1. Forums
  2. Discord
  3. About Mapcore
  4. Patreon Supporters
  • Login
  • Register
  • Search
This Thread
  • Everywhere
  • This Thread
  • This Forum
  • Articles
  • Pages
  • Forum
  • More Options
  1. Mapcore
  2. Discussions
  3. Level Design

CSGO Map Detailing Tips

  • Muffin
  • May 31, 2015 at 12:13 AM
  • Muffin
    • May 31, 2015 at 12:13 AM
    • #1

    Does anyone here have tips on detailing cs go maps with only default textures. Specifically on facility-like maps. For example: making and placing windows in the right places, making the scene realistic, etc.


    so. Any tips? :)

  • VIOLATION
    • May 31, 2015 at 1:54 AM
    • #2

    References. Lots and lots of references. I've found over the years that the only way I can make things truly look realistic is to base them off of things actually found in real life.


    Even if it's just for fun or practice it's always good to sit down for 5-10 minutes and just gather a few images based off of or of what you want to make and just work on creating every detail you can out of brushes until it looks pretty acceptable. I find that if I'm basing something in an actual real life city or area, using Google streetview is another great tool for looking at streets and buildings quite close up in nearly any place you want without having to dig up pictures on google for them.

  • Muffin
    • May 31, 2015 at 2:01 AM
    • #3
    Quote from VIOLATION

    References. Lots and lots of references. I've found over the years that the only way I can make things truly look realistic is to base them off of things actually found in real life.


    Even if it's just for fun or practice it's always good to sit down for 5-10 minutes and just gather a few images based off of or of what you want to make and just work on creating every detail you can out of brushes until it looks pretty acceptable. I find that if I'm basing something in an actual real life city or area, using Google streetview is another great tool for looking at streets and buildings quite close up in nearly any place you want without having to dig up pictures on google for them.

    Do you have a specific process in implementing those stuff once a reference is found? For example: I add basic brushwork, then detail, then add texture(horrible example).


    thanks btw.

  • laminutederire
    • May 31, 2015 at 10:13 AM
    • #4

    I think having references is a part of what's really necessary, getting your ideas straight and focused, and having a global idea of what you are doing in order to have a unity in what you are detailing. I guess it is the same step an architect must go through to build something, but in his case , he uses his draughtman skills

    However, I don't really know when and where it is best to use props!

  • esspho
    • May 31, 2015 at 11:46 AM
    • #5

    It might sound obvious but if you are trying to detail your buildings on the outside you have to think through how they work on the inside first.
    Also often less is more.

  • jakuza
    • May 31, 2015 at 9:16 PM
    • #6

    This might just be me, but I work on something very specific for a while and then use it as the reference for the rest of an area. If you can capture the mood well in one place, you can just replicate it through the rest of your scene using func_detail prefabs, textures, and props.

    Also, in CS:GO, I definitely try to let lighting carry the scene. Nice materials and light bounce can go a lot further aesthetically than visual clutter and noise.

  • ElectroSheep
    • June 1, 2015 at 8:56 AM
    • #7

    1 - Find a theme (is this alley for garbage, camion depot, etc...)

    2 - Find references (good photos references give a lots of ideas, don't use first google images pages, there is a lot of good website about references)

    3 - Explore models content, existing map, other games (know the game, the props available, how Valve/other people use them, then use them better)

    4 - Make iteration, do a first pass, then when all your map is in this first pass, redo a pass, erase what is bad, make everything better.

  • Vaya
    • June 1, 2015 at 9:20 AM
    • #8
    Quote from jakuza

    Also, in CS:GO, I definitely try to let lighting carry the scene. Nice materials and light bounce can go a lot further aesthetically than visual clutter and noise.

    I would say light_environment >> all other kinds of lighting too.

Participate now!

Don’t have an account yet? Register yourself now and be a part of our community!

Register Yourself Login
Discord

The Mapcore Discord is our lively IRC channel of the 2000s reborn. Chat about level design, gaming, and more.

Latest Posts

  1. BELEK: turning Rouen into competitive FPS maps (Godot project, feedback wanted)

    zlatan24
    November 12, 2026 at 6:23 PM
  2. CS2 sticker critique | Would the eye or blade read first on an AK?

    EmberKrakenCS2
    November 9, 2026 at 10:21 PM
  3. dod_poznan

    Smile_2000
    November 9, 2026 at 9:10 AM
  4. [cs2][WIP] De_digital (A side only) Looking for Feedback

    Howw3
    November 5, 2026 at 9:22 PM
  5. Hello from Normandy: Metin, working on a tactical FPS

    Thrik
    November 2, 2026 at 10:19 PM
  6. How do I setup CS1.6 mapping on linux?

    zlatan24
    November 2, 2026 at 6:43 AM
  7. CS:S | de_honor | Map creation process by D'artagnan

    Dartagnan
    November 1, 2026 at 5:41 PM
  8. Made a map maker for my indie game.

    daud2k7
    November 1, 2026 at 4:19 PM
  9. First CS2 Maps DM and Bomb Defusal

    zlatan24
    November 1, 2026 at 3:06 PM
  10. POLYSTRIKE - Finally Announced After Years of Development!

    MetinSaygin
    October 31, 2026 at 10:57 AM

Users Viewing This Thread

  • 1 Guest
  1. Privacy Policy
  2. Contact
Powered by WoltLab Suite™