Alot of questions

alecool34

L1: Registered
May 12, 2017
6
0
Hello there! I have gathered a couple questions that I need answers for.

1. how can I take an official map (like 2fort) and make it usable by hammer.exe?

2. Is there a way to place down already chosen props? (Like a brush or some sort) it would save a lot of time

3. How can I make payload tracks? I don't see them anywhere

4. How do I make trains that actually work? (Like on the official maps)

5. When I make a map, where do I publish it?

6. How do I make a spinning hazard? (Like a laser that spins)


Thanks!
 

Tumby

aa
May 12, 2013
1,084
1,192
1. Most maps are only accessible by decompiling them. Some older ones also have SDK-versions, which are files from valve specifically for us to look at. (SDK versions are always the release-version of a map and may have old bugs in them)
https://tf2maps.net/threads/valve-maps-decompiled.5952/
https://tf2maps.net/downloads/source-sdk-example-vmfs.2518/

2. + 3. Download the 'Ultimate Mapping Resource Pack'. Read the features and you will see.
https://tf2maps.net/downloads/ultimate-mapping-resource-pack.510/

4. Either use decompiles to copy the entity work, download a prefab, or make it per hand.
(Can't give you a link to a prefab because the download is broken)

5. Read the stickied threads.
https://tf2maps.net/threads/guide-how-to-release-your-map.25398/
https://tf2maps.net/threads/how-to-post-a-map-in-this-forum-read-me.25465/
https://tf2maps.net/threads/what-to-do-after-posting-your-first-map.29557/

6. Learn the Input/Output system that entities use to communicate. Looking at decompiles will greatly help with this.
https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Inputs_and_Outputs
For this specific example (rotating laser) there are multiple ways to achieve roughly the same thing. Take a look at the entities "env_laser", "env_beam", "info_target" and "func_door_rotating". The probably most advanced thing to do here is "parenting" entities. Also, when working with entities, click the "Help" button in the properties window. It is actually very useful!
https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Env_laser
https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Env_beam
https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Info_target
https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Func_door_rotating

Alot-vs-a-lot1-600x450.png
 

Tumby

aa
May 12, 2013
1,084
1,192
I completely forgot to mention:
Some entities do not work in TF2 for unknown reasons. One of these is "func_rotating", which is normaly used to make things rotate. Because of this, TF2-Mappers are forced to use workarounds like the mentioned "func_door_rotating". Other alternatives include: "momentary_rot_button" "prop_door_rotating" "func_rot_button" "phys_motor"