RPG Maker MV Tutorial: 5 Helpful Tips to Start & Finish Your Game!

These are some things that've helped me start, continue and finish projects in the past... and present! And probably future:P
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Music by Jewelbeat.com, used with permission from EndlessGaming.Today

[@annabunni64]

It seems we're opposites. I love making fun battles and mechanics. But drawing and map making is such a paaaaain.

[@KotCR]

Haha same as me. I want to get an actual game done but my very first project over 15 years ago now was the only one I ever finished. Since then I just spend so much time prototyping different mechanics and combat styles that I never settle on anything for long enough to get something playable out. The only completed project was RM2k, and the only other one I've got in a playable content-amount-viable state is an RM2k3 one...and this is probably more to do with the limitations of those engines simply forcing me not to experiment too much as there is only so much that can do. But with RMXP, VX/Ace or MV? Scripting means there is so much cool stuff you can do, I just spend all the time developing mechanics and never actually getting into the maps and graphics and whatnot ^_^.

[@spicylemonade8958]

i can relate to you

[@n-extrafries-surprise]

I dunno, I am more into writing the dialogue and making skits.

[@kingninja1781]

GoldLight64 same

[@Dragnfly_mynamewastaken]

That's absolutely true. Never feel boxed in by the software. "RPG Maker makes better adventure games than Adventure Game Studio does." - One of my favourite RM-related statements.

[@dropdedgothish]

I love the last tip, I'm a musician, not a game dev, so my project is being built around the music I make as I go

[@elhuskyplateado7731]

the hardest thing is draw and paint all the animations, specially when you dont know how to draw or paint lol

[@isaac3000]

what do I need to draw my own characters and monsters?

[@elhuskyplateado7731]

isaac3002 I use a wacom tablet and manga studio for 2d characters

[@isaac3000]

Morxplays I see, thank you very very much!!!

[@-aku-1630]

Honestly it feels like this is what I spend most of my time doing. I can be really indecisive about the appearances of my main characters and I keep redesigning them. Over a year into my project and I am finally satisfied with them lol. I just use Gimp to draw everything

[@morgan5941]

I've decided since I don't have a tablet, I'd make all my assets in Blender. It's honestly a lot easier for me, I don't have to be a master of coloring and shading as long as the texture material is decent.

[@HatsukaRaigeki]

you're an inspiration for people. always looking at things differently and in a positive way. god bless.

[@lukelcs8934]

The last tip is probably the best, with doing things in chunks, and switching between the parts you like and the parts you don't. I'm literally watching this video practically everyday lol.

[@Kwatsch9000]

I find working with the built-in Database pretty inconvenient, so i decided to do all Skills, Weapons , Armors, Items and Enemies in an Exel sheet beforehand. This let's me collect Ideas for a while before i eventually carry over everything

[@alandunaway3000]

Good tip.

[@shinyshyvana8126]

Oh man, tip #2 reminds me of how I started out with RPG Maker. I made this embarrassing little thing that was literally called "Some Disgrace of a Game" and it was just that, a disgrace of a game because I literally just used it to learn how the program worked. xD Ironically though, I liked the main character of that so much she got transferred over to my first real attempt at a game as a side character, and is currently my favorite character of that WIP game to boot. :P

[@Gamesfan34260]

Reading this kinda makes me want to see what the game was like :O

[@nathanhall7891]

I'm glad you're back; I keep hoping to start on MV but work hasn't let me . . . so far. When I get the time I'll be ready--thanks to you. Keep posting vids, and in the meantime I might at least find the hours to play GM

[@shemulator5873]

1) Thank you for having great video skills (not just editing, but presentation). 2) I didn't have all my skills planned out, but I did have my cats, dogs, and EVEN the muffins planned out. 3) Seriously. Don't forget your muffins RPG Makers!

[@lightbitcloud]

i have to say thanks a lot, these videos you make are a big help to me, i am still a newbie with it but each step is one step closer to getting done.

[@HikoSakeArchives]

Very helpful video I can definitely say! I myself am just starting up my second project in RPG Maker VX Ace. MV looks good but I feel like I can get it done in ACE and seeing all these tips you've got has actually really inspired me. When I finish the project I'll be sure to send you a link and give you a special thanks in the credits.

