Part Five: Overview

In this section you will set up the ResourceSphere File: ‘Resource.missphere’, and prepare for a preview of your map.

5.0 The Resource File

This file contains every single resource element that we want to use in the map including asteroids, dust clouds and particles. When ships are placed in the ResourceSphere they go under AI control, even when playing with no computer players. There will only be more than one of these if it becomes bigger than 64k.

5.1 - Set up the Resourcesphere:- the Resource.missphere file

Open up the Tutorial Map folder and copy the Resource file called ‘Resource.missphere’ into your ‘DSpiral2’ folder. Check to make sure this file name is exactly as named in the DSpiral2.level file, in this case it is, the level file says the resources are to be found in the file named ‘Resource.missphere’ and the file is indeed called ‘Resource.missphere’. (Once again, the case should match EXACTLY).

In Homeworld these files were called the Resourcesphere_1.missphere files (etc), there is nothing stopping you naming these files like this, just as long as the filename is identical to the name you give for the Resourcesphere in the Level file.

Next we would normally want to delete all the resources that are in here, as we want to add or own. We would delete everything bar the first three lines (the MissionMan generated headers). However, don’t do it just yet, I’m gonna show you a wee trick that I use. 

5.2 - Add the required *.dist files into the map folder.

The ResourceSphere file in the Tutorial Map folder is taken from the BD made default map called ‘Ferrous Faucets’. I found this file using the Big Viewer, in the Cataclysm/Multiplayer/ferrousfaucets4 folder to be precise. What I do here is just copy this file into my map folder and look at the names of the *.dist files that this resourcesphere file refers to. In this case there are seven, and they are;

03mediumrare.dist
04medium.dist
05mediumwell.dist
type0.dist
type2.dist
type3.dist
type4.dist

We will cover these shortly, but for the moment just nod in agreement. “Yes Dylov…” Right, these seven distribution files have been named so they will be required, happily they have all been included in the Tutorial Map folder, in the Dist Files folder to be precise. So go there and copy all seven files into your DSpiral2 folder.

The point of adding in all ‘Ferrous Faucets’ resources is so that you can see your map and get an idea of the scale. ‘Ferrous Faucets’ is a medium to large map, this is a handy thing to do if you, like me are into big maps. I have a habit of making huge maps that are way too big, this gives me some idea of a decent sized map so I don’t start with players absolutely bloody miles away from each other.

Now, if you are smart you will have noticed the lines regarding crystals. There are two types of crystals in this resourcesphere file; Crystal0 (smaller 6000RU crystals) and Crystal1 (the larger 10000RU crystals). Well these are controlled via the level file, crystals are derelicts and are controlled identically as you would any derelict ship or piece of junk. We already have the 'IncludeShips RACE_DERELICT, crystal0' and 'IncludeShips RACE_DERELICT,dCrystal1' lines in our level file, so thats cool right?

Now, tremble in excitement as we prepare to take a first look at your map!

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