Modpack FAQ

What is a modpack?

A modpack changes the sound, graphics, and/or internal workings & text of a program, in this case, Age of Kings. Some modpacks change everything in a game. This is called a "Total Conversion", or TC for short.

How can I make a modpack?

Download MPS (ModPack Studio). MPS allows you to change sound, graphics, the computer's AI scripts, random map scripts, etc.

Where can I get MPS?

Right here at AoKH.

How do I use MPS?

You can either post on the Modpack Forum or read the various articles in the Modpack Stable.

How do I change a unit's name

You can do this using a Hex Editor to edit the Language.dll file in your AoK root directory. One such editor is the Cygnus Hex Editor. Warning: Backup your language.dll file before you attempt to edit it. Or, if this all sounds too complicated, buy Age of Kings: The Conquerors Expansion Pack (AoK:TC) and use the Scenario Editor instead.

Where can I get modpacks?

You can download modpacks here at the Modpack Stable, or at Bill's Modpack Site.

There are so many SLPs, where do I start? How can I find the one I want?

You can use Park305's and Assassin's Resource list, downloadable here.

What is SLP Studio?

SLP Studio is a program written by Joseph Knight, that lets you create modpacks for Age of Empires. (NOT Age of Kings.) It can open some AoK files, namely buildings, and interface graphics, but crashes if units are opened, because the AoK file format differs from AoE. It is fully functional for AOE.

I have SLP Studio, but when I open a SLP, all the colors are messed up!

SLP Studio was meant for AoE, and therefore uses the AoE palette. To fix this problem, a) Switch to Interfac.drs and open INT50500, select Edit from the top menu, and click "Set as Default Palette" (You will have to do this in each session of SLP Studio), or b.) download MPS.

Ok, I have a Modpack. Now how do I use it?

It depends on what format it is in. If it is in .AKS format (an AoK icon), read this. If it is in .SLP format, read this.

I found a unit not in Age of Kings!

These units are either stand-in art, or are beta art of units currently in the game. These units are:

1.) Three horse units
2.) Trade Cart
3.) Foot soldier with a wodden shield (Called a Beserker)
4.) Pikeman-looking unit
5.) AoE Trieme
6.) AoE Composite Bowman
7.) AoE Phalanx / Centurion
8.) AoE Axeman

What is a .SLP?

A SLP is a small file, within a .DRS file, that contains a specific animation / image in Age of Kings. For example, one SLP contains the animation of a Paladin moving, while others contain the Paladin fighting, standing still, dying, and rotting. You can read more about it here.

What is a .DRS?

A .DRS is a large file that contains much of Age of King's data. Graphics.drs contains all the game's graphics; Interfac.drs contains the interface (The borders, buttons, and start game screen, etc.); Sounds.drs contains the sounds; Terrains.drs contains all the terrain (e.g. grass, water, desert); and Gamedata.drs contains the scripts that determine how the map types function, etc. You can read more about it here.

Why can't my computer recognize the file extensions of the Mod Packs I download?

.AKS files are only recognized if you have installed MPS. Install it then try to run your .AKS files.

How do I install, play, and uninstall a ModPack?

.AKS files automatically install themselves when you begin playing with them, and automatically uninstall themselves when you are done playing with them. To play with a ModPack, install MPS and launch your desired .AKS file.

What directory do I install MPS?

This doesn't matter. Just remember where you installed it so you can find it when you need it.

When I attempt to install MPS and/or MPS Lite, it claims that my AoK is not installed. What should I do?

Reinstall your AoK and TC. That SHOULD fix the problem. If that doesn't work, post in the AoKH Mod Pack Forum. That's where the experts are.

When I attempt to play a ModPack through MPS or MPS Lite, it gives me an error message saying "Unexpected Error. Overflow on Line 153." How can I fix this?

Reinstall your AoK and TC. That SHOULD fix the problem. If that doesn't work, post in the AoKH Mod Pack Forum. That's where the experts are.

When I attempt to play a ModPack through MPS or MPS Lite, it gives me an error message saying "OLEAUT32.DLL is out of date." How can I fix this?

Reinstall your AoK and TC. That SHOULD fix the problem. If that doesn't work, post in the AoKH Mod Pack Forum. That's where the experts are.