[@GabeTheChosenOne]

Haha, I've needed this for a while. Thanks, Echo! :)

[@GrowinLight]

This is what I do. Focus on one game as long as it takes to perfect it to your satisfaction. Do not bother to worry about how long it takes to make because most actual games take years to make. If you get board just take a break and come back later.

[@karleclaire]

Hello there I'm new to this software and currently learning RPG Maker MV. Thanks for this upload. Please continue making more.

[@EntoSanto]

The world is full of talented people as I can see. And, I am not one of them. Just great. Grrreeeaaaaat.

[@Krimson86]

I wanna hug you for helping with all this stuff.

[@KenLinx]

lol I'm watching other people make games, but I don't have the patience to make my own XD

[@akkitty22]

yeah there's some headscratchers when doing everything yourself, building skills in art, music, writing, programming all at once can be overwhelming so chunks works great. Do fun things that add to your project, then work through the headscratchers bit by bit.

[@UltimateGamerCC]

that tip of dividing skills, weapons, armor, monsters and spells into segments was the best one of this video, least that's what i think.

[@lrn5152]

I love your voice it sounds so adorable! it reminds me of ducky from the land before time, which is good! keep it up!

[@DriftyG]

Excellent tips Echo, many of the things you talk about are also things I've said to people countless times over skype.

[@LunarcomplexDev]

Hey Echo! Thanks for some of these awesome tips! I was hoping you could help me with a problem I'm dealing with, it's about transferring players from map to map, mainly while being in an outside section of the game, and was wondering what do you think is better? 1. To keep the player in the middle of the screen and have them transfer via an event? (I could see this really helping players who are on a touch screen and wouldn't have to move their finger over to the edge of the screen while not being able to see the player that well) Or 2. Walk to the edge of the screen (which forces them to move away from the center of the screen) and maybe transfer through the use of a plugin?

[@patroison1]

#4 resonated with me. I'm pretty bad when it comes to planning ahead, you have to you the word 'cluster' to describe how I have things set up, but I like how you have each character's skills with their respective section. I saw that monster, random encounter enemies I imagine, are all lumped together. Would you place boss skills with them, or separate them since they tend to be characters of their own? Either way, great video. So glad I subscribed.

[@PETON-bg1ve]

hey you earn a sub and a like thanks so much for this tips they really help me to not get frustrated when i start a proyect "that´s my weakness" have a nice day and keep doing videos you're gonna go far ;) and i'm sorry if i committed some mistakes in my orthography

[@sinnistar-senrufustudios7075]

And Echo's Tip Box strikes again with 5 more tips! lol I'm currently on the "It's so hot in my house....I can't think straight" phase...so it's going slow atm heh but I'm still planning up stuff even during this xD. I'm like you with the mechanics part heh....I'm an artist, so I'm more into it when I can do artsy stuff (like designing the working cannon I just did and then turning it into a gold cannon and then attaching a dragon head to the top of it and then...well ya get the point heh xD I know have 5 variations of my cannon o.o) But seriously now, Echo you're like the community of RM's motivator lol. xD very well known and always have this positive attitude about you. You've actually driven my idea to make the first giraffe (and other safari critters) sprite for MV LOL xP this is gonna be fun to make.

[@WernerLopes]

Your tips are great! Congratulations!

[@bass2yang]

Echo607, I just recently started getting into RPG MV and am loving it so far (beginner of course). Love all the videos. Question for you - what battle engine are you using at 3:45? It looks like something that I would like to use in my game (assuming it's for MV). Keep up the good work! Thanks! - Thou

[@Shikuroshi]

Hey Echo! I've been trying to do a game where the party members affections for the MC effects things in the game EX: skills and cut scenes. I understand how to make variables and how to use them but something i have been really stuck on is a system to say gift an item in return for affection points with one character. I get myself wrapped up in circles and i have tried events and scripts that just confuse me and I'm close to giving up. if you have any thoughts or ideas on this to put into a video i would appreciate it!

[@willsiauw]

hey Echo, I was wondering, how long do you recommend a first game being, how long was your first actual game? and thanks for your AMAZING videos.

[@IAmVianca]

Hey, Echo. I got a question: which do you generally do first? The sprites? the maps? Or do you use a placeholder sprite first when making your game?

