# II - Modding **URL:** https://forums.ageofempires.com/c/age-of-empires-ii/age2de-modding/109.md [Latest](https://forums.ageofempires.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://forums.ageofempires.com/categories.md) --- ## [Trigger Studio for Aoe2 DE](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/trigger-studio-for-aoe2-de/69930)
**Author:** [@oooFreaKooo2214](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/oooFreaKooo2214)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2025, 4:13pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/trigger-studio-for-aoe2-de/69930 "2025-03-17T16:13:53Z")
Hello modding community, in case some of you are interested in the upcoming Trigger Studio, i found the developers github page : https://github.com/mullikine/aokts/issues/9 Seems like he thought there are no requests f… --- ## [How to set technology name / description using xs script](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/how-to-set-technology-name-description-using-xs-script/184003)
**Author:** [@VisibleAnt2066](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/VisibleAnt2066)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2026, 5:13pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/how-to-set-technology-name-description-using-xs-script/184003 "2026-03-05T17:13:25Z")
It seems that there is probably a way as this constant is defined extern const int cAttrSetName = 7; however the function xsEffectAmount accepts a float for value (and not a string) so doing something like this just f… --- ## [\[Tutorial\] How to export an AOE1 DE unit or building into AOE2 DE](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/tutorial-how-to-export-an-aoe1-de-unit-or-building-into-aoe2-de/81176)
**Author:** [@Amburio](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/Amburio)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2024, 12:28pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/tutorial-how-to-export-an-aoe1-de-unit-or-building-into-aoe2-de/81176 "2024-09-19T12:28:48Z")
Hi! In this tutorial I will show how to export an AOE1 DE unit or building into AOE2 DE. Remember to do backups of anything you edit or replace. You will need SLX Studio, Advanced Genie Editor, and an image processing p… --- ## [How do you create a "installable mod"?](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/how-do-you-create-a-installable-mod/125688)
**Author:** [@EagerMusician0](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/EagerMusician0)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 27, 2024, 2:13pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/how-do-you-create-a-installable-mod/125688 "2024-04-27T14:13:46Z")
Hi everyone, I’ve just started looking into modding, i’ve already seen how to modify data and image files, but what i’m wondering is: Instead of altering the current game files, how do you make it be a standalone mod, l… --- ## [AoE2DE AI Builder (based on Jan1302's Online AI Builder)](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/aoe2de-ai-builder-based-on-jan1302s-online-ai-builder/72139)
**Author:** [@JackkelDragon](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/JackkelDragon)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2025, 1:25pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/aoe2de-ai-builder-based-on-jan1302s-online-ai-builder/72139 "2025-11-06T13:25:58Z")
This is a python executable program that can be used to create the AI files needed for basic custom campaign AI. It’s based on the Forgotten Empires AI Builder, but this one can be run offline (tested with Python 2.7.x, … --- ## [Adding (Not replacing) Custom Icons](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/adding-not-replacing-custom-icons/85831)
**Author:** [@HDevinition](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/HDevinition)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2026, 8:30am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/adding-not-replacing-custom-icons/85831 "2026-08-26T08:30:24Z")
Hey there all! I am currently working on a mod and I am trying to find a way to add in custom icons for units, techs, and buildings. I’m starting to wonder if it is even possible without completely rehauling the way th… --- ## [Concept: Russians Civilization (Modern Slavs Rework)](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/concept-russians-civilization-modern-slavs-rework/291039)
**Author:** [@a8l0e0xm8lk2a](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/a8l0e0xm8lk2a)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2026, 4:39pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/concept-russians-civilization-modern-slavs-rework/291039 "2026-11-01T16:39:29Z")
1. Summary The mod takes the “Slavs” civilization slot in Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition and replaces its contents with the “Russians” civilization — a historically grounded portrayal of the East Slavic community,… --- ## [NEW Units & Techs - Better Land Warfare Mod Release](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/new-units-techs-better-land-warfare-mod-release/285404)
