Making custom maps

There are two types of maps in Allegiance. The first set are hardcoded into Allegiance and are available on every server. This group includes maps such as HiHigher, InsideOut and Star. The second group of maps have been custom made by players. This group includes Limited Diamond, Dune and Sinuous.

What is a custom map?

A custom map is a .igc file created by a player using the Allegiance Map Editor. This file is added to a server by the server host and can be selected by the game controller from the game settings screen.

Allegiance Map Editor (AME)

AME is a program created by KGJV to enable players to create new custom maps for Allegiance. To install AME you will need to download the installer which can be found in the FAO downloads page.

Creating a custom map using AME

Once you have installed AME you can start creating your own custom map.

The AME interface

When you open AME you will see the main editing screen. The large black area on the right shows the currently selected sector. The smaller black area at the bottom left is the minimap which shows sectors of the map like the in game minimap. The other controls we will come to later.

Creating a new map

To create a new map open up AME and click the New button below the minimap. You can also load an existing map to edit it.

Creating sectors

Start by creating your first sector. It is useful at this stage to check both the Snap to Grid and View Grid checkboxes. To create a sector double right click on the minimap. A white dot representing the new sector will appear on the minimap and the sector will be listed in the sector list above it. The new sector is created empty of rocks, alephs and bases. These will be added later.

Now create some more sectors to make the shape of the map you want. If you need to move a sector you've created just click and drag it in the minimap. If you drag the sector beyond the edge of the minimap it will resize to accomodate it.

Linking sectors

None of these sectors are joined at this stage so you'll want to add aleph links between them. To create this link right click on a sector in the minimap and drag to another sector. You should now see a line linking the two sectors and alephs will be shown in the sector view. You can now join up the rest of your sectors in whatever way you choose.

Adding bases

There's one more step you need to take to make a working map. You need to add a base for each team. Most custom maps are made for two teams but you could just as easily make them for three to six teams. Select the sector you want to be Yellow's home. Right click in the sector view and select Add Base from the menu. The base added by default is a Yellow Garrison so we don't need to edit this base at all.

Now select the sector for Blue's home and add a base in the same way. Now double click on the base to bring up it's preperties dialogue. Change the team to 2 in the drop down menu. The base should now show as blue in the sector view. Now repeat for each extra team if you're making a map for more than two teams.

For home sectors you also need to set the garrison sectors to belong to their teams. Right click on the sector view and select properties. By default the sector belongs to team 0 (no team) change this to whichever team's base is in this sector. The sector should change colour on the minimap to reflect it's ownership.

Other sectors

Apart from alephs and the garrisons the sectors are empty. An empty sector is randomly populated by the server when the game is created according to what money settings were chosen. In addition the alephs will be randomised. This means that a blank sector will have normal rocks, helium rocks and tech rocks added to it.

Saving

Use the Save As button to save the map. You should now be able to test it in a LAN server and pass it on to a server host to add to their servers.

Tips for basic maps

Layout

It is suggested that maps are kept symmetrical as this ensures that the maps are evenly balanced for both teams. Some people prefer 2-axis mirror symmetry whilst others are happy with rotational symmetry. It's the choice of the map maker but if players don't like the layout they aren't likely to play the map.

Aleph links

Try to make your aleph links as clear as possible when viewed on the minimap. Try to avoid alephs that cross and look messy. At all costs avoid having an aleph that crosses behind another sector but doesn't join to it.