[@bunnysammy_]

This was really helpful! Honestly, I don't even know what to do when it comes to maps. But, I LOVE making skills and character/plot/drawing stuff. Also, my songs are... Uh... RTP. P. S. EA IS SO CUTE :3

[@okaberintarou248]

Awesome Video. That was really motivating. :)

[@ValentineAinsley]

Thank you for making this video! I always say I'm gonna make a game then bail, like, the next week. I'm currently working on a Zelda fangame called The Legend of Zelda: A Broken Harmony. With an Ocarina!

[@OrthpdoxGaming]

Thank so much. I'm 13 years old and I just got rpg maker mv and I've been quitting a lot of projects since they were to big or to complicated.😅

[@jonathanclarke630]

Hi Echo! I was just curious if you know of a way to have an event occur every 5 minutes or so?

[@TGameDev]

thank you echo. i feel i spend almost too much time on mechanics, perhaps its time to shift to music for a bit (so much fun!)

[@pipemetal]

Weeee, you Use my character Graphic at 4:04 Thanks yo so Much :), nice Tips like always keep the good work

[@Cuprite1024]

I've never made a game before (Planning on getting RPG Maker MV as soon as possible). I'll hear or see something and I'll just have a sudden flood of ideas in my head which I can't use because I haven't made a game before nor can I at the moment. This goes for both potential RPG Maker stuff and Pokemon rom hacks. :P

[@DoctorSpacebar]

Once upon a time, CATS! HOW ARE YOU GENTLEMEN, ALL YOUR BASE ARE BELONG TO US... Also, I second going on walks as being a great way to relax. I distinctly remember times working on my game where I was staring at a screen for three hours, intermittently getting distracted by KZbin, up until I took a ten minute walk and figured out what to do next about five minutes in.

[@MrBurns-dm8cv]

Hi there! Thanks a lot for those awesome videos! I'd love you to do a tutorial about getting character sets right, if possible. I can't find out how to apply correct sizes to the small character sprites when I import external character sets. Sometimes MV just uses ridiculously small or big areas, where only half an image or more than one gets displayed. (posted this below another video and then noticed it was from 2015) Hope to see more from you!

[@alphattus1503]

wow, im very early. i'm proud! this video will give me the motivation. thanks echo!

[@phecez]

echo is like the rpgmaker oracle, she tells us exactly what we need to hear, at the precise moment we need to hear it, and not a word more.

[@afterparty1911]

Hi Echo, nice video, thank you for sharing. It would be interesting if you make video about yourself and how you entered in the world of making games

[@IamAzorus]

Anytime i get stuck inside a project i enjoy coming here watching a video and than that usually puts me back into the mood of working. Was probably around 5 months ago that i had commented bout a game i was making called "NeverDream" My writer quit on me and since than my time has mostly went to gaming but a good amount of it went to coding. Excited to start a new game but i need a ideal on the path i want to take it so nothing like SNES rom and some Finial Fantasy's. If you got any RPG games you think would help me or just in general show me the ability that RPG maker has i would be interested in checking them out. Also with yanfly popping out so many new plugins would be great to see a top 10 plugins or maybe even a top 10 plugin's you wish was made.

[@karleydanielle6]

I love all your videos they are so helpful!! Could you pretty please share how to make it so you can have enemies run around the map to battle like in 1:02 in this video? I get super frustrated with battles that drag you into a battle scene

[@guerin71281]

for little information asking the xp program is always in race to do mv program tutorials ?

[@The_Scouts_Code]

great battle systems in this video.

[@victorreoli]

can i ask what plugin/script do you use to make the action battle system? is it available for MV?

[@mimimimi5801]

Quick question: Do Sprites/characters/art have to be pixelated? Or can it just be digitally drawn out?

[@willlockthedoor7176]

I'm never using battles in my games - PUZZLES ONLY!

[@papipepino.]

MrЁрик ok

[@sinkdemon5813]

Puzzle battle no?

[@estahbear]

I made a custom battle system for MV3D, or making it.

[@mmgmismas]

Actually. My first project had 4-6 hours of playtime. Then I released small ammount of updates and then DLC and now it is 5-8 hours XD. That project helped me a lot

[@VeenanNorvius]

echo do you have a tutorial on changing the user interface(not the title screen) even with yanfly's plugins?

