RPG Maker VX: Adding Details and Setting Up the Starting Point

This is a follow up to my previous article about creating your first map and project.

In this article, I will explain how to add details to your maps as well as introduce some an important function: the events. If you are a beginner, it is strongly recommended that your read the previous article (about creating your first map and project) before reading this one.

The first page of this article will tell you about adding up some details.

The second page of this article will tell you about using transfer points.

The third page will tell you about combining events together.

Go ahead and select Tileset B, C or D. Remember that you can scroll down the upper left window to check out all of the available tiles.

Select some tiles you like and add some details to your island. You can even switch back to Tileset A to change the appearance of the ground if you feel that it is too monotonous.

Keep modifying your island until you reach a result you’re satisfied with:

Keep in mind that Tileset A is mostly for creating the ground or some walls while the Tilesets B to E are for decoration. Elements from Tileset B will go “on top” of elements from Tileset A.

Below, the tree from B goes on top of the grass from A:

Now that you understand the basics about mapping, let’s explore a crucial aspect of RPG Maker VX: the “events”.

Everything that actually “happens” in the game is called an event. It can be a King offering you a perilous quest, opening a chest or a door or creating a save point.

Once again, look at the top window. Look out for the little EV icon.

The two buttons in the red rectangle are used to access the two main “modes” of RPG Maker. The icon on the left is used for mapping (what you’ve been doing up to now) while the button on the right is to access the Event mode.

The mapping mode can be also be accessed by pressing F5 on your keyboard while the Event mode can be accessed by pressing F6.

Access the Event mode and you’ll notice straightaway a grid appearing. This is a good way to tell that you’re currently in Event mode.

If you look carefully, you’ll notice a character standing there which has been there since the very beginning:

This is the starting point of the main character of your game. Once your game is launched, this is where the game will begin.

The character is currently in water which is problematic. Let’s move it on the island.

Left click and drag the character. You can now move the character somewhere on the island like so:

If you wish, you may also right click anywhere on the map (while in Event mode) and select “Set starting point”, as shown here:

Once you’ve made sure your character is on land, launch the game to give it a test drive. Press F12 or click on the green arrow in the top window:

You will be asked to save your progress, do so. Once at the title screen select “New game” (it should already be selected) and press the Enter Key. You should now be able to move around your little island.

It’s pretty boring though as there’s nothing to do. In the next article I will introduce a few kinds of Event which will no doubt turn out to be very useful.