IL2 Great Battles Easy Mission Generator

[SYN_Vander 516]

Hi everyone, I have been working on a mission generator for our server that can easily create multiple missions from a basic template, see the thread: Syndicate expert server

My next challenge was to turn these python scripts in something that others can use as well. So I have been working on a little graphical user interface to change some basic settings, see below. I think some of our veteran virtual pilots will recognize this particular format  . Please help me test and provide some feedback if you find this useful.

 

 

What is it?

A utility that will let you generate single or coop missions ( Stalingrad/Kuban, other maps will follow later).

For cooperative missions it provides coops slots for one side only (PvE) or both sides (PvP). I am starting with a simple GUI, but the underlying scripts can do more so this will be improved over time.

Besides the configuration options there will be both enemy and friendly bomber & patrol flights, vehicle columns, ships, AAA, cloud patterns etc. which will be randomly chosen.

 

What is it not?

A dynamic (single player/MP) campaign generator. These have already been developed by others, see Pat Wilson's excellent PWCG for instance.

The underlying generator will not track planes/pilots/resources etc over time, although it  possible (and we do it on our server) to create chronological missions, with airfields and lines changing over time (usually three different front lines).

 

Known issues

• There are no WW1 vehicles or static objects yet, so although you can use the Arras map, WW2 vehicles and objects will be used!!!
• WW1 planes have trouble taxiing as they have no tail wheel or brakes. Best to use "Start from runway" option.
• AI for WW1 planes seems a bit dodgy at this moment. I think this has yet to be tuned by the devs, so beware.
• Due to Rheinland map size/objects amount the generation/re-saving of a mission takes more time.

 

Installation & Use

• Download and extract the files to a location of your choosing. There is no windows installation process, just run the utility from any folder. When updating to a new version, just overwrite the existing files.
• The first time you run a new version, please set the path to your main IL-2  Game folder (..\IL-2 Sturmovik Battle of Stalingrad) by clicking the button "Set IL2 mission path". If not set, you will receive an error when trying to create a mission.
• The buttons in the GUI should be pretty obvious. Be aware that when you change the map or a scenario, all choices for planes and objectives will be reset. When clicking on one of the icons on the left that section is minimized.
• When clicking the "Create Mission" button the mission is created and then re-saved by the IL2 re-saver program. This can take some time, please be patient. When the process is ready, a pop-up will tell you the mission has been created.
• The mission is called "SYN_Generated" by default and can be found in your \data\Missions or \data\Multiplayer\Cooperative folder, depending on whether you created a Single or Cooperative mission. You can change the name, but be aware that a new version will reset the name to default.

 

Download the utility here: IL2CoopGenerator v21

 

Release Notes v21:
-Option to choose a phase. This determines the front lines, airfield and objective locations. Either choose a phase or let date determine the period
-Added new phase to Rhineland map
-Bombing missions and Ground attack missions now have mostly same targets
-Assigned more aircraft types to ground attack / bombing role
-Repair/Rearm and Refuel sites have been added to airfields on Rheinland and Kuban. Look for the dugout with antenna.
-Besides the main objective, 2 additional objectives will be generated for Dogfight MP mode
-Added option for an AI bomber flight in Dogfight MP mode. These will repeatedly air-spawn and attack one of the three targets. Settings taken from Blue flight.

 

Previous version:  IL2CoopGenerator v20

 

Edited October 13 by SYN_Vander

[SYN_Vander 516]

Uploaded the utility! See previous post for full instructions.

[DD_FT- 14]

2 hours ago, SYN_Vander said:

(...)However, either I'm doing something wrong or the MissionResaver is bugged, but this process seems to damage the description files and creates an empty .list file. This means that when you are hosting, other players can't see the briefing or the mission may not even load.
Work-around: Open the mission in the IL2 Mission Editor and save. Problem solved.(...)

 

The missionresaver command appears to be working fine if you use its .exe path as the default folder when running it, like use cd \Bos\Bin\Resaver command before you run the executable. Tested this a bit, and if I leave the cd\ out, I get the result you are describing here, if I put it in (using a batch file) then it works fine.

 

Oh and thanks for the Generator!

 

[SYN_Vander 516]

3 hours ago, DD-FT- said:

 

The missionresaver command appears to be working fine if you use its .exe path as the default folder when running it, like use cd \Bos\Bin\Resaver command before you run the executable. Tested this a bit, and if I leave the cd\ out, I get the result you are describing here, if I put it in (using a batch file) then it works fine.