[@calvinmk09]

Sorry, this may be slightly off topic but it's an urgent question I wished to ask in your latest video: What 'zoom' plugin are you using for your Gaia's Melody HD Remake? I currently use it via scripts, but it clashes with Yanfly's Extended Message plugin, and changes the location of text. I notice that for whatever reason, it works amazingly well with your GM: HD Remake.

[@Echo607]

I'm probably using the same plugin as you. I improvised lol

[@inactiveaccount9253]

Hey Echo, uhh... I noticed that during the 5th tip, you showed a game play clip of a slime being atomized, Could you please tell us what plugin the effect is created with?

[@jacksonrowe8715]

Hii echo! This is kinda random... But how do you upload your custom application icon for your game? Like, instead of a blockhead guy with a sword standing on a floating block of grass? Also, what's that plugin/script/whatever that you had in that video where you didn't have to process a battle, and can fight on the map? Thanks!

[@remixtheidiot5771]

I dont think you need a plugin for that... Just dont set the battleback to be anything and it will make the map the battleback

[@TakeHomeTheCup]

For the "battle on map" thing... You'll need some plugin/script that does that... Like an ABS or Tactical Battle System. Which ever you prefer. I'm not sure MV has any of those yet.

[@MerkhVision]

Joshua Sekyi update, theres a bunch of those now!

[@drunkpirate8112]

Actually, I disagree about taking breaks and do things in chunks (For me, others might agree with what you say). Every time I take a break, I always abandon the project the day after, because I lack the motivation. When I don't want to work on my project anymore, I force myself into making it, and the motivation comes back naturally

[@keeysOST]

Holy crap I'm more into drawing than making a game, but these tips helped me with art more lol

[@--Miquella--7038]

Your voice inspired me!

[@FunkyKrakje]

Your videos are very motivating :)

[@aryanghimire9316]

excuse me.. please tell me how do you make your own custom spirites? thank you

[@phantom9831]

I already have the storyline of my project, but not in details, so, when i have free time (and not motivate to create) if an idea comes in my head, i write/draw it, then, i organize all of my ideas like: is it really a good idea? How can i bring it and what will be the consequences in the story (It works also with maps, ennemies, spell, tileset or even music (the last is a bit harder to write thought xD)

[@nikolaydoirenski8828]

What plugins are used for the battle scene in the 5th tip?

[@borderlinetragic2521]

Who else thinks that she would be perfect for a substitute peridot voice actor? xD

[@DeusExRequiem]

I was thinking derpy from mlp would be perfect, and then she mentioned muffins at 4:35 and I almost laughed.

[@Connorsnick]

Why is your RPG Maker creation screen and stuff black, contrary to the stock white? How do you do that?

[@xzluckykingzxgaming1930]

Hey my plugins aren't working for some reason/are there any other sites besides Yanfly and SRD that someone would recommend? I've already tried turning all my plugins off except the one and go to test but a black screen just appears.

[@poryg5350]

I love making game mechanics, but I am not good in making graphics or music, since I can't paint... But I will definitely need to learn that, since graphic and music are another important parts of the game... :D

[@HeroicHarishOfficial]

Richard Urbanec good luck!

[@poryg5350]

Believe Soft thanks :) I will need that, especially after my laptop broke down :(

[@hasgames3231]

If you want,I can tell you how to make a cellphone mechanic

[@n-extrafries-surprise]

@@hasgames3231 wait, tell me. I need that for my rpgmaker project XD

[@n-extrafries-surprise]

I suck at making gameplay mechanic and making armors and items are all over the place... Though, I have talent in writing dialogues and making cutscene. I guess.

[@Croatz]

Echo, what are your favorite plugins?

[@kinryuten]

What was the plugin that was used for changing the battle UI?

[@phantom9831]

If i want to make a 50h game, but publish a demo, then i publish a bigger démo, and again and again, and finally publish the complete game, is it good?

[@blizoli]

Good video!

[@Scodigy]

Ever thought of doing voice over Echo? You seriously have a very unique voice that would make for pixar!

