ecwolf:modding [The Wolf3D.net FAQ]

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====== ECWolf Modding Questions ======

A collection of general questions you may have about [[ECWolf:]] modding.

Is your answer not here? [[https://discord.gg/Fee7PBY|Feel free to join our Discord and ask your question!]] Or ask on the [[https://forum.drdteam.org/viewforum.php?f=174|official ECWolf message board]].

===== How do ECWolf mods work? Why don't they include original game files? =====

Traditionally, Wolfenstein 3D modding involved changing the original game files and redistributing them. ECWolf instead puts all the changes for a mod inside of a new ''.PK3'' file, and runs it over the top of the main game. \\ This is very similar to the way id Software designed DOOM mods to be handled.

The ''.PK3'' includes text files that tell it how to use the mod content with the core game, and uses a special scripting language to modify features that are [[coding:|normally hard-coded]] in [[Wolf4SDL:]], including adding new enemies and weapons.

===== What is a MapInfo file? =====

This is a file required by ECWolf mods, which contains information about how the game will run and other background elements. These include map information (Names, floor/ceiling colours, par times, etc), the appearance of menus and other non-gameplay elements.

This is a file required by ECWolf and [[LZWolf:]] mods, which contains basic information about the game including menu elements, map information (map name, par times, floor/ceiling colours, etc),

//To see a collection of variables that can be included in the MAPINFO file, view the [[https://maniacsvault.net/ecwolf/wiki/MAPINFO|ECWolf Wiki articles for a complete listing]].//

===== What is an XLAT file? =====

An XLAT file (Referred to officially as the Map Translator) helps ECWolf and LZWolf understand the values of objects, walls, and "flats" (floor and ceiling textures) in maps, translating them into ECWolf's UWMF (Universal Wolfenstein Map Format) structure.

This file is needed for ECWolf and LZWolf mods that add new walls and objects to put on a map, and must be in the ''PK3'' file so the game can read these new map tiles. Mods that only use the default list of walls/objects/enemies do not need to worry about including it.

//If you want more information about the XLAT and variables that can be used in it, please visit [[https://maniacsvault.net/ecwolf/wiki/Map_translator|ECWolf Wiki - Map Translator]].//

===== What is Decorate? =====

Decorate is the scripting language ECWolf utilizes to implement features that would normally need to be coded into the engine.

===== How do I find the names of game resources? =====

All elements from the vanilla games are referenced by name in the ''ecwolf.pk3'' or ''lzwolf.pk3'' (Depending on the engine you are working with). If you open up the pk3 in Slade, there will be files for each of the supported games in the main directory.

^ Game ^ File ^
| [[wolf3d:|Wolfenstein 3D]] (Shareware) | wl1map.txt |
| Wolfenstein 3D (Full Version) | wl6map.txt |
| [[spear:|Spear of Destiny]] | sodmap.txt |
| Spear of Destiny: Return to Danger | sd2map.txt |
| Spear of Destiny: Ultimate Challenge | sd3map.txt |
| Super 3D Noah's Ark | n3dmap.txt |

**Do not edit these files, or you may damage the ability for the engine to play games.** You may open them and use them for reference though. Inside each file is the names for maps, sprites, textures, graphics, music and sounds utilized by their associated games.

===== What is the name of that song? =====

For a listing of which song names belong to which song in each game, visit [[ECWolf:modding:songs|What are the names of songs in ECWolf?]]