 

Oh and thanks for the Generator!

 

 

Thanks! I'll try that

Tested... in a cmd shell it does indeed write a .list file, but the desc files are still  getting corrupted. A lot of lines are missing someheow.

Even then... I can't get it to run like that from within Python.

Edited February 17 by SYN_Vander

[F-Dog 11]

Thank you Vander, me and my Squad are relatively new to Sturmovik (All VR Players) we've found it quite frustrating to obtain maps that we can play so if this works out for us we shall be very grateful indeed.   

 

[SYN_Haashashin 1053]

Hey Vander,

 

Tried it and opened the mission on the ME, works as expected.

 

Haash

[LAL_Wolf 34]

A big thank you for the work done

[F-Dog 11]

For people like me and my Squad we brought this game to fly planes together in COOP so was a little disappointed to find out that we'd need to devote a lot of time editing maps as the game doesn't provide them. 

 

This utility has made us very happy! 

 

Look forward to future updates and shall be watching Vanders work closely

 

Edited February 25 by F-Dog
To remove screen shot of generator (out dated)

[SYN_Vander 516]

If you have any feedback, please let me know in this thread. Will be interesting to see how to make it better.

Things like:

 

-Support different maps

-Choose date/season

-Generate coop mission for two sides

-Add objectives, ie attack HQ or something.

-Choose mission layout, ie : Intercept bombers, patrol the front etc.

Edited February 18 by SYN_Vander

[TP_Jacko 72]

Magic,

I was just thinking about converting my last Tangmere Pilots Sunday Ops mission to CoOp. And wanted to look under the bonnet. Even better to find a quick mission builder. I think generating  missions for 2 sides would be  a good  next step allowing for your free time and motivation.

[AtomicP 19]

Excellent work, thanks for this. 

 

Seems to function as intended as far as I can tell.

 

One thing I'd suggest changing is in the GUI, the "Set IL2 mission path" initially confused me because I thought it was looking for the mission directory, when actually it just wants the root of the game directory. Maybe change the text to "IL-2 main directory" or something like that.

[SYN_Vander 516]

3 minutes ago, AtomicP said:

Excellent work, thanks for this. 

 

Seems to function as intended as far as I can tell.

 

One thing I'd suggest changing is in the GUI, the "Set IL2 mission path" initially confused me because I thought it was looking for the mission directory, when actually it just wants the root of the game directory. Maybe change the text to "IL-2 main directory" or something like that.

 

Yes, I noticed this as well and already corrected this. Thanks!

[F-Dog 11]

Morning Chaps 

 

I was able to dedicate some time to testing last night, successfully generated an attack the Train mission and attack an Airbase, I confess we didn't play it right through to the end but the initial way points and spawns did work fine no issues to report. What particularly interests us is utilising this generator to create the core mission then modify it in the Map Editor for finishing touches. (Like I said before we brought Sturmovik to fly planes not to edit maps!) 

 

So using the pre-generated Attack Airbase map I opened it in the Map Editor, we were playing Allies and I changed the YAK to Spitfire but left the A20. Additionally I also located the primary target (Airfield) and added some search lights, Flack Cannons and a bunch of additional buildings to make it feel more of a target. In total this took me about 10mins (usually to create a map like this would take me hours).The mission was set at night and we had no trouble establishing connection and loading into the map (2 Players),  the way-points to the target worked fine and once we destroyed our target the return way-point spawned. Only issue I had is that when I returned and landed it didn't register my landing and when we ended the mission it resulted in a stalemate. (Shall try again to see if it was something I did wrong).  

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Suggestions

 

I agree with AtomicP I set the mission path as my Cooperative folder at first and received errors when I tried to create my first map so definitely change the mission path to say "Sturmovik game directory" instead.

 

As for the functions I'm already excited about your suggestions Vander (Different Maps, Date / Season , Coop Missions - Two Sides etc)

 

Current Objectives: Airfield Artillery, Armour,Train,Dump,Bridge

Potential Objectives: Convoy, Factory, Harbour, Tank, Garrison, Coms Tower, Supply Ships, Stronghold, Submarine pen, Air support for ground assault, Invasion (protect your own airfield)

 

Option to increase the volume of enemy forces at the objective perhaps a separate field for Aircraft and Ground something like: Light, Medium, Heavy, Very Heavy, Random    

 

When generating night missions - add search lights and flak cannons when a building is the objective (i.e Airfield, Factory)

 

Number of planes - can this be increased? (currently 4)

 

Thanks again for making this program  

Edited February 19 by F-Dog

[SYN_Vander 516]

New version up!

