Modding FAQ

This index page will help you to quickly find the modding article which answers your questions. The questions are ordered per subject.

Tip: Use your browser’s search function (Ctrl + F) to quickly find what you are looking for. For example, if you want to know how to change the starting position of a character, search for “character” or “position”.

The campaign

Question Solution:
How do I make the other factions playable? How To Make All Factions playable in RTW
How can I unlock all factions? How To Make All Factions playable in RTW
How do I change the starting money of a faction? The Descr_Strat Reference – Factions
How do I change the starting position of a character or army? The Descr_Strat Reference – Characters
How do I give a province/region to another faction? The Descr_Strat Reference
How do I change the starting diplomacy between two factions? The Descr_Strat Reference – Diplomacy
How do I make Rome into one faction? Unified Rome mod
How do I change the name of a faction? Post on the forums
How do I change what mercenaries are available? Editing Mercenary Recruitment

General modding

Question Solution:
How do I make a mod that doesn’t change the original game files? How to use Mod:Switch
I still want to be able to play the original Rome: Total War after modding some files. What I do? How to use Mod:Switch
I want to mod the Mac version of RTW by Feral Interactive… Post on the forums
The game crashes when I try to load it! What have I done wrong? Use the -show_err Command line switch

Unit statistics

Question Solution:
How do I create a new unit? A Guide To Creating New Units
What’s this export_descr_unit file I hear people talking about? A Guide To Export_Descr_Unit.txt
How do I change the cost of a unit? A Guide To Export_Descr_Unit.txt
How do I change the time a unit takes to recruit? A Guide To Export_Descr_Unit.txt
How do I change the stats (attack, defense etc.) of a unit? A Guide To Export_Descr_Unit.txt
How do I remove the horse from a unit? A Guide To Export_Descr_Unit.txt
How do I change the special abilities of a unit? A Guide To Export_Descr_Unit.txt
How do I change the formation of a unit? A Guide To Export_Descr_Unit.txt
How do I give a unit to another faction? Post in the forums
How do I change the cost of a unit? A Guide To Export_Descr_Unit.txt
How do I change the bodyguard unit of generals? Post on the forum

Graphics

Question Solution:
That unit card is ugly. How do I make a new one? How To Create Unit Cards
How do I change how a unit looks? A Guide To Creating New Units – Create/edit skin
How do I change the texture of a unit? A Guide To Creating New Units – Create/edit skin
How do I change a faction’s logo? Creating New Faction Symbols

Sounds

Question Solution:
Where can I find the RTW music files? Get them using IDX Extractor

Buildings

Question Solution:
How do I change the effects of a building? Adding Buildings To RTW
How do I change what units a building can recruit? Adding Buildings To RTW
How do I change which factions can construct a building? Adding Buildings To RTW
How do I change the level at which a building can be build? Adding Buildings To RTW

The map

Question Solution:
How do I add a region to the map? Adding New Regions To The Strategic Map
How do I add a volcano/river/cliff to the map? Changing Terrain Features in RTW
How do I add a resource? Adding Resources In RTW