Modding & Custom Content

Welcome, aspiring modders and custom content creators! Age of Mythology: Retold offers a robust platform for players to personalize their experience, from minor aesthetic tweaks to entirely new gameplay mechanics. This section will guide you through the essentials of accessing, creating, and implementing custom content.

Accessing the Modding Tools

Before you can begin crafting your own epic sagas or unique units, you'll need to locate the official modding tools. These are typically included with your game installation.

1. Locate Game Installation: Navigate to your Age of Mythology: Retold installation directory. For most PC users, this will be in a path similar to C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Age of Mythology Retold or C:\XboxGames\Age of Mythology Retold.
2. Find the Modding Suite: Within the main game directory, look for a folder named Tools or Modding_Suite. Inside, you should find executables such as AoM_Editor.exe (for map and scenario creation) and Asset_Manager.exe (for managing custom assets like models, textures, and sounds).
3. Launch the Editor: Double-click AoM_Editor.exe to open the game's official editor. This is your primary hub for creating custom maps, scenarios, and even modifying existing game data.

Understanding Mod Types

Modding in Age of Mythology: Retold can encompass a wide range of changes. Here are some common types:

• Scenario Mods: These are custom maps and campaigns that offer new gameplay experiences, often with unique objectives, unit placements, and story elements.
• Data Mods: These modify existing game data, such as unit statistics (e.g., changing the attack power of a Minotaur), building costs, or technology effects.
• Asset Mods: These introduce new visual or audio elements, including custom unit models, building textures, sound effects, or even new music tracks.
• UI Mods: These alter the game's user interface, such as custom HUDs, menu layouts, or icon designs.

Creating Your First Custom Scenario

Let's walk through the steps of creating a simple custom scenario using the AoM Editor.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Map

1. Open AoM_Editor.exe: Launch the editor as described above.
2. New Map: From the top menu, select File > New.
3. Choose Map Size and Terrain:
   • Map Size: For a beginner, start with a Small (128x128) or Medium (192x192) map. You can adjust this later.
   • Terrain Type: Select a base terrain, such as Grassland, Desert, or Ocean. You can paint other terrains later.
   • Random Seed: Leave this as default or enter a number for a specific procedural generation.
4. Confirm: Click OK to generate your new blank map.

Step 2: Placing Units and Buildings

The editor provides various tools for populating your map.

1. Select Object Placement Tool: On the left-hand toolbar, click the icon that looks like a unit silhouette (usually the second or third icon from the top).
2. Choose a Player: In the properties panel (usually on the right), select Player 1 from the dropdown menu. This determines who owns the placed units/buildings.
3. Select an Object: Below You selection, browse through the categories (e.g., Units > Greek > Infantry, Buildings > Town Centers). Select a Town Center.
4. Place Object: Click on your map to place the Town Center. Repeat this for other units like Villagers and Militia for Player 1.
5. Add Opponent: Switch You dropdown to Player 2 and place an enemy Town Center and some basic units.

Step 3: Adding Resources and Eye Candy

Make your map playable and visually appealing.

1. Resource Placement:
   • Select the Resource Placement Tool (often looks like a pile of gold or wood).
   • Choose Gold Mine, Forest, or Berry Bush from the object list.
   • Click on the map to place these resources near your players.
2. Terrain Painting:
   • Select the Terrain Painting Tool (looks like a paintbrush).
   • Choose different terrain types (e.g., Dirt, Rock, Water) and brush sizes to create varied landscapes.
3. Decorations:
   • Select the Decoration Placement Tool (often looks like a tree or rock).
   • Add trees, rocks, ruins, and other environmental details to enhance the map's aesthetics.

Step 4: Saving and Testing Your Scenario

Once you're happy with your basic map layout, it's time to save and test.

1. Save Your Map: Go to File > Save As.... Navigate to the scenarios folder within your Age of Mythology: Retold installation (e.g., Age of Mythology Retold\scenarios). Give your map a descriptive name, like MyFirstScenario.scn.
2. Launch Game: Close the editor and launch Age of Mythology: Retold.
3. Access Custom Scenario: From the main menu, go to Single Player > Custom Scenarios. Your saved scenario, MyFirstScenario, should appear in the list.
4. Playtest: Select your scenario and click Start Game to test it out. Observe unit pathing, resource accessibility, and overall balance.

Advanced Modding: Data and Asset Management

For more complex mods, you'll delve into the Asset_Manager.exe and potentially external tools.

Modifying Game Data (XML Files)

Many game values are stored in XML files, which can be edited with a text editor.

1. Locate Data Files: Navigate to the data folder within your game installation. You'll find numerous XML files here, such as units.xml, techs.xml, and buildings.xml.
2. Backup Files: Always make a backup copy of any file you intend to modify! This prevents irreversible damage to your game installation.
3. Edit with Text Editor: Open a file like units.xml with Notepad, Notepad++, or Visual Studio Code.
4. Identify Parameters: Search for the unit or item you want to modify (e.g., <unit id="Minotaur">). You'll see various parameters like <attack>, <hitpoints>, or <cost>.
5. Adjust Values: Change the numerical values within these tags. For example, to increase a Minotaur's attack, find its <attack> tag and change the value.
6. Save and Test: Save the modified XML file and launch the game to see your changes in action.

Implementing Custom Assets (Models, Textures, Sounds)

This is where Asset_Manager.exe comes into play, often in conjunction with 3D modeling software (like Blender) or image editors (like GIMP/Photoshop).

1. Create Your Asset: Design your custom model (.gr2), texture (.dds), or sound (.wav) using external software. Ensure they adhere to the game's technical specifications (e.g., texture dimensions, poly count for models).
2. Open Asset_Manager.exe: Launch the Asset Manager from your Tools folder.
3. Import Asset:
   • Go to File > Import Asset.
   • Select your custom file. The Asset Manager will guide you through assigning it a unique ID and category.
4. Reference in Game: Once imported, you'll need to reference this new asset in the appropriate XML file. For example, if you created a new unit model, you'd edit units.xml to point to your custom model's ID instead of the default one.
5. Test in Editor/Game: Use the AoM Editor to place your new unit or building, or launch a game to see your custom textures/sounds.

Community and Resources

The Age of Mythology modding community is a fantastic resource for learning, sharing, and troubleshooting.

• Official Forums: Check the official Age of Mythology: Retold forums (often linked from the main game website or Steam page) for dedicated modding sections.
• Modding Websites: Sites like Nexus Mods or ModDB often host a wide array of Age of Mythology mods and provide platforms for discussion.
• Discord Servers: Many modding communities have active Discord servers where you can get real-time help and collaborate with other creators.
• Tutorials: Search for video tutorials on YouTube or written guides on community wikis for specific modding tasks.

Remember to always back up your files before making significant changes, and have fun exploring the endless possibilities of modding in Age of Mythology: Retold!