Halo 2 Map Editor Notes for Seemingly Random Things


Immovable Objects


Objects in example.scenario can't be edited. How do I solve this?


    Uncheck read-only from the folder properties in the tags folder in the map editor.



Can't Add Tags in H2Sapien


Can't seem to add tags I made to an object palette. Why is this happening?


    This could be due to two reasons.

        Follow the instructions in the "Immovable objects" section. Your scenario could just be read only.


        If the tags exist outside of your map editor install such as the documents folder then H2Sapien can't add them. Move then into the

        map editor folder and try again.



File Browser Doesn't Show All Tag Types


When I use the file browser in H2Guerilla I can't see all the tags available. How do I get around this?


    In the file browser window you will see a box called file name. Type the symbol "*" without quotes into the box and press enter. The

    file filter should be removed.



Scenario Appears In File Browser But Doesn't in Windows Explorer.


I saved or created a scenario a while ago and can see it fine when I open H2Sapien or H2Guerilla in the location I placed it but it doesn't exist when I look for it using explorer. What is going on?


    The file is actually being stored in virtual store due to H2Sapien or H2Guerilla not having permission to save files in the folder it

    is being saved to. Either run the program as admin or change folder permissions.



Limited Editor


I can only edit a few types of tags like shaders and bitmaps. How can I edit and create more tag types?


    Install H2Codez by following the link in the navigation bar.



Acceleration Range and Device Values


Cache values differ from their unpackaged tag values for acceleration range and device machine. How do I get the original values.


    Use the formula "X^(-1)" where X is the value you are trying to convert from a cache value to an unpackaged tag value.



Extracting Assets


I want to extract different types of assets for various reasons. What are my options?


    The answer to this question depends on what assets and in what format exactly.


        Level and character meshes for 3D editing software? - Use Adjutant and export them in the AMF format. This only works with Halo 2

        Xbox map files though. There are no BSP ripping tools for H2V. The DAEConverter can dump render_model for H2V into OBJ files but

        these have no weights or materials.


            Adjutant Download


        Textures and sounds in their raw image or .wav format? - Use MEK for both of these. Adjutant can do bitmap extraction as well but

        MEK can extract from Halo 2 Vista.

        Halo 2 animations for 3D editing software? - There is an animation exporter script provided with the MEK download. Only works with

        Halo 2 Xbox map files.


            MEK Download


        Halo 2 tag files to make awesome SP mods? - Give up now and go back to CE. This program is basically dead in the water. It won't

        receive updates and you won't get support for it.


            Tag Extractor Download



H2Codez Guides


H2Codez adds a few new features and I would like a more indepth guide on using it. Any pointers?


    Go to the following link


        H2Codez Manual On The Git



Blender Guides


I'm interested in map development but the tutorial that comes with the editor only shows 3DS Max. Is there a solution for Blender users.


    Read the default guide that comes with the map editor. Replace "Tutorial 1: Creating an Environment in 3ds Max" with this.


        Blender Level Guide


    After reading that you can also use this to learn how to do instance geometry using the ASS exporter for Blender.


        Blender Instance Guide



No Sentinel Beam


I tried placing the sentinel beam and nothing appears in Sapien or ingame. What gives?


    The map editor didn't come with the .weapon tag but came with pretty much everything else. Just extract the .weapon tag with the tag

    extractor or use this link.


        Sentinel Beam Weapon Tag



Custom Sounds


I'm in need of some new sounds but I don't see a way to compile them in H2Tool. Do I have any options?


    Compile the sound with H1Tool using the Xbox Audio Codec. H2 has some backwards compatibility with some Halo 1 tags.



Assembly Plugin


Assembly is pretty incomplete in some areas for H2V. Any newer plugins out there?


    Grab the plugins from the link below. The readme inside details what xml files have changed. Otherwise it is a default xml file from

    the latest Assembly version at time of writing.


        Assembly Plugins