**Author:** [@Deathcounter](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/Deathcounter)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2026, 6:35pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/new-units-techs-better-land-warfare-mod-release/285404 "2026-10-31T18:35:11Z")
Hello fellow AoE 2 enthusiasts! TL:DR at the end Disclaimer: This mod consists of two mods, a Data Mod and an UI Mod, download both, wait till there are green ticks and restart the game, and voilà you can play the mod… --- ## [Is there a way that converting a certain number of a unit into a specific one can change the value of a variable?](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/is-there-a-way-that-converting-a-certain-number-of-a-unit-into-a-specific-one-can-change-the-value-of-a-variable/291018)
**Author:** [@Metalchairo](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/Metalchairo)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2026, 1:05pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/is-there-a-way-that-converting-a-certain-number-of-a-unit-into-a-specific-one-can-change-the-value-of-a-variable/291018 "2026-10-31T13:05:55Z")
In a scenario I try to make an objective where if a monk converts 5 siege cannons the siege cannon is enabled to create, but no matter the converted cannon is destroyed, I want the variable to be kept and the value of th… --- ## [\[Ships\] Famous Ship You'd like to play](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/ships-famous-ship-youd-like-to-play/267995)
**Author:** [@Ekarlath](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/Ekarlath)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2026, 12:40am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/ships-famous-ship-youd-like-to-play/267995 "2026-10-31T00:40:29Z")
Hey everyone. I’m currently working on a custom scenario featuring rpg style naval gameplay, and while doing that I’m working on custom graphics for it. So actually I made kind of Corvet, Frigate and Man-o-War that are… --- ## [Deer Luring Training Mission](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/deer-luring-training-mission/290931)
**Author:** [@Jackbrick](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/Jackbrick)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2026, 7:40am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/deer-luring-training-mission/290931 "2026-10-29T07:40:18Z")
I made this scenario simply for players who want to practice their deer luring. You have to lure four deer to your town center. Very simple victory condition. Scenario infomation: Lure the four deer to the town center t… --- ## [Elk sound file name?](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/elk-sound-file-name/289889)
**Author:** [@Hjoerleif](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/Hjoerleif)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 28, 2026, 10:43am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/elk-sound-file-name/289889 "2026-10-28T10:43:22Z")
Does anyone know what the file names for the elk sounds (idle, attack, run, move, select) are? --- ## [\[XS Partial Conversion\] Empire of Sails - Work in Progress \[Alpha 0.1\]](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/xs-partial-conversion-empire-of-sails-work-in-progress-alpha-0-1/290763)
**Author:** [@Ekarlath](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/Ekarlath)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2026, 2:47pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/xs-partial-conversion-empire-of-sails-work-in-progress-alpha-0-1/290763 "2026-10-24T14:47:22Z")
Alright ! Some of you may have follow my ship modding topic since its creation last year here: \[Ships\] Famous Ship You’d like to play But I mentionned during all the creations that those ships were part of a wider proj… --- ## [ROMAE AD BELLUM - (RAW:E) Rome at War Expansion Concept](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/romae-ad-bellum-raw-e-rome-at-war-expansion-concept/123372)
**Author:** [@rjgt3838](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/rjgt3838)\ **Replies:** 835\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2026, 2:02pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/romae-ad-bellum-raw-e-rome-at-war-expansion-concept/123372 "2026-10-24T14:02:33Z")
Rome at War (RAW) was a mod published by Wild Fire Studios/Games (WFG) during the days of Age of Kings. WFG :: Rome at War (wildfiregames.com) The work done by Wijitmaker and others was amazing for its time, it captured… --- ## [New DLC Campaign](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/new-dlc-campaign/290573)
**Author:** [@Omyleg](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/Omyleg)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2026, 11:11am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/new-dlc-campaign/290573 "2026-10-24T11:11:18Z")
I would like to download the new Viking Saga Campaign .aoe2campaign files so that i can look at how its made and make my own custom campaign with the new layout if possible. i looked in the C:\\ProgramFiles(x86)\\Steam\\ste… --- ## [Cannot publish mod now](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/cannot-publish-mod-now/290618)
