DarkAges Tools & Resources

[.ViruS]

Here is a list of tools for DarkAges such as map editors, pallete editors, Dat unpackers/packers and much much more. I'll list them with downloads then explain what they do and howto use them.

EPF Viewer/Exporter
Palette Editor
Graphical DAT Extractor Utility
Dat File Unpacker (Command line)
DA Mapper

# NOTE #
For most of these you will need the .NET Framework you can find this here

[.ViruS]

EPF Viewer/Exporter: Screenshots

Animations


Pallete Window:


Archive explorer allows DAT files to be used instead of extracting them first.


Archive Explorer


How to find the right palette:
Of course, DA has to know what palette to use too, so there is a way to know (somewhat odd sometimes though) which to use. Usually these palette tables are inside the same DAT as the files/palettes themselves, but not always (like the case of spells/skill icons using a palette outside the DAT they are in).

Inside the DATs are .TBL files (tables) which are simple text files. For example, here is effpal.TBL inside ROH.DAT (some of it):

181 2
182 2
183 2
184 2
192 2
194 2
200 5
202 5
203 5
204 5
205 5
206 5
207 5
209 1004
210 1001
213 6
69 1000

This simply means that efct181.epf uses eff002.pal, efct204.epf uses eff005.pal, etc. If the number is over 1000, like efct209.epf, then just subtract 1000 from that value and use that palette (eff004.pal in this case). If there is no table entry, assume eff000.pal.

[.ViruS]

Pallete Editor:
This application allows you edit Nexon's .PAL files found in various .DATs.
Only a select few will find this program useful.

[.ViruS]

Graphical DAT Extractor UtilityC
urrently, it only serves as an extractor (it cannot add files yet or save new DATs), It's a bit tricky but I think the current system I have in the works should be nifty.

Viewing SEO.DAT's contents in the typical Details view mode. Grouping files by extension (toggleable).


Shameless copying of the Firefox's find style. :D (Tile View mode as well)


Extracting SEO.DAT's contents into a folder, also viewing in List mode.

[.ViruS]

DA Mapper:

Whenever possibly, it is best to use the square dimensions, as they are the most commonly correct ones. It is easy to tell if the map's dimensions are off, as the walls do not line up and the tiles may be skewed. You can always go visit the place in DA to get the dimensions now. :)

Now please note, this tool will create rather HUGE images with large maps. Be careful, for your own computer's sake that you realize magnifying an image 2x the size will give you about 4x a filesize increase. For best performance, use JPEG, GIF, PNG, or TIFF formats. Use at your own risk!

I am aware that there are some slight transparency issues with some maps and PNG/TIFF formats. To avoid this, use a non-transparency supporting format.



I also have not tested it with EVERY single map possible. There could be possible palette issues, although I have yet to find any. If you have one, please post it here with the map number and dimensions used.