Posted by: Immoral Sniper December 20, 2004 02:40 pm

I. Starting to Map First, before you go tearing off to start on your BB map, you need a few things. 1. Valve's Hammer Editor http://collective.valve-erc.com/data/docs/1039631978-44855700/files/hammer_v34.exe or http://collective.valve-erc.com/data/docs/1050662008-07225900/files/hammer_testbuild04.zip (v3.5 beta requires v3.4 to be installed first) Note: You can not use the Hammer Editor (v 4.0 I believe) that is packaged with STEAM 2. http://www.ironoak.ch/PE/brainbread/brainbread_fgd.zip 3. It is the recommendation of this mapper to use http://collective.valve-erc.com/data/docs/1034150354-69206000/files/zhlt253-17.zip (ZHLT) Once you have all of that, it is time to start up Hammer! But you can't map yet, we have to configure Hammer's and BB's settings. http://mnemic.d3files.com/education/writtentutorials/tutorials/vhe_mappingbasics.html Just replace the mod directory with BB's. Once you have all that set up, you are ready to map, there are hundreds if not thousands of tutorials and hints, google is a valuable asset in finding them. Also MAKE SURE to READ the "http://www.ironoak.ch/PE/forum/index.php?act=ST&f=53&t=1623&s=59b2992f063d14d2c2f77205c83f5954" for specific information on some of BB's entities. II. Important Sizes Ground Obstacle Height This is the maximum height, in units, an object can be while still allowing the player to walk over it. crouched: 18 standing: 18 Overhead Obstacle Height This is the minimum distance, in units, that can be between the ground and an object while still allowing the player to pass underneath. crouched: 37 standing: 73 Minimum Path Width This is the minimum width, in units, that can be between two objects while still allowing the player to pass between them. width: 33 Jump Height This is the maximum height, in units, an object can be while still allowing the player to jump on top of it. crouched: 44 walking: 44 running crouch-jump: 62 Thanks to reinhardt for providing this list. III. Mapping FAQ As I get more questions I will add to this list! Q: What is an .FGD file A: It is a file (readible in notepad) that contains all the information about the entities BB uses. Q: What is a .WAD file A: It is a file that contains textures for use in your maps, I recommend a program called Wally if you want to make/alter .WAD files. - http://www.telefragged.com/wally/ Q: Why is my map dark? A: You need "light" entities in order for there to be light on your level Q: What are light_environments then? A: They are a special type of light that causes sky brushes (brushes with the sky texture on all sides) to emit light. Q: But I have light_environments! A: Unless you are using ZHLT, you need light_enviroments whereever you need light emmited from the sky, however with ZHLT, you need only 1 light_environment. Q: ZHLT? A: http://collective.valve-erc.com/data/docs/1034150354-69206000/files/zhlt253-17.zip Q: How do I get models to show in game A: Use an entity called "cycler" there is a keyvalue, or field, that lets you select the necessary model. Q: My multisource entity didn't work! A: The BB team has yet to fix the multisource entity, make do until they do. Q: How do I make a .bsp file? A: You compile your map (which is an .rmf file) There is a button on Hammer's toolbar and F9 is the shortcut key Q: My zombies don't spawn! A: Make sure: - Monster to Spawn is "monster_zombie" - Number of Monsters is "-1" (if infinite) or greater than 0 (if finite) - Min and Max respawn times are not obscenely high - Max live children is greater than 0 Q: Why don't I spawn? A: Make sure you have bb_spawn_player entities included in your level Q: Why do my textures have that ugly blue/black on them, I want to see through them! A: To Fix: 1. Turn them into - a. func_illusionary (you want people to walk and shots to pass through them) - b. func_wall (you want to block the player and shots) - c. func_illusionary with a clip box covering it (block players, but able to shoot through) 2. Set "Render Mode" to "Texture" 3. Set "FX Amount" to "255" 4. Set "FX Color" to - a. "0 0 255" for textures with blue - b. "0 0 0" for textures with black Q: Why are my map models not solid? I can walk right through them! A: Map models are not solid, you have to clip them with a brush textured with "clip" in order to prevent player movement. Q: What is a "clip box"? A: A clip box is a brush covered entirely in the texture "clip" availble in zhlt.wad. It is invisible in game but block players from entering it, but you can still shoot through it. Q: What is the revolver's weapon name? It isn't listed with the rest of the weapons! A: weapon_44sw Q: How do I set the light and make it darker/brighter for my map? A: Go into the light's properties, (Alt + Enter is the shortcut in Hammer) - Click on "Brightness" - You will see 4 numbers, the last of the four is the brightness value - The first three are the light's color in RGB Value (Red Green Blue) Q: How do I make ladders? A: Put the ladder you want the player to see in, then add another brush (textured with aaatrigger for claritity usually) and turn it into a "func_ladder" - Note that zombies can not use ladders when placing them in your level and as such, should be avoided when possible, unless you want an area COMPLETELY safe from zombies (of course, you can always put zombies on the top end of the ladder, but they tend to teleport on the player and that's never fun...) IV: Compile Errors Chances are that why and/or how to fix your error are listed on http://www.slackiller.com/tommy14/errors.htm V: Immoral's Simple, Personal Tips for Building a Better Map - Don't use the hollow tool... just don't - Use the 'null' texture (from the zhlt.wad that comes with ZHLT) on faces that players will never see - Only use carve when absolutely required - Keep in mind the skill level of an average player when placing weapons / health / zombies

