The Elder Scrolls: Arena
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ArtInPinkerton

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ArtInPinkerton

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About this mod

Custom DOSBOX controls file for The Elder Scrolls: Arena enabling full modern-style controls while retaining the ability to type text as needed.

Permissions and credits
Changelogs
TES:Arena Re-Remapped 3.0
By ArtInPinkerton


MAJOR UPDATE!!!!! (2024)

After 9 years, I am back with much needed improvements (why, yes. I am a crazy man. Thank you for asking). This new version should be easier to install, play better and have less issues with normal text. Improvements include:
  • Improved Install instructions
  • Improved key assignments to make more sense
  • Removed “tilde” key binding for those that don’t have that key
  • Changed MASTER REVERT key to LCTRL, no conflicts with window shortcuts and easier to type
  • Changed default WASD to Front, Back, Strafe Left, Strafe Right (with Q and E as turn keys)
  • Included variant WASD with Front, Back, Turn Left, Turn Right (with Q and E as strafe keys)
  • Updated keyboard map images
Requirements
Elder Scrolls: Arena (under DOSBOX)
TES: Arena Remapped <- My baby is all grown up (sniff sniff)
A certain level of patience to endure this classic
Description
The Elder Scrolls: Arena was before game control best practices of today were established. Thus, its controls are clunky and awkward. 10 years ago, I decided that can not stand! 

Using the included file, Arena now has full WASD style controls. Most in game functions have been remapped for better convenience and ease of access. Now the game controls much closer to modern Bethesda's games. 


Major hurdle (SOLVED
The only way to do this was to remap the keys in Dosbox. However, remapping the keys affects that key every time. So when you go to type a save game or name a spell, the keys are all jumbled. 

FIX
To solve this, I created a MASTER REVERT key binding. When pressed and held down, all letter keys revert to their original (correct) letter. Version 3.0 has a new MASTER REVERT KEY. That key is now LCTRL. Just hold it down while typing to have normal letters.

Bonus (UNLOCKED)
The World map, Long Jump and Quick Cast didn’t have dedicated keys, now they do. Woot Woot! I said Woot to the friggin Woot!




Installation

NOTE: The official Bethesda Arena download does NOT include Dosbox  

1. Based on the version of TES: Arena you own, select the desired Mapper file
2. Copy the mapper file indicated to the following location (see screenshots in folder):

  • For STEAM, install mapper.txt file to the Arena -> DOSBOX-0.74 folder


  • For GOG, install the mapper file to the root Arena folder


  • For UESP/WIWILAND, install the mapper.txt file to the root Arena folder


2. Remember to press and hold LCTRL when you need to enter normal text. 
3. Place Goblins on the end of a sharp pointy thing!



Uninstall
1. Delete the mapper files in the Arena root directory.
2. Bask in the glory of the user-unfriendly controls of 1992 

Keybinds


W = Forward
A  = Turn Left or Strafe Left (depending on variant choice)
S  = Turn Right or Strafe Right (depending on variant choice)
D  = Backwards

Q  = Turn Left or Strafe Left (depending on variant choice)
E   = Turn Right or Strafe Right (depending on variant choice)
Space= Running AND Standing Long Jump

F= Fight (Draw Weapon)
G= Use
C= Cast (select spells from list)
V= Quick Cast (recast last spell cast)
Z= Steal (pickpocket, Trespass etc)

Tab= Character Sheet and Inventory (also F1)
R= Rest and Camp
T= Status
M= Local Map
O= World Map
K= Log
X= Drop (in inventory)

F2= Coordinates of player
F3= Hit indicator (alternates between slash, crosshatch, none)
F4= Disables/Enables Pixelization effect on popup windows (recommend turning off)
F8= Show/Hide compass

LCTRL= Master Revert key, press and hold this key while typing to revert to normal typing


Incompatibilities

This file is tailored to TES: Arena specifically. While the concepts could be easily be applied to other games, the likelihood of this file working with them is relatively low due to all the remapping.

Load Order

This absolutely must be loaded before Better Skyrim Toenails-Dawnguard Edition (HD remix)...approximately 4 games before it ;)


Changelog

1.0 Initial Release
1.5 GOG version added and fixed one unreported bug...in "typing mode" (i.e. holding down LEFT ALT), the M key didn't revert to normal behavoir. 
2.0 Unreleased aborted version, minor fixes, no variant files, failed controller mapping
3.0 This version…see changelog at top. Just scroll up to page one. No go on git!

Contact

I can be reached on Nexusmods.com as ArtInPinkerton. Also, check out my YouTube channel Martin Saves the Universe. https://www.youtube.com/@MartinSavesTheUniverse. It doesn’t have any Arena videos yet, but eventually. 



Credits

Thanks to Bethesda Softworks for developing Arena and providing it free to the masses.

Thanks to Brucoms for developing the TES3....errrr TES1 Readme Generator this readme was made from.

Other Arena Projects


TES Arena ReFonted at The Elder Scrolls: Arena Nexus - Mods and community (nexusmods.com) NOTE: I am looking at updating this mod too.

TES Arena IntroFix at The Elder Scrolls: Arena Nexus - Mods and community (nexusmods.com)

(ETERNALLY IN PROGRESS)

Arena Depixelization Project (ADP): Texture overhaul for Arena...see www.artinpinkerton.com for more info (website is rarely updated but it’s got the deets!)