LATEST ADDITION :

New FA2 map editor scripts added August 5, 2002!
RVMECH has released 22 new scripts for that can aid you in your map making. For complete details and the download,  HEAD HERE! 

Welcome to RADEN's Final Alert2 Map Tutorials Section. This section will provide you with a variety of tutorials to help you develop your map making skills using the Final Alert2 Mission/Map Editor, created by Matze of Final Alert. Westwood Studios purchased the rights to the map editor. You can download the Final Alert2 Map Editor from Westwood here. Also want to note that most of the pictures for these tutorials were taken using the original Final Alert, but they basically work with the new Final Alert2. The documentation is correct and should have no problems when using them for the new Final Alert2 Map Editor.

New tutorials are added about once a month now, and will continue to be added until this section of RADEN is filled with everything you need to make your map the best it can be! The majority of the tutorials include pictures along with detailed instructions. If there are any tutorials you would like to see added to this section, please email the webmaster here. Special thanks to RADEN's in house map makers RVMECH and Wildefire for their contributions to these tutorials. If you have any questions concerning map making, please consult them...Thank you in advance for using another service brought to you by RADEN, your total source for Red Alert2!

Introduction to map making:
Learning to use the Final Alert2 Map Editor is not hard, but I will tell you up front that in order to hone your skills and become a better than average map maker, you will have to put some time into the proper use and techniques required. If it's just your intention to make a basic no frills flat map, then you can learn to do that in a few hours. Making more detailed maps using cliffs, waterfalls, bridges, etc. will require a bit more time. The average person should be able to include just about anything in their maps within a few days, if your willing to take the time to learn how to do it. 

Creating maps is not only fun, but also very rewarding. You get a great sense of accomplishment when you make your very first map, and it actually works! Map making using the Final Alert2 Map Editor can be described as an art form. Your creating something that you envision in your mind. The trick is to get that into your map. The map tutorials in this section should help you attain whatever your goal is. 

Beginners Common Mistakes & Pitfalls to Avoid:
Here's a few common mistakes usually made by beginners using Final Alert. If you want to make a map that is both enjoyable to play and looks good, you must avoid these errors while making your map. There is a tutorial section with screenshots showing what common errors will look like on your map. You'll find link in the left menu, or you can click here to access it now.

• Tiling errors: These types of errors are the most common found in maps made by beginners. They are usually the result of improper placement and leveling of cliffs, unfinished water and grass tiles, etc. 

• Placement near blue and red borders: You must avoid placing buildings near the blue and red borders that surround your map in the work area. Keep them back about a tile or two if you plan on using them so troops can garrison inside the buildings. Same goes for tech buildings, ore/gems, etc.. If you place them between the red and blue border that surrounds your map work area, your troops/units will not have access to them. I call this the dead zone. This does not apply to everything however. Things like water, cliffs, grass, etc. can be run to the edge of your map work area (Red Line). In fact, it should be so your map looks finished and is free of tiling errors when using terrain objects. 

• Map size: This is important. Generally speaking, try to keep your map in a manageable size. Don't make a map larger than 150x150 or it will take forever to load. Bigger is not always better. If your a beginner, start with one about 90x60, or even smaller. This size will handle up to four players. Then as you learn you can increase the size of your maps. But not too big =)

• Overdone maps: Go easy on the placement of ore/gems and oil derricks. Remember, you want the game to end sometime, right? Too much of a good thing is bad.

• Map formats: When you have completed your map, you will need to save it in order to play it. You have the option of saving it in either .MPR for Red Alert2 maps, or .YRM for Yuri's Revenge multiplayer maps. Those new to Final Alert2 are often confused as to what format they should save their map. If you've included anything that is in the Yuri's Revenge game, then common sense tells you it must be saved as .YRM. 

• Bridge Repair Huts: Unless you specifically intended a bridge to be destroyed with no option of repairs ( and some do this on purpose), make sure you place Bridge Repair Huts at each end of your bridge(s). Without them you cannot repair damaged bridges during the game. I have seen numerous maps with no repair huts at the bridges, and quite often, its the only way into the enemy's base. The game would get boring really quick if this were the case. This is one of the most overlooked steps for a novice map maker when it comes to building bridges.

• Single player or Multiplayer maps?: When you choose to create a new map from scratch, your given the choice of making a single or multiplayer map. If your a beginner, make your first couple maps multiplayer during your learning process. Once you have honed your map making skills, you can go on to creating single player missions if that is your desire. 

• Include the players!: Don't forget to set player starting points. You can choose up to eight players numbered 0-7 if your making a multiplayer map. Your first player (1) is actually the number (0). As an example, if your making a 2-4 player map, then you must select four waypoint locations where you want the players to start out in the game. You must start with player 0 first, then 1, 2, and 3. Do not skip a player. In other words, if you have player 3 set as a starting point, then you must also use player 2. You cannot skip to player 6 or 7, etc. You can select the players or delete players. You'll find this option in the left menu under player locations. 

Email RADEN's in house map maker RVMECH for help!