**Author:** [@HestiaAoE](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/HestiaAoE)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2026, 9:47am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/cannot-publish-mod-now/290618 "2026-10-24T09:47:02Z")
It seems the website is not working now: I tried to publish a new mod. When I clicked “submit”, the progress circle showed for a second and disappeared. Nothing was published. @DodoNotDoDo could you take a look? --- ## [Small amount of Trigger create massive lag in Multiplayer](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/small-amount-of-trigger-create-massive-lag-in-multiplayer/290732)
**Author:** [@DesAnderes](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/DesAnderes)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 24, 2026, 9:44am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/small-amount-of-trigger-create-massive-lag-in-multiplayer/290732 "2026-10-24T09:44:39Z")
Hey guys, I’m currently working on a few different scenarios with alternate win-conditions. For that I work with plenty of triggers. In Singleplayer the scenarios are completely fine and work as intended. But today I h… --- ## [Map Painter: paint an AoE2 DE map tile by tile and get a ready-to-play .rms (free, in the browser)](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/map-painter-paint-an-aoe2-de-map-tile-by-tile-and-get-a-ready-to-play-rms-free-in-the-browser/290201)
**Author:** [@Paxihs](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/Paxihs)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2026, 12:35am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/map-painter-paint-an-aoe2-de-map-tile-by-tile-and-get-a-ready-to-play-rms-free-in-the-browser/290201 "2026-10-19T00:35:02Z")
Draw a map instead of scripting one: Map Painter (beta) — Draw a custom AoE2 map | aoe2rms.com 1 cell = 1 tile. The canvas is the actual map (Tiny 120 up to Huge 240), with a game-view diamond so what you see is what y… --- ## [\[Question\] How to use "Build Object" Effect?](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/question-how-to-use-build-object-effect/290604)
**Author:** [@WannaBeHero4904](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/WannaBeHero4904)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2026, 10:26am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/question-how-to-use-build-object-effect/290604 "2026-10-18T10:26:07Z")
Simple enough question, but I can’t seem to figure out how to use this new Effect. I’ve tried everything, and either nothing happens or it crashes my game. Any help would be great! --- ## [Easy way to update Data mod when game updates?](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/easy-way-to-update-data-mod-when-game-updates/290354)
**Author:** [@ZichenJie](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/ZichenJie)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2026, 8:08pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/easy-way-to-update-data-mod-when-game-updates/290354 "2026-10-15T20:08:47Z")
I’m a bit new to modding. I see every time the game updates, it usually updates empires2\_x2\_p1.dat too. Is there an easy way to update or merge my empires2\_x2\_p1.dat with the latest? As for copy pasting, the way I under… --- ## [New Scenario: Tower Defense: The Canyon Monastery](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/new-scenario-tower-defense-the-canyon-monastery/85591)
**Author:** [@AetherWilder](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/AetherWilder)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 11, 2026, 11:03pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/new-scenario-tower-defense-the-canyon-monastery/85591 "2026-10-11T23:03:52Z")
In this scenario, you will have to defend a lone Monastery at the base of a canyon. You will have to rely on the use of towers and various ranged units to prevent the waves of enemies from reaching the Monastery. Can y… --- ## [\[Question\] How do I make custom icons that show player color](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/question-how-do-i-make-custom-icons-that-show-player-color/289400)
**Author:** [@torpedotornado7](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/torpedotornado7)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 10, 2026, 3:33pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/question-how-do-i-make-custom-icons-that-show-player-color/289400 "2026-10-10T15:33:47Z")
If I use SLX workshop to export the .dds file, I can’t make an alpha layer that indicates the player color. Yet if I use Photoshop to to export the .dds file, everything other then the alpha layer would become blue: --- ## [How to increase the Healing Range of the Monks](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/how-to-increase-the-healing-range-of-the-monks/290240)
