HL2 Models and Textures

[cruizer]

It has been brought to my attention, that pretty much everything I am using in my map is HL2 models and textures. So far, the ONLY TF2 items I have are, the resupply cabinets and the fence.

I have also been informed that people who do not have HL2 will not be able to see these models and textures.

So I assume then that the models and textures are not packed in the map, but are referenced to via install locations on the users HD.

If that's the case, how is it possible that people can make and use custom models? I've never downloaded one seperatly, that I know of.

I am also inclined to disagree with the above notions, as the textures nodraw, player clip, trigger, hints, etc are all HL2 textures, and they seem to work fine and not create errored sections on somones game who does not have HL2.

But I don't know, I have both.

[poopster101]

custom textures are embedded into the bsp via pakrat
and the nodraw, ect are tools from hammer that are part of the game tf2 and hl2
i would suggest not using the hl2 textures b/c they just don't fit the cartoon art style of tf2
but its your map so its your call
and if you must use hl2 textures
embed them wiht a program called pakrat

[MangyCarface]

HL2 textures should be included when players buy & download TF2 as part of the base Source engine pack. However they are hideous when presented alongside TF2 player models. Painfully out of place.

[Pseudo]

When TF2 is installed, the HL2 textures and models are also installed. You can use them in your maps without errors or needing to embed them. However, they usually do not fit stylistically and are generally frowned upon.

[Scotland Tom]

When in the texture browser locate the "keywords" field and type in "tf" in order to view only the TF2 textures. This will also filter out the dev textures (like nodraw), but you can easily find those again. Also, when in the model viewer, look for models listed under "tf" to stay away from using HL2 models.

[cruizer]

So basically, I am safe using HL2 models and textures?

Awesome!
Thanks!

[phatal]

So basically, I am safe using HL2 models and textures?

Awesome!
Thanks!

Safe but the majority, myself included, think hl2 textures in tf2 are HIDEOUS. I always leave a server with these ugly textures

Now not to say you can't use them in creative ways just like valve does. The most notable is a lot of their steps and sides of metal walkays are done with metal/metalstair001a which indeed is not a tf2 texture.

[Jive Turkey]

Okay so does anyone know exactly which GCF files, and therefore which models/textures are guaranteed to be included with TF2? I know that I've come across certain rooftop and skybox models which would look fine in a TF2 map, but I really don't want to include anything that isn't a part of TF2 or the so called "base" set common to all games. Some definitive answer would be helpful to this thread I think.

[Youme]

I feel silly having to repeat this as often as I do, but, when you open Hammer with the launcher set to "Team Fortress 2", the material browser will display the following:

1) Any material in the TF2 GCFs.
2) Any material in any of the shared Source GCFs (http://tf2maps.net/showthread.php?t=244).
3) Any material in "<steamid>/team fortress 2/tf/materials" and subdirectories thereof.

The material browser will not display materials found in HL2 specific, CSS specific, Portal specific, or other game specific GCFs. In short, if you can see it in the material browser, other players will see it in the map even if they only bought TF2.


This is just a technicality, however. In general practice, it's almost always better to use a TF2 material instead of a non-TF2 material.

Please PLEASE use the search tool!

[cruizer]

Please PLEASE use the search tool!

FYI, I did use the search tool. I search any question I have because I hate always hearing "Use the search tool!" and it's jsut good commom practice.

I never came up with anything while searching. Therefore I asked.