Black Picture

Amazing map you have here! The vibe of the combine is on every corner of the map. It feels like your trying to tell a story of how slowly, combine took over humanity. Deleting their everyday life. Culture. Everything that could be deleted. Till the oceans are dry to say.
I've made a showcase video of the map. In 30.06.2024 version of it. 
 
Stay safe and stay mapping!
#MRTRN

Link is now working! Thanks again for the heads up!

Introduction

Hello all! I would like to introduce this map submission that is set in the Half Life universe.
For this map you the Player are Combine Defending sites, or you are the Resistance attacking a Combine outpost try to take back City 17.
This takes place during the Half-Life 2 timeline when the Resistance is rising up and taking parts of the city back. 




Audio
Combine Radio Chatter
Combine does feature radio chatter if you are set on the default CT skin, it's still early but call out, throwing out grenades, Reaction to enemies all have VO lines for combine
Combine overwatch

When bomb is planted in one of the sites Alarms will sound off along with over watch VOs over the speaker

 
 
Level Mechanics

Combine Confiscation Fields


On the map players will find four Combine Confiscation Fields, Players will have to interact with a button to turn them on.
Once the button is pressed it will stay on for the rest of the round and will reset start of the next round.
There is four Confiscation Fields on the map, however only 2 can be active, these will share 2 charges amongst each other, players will have to choose which ones they will want on. 


Confiscation fields Button panel are placed right next to them. Players will have to travel to each Confiscation field to turn them on.

 


Panels will show how many charges are left and which confiscation field is active.










Gameplay Goals for Confiscation Fields

Goals for this is to reward players on being smart how they use these fences, do lock down a route?
Do you leave the fence off and go hunt in risking Resistance using them if the hunt fails? Do you allow you friends to go through and shut the door behind them? 

A Counter to the fence is to buddy jump over the fence, another counter I wanted to put in is to use a taser to temporarily disable the fence for a few seconds,
unfortunately the latest tuning of the taser does not have any penetration so it cannot interact with objects in the game now. 



Shadows
 
There will be selected lights that will cast shadows which is self-explanatory, but for one part of the map will have tarps draped over chain link fences,
when casting a shadow onto these Tarps players on the back side will be able to see the shadow.



What's fun about this if I decide to shoot the person, I will have to understand where the light source and adjust where to shoot the player

Counters to this, players are able to throw a smoke grenade down to block the light.



Time of Day


While this map is a nighttime map keep in mind combine will be White to combat hard to see areas, gameplay take priority during the art phase of the map.

One of the main goals I had for this project was to make a fun and engaging competitive level, while exploring something new for Counter Strike that isn’t invasive to the current gameplay.
Hopefully the level mechanics that reward players for being creative and creating depth for within the map re-playability 


Level Layout




Note: While this level has extra routes to a site keep in mind players will be able to use confiscation fields to help manage Lanes.



Fly Through of the map
Flying through of the map also will show off the work of @bman the audio Wizard!
 
Known Issues
If you Join mid round during warmup as a CT, combine model can break, this will not happen during a real game.
Intro, character select, outro will not show combine models.
Sky Box has not been set up yet, vis pop ins happen in the sky box on a certain area, no vis issues in the play space.
Audio will make a terrible scratch sound on the start of each round (I am so sorry) this is something we are currently working on getting a fix
Players can get stuck inside of a Confiscation Field when turned on. exiting the prototype phase this will be polished to not happen.
Combine head will not look down sights of weapons properly.


Map Link

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3267403750

Note for the Judges:
The map Core Banner keeps flagging my workshop file and takes couple of days for the listing to reappear,
currently right now the map link works but I will not put the banner in risk losing a working map link for judging,
if this passes phase 1 I will find a solution during the next phase, sorry about that.

Note: 
If anyone plays the map and wants to share their experience, I would love to hear it!
 
