What Do People Like in TF2 Maps?

[A Boojum Snark]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SirRaffi

I, personally, love maps with lots of height variation.

This is an important point. Pretty much every good map has multiple levels in the primary combat zones. Flat maps are bad.

[EArkham]

Good maps have a little something for everyone.

Decent lines of sight for snipers.

Good but not overpowered sentry spots and plentiful metal for engineers.

Relatively short distances to objectives or to get to health/ammo packs for heavies.

Side routes and hiding spots for spies.

Open areas and interesting jumping areas for scouts.

Smaller areas and ambush opportunities for pyros.

Height variations and a decent amount of ammo for soldiers.

Doorways or other choke areas for demomen to utilize.

Good cover and small health packs for medics.

Many of these would be helpful for multiple classes. EX: a side route is not only great for spies to get behind people, but scouts and pyros are often found in them as well. Height variation really helps not just soldiers but scouts, snipers, and demomen.

So in short, variation with the intent of providing something interesting for all classes.

[gamemaster1996]

Oh and for people to even look at your map, it must never be orange.

[Jeremy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gamemaster1996

Oh and for people to even look at your map, it must never be orange.

Especially if it's a release candidate.

[GenEn]

A lot of the responses have great points, the only thing I would add myself is to make each area have purpose when considering player movement and layout (as Grazr would tell you at the top of Mt Kilimanjaro). In several beta maps I've been playing, there are overly complex hallways/stairs in out of the way locations with no reason to even pass through them. Consider where the players will go in your map, and what opportunities they should have from different positions.

[The Wiggin]

Hey guys, I forgot to ask if it would be okay if i used the information you have given me as evidence of research, please send me a message if you are not happy for me to use anything you have said.

Thanks again for the help.

[Jeremy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Wiggin

Hey guys, I forgot to ask if it would be okay if i used the information you have given me as evidence of research, please send me a message if you are not happy for me to use anything you have said.

Yes - in fact, you're encouraged to do so.

[REEJ]

What makes a custom map popular is originality that brings a new experience.
And what makes a good TF2 map is copy-paste what Valve does.

[Shanghai]

You can use everything I've said. Good luck on your paper!

[The Wiggin]

Thanks heaps. Im thinking bout making a KotH map and i have i few ideas iv never seen before, so im gonna start doing some concept work.