 

Version 2 release notes:

-Changed "Set IL2 mission path" to “Set IL2 game folder”

-Added extra option "Enemy air activity". For now this translates to the chance that enemy patrols will try to intercept you.

-Mission resaver now started from resaver path (alas no fix). Also changed that no console is visible when mission is created.

-Completely rewritten GUI code so I can change it easier (object oriented)

 

See link in first post.

 

 

Edited February 20 by SYN_Vander

[SYN_Vander 516]

New version!

 

Version 3 release notes:

-Added option to generate slots for one side (allied or Axis) or for both sides

-Added support for multiple scenarios. For now only "Escort bombers"  and "Random" is working

-Changed layout.

 

See link in first post.

[F-Dog 11]

Brilliant shall be checking this out tonight  thanks for releasing updates frequently! 

 

 

Edited February 25 by F-Dog

[Jason_Williams 16269]

Thanks Vander!

 

Looking good.

 

Jason

[56RAF_klem 30]

Could  you add options for Custom configuration of server?

[SYN_Vander 516]

4 minutes ago, 56RAF_klem said:

Could  you add options for Custom configuration of server?

 

Server settings are stored in the *.sds file, not in the mission file itself.

 

What do you have in mind exactly? Can you give examples?

[TP_Jacko 72]

On 2/24/2019 at 12:05 AM, SYN_Vander said:

New version!

 

Version 3 release notes:

-Added option to generate slots for one side (allied or Axis) or for both sides

-Added support for multiple scenarios. For now only "Escort bombers"  and "Random" is working

-Changed layout.

 

See link in first post.

 

I tried this out and having 2 slides. I did get a server overload message but maybe because I was testing out the AI with only 1 human

[56RAF_klem 30]

29 minutes ago, SYN_Vander said:

 

Server settings are stored in the *.sds file, not in the mission file itself.

 

What do you have in mind exactly? Can you give examples?

 

I may be misunderstanding but I meant the custom settings in  the DServer such as icons, padlock, etc. I don't see the sds file for the Coop generated by your utility (looks good btw) so perhaps I am not understanding. I am used to setings these up for Dogfigbt servers and assumed your utility was generating one.... somewhere

[SYN_Vander 516]

41 minutes ago, TP_Jacko said:

 

I tried this out and having 2 slides. I did get a server overload message but maybe because I was testing out the AI with only 1 human

 

Overload message is usually only temporary at startup, but this depends on your hardware setup.

 

With all flights having 4 planes, you end up with a maximum of 32 AI planes minus your own if you fly single. For a dedicated server this is very doable, but when you run this on your own PC while also flying it is on the "edge". You can of course lower the number of planes per flight, or fly with more real players  .

 

Btw, even if you only configure one side, the other one will still be there, but then the plane types etc are randomly chosen.

38 minutes ago, 56RAF_klem said:

 

I may be misunderstanding but I meant the custom settings in  the DServer such as icons, padlock, etc. I don't see the sds file for the Coop generated by your utility (looks good btw) so perhaps I am not understanding. I am used to setings these up for Dogfigbt servers and assumed your utility was generating one.... somewhere

 

Ah, no. For now this only generates the mission files. If having a GUI to set server options will be very helpful than I can put it on the backlog. 

Edited February 27 by SYN_Vander

[56RAF_klem 30]

OK I found the answer. 🙄

Edited March 1 by 56RAF_klem

[56RAF_klem 30]

Hi again SYN_Vander.

 

Is it possible to create larger flights? Our Squad has 10 - 12 guys online on a good night and up to three fighter sections of four would be great or 8 fighters and 4 bombers (we fly both). I know there is the server load issue but we could adjust the numbers to suit the server.

[SYN_Vander 516]

New version!

 

Version 4 release notes:

-Added scenario "Patrol the Front"

-Added variations of "supply dump" objective type
-Added "fuel dump" objective type
-Increased max planes in Red flight to 6: (Use at own risk! Too many planes can decrease performance)

 

See first post for download link.

[ShamrockOneFive 2537]

This looks great!

[F-Dog 11]

On 3/2/2019 at 2:34 PM, SYN_Vander said:

New version!

