Buildings
The campaign
Tools
Hussarknight
[This message has been edited by Hussarknight (edited 10-17-2008 @ 10:02 AM).]