This article is timeless and should be accurate for any version of the game.
- This page deals primarily with modding of unit models
Unit models (or incorrectly, sprites) are ingame representations of armies and fleets.
As with other Paradox grand strategies, Europa Universalis IV models are notoriously hard to mod. This guide will go into detail about the technical side of dealing with unit models, but won't cover artistic or Photoshop skills.
Contents
- 1 Background
- 1.1 Armies
- 1.2 Fleets
- 1.3 DLC
- 2 3D models
- 2.1 Types of models
- 2.2 Shaders
Background[edit | edit source]
Before you can begin modding, you need an understanding of how the sprites work ingame.
Armies[edit | edit source]
For land armies, there are four "sprite levels" which display how advanced a country is in terms of military technology. The game also selects the dominant land unit type to represent the army - either infantry, cavalry or artillery.
The following information can be found in /Europa Universalis IV/common/technologies/mil.txt:
| sprite_level | MIL Tech | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1350 | Late medieval pike and armour |
| 2 | 12 | 1557 | Thirty years war musketeers |
| 3 | 21 | 1674 | Seven years war musketeers |
| 4 | 26 | 1745 | Napoleonic infantry |
| 5* | 30 | 1805 | Not used by EU4! |
Fleets[edit | edit source]
For naval fleets, the sprite level signifies the highest level of the dominant ship type (from heavy ship, light ship, galley, or transport). Unlike land units, existing naval units don't automatically upgrade with technology level.
DLC[edit | edit source]
The unit packs DLCs have some of the best-looking units in the game, so it can be very tempting to use them in your mod. You need to be careful about compatibility though, because not everybody will have the DLC that you use.
3D models[edit | edit source]
Since early 2015 it is possible for players to create custom 3D models and animations, and then import them into the game, via the JoroDox mod making tool.Previously it was only possible to use existing models from the base game and DLCs, which can be manipulated through text, hex, and image editors.
Types of models[edit | edit source]
3D models are used by various types of visual representations in EU4, almost exclusively in the 3D map interface.
- Unit models - The visual representation of armies and fleets. Also displayed in the post-combat dialog.
- Unit part models - Unit models can be extended by placing other models in specific places in the base model. For example: weapons, shields and horse riders.
- Province activity models - Indications of province activity, such as colony building or the construction of units and/or buildings.
- Province building models - City representations are created by a multitude of small buildings, using more buildings for larger cities. Specific province buildings are also shown in the city, or at the harbor location of a sea province. The flag representing the province owner is also part of this type.
- Map decoration models - Non-province bound decorative additions to the map, such as bears, seagulls and other animals. This also includes the borders around the 3D map.
- Tree models - The models used to create tree / forest visuals. (at various LODs)
- Trade network models - The node points of the trade network, and travelling ships/wagons are visualized by 3D models.
Shaders[edit | edit source]
There are a number of different shaders which can be used in the Paradox Mesh format (.mesh). Each will have a different visual effect on (part of) the 3D model. New shaders may be created by placing new shader code in the 'gfx/FX/pdxmesh.lua' file. This requires expert knowledge of vertex and pixel shaders.
| Shader Name | Description |
|---|---|
| PdxMeshStandard | Standard mesh. Diffuse RGB, normal map and specular ("shininess") values from specular map alpha channel. |
| PdxMeshColor | Specular map's RGB channels represent Primary, Secondary and Tertiary colours of a nation. The most common shader used for units. |
| PdxMeshTextureAtlas | Shader which prints the flag of the nation on the unit (flag UV range 0.05-0.95). A second UV map can be added to merge a texture into the flag. |
| PdxMeshSnow | Adds snow to top-facing surfaces in winter. |
| PdxMeshAlphaBlend | Transparency from diffuse map alpha channel. |
| PdxMeshAlphaBlendNoZWrite | Transparency from diffuse map alpha channel. More expensive but less glitchy |
| PdxMesh_NoFoW_NoTI | Never hidden by Fog of war or Terra Incognita |
| Collision | Does not render the mesh, instead represents the "clickable" area. |
Modding
| Documentation | Effects • Triggers • Modifiers • Scopes • Variables • Localisation • Customizable localization • Run files • List of event pictures |
| Scripting | Scripted function • Advisors • Ages • Bookmarks • Buildings • Casus belli • Colonial regions • Countries • Culture • Decisions • Defines • Diplomatic actions • Disasters • Empire of China • Estates • Events • Factions • Government • Government Mechanics • Great projects • History • Holy Roman Empire • Idea groups • Institutions • Mercenaries • Missions • Modifiers • Nation designer • On Actions • Parliament • Peace treaties • Policies • Rebel types • Religion • Subject types • Technology • Trade companies • Trade goods • Units |
| Map | Map • Map Modding Quick Reference • Nation designer • Random New World • Trade nodes |
| Graphics | 3D Models • Interface • Graphical Assets • Fonts • Particles • Shaders • Unit models |
| Audio | Music • Sound |
| Other | Console commands • Checksum • JoroDox mod making tool • Mod structure • Troubleshooting • The Validator • Run files |
| Guides | Adding a province • Map Modding Quick Reference • Save-game editing • Scripting Tutorial |
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