RA2 General FAQ

[Naryar]

Isn't anyone bored to answer 15 times the same question? (classic example: "DSL doesn't works after copying" or "how can I get the flamethrower")

I've decided to make a big "RA2 for dumm... newbies" FAQ which answers to plenty of these generic questions asked by newbies.

And ideally it would be on a sticky in the Robot Showcase, General Discussion and Technical Support forums.

But if you guys could put several different Q/As too...

I have:

-How to get DSL to work?
-I can't save my bots!
-Emergency is so hard !1!1! I cant beat it !
-How to get the real bots ? I want Chaos 2!
-How to get the AI bots ?
-How to get the motors horizontal so i can make a spinbot ?
-Why the my bot sucks ? (jk)
-The game doesn't works? (i have a nVidia)
-What is DSA/a HS/a VS/a FS ?
-Where can i get Starcore/DSL/custom components?

And more...

[Urjak]

Sounds good, If I think of any commonly asked questions I will post them here.

[Resetti's Replicas]

Here are some:

"What the are all these green bumps on the parts?  I don't want parts with mold growing on them!!!"

"I gave my robot the almighty battleaxe but it's still too weak."

"I tried editing the skin, but when I imported it, it looks like a bunch of RA2 graphics and logos"

[Naryar]

Here, that's nearly finished:

(TBE means To Be Edited)

RA2 FAQ for Newbies

Please read this if you have a general question:

-I can't get DSL!
 Find it here: https://gametechmods.com/?do=RA2_AIpacks. Just on top of the list.

-How to know if i have the downloaded or CD version of the game?
(TBE)

-DSL crashes my game in a way or another!
 Try again. Follow E-X-A-C-T-L-Y the instructions.

--I have a NVIDIA video card and the game crashes.
 Install the 1.3 patch. There is a special patch for the downloaded version of the game. (TBE)

-How do I make bots over 800kg ?
There are anti-ballasts in the Downloads/Components section of the main page.

-How can I get custom components ?
Also in the Downloads.

-How can I get the AI packs ?
Downloads/AI packs. Install them in the same way as DSL.

-What program should I use to create custom components ?
3D Studio Max. (TBE)

-How can I make a screenshot in the game ?
F11 key. They will be saved as BMP's in the Robot Arena 2/ScreenShots sub-folder.

-How can I attach this component that way ?
The Tutorials folder is your friend. Have a look at it.

-How does the paint job works and importing/exporting textures ?
Again, there is a tutorial on the paint job part in the Tutorials.

-How can I save my bots?
In the team HQ there is a tool called “Export Bot”. Select a bot then click Export. Choose the filename and it will appear as a .bot file in the Robot Arena 2/Robot Designs subfolder.

The exact opposite, “Import Bot”, selects a bot file in the Robot Designs subfolder and adds it into your team.

-How can I showcase bots?
Take a screenshot, then use Paint to save it as a JPEG (or PNG), upload the pic on the Gametechmods image uploader (it is on the main page)

-Any tips for good bot building ? (IMPORTANT)
Yes. Nearly all you need is here: http://www.beetlebros.gametechmods.com/ra2techs.htm. Also, take examples by having a look at other people's showcases.

-Why am I getting criticized on my showcase ?

Criticism on your bots in your showcase is normal. You should also know that generally people don't like showcases with  superheavyweights (bots over 800kg) and worse, bots with custom parts. Also, please listen to advice from the more experienced builders.

Also, we don't like people that boast about their bots, and particularly when they don't show them (see Venko's showcase)


-Where is the Wiki?
https://gametechmods.com/RA2wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page

-A final tip?
Yes. Read the forums, at least the main topics.


When it will be finished (AND grammatically correct), could someone sticky it on the General Discussion, Feedback, Technical Support, etc?