PsychoGirl
Main Eventer
I started this is 2009. Created more custom made arenas, rather than a few original arenas. I wanted to share my experience and the way I made them. So here it is 
<div class='spoiler_toggle'>The Crowd and its Surrounding areas[/spoiler]<div class="spoiler" style="display:none;">
A Wrestling arena also has a proper identity. By which we can conclude the fact that after all it IS an arena . lol .For that, the Crowd, The Lights, The Floors, THe Ramp, The Ring, and several other portions need to be there for which we can call that particular place as an Arena.
So first up, The Crowd.
Step 1: In XPKGUI, go to TEX> AUDI_DDS folder to check out the audience files. These can be edited enough to make bigger and almost real looking crowd. So first up, you need to export them. There will be 3 Audience groups: A B and C each having same number of moves (crowd excited, looking left, looking right, sitting, looking back etc) i.e. 5 sets (for A, its going to be A1M1, A2M1....A5M1). So Export this set of Crowd and open all 5 in Paint.NET
Step 2: Search the internet for any model which has textures of looking left, right, behind, or showing excitement. Create Alpha form of those images (Adjustments> Alpha Transform). And By placing layer by layer, as we did in stage making, put them in the correct position. You can even create a third layer that is ABOVE the first and second layer and mark the positions where the man/woman's texture is kept. So you dont miss out any parts of the body. You know how a person will look like if he has a hand missing xD
Step 3: After you have done so, add sharpness 100 percent once and the second time, do it with 50 percent only. Coz too much sharpness wont look nice.
Step 4: Do this for all cases (from A1 to A5)
Step 5: Save it and Test it IN Game.
NOTE: Sets may differ from one another in game.i.e. Set A B and C will OFTEN show up together or may also show up with pairs like A-B.or BC or CA. So you have a good chance of taking a look at each of the sets.
If you dont want to waste your time in searching internet for the crowd textures then why not just draw them?...Yea! Well its gonna take a bit time. But at the end its gonna end up fun!. Try doing that
[/spoiler]
<div class='spoiler_toggle'>The Barricades and the Guarding Bars[/spoiler]<div class="spoiler" style="display:none;">
These are the easiest part of the Arena modding.
Barricades:
Step 1: In XPKGui, go to TEX>HALL then find out STG_FENCE .dds and .bmp formats. Export them
Step 2: Open them in Paint.Net. Go to Image>Flip Vertical to get the original position.
Step 3: Search the net on what texture you want the barricade to look like. I chose a stony texture for my MKvsWWE arena to give a bit of Castle Feeling.
Step 4: Without creating layers, just put the texture forth. Add Effects and Save it
Audience Balcony Fences: These can be used in 2 ways: Making a balcony, making an advertisement panel, or making a long tron like you see in WWE nowadays.
Step 1: Export STG_PR .dds and .bmp files. Open in Paint .Net
Step 2: Make 2 layers for each
Notice the fact that the PR file has its own set of texturing layers. If you import the PR textures from Wiggo's HD Arenas or from the original game, you will have a clear idea what I mean to say. Vertically, 1 cm for 1 ad, the other 1 cm for second ad, other 1 cm for 3rd and the last one for 4th. So In THe third layer, mark these tex layers and remove the original one (Just like the way we outlined the tron, entrance and the platform part while arena making) and Delete the original image.
Step 3:
For Balcony: Select a texture that repeats itself from starting to ending point. I suggest you to use 1 picture for each tex layers. As The Balconies will look nice. If You give the starting point of the texture in the first Tex Layer and continue with the effect till you reach the last layer and add the ending point there, that would look kinda weird. Well Your Choice.
For Ads: you can either give 1 ad in each layer or 2 in each or 4 in each. Do not exceed the limit of 4.
Search for ads like Pepsi, Tesco, WWE Shop etc etc and put them up.
For Trons: Do it like the way i told you on how would you make a long balcony of you didnt take 1 texture for each layer. I.e. this time, for titantron, Give the start point in the first layer and the end point on the second or fourth. You will get a clear idea if you watch Wiggo's works on these PR Files
Step 4: Merge the layers, Save it in desired file type, import it and check the results.[/spoiler]
<div class='spoiler_toggle'>The Floor (Around and in front of the Titantron)[/spoiler]<div class="spoiler" style="display:none;">
Simply edit the STG_Floor .dds and .bmp files.
