Can somone link some tutorials about detailing?

BenCo

L5: Dapper Member
Dec 30, 2015
242
135
So the 72H TF2Jam is coming but i don't know a few things about detailing:
-3d skyboxes
-water
-when to use very thin walls
And that kinda stuff. If you can post me a whole tutorial about detailing that's exactly the best thing.
 
S

saph

First off, I'd get your core map functionality and gameplay down so it play well, because if you put too much time into something that doesn't play well, it's rough removing or fixing it. Overall, detailing, like many things in level design, is something that takes practice. I normally just look for references either in-game or from real life. This allows you to have resources to draw inspiration from, or to have a clear image for your goal.

  • For 3D skyboxes, displacements and scaling can be tricky. I would highly recommend Freya's 3D Skybox Guide. This isn't normally done until beta, so I'd push it back farther than basic detailing when under a strict time constraint.
  • For basic texturing, I normally look at existing maps in-game (here's a thread for decompiled versions). Try to find a balance between contrast, shapes, form, and values to create that TF2 feel we all love.
  • The last thing I'd find important, even though you didn't mention it, is lighting. You can give subtle hints and cues for objectives, or make the map look pretty. Tyler wrote a very visual guide explaining different techniques and lighting examples you can use to make a more natural, better playing map. Frozen wrote an amazing, quick guide for a more advanced topic that is usually unappreciated.
Finally, for things such as water, general detailing, and more, here's a link to Egan's Mapping Link Resources which combines all kinds of tips and tricks found in the depths of this site. Be sure to make yourself some prefabs once you made a simple setup at least once. This can help with lighting, detailing, and objectives setup so you can focus more on the map, instead of preparation. Have fun in the upcoming 72HR Jam, and be sure to practice as much as possible beforehand!