# X-Settlers: reconstructing Settlers 3/4 maps and rendering

> X-Settlers is an early C++17 reimplementation effort for The Settlers 3/4 that renders map terrain and documents Settlers 3 map partitions. Its format notes identify map information, player and team data, previews, areas, buildings and resources. Loading graphics and maps directly from an original installation remains planned.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: Game
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-11-06
- Added to the catalog: 2026-11-09
- Original resource: <https://github.com/skarmux/x-settlers>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/skarmux/x-settlers/blob/9a27ef2fac99e4efa2e169f085206aaebd2ecbf7/xsettlers/docs/MAPS.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/x-settlers-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/x-settlers-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/x-settlers-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** Requires C++17, CMake 3.19+ and SDL 2.0; the documented Windows build uses Visual Studio 2019.
- **Prerequisites:** The repository's git submodules must be included for the build.
- **Limits:** Direct loading of Settlers 3 graphics and maps from the original installation is planned.
- **License:** Apache-2.0.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/skarmux/x-settlers/blob/9a27ef2fac99e4efa2e169f085206aaebd2ecbf7/xsettlers/docs/MAPS.md>
2. <https://github.com/skarmux/x-settlers/blob/9a27ef2fac99e4efa2e169f085206aaebd2ecbf7/README.md>

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## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.