Tip: Using repetitive textures will add a good effect.[/spoiler]
<div class='spoiler_toggle'>The Thin Metallic Fences.[/spoiler]<div class="spoiler" style="display:none;">
The Fences that I was talking about were thick ones. Did you notice during any entrance, or while getting out of the ring and going towards the far arena area, there are metallic fences. They can also be edited. Just edit the AMI and AMI2 files in the Hall folder.[/spoiler]
<div class='spoiler_toggle'>The Floor (Around the ring)[/spoiler]<div class="spoiler" style="display:none;">
Go To Tex>RING and export the STG_FLOOR file
TIP: Use the same texture you used for the Titantron area floor, or use a different texture.[/spoiler]
<div class='spoiler_toggle'>Area below the Platform/ramp[/spoiler]<div class="spoiler" style="display:none;">
If you play the real RAW game, you'll see that there are some white cloth kept on the Platform's front side and the Ramp's sideways. If you play UI or its updates, the portion has been replaced by Square LEDs. You can edit that part by editing the STG NUNO files from the Hall Folder
[/spoiler]
More coming soon
[/spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler][/SPOILER]
Step 1: Select any existing , full stage texture. Eg: Wiggo's Bragging Rights arena will be used here.
<small>Full Arena: Arena design consisting of the usual arena layout i.e., the titantron part, the entrance part and the platform part. </small>
Step 2: Create another layer from "Layers" menu and selecting "Add New Layer" Option. Or If you have the "Layers" tool open, select the New Layer icon. After adding the new layer, mark out the titantron, entrance and platform portion of the stage. As shown below:
Step 3: Remove the original arena from the previous layer, i.e. "Background" titled layer. That will give you the outline of the Tron, ENtrance and Platform which you highlighted on another Layer, "Layer 1" from the Stage. The outlines will look like this:
Step 4: Suppose you want to create a RAW arena. So you will need resources for each part. Whether it be custom or original. So hop on Google and start searching for what you'll need, such as RAW minitron, which can be possibly found on YouTube, Curvetrons can be found from those Youtube users who created a RAW stage. You need to ask their permissions first. As per me, They have approved me for using the parts from their stages. As per the big LED Side Tron, Search Google for RAW minitron, scroll down a little, you may see a pic that looks similar to the side Screen, so use that.
PS: For taking stuffs out of YouTube arenas, the best effect you will get is by going Full Screen and choosing the highest pixel rate (most of them are 720p or 1028p)...This is how clear it looks:
Take Screenshots, save it to your pc, and then proceed:
Step 5: Carefully assemble the parts , each having different layers:
Step 6: After you have done all parts except the side tron, make changes to the rest WITHOUT merging the layers.
I. You can use Glow option to highlight and illuminate the stage more
II. You can use Sharpen effect for making your arena filled with quality
III. Make another layer, put it at the last of the list and color it black which will eventually make the background black in color, giving a clear clue of what your arena will look in the game:
Step 7: Create another layer to put up the side tron. Add Glow and all sorts of effects and adjustments
Step 8: Finally merge all the layers. After that. select the titantron area and press delete. Same with Entrance and Platform area.
Step 9: Do any last minute changes. Once you're done, use XPKgui/Port to import the arena texture.
P.S.: I missed out the WWE Statue while writing the Tutorial .....but you can make your own statue, you have to draw a triangle and a straight vertical line and create another layer and add the WWE logo. Color the triangle part with any texture and use "Metallic" effect in the effects tab. merge both and use Glow several times.
<small>Full Arena: Arena design consisting of the usual arena layout i.e., the titantron part, the entrance part and the platform part. </small>
Step 2: Create another layer from "Layers" menu and selecting "Add New Layer" Option. Or If you have the "Layers" tool open, select the New Layer icon. After adding the new layer, mark out the titantron, entrance and platform portion of the stage. As shown below:
Step 3: Remove the original arena from the previous layer, i.e. "Background" titled layer. That will give you the outline of the Tron, ENtrance and Platform which you highlighted on another Layer, "Layer 1" from the Stage. The outlines will look like this:
Step 4: Suppose you want to create a RAW arena. So you will need resources for each part. Whether it be custom or original. So hop on Google and start searching for what you'll need, such as RAW minitron, which can be possibly found on YouTube, Curvetrons can be found from those Youtube users who created a RAW stage. You need to ask their permissions first. As per me, They have approved me for using the parts from their stages. As per the big LED Side Tron, Search Google for RAW minitron, scroll down a little, you may see a pic that looks similar to the side Screen, so use that.
PS: For taking stuffs out of YouTube arenas, the best effect you will get is by going Full Screen and choosing the highest pixel rate (most of them are 720p or 1028p)...This is how clear it looks:
Take Screenshots, save it to your pc, and then proceed:
Step 5: Carefully assemble the parts , each having different layers:
Step 6: After you have done all parts except the side tron, make changes to the rest WITHOUT merging the layers.