 

Version 4 release notes:

-Added scenario "Patrol the Front"

-Added variations of "supply dump" objective type
-Added "fuel dump" objective type
-Increased max planes in Red flight to 6: (Use at own risk! Too many planes can decrease performance)

 

See first post for download link.

 

Excellent i'm really pleased about the increased Max plane, will you be doing the same for Blue flight? (Fancy pushing it up to 8?) 

 

You mentioned performance I modified one of the missions it created so that Red Squad had 8x Spitfires and Blue Squad had 10x A20's, I also added a ton of AA guns and more planes at the target zone,  Should I be noticing an impact on performance,? I play in VR and for some reason your generated maps run better than anything else i've played on Sturmovik, even the SP quick missions.

[SYN_Vander 516]

Impact on Performance? Yes, see others’ posts about “mission overload” warning at the mission start. Of course, this also depends on your hardware.

the current limit of 4 and 6 is because I place them together in one parking area and this is what I could fit in that area AND have the AI taxi out correctly. Need to think of a way to place them so more can fit ( on any of the airfields ).

 

AAA etc has indeed less impact so I can crank that numbers up more I guess.

Edited March 4 by SYN_Vander

[15[Span.]/JG51Spartan 425]

I wonder if this generator could be used to create a simple scripted campaign..... would that be possible?

[F-Dog 11]

1 hour ago, SYN_Vander said:

Impact on Performance? Yes, see others’ posts about “mission overload” warning at the mission start. Of course, this also depends on your hardware.

the current limit of 4 and 6 is because I place them together in one parking area and this is what I could fit in that area AND have the AI taxi out correctly. Need to think of a way to place them so more can fit ( on any of the airfields ).

 

AAA etc has indeed less impact so I can crank that numbers up more I guess.

 

Thanks Vander, I have a pretty good rig so possibly why I've not noticed an impact, the only issue I have are VR graphics settings (especially with clouds) but it seems to be the case regardless of what mission i'm playing and how many planes are around. 

 

That mission I spoke of with the 10x A20's was something to behold watching them fly in formation and carpet bomb the hell out of an airfield. 

 

I did have to put quite a few AA guns and Search lights to make the resisting force have a chance to repel us, so that is something I'd be pleased to see in a future update (Ground force density Low, Med, High) 

 

Always excited to hear about each new update you release, keep up the fantastic work 😄 

[SYN_Vander 516]

51 minutes ago, F-Dog said:

 

Thanks Vander, I have a pretty good rig so possibly why I've not noticed an impact, the only issue I have are VR graphics settings (especially with clouds) but it seems to be the case regardless of what mission i'm playing and how many planes are around. 

 

That mission I spoke of with the 10x A20's was something to behold watching them fly in formation and carpet bomb the hell out of an airfield. 

 

I did have to put quite a few AA guns and Search lights to make the resisting force have a chance to repel us, so that is something I'd be pleased to see in a future update (Ground force density Low, Med, High) 

 

Always excited to hear about each new update you release, keep up the fantastic work 😄 

 

Thanks. Yes I think "Defence level"  or something would make a nice configuration option. Some players don't like too realistic AAA levels

1 hour ago, 15[Span.]/JG51Spartan said:

I wonder if this generator could be used to create a simple scripted campaign..... would that be possible?

 

Certainly. One of my items on the backlog is to add a "Date" option. You can then create missions in a chronological order. For the Stalingrad map I have already defined 3 (Sep, Oct, Nov) different front line situations and these will change (also season) with the date. 

[FAW_Spit 9]

Hi!!
Very nice Utility , i've just try it with one mission it's a good tool for missions creators  and help for   Virtual Squad mission creator as me   nice to be able to propose one mission even if you don't have time   I will use it for hurry take off or in add to my own creation !  I will make more return in few days or week as i will try this generated mission i think  my boys appreciate this .. we are a small team and we appreciate coop mainly   We enjoy play IA as she never tell you  "you only shoot me because the damn lag!! ( not the plane)  

 

[F-Dog 11]

39 minutes ago, FAW_Spit said:

 We enjoy play IA as she never tell you  "you only shoot me because the damn lag!! ( not the plane) 

 

 

Haha brilliant, we also prefer playing COOP against A.I , Vander's generator is god send! 

[FAW_Spit 9]

Yes i'm trying it  along the afternoon  nice to be retired    The tool is tip top i will try to add planes i thing if we add them in config.ini that can work . 

