Overview
As everyone might be aware, the Scenario Editor in the HD version supports both the Original Dataset and the Expansion Dataset for HD’s DLC Packs. However, currently trying to load Custom Datasets, or DAT Mods, into the editor isn’t officially supported. Thankfully, there is actually an exploit in HD to load any custom Dataset into the Scenario Editor.
Opening Custom Dataset Mods into AoE2 HD’s Scenario Editor
As everyone might be aware, the Scenario Editor in the HD version supports both the Original Dataset and the Expansion Dataset for HD’s DLC Packs. However, currently trying to load Custom Datasets, or DAT Mods, into the editor isn’t officially supported, which has been holding back custom scenarios & maps for a long time on the workshop since anything created in the HD Editor is almost entirely restricted to the two datasets, outside of working externally and porting to HD. Thankfully, there is actually an exploit in HD to load any custom Dataset into the Scenario Editor.
For the following example, I created a simple DAT Mod that Adds a Cube Unit. I had trouble importing name strings to the mod, so it uses the unused “Advanced Heavy Crossbowman” name.
I am not sure what the extect of creating mods using this exploit, so be aware that this might be unstable. Maps made by custom datasets need to be used with that Dataset or else it will not work, but can be played online as long as the Dataset is selected.
I HIGHLY encourage that any maps or Scenarios submitted to the Workshop, made with custom datasets either be paired with the DAT File or heavily noted that the Scenario requires that specific Dataset Mod.