I. You can use Glow option to highlight and illuminate the stage more
II. You can use Sharpen effect for making your arena filled with quality
III. Make another layer, put it at the last of the list and color it black which will eventually make the background black in color, giving a clear clue of what your arena will look in the game:
Step 7: Create another layer to put up the side tron. Add Glow and all sorts of effects and adjustments
Step 8: Finally merge all the layers. After that. select the titantron area and press delete. Same with Entrance and Platform area.
Step 9: Do any last minute changes. Once you're done, use XPKgui/Port to import the arena texture.
P.S.: I missed out the WWE Statue while writing the Tutorial
.....but you can make your own statue, you have to draw a triangle and a straight vertical line and create another layer and add the WWE logo. Color the triangle part with any texture and use "Metallic" effect in the effects tab. merge both and use Glow several times.<div class='spoiler_toggle'>The Crowd and its Surrounding areas[/spoiler]<div class="spoiler" style="display:none;">
A Wrestling arena also has a proper identity. By which we can conclude the fact that after all it IS an arena . lol .For that, the Crowd, The Lights, The Floors, THe Ramp, The Ring, and several other portions need to be there for which we can call that particular place as an Arena.
So first up, The Crowd.
Step 1: In XPKGUI, go to TEX> AUDI_DDS folder to check out the audience files. These can be edited enough to make bigger and almost real looking crowd. So first up, you need to export them. There will be 3 Audience groups: A B and C each having same number of moves (crowd excited, looking left, looking right, sitting, looking back etc) i.e. 5 sets (for A, its going to be A1M1, A2M1....A5M1). So Export this set of Crowd and open all 5 in Paint.NET
Step 2: Search the internet for any model which has textures of looking left, right, behind, or showing excitement. Create Alpha form of those images (Adjustments> Alpha Transform). And By placing layer by layer, as we did in stage making, put them in the correct position. You can even create a third layer that is ABOVE the first and second layer and mark the positions where the man/woman's texture is kept. So you dont miss out any parts of the body. You know how a person will look like if he has a hand missing xD
Step 3: After you have done so, add sharpness 100 percent once and the second time, do it with 50 percent only. Coz too much sharpness wont look nice.
Step 4: Do this for all cases (from A1 to A5)
Step 5: Save it and Test it IN Game.
NOTE: Sets may differ from one another in game.i.e. Set A B and C will OFTEN show up together or may also show up with pairs like A-B.or BC or CA. So you have a good chance of taking a look at each of the sets.
If you dont want to waste your time in searching internet for the crowd textures then why not just draw them?...Yea! Well its gonna take a bit time. But at the end its gonna end up fun!. Try doing that
[/spoiler]
<div class='spoiler_toggle'>The Barricades and the Guarding Bars[/spoiler]<div class="spoiler" style="display:none;">
These are the easiest part of the Arena modding.
Barricades:
Step 1: In XPKGui, go to TEX>HALL then find out STG_FENCE .dds and .bmp formats. Export them
Step 2: Open them in Paint.Net. Go to Image>Flip Vertical to get the original position.
Step 3: Search the net on what texture you want the barricade to look like. I chose a stony texture for my MKvsWWE arena to give a bit of Castle Feeling.
Step 4: Without creating layers, just put the texture forth. Add Effects and Save it
Audience Balcony Fences: These can be used in 2 ways: Making a balcony, making an advertisement panel, or making a long tron like you see in WWE nowadays.
Step 1: Export STG_PR .dds and .bmp files. Open in Paint .Net
Step 2: Make 2 layers for each
Notice the fact that the PR file has its own set of texturing layers. If you import the PR textures from Wiggo's HD Arenas or from the original game, you will have a clear idea what I mean to say. Vertically, 1 cm for 1 ad, the other 1 cm for second ad, other 1 cm for 3rd and the last one for 4th. So In THe third layer, mark these tex layers and remove the original one (Just like the way we outlined the tron, entrance and the platform part while arena making) and Delete the original image.
Step 3:
For Balcony: Select a texture that repeats itself from starting to ending point. I suggest you to use 1 picture for each tex layers. As The Balconies will look nice. If You give the starting point of the texture in the first Tex Layer and continue with the effect till you reach the last layer and add the ending point there, that would look kinda weird. Well Your Choice.
For Ads: you can either give 1 ad in each layer or 2 in each or 4 in each. Do not exceed the limit of 4.
Search for ads like Pepsi, Tesco, WWE Shop etc etc and put them up.
For Trons: Do it like the way i told you on how would you make a long balcony of you didnt take 1 texture for each layer. I.e. this time, for titantron, Give the start point in the first layer and the end point on the second or fourth. You will get a clear idea if you watch Wiggo's works on these PR Files
Step 4: Merge the layers, Save it in desired file type, import it and check the results.[/spoiler]
<div class='spoiler_toggle'>The Floor (Around and in front of the Titantron)[/spoiler]<div class="spoiler" style="display:none;">
Simply edit the STG_Floor .dds and .bmp files.