 
 











Special Thanks
@Broken
@Chief
@Froddoyo
MankinJarlkin
@Gulfbones
@ORB-NRG
Smokey
H8yse
Blue Heaven
@Saulc
@SmurftYours
Trignate
@ShmeeGrim
iFrostyRIP
@Gunnar Kafel
Bozo
@AlphaOwl
Certified Champ
TheSlammerss

Thank you everyone for your input and feedback!

@JimWood
Thanks for being the Radgen wizard


@Chimonahehe
and thank you for all the hehes

If I didnt list anyone on here please let me know!!!
 

Thanks for the Heads up, it's in the middle of getting reviewed again since putting the map core contest link, Valve making sure the link isn't leading to anything bad which is understandable.

This one @Dredile gold! I am looking forward to trying it out!
Best of luck with this amazing project!

P.S The map link to workshop is not working! 

Introduction

Hello all! I would like to introduce this map submission that is set in the Half Life universe.
For this map you the Player are Combine Defending sites, or you are the Resistance attacking a Combine outpost try to take back City 17.
This takes place during the Half-Life 2 timeline when the Resistance is rising up and taking parts of the city back. 




Audio
Combine Radio Chatter
Combine does feature radio chatter if you are set on the default CT skin, it's still early but call out, throwing out grenades, Reaction to enemies all have VO lines for combine
Combine overwatch

When bomb is planted in one of the sites Alarms will sound off along with over watch VOs over the speaker

 
 
Level Mechanics

Combine Confiscation Fields


On the map players will find four Combine Confiscation Fields, Players will have to interact with a button to turn them on.
Once the button is pressed it will stay on for the rest of the round and will reset start of the next round.
There is four Confiscation Fields on the map, however only 2 can be active, these will share 2 charges amongst each other, players will have to choose which ones they will want on. 


Confiscation fields Button panel are placed right next to them. Players will have to travel to each Confiscation field to turn them on.

 


Panels will show how many charges are left and which confiscation field is active.










Gameplay Goals for Confiscation Fields

Goals for this is to reward players on being smart how they use these fences, do lock down a route?
Do you leave the fence off and go hunt in risking Resistance using them if the hunt fails? Do you allow you friends to go through and shut the door behind them? 

A Counter to the fence is to buddy jump over the fence, another counter I wanted to put in is to use a taser to temporarily disable the fence for a few seconds,
unfortunately the latest tuning of the taser does not have any penetration so it cannot interact with objects in the game now. 



Shadows
 
There will be selected lights that will cast shadows which is self-explanatory, but for one part of the map will have tarps draped over chain link fences,
when casting a shadow onto these Tarps players on the back side will be able to see the shadow.



What's fun about this if I decide to shoot the person, I will have to understand where the light source and adjust where to shoot the player

Counters to this, players are able to throw a smoke grenade down to block the light.



Time of Day


While this map is a nighttime map keep in mind combine will be White to combat hard to see areas, gameplay take priority during the art phase of the map.

One of the main goals I had for this project was to make a fun and engaging competitive level, while exploring something new for Counter Strike that isn’t invasive to the current gameplay.
Hopefully the level mechanics that reward players for being creative and creating depth for within the map re-playability 


Level Layout




Note: While this level has extra routes to a site keep in mind players will be able to use confiscation fields to help manage Lanes.



Fly Through of the map
Flying through of the map also will show off the work of @bman the audio Wizard!
 
Known Issues
If you Join mid round during warmup as a CT, combine model can break, this will not happen during a real game.
Intro, character select, outro will not show combine models.
Sky Box has not been set up yet, vis pop ins happen in the sky box on a certain area, no vis issues in the play space.
Audio will make a terrible scratch sound on the start of each round (I am so sorry) this is something we are currently working on getting a fix
Players can get stuck inside of a Confiscation Field when turned on. exiting the prototype phase this will be polished to not happen.
Combine head will not look down sights of weapons properly.


Map Link

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3267403750

Note for the Judges:
The map Core Banner keeps flagging my workshop file and takes couple of days for the listing to reappear,
currently right now the map link works but I will not put the banner in risk losing a working map link for judging,
if this passes phase 1 I will find a solution during the next phase, sorry about that.

