X-Wing vs TIE Fighter Mods and Custom Missions Help

[Beaker]

Hey folks,

So I'm pretty new to playing this game and doing multiplayer myself, but I have seen folks on youtube as well as here who have been able to have improved vehicle models as well as using programs to create thier own missions.

Listed here I have some links I've found with graphical patches but not much in the way directions or guidance on how to load them properly. Looking for help from those who've dabled in some of this already. Thanks!

http://www.darksaber.xwaupgrade.com/filemissed.html

https://tc.emperorshammer.org/mccenter.php

https://www.emperorshammer.org/patcharchive.php?cat=3&plt=32

http://tc.emperorshammer.org/patcharchive.php

[Garrec]

XWA Upgrade is for X-wing Alliance, not X-wing vs TIE Fighter.

If you want to edit missions, download AlliED (XWA) or XvTED (XvT). Or look up the YOGEME mission editor which can edit both.

The editors are pretty self explanatory and easy to use for the most part. Examine the existing missions to see how they work.

If you want to install any of the Emperor's Hammer patches, you'll have to download and install their Patcher program first. Craft, missions, and battles are usually downloaded and installed from small individual packages. Custom craft can't be flown unless they replace existing craft, or you modify/create a mission to specifically use them.

Any mods are likely to cause problems in multiplayer unless everyone is using exactly the same mods. It's recommended to keep a clean vanilla install on standby just incase there are synchronization issues.

[Beaker]

Originally posted by Garrec:

XWA Upgrade is for X-wing Alliance, not X-wing vs TIE Fighter.

If you want to edit missions, download AlliED (XWA) or XvTED (XvT). Or look up the YOGEME mission editor which can edit both.

The editors are pretty self explanatory and easy to use for the most part. Examine the existing missions to see how they work.

If you want to install any of the Emperor's Hammer patches, you'll have to download and install their Patcher program first. Craft, missions, and battles are usually downloaded and installed from small individual packages. Custom craft can't be flown unless they replace existing craft, or you modify/create a mission to specifically use them.

Any mods are likely to cause problems in multiplayer unless everyone is using exactly the same mods. It's recommended to keep a clean vanilla install on standby just incase there are synchronization issues.

Ok thans for the help so far. I think I'll start with the mission editors first since it shouldn't ruin other people's game set up like the grapics.

Sooo for the graphics installers will it automatically import the images in the program or am I looking at clicking them and dragging them in the respective folders?

And that brings up something else too, If I make custom missions in XvT, where am I putting them when I am done to get them to function properly ingame?

Sorry for all the questions but I don't dabble in this stuff often.

[Garrec]

For mission files (.tie extension), look in your XvT game folder for Melee, Combat, and Train subfolders. You'll see these subfolders inside BalanceOfPower as well. Campaign missions are in BalanceOfPower\Train.

Each of these folders has a list file (.lst extension). These are text files you can edit in notepad or any other text editor. Each mission has 3 lines in the file: one for ID number, file name, and mission name. You can add new missions to the file, just follow the format and give the mission a unique ID number. In my custom missions I usually just start at ID 100 so it doesn't replace any of the existing missions.

In the case of "Train" missions, you'll need to edit both mission.lst, and either rebel.lst or imperial.lst, since the flyable missions depend on whether you've chosen Rebel or Imperial pilot.

If you want to play the missions in multiplayer, both players need the modified .lst and .tie files.

X-wing Alliance has a similar list structure. Its missions are in the Mission folder.

I don't have the EH Ship Patcher installed at the moment, so I'm going off memory here. Once you set that up, there's an option in its settings to select a folder for mods, as well as folders for the installed game platforms (TIE, XvT, XWA). Then download the craft packs (which are .EHF files) and save those files into the mods folders. When you run the Ship Patcher (and if it's set up properly), it will detect the mod files and give you an option to install them. Extra craft slots in XvT are limited so you can't install everything at once.

[Beaker]

Hmm sounds like a lot to handle, but thanks for the help! I think I will start picking away at custom missions first. I do have the XvTED already downloaded and poked around a bit but not overly so.

Do you know of a small text or video guide kinda detailing how to use it properly? Or you just kinda trial and error?

[Garrec]

It's easy once you see how it works. I'm sure there are some guides out there but I've never used any. The best way to learn is to find a mission that has the behavior you want to implement, then look up their triggers and mission orders to see how they're arranged.

If you're trying to create some giant epic battle you'll eventually run into the limitations of the game engine, especially with XvT since only a certain amount of craft can be active at once.

[Beaker]

Originally posted by Garrec:

It's easy once you see how it works. I'm sure there are some guides out there but I've never used any. The best way to learn is to find a mission that has the behavior you want to implement, then look up their triggers and mission orders to see how they're arranged.

If you're trying to create some giant epic battle you'll eventually run into the limitations of the game engine, especially with XvT since only a certain amount of craft can be active at once.

Hmm tinker till ya break it, sounds about right. I don't plan to get too crazy into it. Like maybe an interdictor cruiser with two CR90 escorts vs an alliance frigate, things like that would be as crazy as I get. I'll have to walk before I run though first.

I really want a basic training mission first where I can have bombing runs of capital ships and a reload ship as a starting point.

[Cypher]

Back in the day, I remember copying the OPT files for the MIS and T/D over from TIE enhanced edition and getting that to work in XvT. For custom missions after making the mission you put the files in/TRAIN and then edit the .lst files with notepad/notepad ++.