Tip: Using repetitive textures will add a good effect.[/spoiler]
<div class='spoiler_toggle'>The Thin Metallic Fences.[/spoiler]<div class="spoiler" style="display:none;">
The Fences that I was talking about were thick ones. Did you notice during any entrance, or while getting out of the ring and going towards the far arena area, there are metallic fences. They can also be edited. Just edit the AMI and AMI2 files in the Hall folder.[/spoiler]
<div class='spoiler_toggle'>The Floor (Around the ring)[/spoiler]<div class="spoiler" style="display:none;">
Go To Tex>RING and export the STG_FLOOR file
TIP: Use the same texture you used for the Titantron area floor, or use a different texture.[/spoiler]
Ever wished to edit the Spotlight? ...i.e. the light that follows the superstar as he walks down the ramp and eventually disappears when he gets to the end of the ramp.
Well, to edit this light, just export LIGHT.DDS, edit it, save and import it back and test it in game.
Well, to edit this light, just export LIGHT.DDS, edit it, save and import it back and test it in game.
In Total Edition, go to a position where you can fully view the arena. Atleast the minitron. Look behind and sideways of the Stage part. Do you see black curtain type stuffs?. There is a way to edit that. JUst edit the ANIMAKU files in The HALL folder
While taking any entrance, did you ever take notice of the portion above the low level crowds and below the crowds at the balconies? There are VIP areas. But the textures are too low for them to see us, or for us to see them. There is a way to edit that too:
THere is only one STG_VIP.dds in the Hall folder. Edit that with HQ pictures. You can Get VIP area pics from Google Images. Just increase their size and import them via XPK port.
THere is only one STG_VIP.dds in the Hall folder. Edit that with HQ pictures. You can Get VIP area pics from Google Images. Just increase their size and import them via XPK port.
Tired of the old lighting devices? Wanna get a new one?
Go to TEX> HALL and export light.bmp and edit the texture in such a way that it looks like a totally new HD Lighting. And those of you have problems with the lights(Weird Lights showing up on the floor)...Dont edit the grid and Tako files. none of the two types.
Go to TEX> HALL and export light.bmp and edit the texture in such a way that it looks like a totally new HD Lighting. And those of you have problems with the lights(Weird Lights showing up on the floor)...Dont edit the grid and Tako files. none of the two types.
When any superstar comes, they walk through this platform. You can get rid of this old metallic platform and make it a new one. Just Edit STG_STAGE.dds file. And Make it as good as new.
The Ramp is the area where the superstars walk and enter the ring for their fight or promo. To edit that part: Export STG SLOOP and SLOPE files. Edit them and there you have it.
<div class='spoiler_toggle'>Area below the Platform/ramp[/spoiler]<div class="spoiler" style="display:none;">
If you play the real RAW game, you'll see that there are some white cloth kept on the Platform's front side and the Ramp's sideways. If you play UI or its updates, the portion has been replaced by Square LEDs. You can edit that part by editing the STG NUNO files from the Hall Folder
[/spoiler]
Tired of the WWF Style Seating?...wanna make it modern? Edit the Seat.bmp and dseat.bmp files.
Edit the Grid files, KABE, META and SAKU files in the HAll Folder. That in One way or the other should change the Overhead arena area. Try editing the YUKA file also. RTAKO is also seeming to be one of the overhead area files. So edit and try it out
There is a file at the end of the hall folder named TOP...edit that.
There is a file at the end of the hall folder named TOP...edit that.
Go to the Ring folder, export the TOP.bmp and edit it. If you want to make your ring look like a bit of damaged or like a battle zone, then search Google for rusty floors. If you find any white or light colored texture, then apply it with shadows of the ropes. ECW top will look nice with that effect.
Edit the Side.dds.
To Add wrinkle:
Step 1: add a layer
Step 2: Depending upon your side color, select either Black (For light /medium colors) or White (for totally dark colors or light colors if you want to give them a bit of silky or plastic effect)
Step 3: Apply Smudge (Downloadable)
I. Brush width: 10
II. Strength: 100
III. Jitter: 0
Click and drag your mouse back and forth. Unless you get a texture.
Step 4: Merge both, save and apply.
To Add wrinkle:
Step 1: add a layer
Step 2: Depending upon your side color, select either Black (For light /medium colors) or White (for totally dark colors or light colors if you want to give them a bit of silky or plastic effect)
Step 3: Apply Smudge (Downloadable)
I. Brush width: 10
II. Strength: 100
III. Jitter: 0
Click and drag your mouse back and forth. Unless you get a texture.
Step 4: Merge both, save and apply.
Edit the C_Backle file present in the RIng folder.
More coming soon
[/spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler][/spoiler][/SPOILER]