[@KanoKrone]

Do you know any where i could find Plugins and tile sets and sprites and so on and so forth

[@RikuCotton]

Thanks for the vid... I struggle with rpg making really. #3 kind of helps me a little. ;v

[@hbmk1473]

I feel as though I can never just dive in and work at my project. I end up staring at the screen for a minute to an hour wondering what to do, then when I return I get really angry and frustrated because I haven't done anything and the project is just a bunch of presets that I haven't altered and I'm not progressing and the game isn't being made. Eh.

[@BelugaNetwork]

How did you make your characters in gaias melody?

[@goodoldgamingyoutuber6371]

echo@ why intro on gaia melody AE are so laggy...? and could you fix that, probably on original version XP or MV?

[@Rainbowhawk1993]

Going to try to create a spiritual successor to Golden Sun with this. How does that sound?

[@airnn8953]

I dont know why must this video made me feel like going back to try to make an rpgmaker game, I tried a few months back but my free trial ran out cause i took too long parallax mapping each map i had xD

[@fierceditiesnaruto]

Hi, I know this is old. But is there a set of tips for the PS4 or would you recommend getting the PC version?

[@Echo607]

I can only recommend the PC versions. I've never used the console versions, because to my knowledge they're not really customizable :3

[@elchreflex014]

Hi Echo! Can you make a tutorial how on how to make this tutorial cutscence in battle? I really don't know how to do it... Thank's for your help and sorry for my bad english... I am from Germany! But I do like your videos a lot!

[@cagedhercules5649]

YOU LOVE FINAL FANTASY IX? I LOVE YOU EVEN MORE c:

[@cagedhercules5649]

My favourite game ever, my inspiration for making my own game xD

[@wellalrightthen.6766]

How do you make your character move diagonally

[@syco9154]

How do i make custume blocks?

[@eternalrecurrence6042]

@1:50 how did you get rpg maker MV to use those style graphics?

[@patrickgamer47]

what do you mean

[@TenderEnders]

I feel so bad for being This late. Sorry Echo Also Love the video

[@t.vampiro4800]

Good advice. I always had RPG maker for years. but I could never finish anything.

[@sharktos3218]

Omg.... You have the cutest voice i have ever heard

[@CDPW]

I always spend all my time in the database and then dread going back to the main project.

[@lightmaker5648]

I've been working with VX Ace Lite, what advice would you give in making a good game with the limited amount of stuff it lets you do?

[@poryg5350]

Explore the limited resources. For example if you hate the default battle system, then do your own through events. With events and graphics you can still do lots of stuff... I know the game mechanics, but since I am not good with graphics, this is where I am stuck. But don't think that just because it is the lite version, it is limited. Truth is though, without scripts the VXA lite it is even less powerful than RPG maker 2k3, my favourite. The difference is, RM 2k3 has Key input processing, while VXA doesn't, which kind of makes everything very difficult vor VXA Lite. Also, Power mode unlocks the RM 2k3 to its' fullest potential by allowing you the use of keyboard and mouse, your own title screen and way more :) So I would recommend degrading to RM2k3 instead of VXA Lite.

[@lightmaker5648]

Yeah, but I don't have any money. Which is why I'm stuck with VXA Lite.

[@poryg5350]

I see. I see. It's just a pity that I didn't see that earlier, because the RPG makers were on sale with 60% discount last week... That made RM 2k3 cost only 4€. If you have absolutely no money, there are still ways to get it for free, but since due to some reason I can't create projects on Windows 10 with RM 2k3, I was pretty much forced to upgrade to mv. However, if you really wish to stick with RPG maker vx Ace lite, then there is very little advice I can give you. Just remember that even with using these limited resources, pictures and events, you can create a good game just like if you are using scripts. As Echo said in one video: Don't think what the program can do... Think what you can make it do. For example in one of my projects that are unfortunately lost I have made a simple action battle system. Two parallel process events, one taking care of my attack readiness meter, second one taking care of my defense readiness meter. Then one parallel process event that took care of my key input processing (feature exclusive for 2k and 2k3). I stored the action button to variable 0003, defence button to variable 0004 and had two conditional branches. If attack button value is 1 (in other words if Space is pressed): If attack ready is ON: Change variable Recovery to 0 Switch Attacking on Move event: Hero change sprite, turn right 4x, change sprite back (battle animation). He attacked all monsters around him. So if anyone was near (I had pages that activated with action button, collision with hero and touched by hero influenced by my attacking switches and defence switch), they jumped 2 tiles back and took damage. If I hadn't been ready for the attack, I took damage. I won't be giving you the full description, because I want you to explore and experiment on your own. But with knowing these basics I suddenly realized that I can do much more with the RPG maker than such a stupid action battle system. I had in mind all these crazy systems... Which in the end I couldn't create, because I am not good in making graphics :) All you need are graphics, events, music and imagination. For example parallax graphics (you can find tutorials on KZbin) are what anyone can do if he has the skills. And yet they can really enhance the quality of the game if you are good in it. But you have to practice that by yourself, nobody will be able to do it for you :) A story accompanied by bad music makes it bad, but using sound effects and music well can completely change the depth and immersiveness of the story.