Posted by: bloodangel December 22, 2004 09:42 pm

I added and did every thing it says to and when i go to load my map i get an error that says The system cannot fing the file specified. How can i fix this

Posted by: Immoral Sniper December 22, 2004 10:16 pm

Check the "Don't run the game" box on the compile options menu Chances are there was an error in compiling the .bsp file, so the .bsp file was never created (which is why bb can't find it). Also check your <mapname>.log file, the error should be listed in there. If this isn't the problem, then I don't know what is because I don't have enough information, does it just say "The system cannot fing the file specified" or does it also give the filename, which, if so, what is the filename?

Posted by: reinhardt December 23, 2004 08:19 am

The VERC http://collective.valve-erc.com This is worth referencing the most. Plus the VERC HL1 Mapping Forum. QUOTE (bloodangel @ Dec 22 2004, 09:42 PM) I added and did every thing it says to and when i go to load my map i get an error that says  The system cannot fing the file specified. How can i fix this Run Bug? I'm not 100% sure about this. It could just be my setup. But when i first setup Hammer i had alot of problems and in the end i fixed one of THE most annoying things like this: This screenshot is of my Run dialog. Notice the selected line and the line below (Make sure you have "Advanced" and not "Normal" selected to get this screen from the run dialog): Your Run dialog by default will have these 2 lines like this: Copy File $path/$file.bsp $bspdir/$file.bsp Copy File $path/$file.pts $bspdir/$file.pts The 2 lines i want you to look at are these: Copy File $path/$file.bsp $path/$file.bsp Copy File $path/$file.pts $path/$file.pts I know it looks weird and in theory the default should work logically. But for some reason because the build files are not together the compile proccess could never compile another bsp straight into ..brainbread/maps/ dir. Anyway this solved it. NOTE: Also worth a mention is when you do a final compile use the command parameters -full and -extra for vis and rad like this: $vis_exe $path\file -full $light_exe $path\file -extra This will create extra bsp vis leaves and divide them up more efficiently. Official BrainBread .wad Another thing i though worth the mention is the Download available of the official Brainbread wad file. Beware when you download this that you download this to your .../brainbread/ dir, and not to another dir only. Because otherwise you may get error messages from BB when it loads. Easily solved by moving the file to .../brainbread/ dir or copying the file there creating 2 instances of it. Useful tib-bits Creating custom sound files to play in your maps. Make sure they adhere to the following requirments: All wav files to be used as ambient_generics in HL must be in the following format: <= 22050 Hz, mono-unsigned. The Revolver bb_equipment entity name to use is: weapon_44sw Thats all for now ill post anything else i see fit here as i remember them hope this helps.

Posted by: Immoral Sniper December 23, 2004 04:50 pm

I didn't even think of sending him to the Advance compile setup (forgot that some don't use it...) Anyways, you can have the .wad files where ever you want them IF you use the -nowadtextures command, it saves you from having to put all your custom textures into a seperate .wad and including it. Make sure you check the "Use Long filenames" box for all of them... I had a problem with that for a whiles... As for sounds, with STEAM, I am pretty sure you can also play MP3 files. Have to confirm this though. Regardless of the above, I think you got his problem fixed.

Posted by: moecomputer December 23, 2004 06:02 pm

It wont let me download the .FGD file!!! This what it says. Access forbidden! You don't have permission to access the requested object. It is either read-protected or not readable by the server. If you think this is a server error, please contact the webmaster. Error 403

Posted by: Immoral Sniper December 23, 2004 06:10 pm

That means the server is temporally down, try again in an hour or so. That happened to the forums a day or two ago.