Note: 
If anyone plays the map and wants to share their experience, I would love to hear it!
 
 
 











Special Thanks
@Broken
@Chief
@Froddoyo
MankinJarlkin
@Gulfbones
@ORB-NRG
Smokey
H8yse
Blue Heaven
@Saulc
@SmurftYours
Trignate
@ShmeeGrim
iFrostyRIP
@Gunnar Kafel
Bozo
@AlphaOwl
Certified Champ
TheSlammerss

Thank you everyone for your input and feedback!

@JimWood
Thanks for being the Radgen wizard


@Chimonahehe
and thank you for all the hehes

If I didnt list anyone on here please let me know!!!
 

Mapcore is now holding a Counter-Strike 2 Mapping Contest for original 5v5 bomb defusal maps AND hostage-rescue maps, powered by FACEIT!
 
How to Enter the Big Adventures Mapping Contest
Post a "Work In Progress" thread in Mapcore’s Official Event Forum!
When you're ready, update your WIP thread with a link to your playable map's Steam Workshop page.
Your thread + playable map constitutes your entry to this contest!
 
Contest Format
Our contest will consist of three stages, each designed to showcase the best of mapping talent from around the world:
Stage 1: The Open Stage
Duration: 4 Months
Submission Deadline: Your playable map must be entered by 4th August 2024 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Announcement Date for the maps proceeding to stage 2: 18 August 2024
During this stage, the floodgates are wide open to everyone, inviting all mapmakers to submit their levels. Each map is given the chance of one one-week slot on the FACEIT hubs, secured on a first-come, first-served basis. Over the course of 4 months, we'll explore the diverse landscapes of creativity, seeking maps that not only thrill but take players on Big Adventures!
Selection Criteria (100 Points):
50 points: Fun Factor (Map Design)
50 points: Originality
----------------------------------
Stage 2: The Refinement Stage
Duration: 6 Months
Submission Deadline: Your playable map must be entered by 9th February 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). 
Announcement Date for the 10 maps proceeding to the final stage: 23 February 2025
In the Refinement Stage, the chosen maps from the Open Stage embark on a journey of iteration and enhancement. Armed with community feedback, mapmakers will art and polish their levels, pushing them towards the best possible version of final judging. The remaining maps will rotate on the Mapcore FACEIT hubs, allowing players to experience and provide feedback firsthand
Criteria for Advancement (100 Points):
25 points: Fun Factor (Map Design)
25 points: Originality
25 points: Visual Presentation
25 points: Overall Polish
----------------------------------
Stage 3: The Grand Finale
Duration: 8 Weeks
Submission Deadline: Your playable map must be submitted by 20th April 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST). 
The top 4 maps and Grand Prize Winner will be declared on 4th May 2025 to claim their place in the spotlight. These maps will be showcased in exclusive Mapcore FACEIT tournaments.
In the Grand Finale, the top 10 finalists emerge, ready to vie for the ultimate prize. These mapmakers will incorporate final community feedback, refining their creations to perfection.
Final Evaluation (100 Points):
25 points: Fun Factor (Map Design)
25 points: Originality
25 points: Visual Presentation
25 points: Overall Polish
----------------------------------
 
Judging Procedure
Mapcore Judges
Mapcore's veteran judges, renowned for their expertise in map design, will be joined by esteemed CS2 Guest Experts, including the likes of Launders, Anders Blume, and Mauisnake! Your creations will be evaluated by the best in the business, ensuring a fair and comprehensive assessment.
Mapcore Judges
FMPONE -- @FMPONE
TopHattWaffle -- @TopHattWaffle
Helder Pinto -- @HelderHP
Guest Experts
Anders Blume -- @OnFireAnders
Daniel "DDK" Kapadia -- @ddkesports
fl0m -- @fl0m
James Bardolph -- @jamesbardolph
Launders -- @launders
Mauisnake -- @Mauisnake
Scrawny -- @ScrawnyCG
 
