Making a map

[Memextreme]

I want to try to start making maps, but I've never made any before. If I can get some help that would be great. Thanks

[redrum]

@memextreme The main pre-reqs IMO for making map are some XML experience and some graphics knowledge. I'd recommend starting with the in-game map making tool. That helps generate simple maps and helps folks to understand the various components. After that, most of the more advanced stuff is going to be XML and here is the XML reference map that explains most of the available properties: https://github.com/triplea-maps/the_pact_of_steel/blob/master/map/games/pact_of_steel_2.xml

I'd encourage you to ask lots of questions and post your map if you run into issues as lots of folks here on the forum can assist.

[General_Zod]

@memextreme Perhaps take a stab at an existing game/map. Just to make improvements and customizations to get your feet wet. Then if you enjoy the modding process, you can dive deeper in. A map from scratch is no small task, and requires a lot of commitment but it is a great creative outlet.

[Frostion]

I have long thought about making a map making guide, as we really need one. At least one that can get a new mapmaker started. We don't really have a "noob" or "complete" guide/manual.

Good advice above this post. I would like to add a little help also. I once before explained my experience in regards to making a new map from scratch, and how it CAN be done. This is a link to the old and discontinued forum:
http://tripleadev.1671093.n2.nabble.com/How-to-make-new-map-graphic-from-scratch-td7593642.html

[alkexr]

@frostion A map making guide would be awesome. But there was another very helpful thing when I started making my first map: a Part 2 of the map creator which could output functional, if stupid and buggy XML. I don't think that would work now because of the "attatchment"s. Without that, I probably couldn't have made my first map, and wouldn't be making maps now.

[Frostion]

@alkexr I also used the map making tools, but I would not use them now. I think they make buggy and unusable xmls. But they also helped me a lot