**Author:** [@Jimakus21](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/Jimakus21)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2026, 7:32pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/how-to-increase-the-healing-range-of-the-monks/290240 "2026-10-06T19:32:46Z")
I’ve been trying to increase the healing range of Monks and Pagan Priests, by increasing the Healing Range in the Modify Resource effect, but with no succes. Anyone can help? --- ## [RoR: How to add custom strings](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/ror-how-to-add-custom-strings/290265)
**Author:** [@PhotonRiders](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/PhotonRiders)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2026, 11:16pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/ror-how-to-add-custom-strings/290265 "2026-10-04T23:16:00Z")
Hi! I’m making a mod for Return of Rome. The mod works fine, but I can’t found a way to add key-value-modded-strings-utf8.txt or key-value-strings-utf8.txt without get an error. Any ideas? TY! --- ## [New Tamerlane Campaign by Forgotten Empires Designer](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/new-tamerlane-campaign-by-forgotten-empires-designer/64908)
**Author:** [@BassiAoC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/BassiAoC)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [October 2, 2026, 9:50am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/new-tamerlane-campaign-by-forgotten-empires-designer/64908 "2026-10-02T09:50:30Z")
The Rise of Tamerlane As Tamerlane, you have conquered Eurasia from Delhi to Moscow. Wherever you rode, death rained around you like the plague. Now, it is time to discover Timur’s origins! Features: 4 scenarios Slid… --- ## [What is the object id for the shadow under the TC?](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/what-is-the-object-id-for-the-shadow-under-the-tc/289995)
**Author:** [@torpedotornado7](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/torpedotornado7)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2026, 5:02pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/what-is-the-object-id-for-the-shadow-under-the-tc/289995 "2026-10-01T17:02:22Z")
As you can see above I managed to change Red’s TC graphic into that of feudal age despite Red being in the imperial age. However the shadow of the Imp TC remains, as you can see compare to the Orange’s TC who’s actual… --- ## [AGE keeps crashing](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-keeps-crashing/290020)
**Author:** [@DynasticPlanet5](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/DynasticPlanet5)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2026, 4:56pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/age-keeps-crashing/290020 "2026-10-01T16:56:53Z")
So I made a mod in natking’s program put it into AGE and it opened. It came accross an issue at some point so I figured "oh i forgot to download the latest expansion so I did and now… it auto closes when i select the DAT … --- ## [What are the hard coding limitations of modding](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/what-are-the-hard-coding-limitations-of-modding/289334)
**Author:** [@DynasticPlanet5](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/DynasticPlanet5)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2026, 4:47pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/what-are-the-hard-coding-limitations-of-modding/289334 "2026-10-01T16:47:47Z")
And a follow up question: why are the laws of hardcoding allowed to randomly change at the whims of the magicians who work on this game with their superhuman powers? --- ## [How to find and hear audio files?](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/how-to-find-and-hear-audio-files/268175)
**Author:** [@Darkness01101](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/Darkness01101)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2026, 5:32am UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/how-to-find-and-hear-audio-files/268175 "2026-09-29T05:32:07Z")
In AoE2:HD, you could browse to sounds and hear them. In DE, I don’t see a way to do this for most or all sounds that I want to mod. HD ..\\resources\\en\\sound\\taunt ..\\resources\_common\\drs\\sounds DE The above directo… --- ## [\[Question\] about the interpolate frames tool of SMX](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/question-about-the-interpolate-frames-tool-of-smx/290047)
**Author:** [@torpedotornado7](https://forums.ageofempires.com/u/torpedotornado7)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2026, 12:13pm UTC](https://forums.ageofempires.com/t/question-about-the-interpolate-frames-tool-of-smx/290047 "2026-09-28T12:13:00Z")
I used the interpolate frames tool of SMX on the aoe1 slinger and this happened: it was changed from 720 to 960 frames. how do I extend the frames to fit the Aoe2 slinger without this issue? [Next page](https://forums.ageofempires.com/c/age-of-empires-ii/age2de-modding/109.md?page=1)