How do I plan a map?

Dream-Chan

L1: Registered
Oct 9, 2021
9
5
Ok so I have been trying to start my current map, I run into a roadblock. I'm not quite sure what I'm doing; what order do I do things? When do I use displacements, when do I start fleshing out the mid, etc etc. I don't know if I'm overthinking things or if I'm genuinely doing something wrong and it's driving me up the wall.
 

Lonely Author

L2: Junior Member
Aug 27, 2021
87
42
Hey, if you have grid paper/normal paper, sketch a top-view of the layout(After deciding a theme),
then do a rough form (Box here box there),
put ramps where applicable for some displacements,
add points(Or whatever correlates to the gamemode) and logic,
move onto sky box stuff and env_lighting,
and from there on out its detailing and props,
as well as clipping and more lights!


The best thing I find is to plan what I do on what day: Red spawn today, blu tomorrow? or blu today, red tomorrow? Ect.
 
Oct 15, 2018
249
132
I used to sketch stuff on a notepad when I first started, but now when I have an idea and i'm in the mood for mapping I just start blocking in hammer
 
Oct 15, 2018
249
132
I've stopeed using displacements early on in a map because it always makes me go off grid - My last payload map had a last that had half the blocks off by 1 hammer unit and it was really annoying to fix lol
 

Cyberen

L3: Member
Mar 30, 2021
143
30
There's many ways to start a map. Maybe you have an idea of the centerpiece. Maybe you have a feeling or a theme you want to express. Whatever the case, it's a lot easier to sketch the map than trying to improvise in hammer. When inspiration strikes, it's best to get the idea down quickly.