CUSTOM MAP TUTORIAL & FAQsIMPORTANT NOTES 
- The difference between a MAP and a SCENARIO:• A custom
map is a
random
map
script (
RMS) you can play in skirmish mode.
• A custom
map will be created with a
separate text editor only, outside of the game.
• A custom
scenario is a scenario like in the parts of the AOE3 campain.
• A custom
scenario will be created with the
scenario game editor only.
AOE3 Random Map Scripting Tutorial:Contents:• It will give answers to the most asked questions about custom maps, posted in popular forums.
• The tutorial will explain the basics and advanced steps to create your own custom maps.
• It will explain how to test your maps using the AOE3 build-in XS Debugger.
• It contains example maps you can easily create by your own.
• and, and, and ...
Feel free to post comments and suggestions here.
Custom Map and Scenario FAQs:
Q: Why can I not play my custom scenarios in skirmish mode?A: Only random maps can be played in skirmish mode.
Q: How do I convert my scenario into a random map/skirmish map?A: You can't. A scenario is a map with a fixed size, player number, terrain, buildings, etc.
A random map/skirmish map will be generated new each time it gets started,
and with the random commands you will learn to create in the tutorial posted in the topic.
Q: Can I play my custom scenarios online?A: Not yet. You will have to wait for a game patch with a version higher than 1.11 .
Q: Can I play my custom random maps online?A: Yes.
Q: I joined a custom random map online. Can I host this map now?A: Yes. When you join a game with a custom map online, the map will be automatically transfered onto your computer. In the game hosting menu you press the "Custom Maps" button on the upper right screen and the custom maps will appear for selection.
Q: I played a custom random map online. Where do I find the map files on my computer?A: You will find the custom random maps in your windows profile directory. This is usually
"C:\...\My Documents\My Games\Age of Empires 3\RM\".
Each map consists of 2 files (*.xs and *.xml) - more informations in the tutorial above.
Q: I am new to RMS. How long does it take to make my first own RMS?A: Long! You will need several hours to be able to correctly modify an already existing map, and a few weeks to create you very own random map from scratch. But, modifying maps makes MUCH fun and will enormously help you learning the commands.
Q: Why is there no RMS Editor for AOE3?A: First of all, Ensemble Studios - the developers of AOE3 - do not support custom maps at all. They never did it in the past with AOE, AOK, AOM, and they will not do it in future. The main reason is: It is just too complicated for the regular players. Furthermore, it makes no sense in creating a drag'n drop menu for RM scripting, since RM's are dynamic/random. So, be happy to have this tutorial here - made by a fan of this game. And, I hope it is also a bit of entertainment for you
.
Regards,
M0nTy_PyTh0n.