Posted by: moecomputer December 23, 2004 10:40 pm

It still doesn't work!!!

Posted by: Zuwahmbi December 24, 2004 12:46 am

I just had one little question... When I'm setting up the directories, I can only get the game to run if I set the directories to the Half-Life installation folder "C:/SIERRA/Half-Life". This also goes for sound files (I can only get them to play if they're in the "Valve/sounds" directory.) Is there some way to set up the compile so that I can use sounds/textures/maps from the BrainBread directory instead of the Valve directory? Also, is there a special way to test the maps in BrainBread directly instead of through Half-Life?

Posted by: Shotgun December 28, 2004 07:51 am

Don't use the standard compiler in VHE it sucks SO much! Use a batch compiler, its MUCH faster and it does so much more. For example:

Posted by: reinhardt December 29, 2004 02:18 pm

QUOTE (Shotgun @ Dec 28 2004, 07:51 AM) Don't use the standard compiler in VHE it sucks SO much! Use a batch compiler, its MUCH faster and it does so much more. Actually they are the same speed and u can customize the VHE dialog to do almost anything. The only advantage gained with Nem's is a nicer interface, i do recommend it though because it is easier to setup.

Posted by: Shotgun December 30, 2004 07:15 am

They are NOT the same speed! Here's a quote from Tracer Bullet over at the snark pit: "So if they all do the same thing why is one way better than another? The answer is resources and neatness. In order to run Hammer/HLCC/ZHLT-GUI, your computer has to allocate memory for the interface that could be better spent speeding up the compile. Compiling in Hammer is particularly bad because it not only uses up a lot of RAM, it also locks up the editor. Compiling from a DOS window is very resource efficient." http://www.snarkpit.com/editing.php?page=tutorials&game=HL&id=103 Also the only advantage gained with Nem's is not just because it has a nicer interface It allows you to fix a lot of problems with standard compiling with HLfix, you can change entities only without having to ENTIRELY recompile your map, you can run BSP just enough to only find leaks, you can change max node size to make a faster and more accurate VIS, you can change the maximum visable distance size which helps A LOT if you make large open maps, you can change the size of texture and lighting data if you use a lot of high def textures and lights, you can manually set input files to use so you can specify where your files are, it will auto backup your maps, you can specify wadincludes much easier so you don't have to include wads with your distribution, and that's only SOME of the reasons why you should use the batch compiler.

Posted by: reinhardt December 30, 2004 07:46 pm

Yes, Nem's uses 1 less process, it doesnt have to run VHE, but the speed of the compiler is the same, that was my point before (They both use the same tools to compile by). QUOTE (Shotgun @ Dec 30 2004, 07:15 AM) It allows you to fix a lot of problems with standard compiling with HLfix, you can change entities only without having to ENTIRELY recompile your map, you can run BSP just enough to only find leaks, you can change max node size to make a faster and more accurate VIS, you can change the maximum visable distance size which helps A LOT if you make large open maps, you can change the size of texture and lighting data if you use a lot of high def textures and lights, you can manually set input files to use so you can specify where your files are, it will auto backup your maps, you can specify wadincludes much easier so you don't have to include wads with your distribution, and that's only SOME of the reasons why you should use the batch compiler. My point before was VHE compiler can do all these things, what you gain with the Nems batch compiler is an interface to help you set these things up.

Posted by: Shotgun December 30, 2004 11:28 pm

All the things I posted CANNOT be done with the VHE compiler, they are not coded in. Nem's tools has new code, it is not simply a gui, they are tools you can use to manipulate how your map is compiled. For instance, tell me how you can use HLfix in VHE? Don't say to add the parameter -hlfix because it can not be called by hlbsp.exe, hlcsg.exe, hlvis.exe, or hlrad.exe They also do not use the same tools to compile by, it has additional tools and it uses zoner's half life tools modified by Merl with new coding.

Posted by: reinhardt December 31, 2004 01:54 am

QUOTE (Shotgun @ Dec 30 2004, 11:28 PM) All the things I posted CANNOT be done with the VHE compiler, they are not coded in. Everything to compile a map can be done with the VHE, most ppl write it off without looking into this. The extra programs you talk about do not add anything to a map from what i know. They are just used to debug a map.

