Maps do not have to be placed into a .pak They should be placed in the Maps folder under data, although there are few exceptions, which do not apply here.
A basic map does not need a Lua Script, ScriptIDs, Functions, commands or any supporting files, if the purpose is to only test units.
I test models all the time on a MAP designed to put models through specific functions. It has no special features except the objects used.
However, if your map is a Mission, then you will need all of the supporting files to make it work.
The map will require the Lua Script File, that contains the functions and triggers used by the game engine. It also tests the conditions concerning the Objectives, whether they have been met, or not.
Script File =
Mapname.luaThe map will need a designated Map folder to store all of the map data. This data is what provides the map the name, the objectives and purpose. The folder is usually given the same name as the map, and placed in the
Scenarios\Custom\Missions Folder.
Required Map Data Files:Header.txt = provides the set up text of map name.
Description.txt = provides any details the player needs to know (this is a optional file)
1.xml = provides the objectives data including the arrow on the mini-map and which objective text files are called.
Paired files:
These files provide the objective information to the player and vital for a successful map.
0.txt = This is the first map objective - it tells the player what his mission is. This information is placed into the map screen in a popup box on the right.
0h.txt = This file places a name of the 1st objective or perhaps a short message about the objective in the upper left corner of the map screen. This works much like a Script Function called
DisplayTrace. The 'h' distinguishes this file as a objective header file.
For each objective, there must be a paired set of files that provide the player enough information about what his goals.
1.txt & 1h.txt = 2nd Objective
2.txt & 2h.txt = 3rd Objective
3.txt & 3h.txt = 4th Objective
and so on... one for each objective...
The Script File =
Mapname.lua
The Script file is what controls the game engine and determines if the players has met the objectives or fails. Without this script, the AI (the computer player or enemy) will not perform any tasks. One caveat is if you attack enemy units, all enemy units within a radius will respond with a counterattack. This only last as long as a single enemy unit can see your units. But without the Script File, this is not a true representation of a battle condition. This is only a reactionary condition built into the game code.
The script file must be placed in the maps folder and usually has the exact same name as the map. But there is no reason you cannot call it something else. You only have to document the map name and script name in the map data you will need to provide.
Let's look at a map named
ostfront1944 from Blitzkrieg Anthology.
We will find the FOLDER named
ostfront1944 in the
Scenarios\Custom\Missions Folder\ostfront1944
In the folder we find the
header.txt:
Loosely translated this means the map was designed for Burning Horizon and is the 2nd version
We also will find the objective text files:
0.txt0h.txtThe
1.xml fileYou can see how this file stores the data for the map; the path to the Map Folder, the mapname and all of the objective text and arrows.
So now you can see how these files are vital to your successful map.
One more mention of the Script File (.lua)
Discussion of the maps Script lua is beyond the capability of this post to be able to provide a detail explanation of the way these work. I recommend downloading this Lua Guide for a basic explanation:
www.mediafire.com/view/ay1ccr22b2cul9v/Calvin's_Blitzkrieg_Lua_Scripting_Guide.pdf
From your post, I deduce you do not yet understand the BK File & Folder System. This is a common thing but if you are going to create maps and do any modding, you must understand how the game files relate to each other and what they do.
I recommend downloading this Tutorial for details:
www.mediafire.com/view/q9x98cbbc1vj67v/Blitzkrieg_HOW_TO_Tutorial.pdfThere are many members here that will gladly assist you by answering your questions or making suggestions. All you have to do is ask.
Every journey starts with the first step. All of here started the same way.
Good Luck with your future endeavors.
Major pain