Civilization 2 - Heroes of Might and Magic 2 Mod (& HoMM1 Addon)

Requirements

Civilization 2 Multiplayer Gold Edition (MGE)
(also known in some regions as Ultimate Civilization 2 Classic Collection)

This mod will NOT work properly with:

• Vanilla Civ2

• Conflicts in Civ

• Fantastic Worlds

• Test of Time (a separate ToT edition is planned)

Please ensure your copy of Civ2 MGE is fully functional before installing this modpack:

• You can start new games

• In-game videos play correctly

If you have trouble running Civ2:

• Use the Civ2UIA tool for better compatibility on modern 64-bit systems.

• Civ2 videos run from the original CD and require the Indeo video codec.

Hopefully one day we’ll get a fully compatible and easy-to-install GOG or Steam version of Civ2 — go vote for one!

Important Graphics Settings

In Game/Graphic Options (accessible only while in-game), make sure the following are turned ON:

• Throne Room

• Diplomacy Screen

• Animated Heralds

• High Council

• Wonder Movies

Otherwise, you will miss vital features of this mod.

Installing

This is one of the largest Civ2 MGE modpacks ever made. Many files will be replaced.

STRONGLY recommended: Back up your entire Civ2 installation folder (copy it or zip it).

Installation Steps

1. Download the latest .7z file for the modpack.

2. Create a folder named HoMM2Mod inside your Civ2 Scenarios folder.

3. Extract the entire modpack into this new folder.

If you don’t have 7-Zip installed, download it here: https://www.7-zip.org/

4. Open the HoMM2Mod folder.

5. Open the 1EXTRA_FILES folder — it contains custom files and replacement video/sound folders.

Ensure you have backed up your Civ2 folder before continuing.

6. Select ALL files and folders inside 1EXTRA_FILES.

7. Copy them (CTRL+C).

8. Navigate to your main Civ2 installation folder
   (example: C:\Games\Civ2\)

9. Paste (CTRL+V) and confirm overwrite on all prompts.

If successful, launching Civ2 should show a new HoMM-themed intro video and main menu.

If not — you did something wrong

Two Ways to Use the Modpack

You can:

1. Play the pre-made scenario (recommended)

2. Use the modded files to create your own sandbox game

We recommend the scenario because:

• It includes a special custom map

• It contains decorative elements not present in new maps

Playing the Scenario

1. Launch Civilization 2.

2. Select Begin Scenario.

3. Navigate to HoMM2Mod folder.

4. Load HOMM2.scn.

Important Warning

Civ2 limitations:

• Scenario mode disables Throne Room & Wonder videos.

• Non-scenario mode disables special events.

You must choose what you prefer.

Option A – Keep Throne Room & Wonder Videos (Recommended)

1. Press CANCEL at the warning.

2. Return to the main menu.

3. Select Load a Game.

4. Load one of the provided save files:

   • StartKnight.sav

   • StartWizard.sav

   • etc. (7 factions available)

These saves have scenario mode disabled via hex editor.

Option B – Keep Events (Lose Throne Room & Wonder Videos)

1. Press OK.

2. Continue with scenario mode.

Advanced Recommendation

• Start in non-scenario mode.

• Build all wonders and complete your Throne Room.

• Then switch back to scenario mode via:

  • Cheat menu → Save as Scenario → Reload scenario

This re-enables events like Dragon City and special locations.

Music

• Turn off Civ2 music.

• Double-click one of the _HoMM2Civ2MusicPlaylist files in HoMM2Mod to play the included HoMM2 MIDI soundtrack.

Alternative Files

Inside HoMM2Mod → 2ALT_FILES:

• Alternative city backgrounds per faction

• Alternative terrain and unit styles (by MetroPolis)

To change city background:

1. Copy desired faction file.

2. Rename it to City.gif.

3. Paste into your Civ2 root folder, overwriting existing file.

Starting Your Own Sandbox Game

If you want sandbox instead of scenario:

Step 1 – Replace Sound Files

1. Go to HoMM2Mod → SOUND.

2. Copy all files.

3. Paste into your Civ2 root → SOUND folder.

4. Overwrite originals (after backup).

Step 2 – Create New Game

1. Launch Civ2.

2. Select Customized World.

3. Use recommended settings:

   • World Size – Normal or Large

   • Land Mass – Large

   • Land Form – Continents

   • Climate – Wet

   • Temperature – Temperate

   • Age – 3 Billion Years

   • Civilizations – 7

Using fewer than 7 civs may break events.

Step 3 – Map Preparation

• Save your game.

• Edit map via Map Editor or Cheat Menu.

• You may switch to each civ and help build their first city.

• Do NOT end the turn.

Step 4 – Convert to Scenario

1. Save as Scenario (Cheat Menu).

2. Quit to main menu.

3. Select Begin Scenario.

4. Load your new scenario file.

5. Play until Turn 4.

By then:

• Special faction setup events run.

• Each faction receives unique unit line-ups.

• Two factions gain true city style.

Step 5 – AI Fix

• Enable cheat mode.

• Check each AI city.

• Switch build to Level 1 unit (or everyone gets a goblin).

• Disable cheat mode.

• Save in HoMM2Mod folder.

Step 6 – Hex Editing

1. Open save file in hex editor (e.g. HxD).

2. Edit offset position 20.

3. Change value to 0.

4. Save file.

This:

• Disables cheat flag on score screen.

• Restores Throne Room & Wonder videos.

• Disables future events unless saved as scenario again.

Final Steps

• Turn off Civ2 music.

• Use included HoMM2 MIDI playlist.

• Optional: Replace graphics from 2ALT_FILES folder.