Introduction
Hello and welcome! If you've been linked here, it probably means you're interested in Fire Emblem GBA ROMhacking. This tutorial in particular is about using a Buildfile to make modifications to FE8.
You can also visit Fire Emblem Universe for more resources and information.
Why use a Buildfile?
You may be familiar with other methods of FE hacking, such as FEBuilder, FEditor, or Nightmare. These methods all use GUIs, which can seem more intuitive. So what's the big deal? Well, using a Buildfile allows you to avoid having a "working ROM". This means you can never brick your ROM, and you can never lose progress from making a mistake, or have to comb through your ROM looking for whatever it is you broke. You don't have to keep a million backups of your work, and it also allows for collaborative editing without having to pass a ROM around several people. Forgoing an editor software also gives you complete control of your actions, instead of leaving it to the software's mercy. In short, while requiring more effort to grasp, it will grant you ultimate power over your ROM!
What exactly is a Buildfile?
A Buildfile is a set of event (or text) files that give instructions on how to assemble changes to a ROM. Now, those are some confusing words that might not mean anything to you, so let me break it down further. When using traditional editing software, you make changes in place. That is, you change some data, hit save, and now your old file is your new file. If my ROM were a book, it'd be the equivalent of slapping on some white-out and putting in my own writing overtop. As I said earlier, if I were to make a mistake somewhere along the way, I'd need to flip back to that page and do that again to put it back to the way it was. A Buildfile is more like editing a word document. When I need it, I print it out. If I make a mistake, instead of getting out the old white out, I change the text on my computer and print a new copy. Every time you make changes, you will be making a fresh "copy", or build, of your work.
Why use FE8?
Those more familiar with the older hacking scene may be familiar with FE7 being the go-to version for hacking. With recent developments, FE8 is now far and away the most supported version to build on. With a bit of tinkering, it can do everything FE7 could and more. Since FE8 was the last GBAFE game, it also has the most advanced native features, including a much more powerful event engine.
I will note that FE6 and FE7 are supported by Event Assembler and you can use a Buildfile to edit them if you so choose - though this guide will not make addendums for any differences.
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