Where to start?

Sgt.Sausage

L420: High Member
Dec 5, 2008
420
103
I am sure this has been asking hundreds of times but i think i am less knowledgeable about mapping than most.

I really enjoy tf2 custom maps, i enjoy playing everyones here on tf2maps.net and like helping the mappers make their maps better. I my self would like to start mapping, but i dont no where to start. I have looking on youtube and found tutorials awhile ago before i came to tf2 maps and every time i opened hammer and followed the tutorials i got discouraged and stopped.

What you would guys recommend on how to start mapping, i am talking basic like i do no no anything about source SDK and hammer. I here words like entity, cube maps, displacements etc. all the time but they dont mean much to me. I also know that ABS has an amazing entity gametype library but i dont think i am ready for that. But i do no what textures are lol:p I am sure their are plenty of tutorials on this site but i am not sure where to start.

Anyway thanks guys i hope if i can commit to mapping and find the time i can start working on maps.
 

Cameron:D

L6: Sharp Member
Sep 28, 2008
363
145
I started by opening one of the sample maps (it was a 5cp game template) and working from there. I ended up with something playable, yet far from perfect.
Just find a simple map and play around with it (Don't release it ;) )this is one of the reasons why Valve released the vmf files to their maps. Learn from them.

An entity is just about anything that can be interacted with or does something.
Cubemaps are pre-defined reflections that things reflect.
Displacements are the bumpy terrain, not the flat walls of buildings, but the cliffs and hills.
 

Waif

L7: Fancy Member
Mar 22, 2009
412
125
I am sure this has been asking hundreds of times but i think i am less knowledgeable about mapping than most.

I really enjoy tf2 custom maps, i enjoy playing everyones here on tf2maps.net and like helping the mappers make their maps better. I my self would like to start mapping, but i dont no where to start. I have looking on youtube and found tutorials awhile ago before i came to tf2 maps and every time i opened hammer and followed the tutorials i got discouraged and stopped.

What you would guys recommend on how to start mapping, i am talking basic like i do no no anything about source SDK and hammer. I here words like entity, cube maps, displacements etc. all the time but they dont mean much to me. I also know that ABS has an amazing entity gametype library but i dont think i am ready for that. But i do no what textures are lol:p I am sure their are plenty of tutorials on this site but i am not sure where to start.

Anyway thanks guys i hope if i can commit to mapping and find the time i can start working on maps.


Ok I would try out a few of the basic turoials, like how to create your own spawn room, and just browse through the tutorial section as much as you can be bothered as your skill and knowledge will increase greatly.

Then think about what game type you enjoy, and what game type you would like to make the most. Some people say keep it simple with your first map, but generally the harder the project the more likely you are to keep going at it.

Also remember that google is a mappers top friend, if your ever in need of any help, just type something like "tf2 displacements tutorial"etc and you will often get links to sites like here or valvesdk which offer great tutorials.
 

Open Blade

L420: High Member
Nov 30, 2007
439
34
I don't know how many new mappers I have tried to help from my clan over the past 1 1/2 years but I know they all quit after a short while. Not trying to burst your bubble but I would first start with just reading a TON of tutorials. The first thing in learning to map is you have to understand it's not easy. I think alot of guys out there just open Hammer up and think they are going to make a great map right out of the gate, and after a few weeks they realize what they got themselves into. Don't get me wrong, it's a ton of fun, if you have the aptitude and dedication. You are going to be pulling your hair out on many occasions, but if you understand that, then you can deal with it.

And at first, level designing is only half designing. Problem solving take up the other half. After time goes by, it becomes more design and less problem solving but just realize, it's not just making a bunch of shapes and stuff. I guess it depends on what your goals are but to get maps close or at the level of stock maps is not easy and it takes experienced mappers months and months to make one map.

Also, just be prepared, at first, that nobody will want to play your maps. It's just one of those growing pains of mapping you have to go through. You will think it's a swell map, but in reality it probably won't be. It takes time, just be prepared to put in the work.

Good luck.
 
Last edited:

Sgt.Sausage

L420: High Member
Dec 5, 2008
420
103
Thanks very much or the support, you guys made some good points.
 

flux

L1: Registered
Jun 16, 2009
49
30
Don't worry I am new at making a entire map, but not new to mapping, I think it is the planning and more planning and planning. I got a good idea for my map but what should I do is the question, a PLR? CP5? Cp A/D? PL? so on and so forth...i'm on the same boat!
 

Sgt.Sausage

L420: High Member
Dec 5, 2008
420
103
Good luck, but your not on the same boat, your on a similar boat a little father ahead than me.