Contest Prizes
Top 4 Contest Maps receive:
Eternal Bragging Rights
A Spotlight on Mapcore (linking to each work in progress thread)
A Monetary Prizepool of $15,000 ($7,500 for First place; $4,500 for Second place; $2,000 for Third place; $1,000 for Fourth place)
Special Valve prizes! (Counter-Strike/Valve merchandise, courtesy of Valve Software)
 
Key Dates
Stage 1 Deadline submission: 4 Aug 24
Stage 1 Announcement winners: 18 Aug 24
Stage 2 Deadline submission: 09 Feb 25
Stage 2 Announcement winners: 23 Feb 25
Stage 3 Deadline submission: 20 Apr 25
Stage 3 Announcement winners: 04 May 25
 
 
Contest Rules
Entry into this Contest is free of charge for all. Your entry must be a playable map for the PC version of Counter-Strike 2. Remakes (maps of the same name and mostly identical design of an existing map released for public download) can NOT be entered. An entrant’s own prior ideas or concepts may be improved upon for this contest if their entry is, on the whole, new and uses a new name. Remember that originality is a valued metric in our judging. No explicitly named sequels to an existing Valve map (e.g. “Dust3”). Maps that were under creation prior to the announcement of this Contest can be entered, except for any map which was released for public download on the Steam Workshop. Map entries must be submitted to the CS2 Steam Workshop AND our Mapcore Contest sub-forum before the deadline. By submitting content in the forum you agree with any of the content and map-material being used for promotional purposes. Map authors are free to share their map on any other websites or services they wish, however the map must remain free to download. Multiple map entries are permitted, however each entry will be judged for its own particular quality. Map entries created by teams are permitted, however entrants will have to agree how to split any prizes awarded prior to prize claim and dispatch. Prize payments will be made to one (1) designated individual per project. Mapcore encourages entrants NOT to update their Workshop map after the deadline(s). Entries will not be disqualified if updated, but entrants assume the risk of introducing bugs/glitches into their work. Judges will not be asked to overlook such bugs/glitches, so we recommend "finalizing" a polished version of your project before the deadline in order to “put your best foot forward”. You must retain the same workshop ID for any of your entries throughout the contest. Any technical reason for changing workshop ID must be run past the mapcore admin team or face disqualification. You should also include the following code in your workshop description: [url=fce.gg/mapcore][img]https://i.imgur.com/60HRCdw.png[/img][/url] Mapcore forum rules must be obeyed. All custom textures, models, etc. must be embedded into the map's VPK file. All assets must also comply with Steam Workshop guidelines. Map authors must ensure they are able to accept payment via bank transfer from ESL FACEIT Group, a UK based organisation, in accordance with local and international laws. Winners of hardware or physical products will be required to provide a valid shipping address. Judges, Experts, and individuals associated with organizing this contest CANNOT enter, nor provide material assistance to map entrants. In the event of a conflict of interest, or the appearance of a conflict of interest during the judging phase, said judge(s) will recuse themselves from the judgment of any relevant entry and a replacement judge will be selected from our group of Guest Experts, or an outside qualified judge will be selected if necessary. If any finalist entry is disqualified due to violation of one of these rules, all applicable winnings will be directed to the next highest-rated map. Void where prohibited.  
Contest Eligibility
1. Participant eligibility: This Contest is open to any individual, or teams of individuals, provided they comply with the following:
Participants must not be an Official Staff Member or Employee of the “Organizer” (Mapcore) or “Sponsor” (FACEIT). Participants must not have taken part in the judging, or official announcement of this Contest. 2. Legal Age: This Contest is open to any individuals who meet the above “participant eligibility” criteria. In the event that a participant who has not reached the legal age in his/her state wins one or more prizes, he/she must provide contact details for the legal guardian who will claim the prize(s).
 
Prize Disclaimer
FACEIT will be providing Prize revenue. Mapcore assumes no responsibility.
 
THANK YOU to our AMAZING COMMUNITY!
And to our INCREDIBLE Sponsor: