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SonLVL-RSDK: Getting Started

Welcome to the SonLVL-RSDK setup guide! This tool lets you easily modify levels in the mobile remakes of Sonic 1, Sonic 2, and Sonic CD. Let’s get you set up quickly so you can start editing levels and creating your own mods in no time!

Step 1: Download SonLVL-RSDK

First, head over to the SonLVL-RSDK releases page and download the latest version of the program. Once it’s downloaded, just extract the files to any folder on your computer.

Tip: Since SonLVL-RSDK works with multiple games, it’s best to keep it in its own folder. Don’t put it in the same folder as your game files - things can get a little messy that way!

^{SonLVL-RSDK on the GitHub releases page.} An image of the SonLVL-RSDK releases page, with SonLVL-RSDK.exe circled.

^{SonLVL-RSDK extracted into its own folder.} An image showing SonLVL-RSDK extracted into its own folder.

Step 2: Grab the Project Files for Your Game

Next, on the same page, grab the project files for the game you want to edit. For example, if you’re working with Sonic 1, download the Sonic1.zip file. Extract the ZIP into the same folder where your game’s .exe file.

^{The project files on the GitHub releases page. Pick the one that matches your game!} An image of the SonLVL-RSDK releases page, with the game project files circled.

^{The extracted project files. Make sure they're right next to your game!} An image showing the project files extracted into the same folder as the game files.

Step 3: Open SonLVL-RSDK & Load Your Game

Now, open SonLVL-RSDK.exe. Drag and drop your game’s SonLVL.ini file (included in the previous step) into the program window. Now your game should be loaded, and SonLVL-RSDK’s icon and title should show that!

Tip: Just make sure you’re dragging the SonLVL.ini file, not the settings.ini file (which is part of the game files, not SonLVL’s files, so you don’t wanna use that one!)

^{Just drag it over, and then..} An image showing the user dragging the Sonic1-SonLVL.ini file into SonLVL-RSDK.

Step 4: Create Your Mod

Using the top navigation bar, go to File > Select Mod > New Mod… to create a new mod. Fill out the form with your mod’s details, and you’re good to go!

Tip: For next time, you don’t need to manually drop your SonLVL.ini file or anything! Instead, after opening SonLVL-RSDK, you can just go to File > Recent Mods, and select both your game and your mod in one click!

^{Now, create your mod..} An image showing the user pressing the New Mod button in SonLVL-RSDK.

Step 5: Pick a Level & Start Editing!

Now, go to File > Change Level…, select a level, and edit to your heart’s content!

^{Go ahead and choose!} An image showing the user selecting a level in SonLVL-RSDK.

And You’re Ready to Go!

That’s it! You’re all set to start creating and modding the levels for your favourite classic Sonic games! Dive in, play around, and have fun! If you ever get stuck or have any questions, from level creation to modding in general, feel free to join the Retro Engine Modding Server!

The start of Green Hill Zone Act 2, opened in SonLVL-RSDK. Metallic Madness Act 2's foreground being edited.
Wing Fortress's chunks being edited. Wacky Workbench Act 1 Past's background parallax being edited.