[@lightmaker5648]

I don't WANT to stick with Lite, I just have no choice at the moment. Also i kinda suck wit the scripts...I'm better at writing the stories. Comes from the old days of my roleplaying. Currently, the game I'm trying to make, which I dubbed, Skybourne Legacy, is about an orphan boy who was adopted by a royal family, who starts having visions of a great emptyness. Eventually, he tells his mother (his father isn't around) about his visions, and his mother advises him to seek out the island protector. And when you leave the castle town, you immediately see why it's called Skybourne Legacy. The entire game takes place in the sky!

[@luisces]

What is the ABS being used on the video at 0.52?

[@luisces]

timeisbutawindow It's Bliss ABS for rpg maker XP.

[@iluvlittenanimations2.010]

I’m focused on the story personally, and I’m making the rest of the game serve the story.

[@SusLux]

i have a tip! before you start making your game, know how it ends, or else you will end up having to change so much about it :)

[@KurenaiHideyoshi]

You can compare it to a tightrope; Both ends need to be defined, and must be able to handle whatever it can support.

[@SusLux]

+Orenjiboy135 Great example :)

[@aaron4832]

Something i found that works for me in this regard (for those that aren't a fan of coming up with a solidly defined end, before actually making the game), is come up with your characters, who they are and where they come from, and then start asking the "Why's" - why is character A motivated to go on this adventure, why is character B following him, why is Villain A planning to eat all the pies? what did the pies do to him? how are they all linked? etc I find this method helps greatly when struggling to "connect the dots" as it were, for a story driven game. Edit: The beauty of this method is that there is pretty much nothing you cannot ask a why for, it helps you come up with new stuff you may have missed when creating your main cast of characters, and can really help you bring them to life for the player, as well as deal with those pesky continuity errors (plot holes) in your story.

[@Whack0]

Hello echo! I have been watching your channel since December and I'm happy to say you've come far! Can I please use your characters in a nonprofit KZbin series/fanfic (whatever it turns into) anyways, see you later gamer

[@Whack0]

+echo607

[@aliffarhan1177]

you really do love ff9 a lot! 😂

[@vaughnalsobrook784]

Whoa whoa whoa, are there Gaia’s Melody comics?! Please tell me there are Gaia’s melody comics

[@DJPhree330]

Where do we send fan mail?

[@MrServantRider]

I'm not good at the art stuff, and my friend isn't good at the mechanical stuff. We're both good at story stuff but she has the better ideas and writing while I like to focus on small details (Like NPC interactions or jokes). So after a lot of trial and error by ourselves on VX Ace and never actually finishing any games worth showing someone... we're now working together on RMMV. XD Hopefully we get better results. :3

[@Gamesfan34260]

Personally, the worst part is coming up with the map for me...it's not that I CAN'T do it but it's more "OH MY GOD, MY EYES ARE HURTING FROM LOOKING AT ALL THESE TREES, END MY PAIN!" No, but in all seriousness, I've started a new project for a Game Jam that needs to be done by Halloween and I just...can't bring myself to make any progress since it requires me to work on the maps and I don't want to look at maps. I'm more the story guy when it comes to game creation which is why if I were to just use pre-made maps, it'd be SO much easier but at the same time, I feel lazy when I use pre-made maps which is funny cuz I'd NEVER criticize someone else for doing that

[@WernerLopes]

... and tank you! :)