Posted by: Shotgun December 31, 2004 05:03 am

QUOTE (reinhardt @ Dec 31 2004, 01:54 AM) Everything to compile a map can be done with the VHE, most ppl write it off without looking into this. The extra programs you talk about do not add anything to a map from what i know. They are just used to debug a map. Yeah the standard compiler can do the job, but it doesn't do it well. There are some problems with the standard compiler and the tools fix them. Many of the tools help to debug a map, but there are also tools that allow you to do more than what would be if you used the standard tools. For instance hlfix adresses some of the problems with the standard compiler: # Tesselating non-planar faces Faces that do not lie entirely in one plane are decomposed into planar polygons which approximate the intended surface. # Decomposing non-convex solids A convex brush has all it's edges "pointing" outward. Non-convex brushes are cut into convex pieces. # Uniting coplanar faces The .map compile tools do not allow a brush to have multiple faces in the same plane. Any such faces are joined together by hlfix and a warning is given if they have different texture information. Another example is a really nice feature that I use a lot, you can set the number of radiosity bounces. What it does is it makes shadows less harsh and helps light up dark maps more naturally. You said that " Yes, Nem's uses 1 less process, it doesnt have to run VHE, but the speed of the compiler is the same, that was my point before " It's not faster just because it uses one process, its faster because running the compiler through VHE adds a lot of extra overhead from running through an unecessary windows program, running a dos batch file has much less overhead. Then you say, "The extra programs you talk about do not add anything to a map from what i know." which makes it quite obvious that you haven't used the extra features, or know what they do, so why do you insist on talking about them? I actually stated how they added to the process of creating a map. If you know why Nem's tools is the same as the standard compiler, you should provide some specific examples on how exactly the tools do not make a difference, instead of just stating you assume they just debug, and besides, debugging a map is a large part of creating a new map! Now this thread has gone completely off the original topic of it being "Immoral's mapping guide and FAQ's," this is partly my fault and I apologize. If you have any thing else to discuss about the topic of using Nem's batch compiler, I suggest you private message me. I'm no longer going to post in this thread.

Posted by: reinhardt December 31, 2004 05:30 am

All very valid points. I havent used the extra features cos i cant run Nems on the PC i make maps on. But from mappers that use Nems they told me the extra tools are for debugging, as you confirmed in your reply. I find a good map has minimal errors, its best to compile often to debug a map so i do not feel it necessary to want extra debugging tools. Personal preference, but it works for me. And thats all it comes down to. I make maps and probably compile alot more than mappers who use the debugging tools of Nems. But i get there in the end. And so do the others, nuff said.

Posted by: Immoral Sniper January 01, 2005 05:54 pm

This isn't a place to be having a debate over which is better. If you guys want to coninue this discussion, make a thread for it.

Posted by: coldwar January 15, 2005 01:58 am

Shut up

Posted by: Blue Summer April 30, 2005 10:28 am

Where can i download the fgd from?

Posted by: JesusFoo April 30, 2005 04:02 pm

http://www.ironoak.ch/BB/index.php?page=files

Posted by: Blue Summer April 30, 2005 05:00 pm

I can't dl that only copy and paste it into something:S no worrys: Set it up as an fgd.

