How do you view custom maps?

  • If you're asking a question make sure to set the thread type to be a question!

Rusty

L1: Registered
Sep 24, 2009
1
0
I've tried for ages to find a way to view maps (eg pl_cashworks) in SDK and i cant find them anywhere. Does anyone know how to open them in Hammer?
 

drp

aa
Oct 25, 2007
2,273
2,628
the simple answer is you cant. unless you decompile. but thats like killing a kitten. only the mapper has the original source file to view the map in hammer. not sure how open mappers will be in just simply giving their vmf away.
 

strangemodule

L5: Dapper Member
Sep 10, 2009
223
59
Like drpepper said, you can decompile, but some of the brush entities (from my recollection, areaportals and some triggers) will be unassigned. Despite the stigma surrounding decompiling maps, it's perfectly okay to decompile a map if you wish to see how a mapper did something or if you want to learn how to detail a map/make good prop placement. As long as you don't attempt to alter it and release it as your own, you're okay.
 

Terr

Cranky Coder
aa
Jul 31, 2009
1,590
410
Depending on why you want to view them, you can also view them in-game and use a variety of console commands to see invisible brushes and other details.