Map Editing Questions

[Gobalopper]

A few people have been asking questions about the map editor so this post should hopefully answer some of those. First off maps should be extracted into the EmperorDataMaps directory into their own folder. So a map called Fred's House would go into a directory of the same name. Once that is done the map should show up in the game at the end of the map listing.

Don't forget to "block off" sections of the map where units can't go. For example water on Caladan maps... nothing bad happens it just looks weird if your units are walking on water. :)

If in doubt read the help files included with the map editor, they provide information on pretty much all aspects of the map editor.

Here are some design tips ^SnIpeR^ posted, not point 3 is optional. :)

#1 - Avoid large open expanses of sand unless it contains spice or infantry rock. It looks rather boring in-game, and serves no tactical purpose.

Keeping your maps tighter allows faster paced gameplay, especially useful for those playing as Harkonnen or Atreides.

#2 - Don't clutter your map with objects

#3 - Make as many Lemming references as possible in your map

#4 - Avoid making 'Big Game Hunter Maps' where the spice is so large in supply that there's no risk of running out of money.

#5 - Try keep each map to a central theme rather than attempting to put heaps of ideas into one map, cluttering a map makes it more difficult to balance it.

To create thumbnails do the following. Once you finish click the "view map" option and then hit "T" once it loads which will save a TGA file to your map editor directory. After that you can edit the file basing it on the "!05%thumb.tga" file you got with the map editor. The following files should be included in maps you submit:

!05%thumb.tga, test.cpF, test.cpt, test.lit, test.xbf, and texture.dat.

Also include a filled out copy of this text file, or something similar, to identify your map from the rest. Please zip any maps before sending them.

If you are having problems feel free to use our forums, the official ones, or check out Dune Editing.