[MOD] Arras autumn map

[AEthelraedUnraed]

Does exactly what it says - changes all textures of the Arras map into its autumn versions. Although I hope that we'll receive an official WWI autumn map with the release of FCII, I cannot wait that long As an image is worth a 1000 words, here's two screenshots:

 

This mod is suitable for e.g. late-1917 scenarios such as the excellent Cambrai 1917 Scripted Campaign by @gagood17, which now includes this mod. Note that the default version fo this mod will *overwrite* the spring map, so if you want to fly on the spring version of this map again, you'll have to uninstall this mod. Alternatively, you can scroll down a few posts for a version that doesn't overwrite the default spring map; however you will need Mission Editor skills to be able to select the autumn map.

 

This mod is likely (though not necessarily) incompatible with any other mods that change the Arras map.

 

*** INSTALLATION ***
Download and unzip the attached zip file. Drop the included data folder inside the IL-2 Sturmovik root folder. For a default Steam installation, this is C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\IL-2 Sturmovik Battle of Stalingrad. Overwrite any files if asked.

Alternatively, use a mod enabler such as JSGME. I refer you to https://forum.il2sturmovik.com/topic/36622-is-there-a-tutorial-to-use-jsgme/ for guidance.

 

For uninstallation, just delete the data\graphics\LANDSCAPE_Arras_sp folder, or remove in JSGME.

*** KNOWN BUGS ***
- Some (especially larger) cities still use the summer textures. Since the surrounding landscape and all the trees use autumn textures, I don't think it's very noticeable.

- Possible bug: the distant LOD map (which goes all the way to The Channel) still uses the summer textures in the Editor. However, I flew all the way to the edge of the high-quality part of the map (up to the hatched area) at 8500m on a clear day and I couldn't conclusively say whether that's also the case in-game.

 

Arras_autumn.zip

Edited March 29, 2021 by AEthelraedUnraed

[J99_Sizzlorr]

Very nice work mate!

[plepew]

Is there any way to add the Autumn Arras map to the game in addition to the spring map?   I'm going back over the Cambrai missions to fix/improve several issues as well as adding more skins for the Brisfit and SE5a.  I could easily point them all to an autumn map.   Just thinking it would be nice to be able to choose autumn v spring maps like with other regions.  

[AEthelraedUnraed]

I'm afraid not. Only the Devs can add maps.

 

EDIT: Forgive my stupidity. Of course you can.

 

Or anyway, well, you cannot add them as an additional map that you can choose from in the quick mission screen. But it is perfectly possible to change the map textures on a mission by mission basis.

 

I included a zip file with all the necessary files. Install it as usual (or include it with your Cambrai campaign if you'd like to, @gagood17). Then in the Editor in the properties window, set Textures to graphics\LANDSCAPE_Arras_sp\textures_au.tini and Forests to graphics\LANDSCAPE_Arras_sp\trees\woods_au.wds. There you go

 

One small problem is that the decals are still the spring/summer version. They're not in the terrain textures files, but rather in surface.dat which seems to hardcodedly use surfacetex.txt. A workaround might be to move surface.dat to another folder and then point surface in textures_au.tini to the new file, but I haven't tested it yet. I don't think it matters that much anyway since it seems most villages don't use decals for their textures anyway, and many of the things that *are* in surface.dat (some trenches, dirt patches, aerodrome textures) don't differ too much if at all between their summer and autumn versions.

Arras_Autumn_include.zip

Edited January 29, 2021 by AEthelraedUnraed

[plepew]

Excellent! 

 

If you don't mind, I would like to incorporate this map into the next version.   I've been going back over the missions adding more navigational call-outs, making key events less dependent on following waypoints, optimizing performance, keeping travel to the target under 15 min and adding squadron skins for 6 Brisfits and 6 SE5.a's. among other fixes.  It would be great to have the right season showing!   I will of course give you credit for the map MOD etc.   Might be another couple of weeks before all is ready to release.   

[AEthelraedUnraed]

19 hours ago, gagood17 said:

Excellent! 

 

If you don't mind, I would like to incorporate this map into the next version.   I've been going back over the missions adding more navigational call-outs, making key events less dependent on following waypoints, optimizing performance, keeping travel to the target under 15 min and adding squadron skins for 6 Brisfits and 6 SE5.a's. among other fixes.  It would be great to have the right season showing!   I will of course give you credit for the map MOD etc.   Might be another couple of weeks before all is ready to release.   

Of course, you're very welcome to do so.

 

Be aware that the mission editor is a bit particular about changing the map textures. I found out the hard way that changing the textures in the Editor doesn't always properly save the updated file names. Instead, open the .mission file using a text editor and change the Textures and Forests lines (should be around line 12-13) into the new values as given above. Then delete the .msnbin file and load the .mission file directly from the editor and it should work and store the correct files from then on.

[blue_max]

I love this! One of the main problems with the mods for IL2 imho is that you need to have a bespoke missions for the modded maps. So a combination of campaign + texture mod would be awesome It's super easy to swap out stuff with JSGME anyway.

[plepew]

9 hours ago, AEthelraedUnraed said:

Of course, you're very welcome to do so.

 

Be aware that the mission editor is a bit particular about changing the map textures. I found out the hard way that changing the textures in the Editor doesn't always properly save the updated file names. Instead, open the .mission file using a text editor and change the Textures and Forests lines (should be around line 12-13) into the new values as given above. Then delete the .msnbin file and load the .mission file directly from the editor and it should work and store the correct files from then on.

Thanks for the tip!     The ME does have its quirks.

[plepew]

Just flew mission 3 with your Autumn Arras Map and it looks amazing!   Thanks!  Can't wait to get it rolled into all the missions.  

[plepew]

On 2/4/2021 at 9:41 AM, blue_max said:

I love this! One of the main problems with the mods for IL2 imho is that you need to have a bespoke missions for the modded maps. So a combination of campaign + texture mod would be awesome It's super easy to swap out stuff with JSGME anyway.

 

Just uploaded a new version of the campaign using AEthelraedUnraed's autum map today.