I want to make a map that people want made!

[Skern]

Hello everyone! I haven't really been active since joining Tf2maps.net, but I hope that can change.

I have been trying to make a map for about a year now, but some of my ideas are either "stupid" or too much for a tf2 map...

So here is where you guys come in. I want you guys to post some ideas for a map that would be cool to play on in tf2. If you cant describe it, then just post a picture as a reference.

Can't wait to see your ideas!

[Bermuda Cake]

I think, this being a community of mappers, if anyone has a cool idea they'll likely just make it themselves. If you're stuck with some ideas for maps, check out valve maps, and check out some of the tutorials on the site:

Jimmy is studying 5cp maps!

Grazr wrote some excellent tutorials that everyone should keep in mind during development:

Objectives and your map
Scale and your map
Immersion and your map
Roofs, Skybox brushes and your map
Stairs and your map
Balance, layout, and your A/D cp map

[littleedge]

We're not going to give you ideas on what you can do. The first part of making a map is a combination of simply pondering and drawing.

Last time you were driving, you saw this really cool rock formation. Maybe you should try making a map that focuses on that rock formation. You watched a video on this statue found underneath the sand in Egypt. Make an Egypt-themed map with that statue in the center next to the point. Etc., etc.

So you've gotten an idea in your head of what the map's all about (There should be a reason for why people are fighting over the area). Now go grab some graph paper, or any paper really, and draw. Sketch a top-down view of each section of your map, write some notes, and if you have to, sketch a 3D version of some areas to better understand what you want to accomplish.

Move on to Hammer. Start making brushes that go with the basic geometry of your design on paper. No need to detail yet - you want to make sure it's fun to play before you spend time detailing it. When it's done, add an _a1 to the end of the map name (cp_name_a1) and compile it. Check Interlopers for any errors in the compile log, and go in-game and test out your map. http://forums.tf2maps.net/showthread.php?t=14430 Use that as a checklist to make sure it's ready to test. Then post the map on these forums, and get it tested in a gameday.