Custom Scenario

Custom scenarios (not to be confused with Scenario Distributions) allow game creators to define exactly how a map starts on a territory-by-territory basis.

This feature unlocks at level 47 or with the Mega Strategy Pack.

Overview

Custom scenarios allow game creators to assign a slot (represented by a letter) to every player, AI, and open seat in a game. When configuring the map, territories can then be assigned to specific slots, along with the number of armies that each territory will start with.

This gives creators complete control over the initial state of the map.

Uses

Custom scenarios can be used to create a wide variety of game modes and challenges, including:

• Giving players handicaps, such as starting one player with fewer armies than the others.
• Historical scenarios, such as assigning one player control of Germany and another control of France in a World War I-themed game.
• Asymmetric games, such as a "Godzilla" scenario where one player begins with 10,000 armies while a team of players works together to defeat them.
• Maps where bonuses contain starting wastelands but provide additional income, creating an incentive to capture them.
• Carefully balanced competitive maps by controlling which territories may be picked, adjusting neutral army counts, or placing wastelands in strategic locations.

Balance Considerations

Custom scenarios can easily create games that are unfair or heavily unbalanced.

When experimenting with new scenarios, it may take several games to find settings that are both fair and enjoyable. It is generally recommended to create new custom-scenario games as practice games until the balance has been tested.

Custom Scenarios with Manual Distribution

If a game creator uses Manual Distribution, every territory assigned to a slot becomes available for players to pick.

In this case, the actual slot letter is irrelevant. For example, all pickable territories could be assigned to slot A and the result would be the same.

Custom Scenarios in Tournaments

When a custom scenario is used in a Tournament with Automatic Distribution, the slots assigned to players are randomized for each game.

This prevents players from consistently receiving the same starting position throughout the tournament.

Custom Scenarios with Open Seats

If multiple Open Seats are available with slots, players joining the game may choose between:

• Receiving a random slot.
• Selecting which slot they wish to occupy.

Tips for Creating Custom Scenarios

On large maps, configuring every territory individually can take significant time. The following tips can speed up the process.

Use "Copy to All"

The Copy to All button applies the current territory settings to every territory on the map.

This is especially useful when most territories should share the same settings, allowing creators to establish a baseline before making individual adjustments.

Use Keyboard Shortcuts

The territory editor can be filled out quickly using only the keyboard:

1. Click a territory.

1. Type the number of starting armies.

1. Press Tab.

1. Type the slot letter.

1. Repeat for the next territory.

For example, to set Brazil to 5 armies and slot G:

1. Click Brazil.

1. Press 5.

1. Press Tab.

1. Press G.

With practice, a territory can be configured in less than a second.

See Also

• Initial Territory Distribution
• Manual Distribution
• Automatic Distribution
• Open Seats