For now we  can say .. if the author is nice .. More Maps    and activate Ground atack  or i'm  sort of idiot i'have not find how it work   
Tool is really brillant and so usefull  Think many of us have ear from budies " What are yoy doing............" Many want fly but only one make Mission   now we can make it on demand !!

I've a dream  Make it for IL2 (all maps) maybe for ROF     and Tank Crew   thanks !!! I'm joking ( maybe????) this tool is a geat great advance !!

Yes we prefer to fly against IA ... with all human the only thing important its scoring one more.. the mission is not important.. protect bomber give no more kill so they can died !!!  It's mostly better when you return all planes mission accomplish even if you return with leaks and smoke until you land.. and sometimes crash landing..  fun also

On 2/17/2019 at 4:20 PM, SYN_Vander said:

Hi everyone, I have been working on a mission generator for our server that can easily create multiple missions from a basic template, see the thread: Syndicate expert server

My next challenge was to turn these python scripts in something that others can use as well. So I have been working on a little graphical user interface to change some basic settings, see below. I think some of our veteran virtual pilots will recognize this particular format  .

Please help me test and provide some feedback if you find this useful. I would like to keep working on this project, who knows it could become a simplified Mission Creation tool one day.

 

 

Hi Vander 

What a nice job !!!  It work perfectly ( for now i will return info in case of)  and do a nice job i'm th mission creator for our  team  Even if i use dogfight creation it's only to let players choose her plane freely ( we have all planes) i built automated routine for targets  with reset so you cans let mission on line all the day each playser can accomplish various missions. But i'ts a very long work and after few weeks no more surprise .. Now we can chain several mission  hope the random is enough present  but i can't says for now. 
I wee the amount of work you've done 

Thank's a lot.. 

I've seen the config.ini... maybe adding lines for new planes is possible? or do you plan to add other i future versions?if you need help for testing fzzl free to let me know.
I've a website and a FB Group about simulation if youre ok i will link thiis post or can make yoour tool available on both sites (only if you're ok)

Have nice days of work    i know that several hours for a little detail  But we like this !!! 

Many many Thanks from France  yes it's not the revolution here   Sometimes.... uou can think it    

[15[Span.]/JG51Spartan 425]

7 hours ago, SYN_Vander said:

 

Thanks. Yes I think "Defence level"  or something would make a nice configuration option. Some players don't like too realistic AAA levels

 

Certainly. One of my items on the backlog is to add a "Date" option. You can then create missions in a chronological order. For the Stalingrad map I have already defined 3 (Sep, Oct, Nov) different front line situations and these will change (also season) with the date. 

 

Great. The only missing part would be the part to write the stories, right? 

[Habu 423]

I missed the release, i checked on the syndicate post.

[NN_Elanion 56]

Many thanks for this very useful work 😊.
We put the nose in the engine YAK .................... and the engine starts well.
Mission creation, cooperative server directly in the game: it's OK ..................................
It is very promising for cooperative training flights against IA.
(Return of experience later)
Greetings.
Elanion (Normandie virtuel).

[15[Span.]/JG51Spartan 425]

I am Meeting an error message that the mission cannot be created. I think it has to do with the route we have to put. I am selecting the Coop folder, but is it a different one?

Um? I think I get it now. It has just to point at the game location in the hard drive.

Edited March 5 by 15[Span.]/JG51Spartan

[F-Dog 11]

1 hour ago, 15[Span.]/JG51Spartan said:

I am Meeting an error message that the mission cannot be created. I think it has to do with the route we have to put. I am selecting the Coop folder, but is it a different one?

Um? I think I get it now. It has just to point at the game location in the hard drive.

 

That's correct you just have to direct the generator to the main directory of Sturmovik, then the generator will place the mission you want to create into the Cooperative Folder. 

Edited March 5 by F-Dog

[FAW_Spit 9]

Hi all
Hi Vander

As we try and use your tool we can say it's certainly the best  opportunity we have since the Old and usefull "Hyperlobby" 
You succeed to give all players the possibility to make simply good mission as in IL2 career. 
You dont give mission and support but living area with planes , possible encounter   all that in on click. 
We can use it as is or , generate mission and modifies or add  somes elements to enhance the expérience. 
It's a realy great thing the community wait for. And its for coop, i'm not dogfight fan and now it's easy to make mission for a kind of online campaign  for me and friends 

Great thanks from French players  as we are not virtuals pilot we all are only players  virtual pilot seem too for a group of old boys playing with their numeric planes