Posted by: hecticfool July 25, 2005 06:56 pm

QUOTE (Immoral Sniper @ Dec 20 2004, 02:40 PM) I. Starting to Map First, before you go tearing off to start on your BB map, you need a few things. 1. Valve's Hammer Editor http://collective.valve-erc.com/data/docs/1039631978-44855700/files/hammer_v34.exe or http://collective.valve-erc.com/data/docs/1050662008-07225900/files/hammer_testbuild04.zip (v3.5 beta requires v3.4 to be installed first) Note: You can not use the Hammer Editor (v 4.0 I believe) that is packaged with STEAM 2. http://www.ironoak.ch/PE/brainbread/brainbread_fgd.zip 3. It is the recommendation of this mapper to use http://collective.valve-erc.com/data/docs/1034150354-69206000/files/zhlt253-17.zip (ZHLT) Once you have all of that, it is time to start up Hammer! But you can't map yet, we have to configure Hammer's and BB's settings. http://mnemic.d3files.com/education/writtentutorials/tutorials/vhe_mappingbasics.html Just replace the mod directory with BB's. Once you have all that set up, you are ready to map, there are hundreds if not thousands of tutorials and hints, google is a valuable asset in finding them. Also MAKE SURE to READ the "http://www.ironoak.ch/PE/forum/index.php?act=ST&f=53&t=1623" for specific information on some of BB's entities. II. Important Sizes Ground Obstacle Height This is the maximum height, in units, an object can be while still allowing the player to walk over it. crouched: 18 standing: 18 Overhead Obstacle Height This is the minimum distance, in units, that can be between the ground and an object while still allowing the player to pass underneath. crouched: 37 standing: 73 Minimum Path Width This is the minimum width, in units, that can be between two objects while still allowing the player to pass between them. width: 33 Jump Height This is the maximum height, in units, an object can be while still allowing the player to jump on top of it. crouched: 44 walking: 44 running crouch-jump: 62 Thanks to reinhardt for providing this list. III. Mapping FAQ As I get more questions I will add to this list! Q: What is an .FGD file A: It is a file (readible in notepad) that contains all the information about the entities BB uses. Q: What is a .WAD file A: It is a file that contains textures for use in your maps, I recommend a program called Wally if you want to make/alter .WAD files. - http://www.telefragged.com/wally/ Q: Why is my map dark? A: You need "light" entities in order for there to be light on your level Q: What are light_environments then? A: They are a special type of light that causes sky brushes (brushes with the sky texture on all sides) to emit light. Q: But I have light_environments! A: Unless you are using ZHLT, you need light_enviroments whereever you need light emmited from the sky, however with ZHLT, you need only 1 light_environment. Q: ZHLT? A: http://collective.valve-erc.com/data/docs/1034150354-69206000/files/zhlt253-17.zip Q: How do I get models to show in game A: Use an entity called "cycler" there is a keyvalue, or field, that lets you select the necessary model. Q: My multisource entity didn't work! A: The BB team has yet to fix the multisource entity, make do until they do. Q: How do I make a .bsp file? A: You compile your map (which is an .rmf file) There is a button on Hammer's toolbar and F9 is the shortcut key Q: My zombies don't spawn! A: Make sure: - Monster to Spawn is "monster_zombie" - Number of Monsters is "-1" (if infinite) or greater than 0 (if finite) - Min and Max respawn times are not obscenely high - Max live children is greater than 0 Q: Why don't I spawn? A: Make sure you have bb_spawn_player entities included in your level Q: Why do my textures have that ugly blue/black on them, I want to see through them! A: To Fix: 1. Turn them into - a. func_illusionary (you want people to walk and shots to pass through them) - b. func_wall (you want to block the player and shots) - c. func_illusionary with a clip box covering it (block players, but able to shoot through) 2. Set "Render Mode" to "Texture" 3. Set "FX Amount" to "255" 4. Set "FX Color" to - a. "0 0 255" for textures with blue - b. "0 0 0" for textures with black Q: Why are my map models not solid? I can walk right through them! A: Map models are not solid, you have to clip them with a brush textured with "clip" in order to prevent player movement. Q: What is a "clip box"? A: A clip box is a brush covered entirely in the texture "clip" availble in zhlt.wad. It is invisible in game but block players from entering it, but you can still shoot through it. Q: What is the revolver's weapon name? It isn't listed with the rest of the weapons! A: weapon_44sw Q: How do I set the light and make it darker/brighter for my map? A: Go into the light's properties, (Alt + Enter is the shortcut in Hammer) - Click on "Brightness" - You will see 4 numbers, the last of the four is the brightness value - The first three are the light's color in RGB Value (Red Green Blue) Q: How do I make ladders? A: Put the ladder you want the player to see in, then add another brush (textured with aaatrigger for claritity usually) and turn it into a "func_ladder" - Note that zombies can not use ladders when placing them in your level and as such, should be avoided when possible, unless you want an area COMPLETELY safe from zombies (of course, you can always put zombies on the top end of the ladder, but they tend to teleport on the player and that's never fun...) IV: Compile Errors Chances are that why and/or how to fix your error are listed on http://www.slackiller.com/tommy14/errors.htm V: Immoral's Simple, Personal Tips for Building a Better Map - Don't use the hollow tool... just don't - Use the 'null' texture (from the zhlt.wad that comes with ZHLT) on faces that players will never see - Only use carve when absolutely required - Keep in mind the skill level of an average player when placing weapons / health / zombies does any1 no how to make the g-man model/map?

Posted by: _CiviliaN^SoldieR_ July 25, 2005 08:38 pm

IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION, PUT IT IN QUESTIONS / FRAGEN. LOCKED.