The dos and don’ts of CS:GO level design

[El_Exodus 1,372]

The dos and don’ts of CS:GO level design - a guide to assist you crafting a well working competitive layout for CS:GO

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New update (27th June 2019):

The dos and donts of csgo level design - updated 2019-06-27.pdf

Steam version of the guide here: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1110438811

Spoiler

Changelog:

27th June 2019

Added 5.5 Visual indicators for plant zones
Fixed Link in Chapter 23

 

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Original Post:

Quote

 

I have been working on this for a long time now and was never able to wrap this project up. I've never been satisfied enough with the result to release it although the content has been complete for a long time. With the recently launched 2017 Mapcore CS:GO contest i figured it's about time to finish the ongoing rework and publish it no matter what since lots of the content will hopefully benefit any newcomer to CS:GO level design. Some chapters might even be interesting to more advanced mappers - who knows. I don't expect this release version to be perfect right away, so if there's any feedback or addition you'd like to see changed/implemented, please hit me up so i can further improve this guide.

Credit where credit is due: MaanMan, will2k and others assisted me by proofreading and giving feedback to a very early version of this document. Since i reworked almost every paragraph, there might not be much left of their work, but i really have to appreciate the time they took. Thank you guys!

I really hope this is helpful and that at least some new mappers can make use of it.

Happy mapping and have a nice day!

 

 

Edited February 2, 2020 by El_Exodus

[Ringel 235]

Really good beginner guide. And I learned something. I didn't knew the Measuring timing trick. Thanks for that.

But there are 2 things (for me) you didn't covered enough.

 

I just want to say how important it is to rework all of your areas. Even when you think it is the best thing ever, it isn't. It can always be improved.

As I started it happened often that I created something like a stair and I never tried to vary or move it. This can be a huge mistake. Play around and have fun experience new things. You don't have to be afraid, you can always save your origin and come back to it. All you have to lose is time but what you can get by trying is a better map and no matter what you get more experience.

 

The other thing that I learned is that you can't force something. I always tried to create the best possible gameplay. But it can only be as good as your skills* are.

Mapping takes time and it also takes a huge amount of time to get better. It is like painting. Paint something the first time and it may looks bad, repeat it 1672 times and it will look wonderfull. So be patient. Edit: Learning from others and their work is also very important. You can't find out everything on your own just by practising.

So keep mapping and don't forget to have fun.

 

*includes the skill to find out what the game is all about with all its peculiarities.

Edited June 15, 2019 by Ringel

[noobgames 28]

Thanks for this dude. Will really help when I get started with mapmaking!!

[CURRYMATE 1]

thanks for this man

 

[TheOnlyDoubleF 1,125]

I like the part on collision and visibility, That something we often forget! 

[Minos 5,438]

Wow I missed this before, great guide!!

[El_Exodus 1,372]

New contest, new update! 

Took the chance to get the rework in a presentable state. Might be changing it further in the coming weeks depending on feedback. We'll see I guess.

The dos and donts of csgo level design - 2019-06-10_2.pdf

There is also a Steam version of the guide if you prefer that:

https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1110438811

Edited June 10, 2019 by El_Exodus

[Interfearance 506]

Better metrics guide than valve LOL. Thanks on behalf of the community for this 

[That50'sGuy 505]

Goodie! This will certainly help out! I'll give it a read right now!

[JorisCeoen 244]

There absolutely needs to be a segment in this tutorial (even if just very briefly) that highlights some of the features of the Wall Worm Model Tools, for those who are brand new to creating models from scratch. Or, add it to the references or additional links!

Edited August 7, 2019 by JorisCeoen