How do I get my map to work.
Hey guys, I'm just starting to explore ns2 mapping and I am having a really tough time finding information on how to get started with mapping. Sure, there's a couple tutorials on pushing models and world geometry around, but there's not much information on getting a level actually working.
I tried playtesting it, but all I do is get a "FILE NOT FOUND" error. What am I doing wrong? How do I test a map?
I tried playtesting it, but all I do is get a "FILE NOT FOUND" error. What am I doing wrong? How do I test a map?
Comments
I would advise you to read and install this helpfull tool <a href="http://www.unknownworlds.com/ns2/forums/index.php?showtopic=119239" target="_blank">Ns2 Forums</a>
It allows you, with one click, to build the minimap and export the necesarry files for ns2 to run your level.
As far as I can remember you need a powernode, a tech point and a resource tower entity in order for the map to run. You also have to name your save Ns2_yourmap. Cheats 1 will start the round even with 0 players, so if you added atleast one commander camera entity you can test commander view. A minimap extend entity is also a good idea so the generated one don't include your ready room. The way to make it work perfectly is to make the entity, then have scale at "1" and shift dragging and edge in order to get a perfect square of the entity covering your map. If you just scale it to fit and make a non perfect square the ratio on the map will be messed up.
Hope this helped you a little :) Maybe there is something I missed but then the pro's will elaborate on my post, im sure :)
GL with your mapping <3
The smallest setup for a maptest would be a single room with a readyroom start entity in it. Add 1 gamerules, pathing and maybe skybox entity somehwere in the level (near the readyroom makes the most sense).
If you start your level then you should find yourself inside a dark black box. If that is still not enough, the level requires a second seperated room with 2 techpoint entities and resourcepoint entities inside. Set one techpoint to alien spawn, one to marine spawn. Then add player_join entities to your readyroom and set them to join rines and the other one to well, aliens :D Add some lights to your map and see if that works. Everything else starts from that.
If you open the console, it can tell you important things like what is missing in your map or what is causing problems. Keep asking if I missed your point or if it isn't working ^^ We will guide you, and welcome in the world of sparks :D
Oh and don't believe the mapping guide. It is usefull for starters, but very old. You don't need waypoints for example.
Is the .level file in the ns2/maps folder? I mean what file is not found, the .level file or is something missing in your map?
<b>The smallest setup for a maptest would be a single room with a readyroom start entity in it. Add 1 gamerules, pathing and maybe skybox entity somehwere in the level (near the readyroom makes the most sense).</b><!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Damn I knew I forgot something :D
I am a fairly experienced mapper using Hammer mainly, but I also struggled with the lack of information on "your first map" like you said only a few tutorials on geometry and advanced techniques all of which are all great! The editor itself is great just took me a bit longer to work stuff out.
I did the trial and error method with my map and also used the example map floating about on the forums which helped a lot, I just did the "click on everything" read it and slowly work out what each entity does :)
Make sure to give it a name like ns2_testmap.level
map yourmapsname
I think this might be the final issue that needs to be solved, as all the other things in ns2 maps (Sounds, moving props) seems fairly straight forward.
I think this might be the final issue that needs to be solved, as all the other things in ns2 maps (Sounds, moving props) seems fairly straight forward.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Type nav_debug in console to see the navigation mesh, the error indicates that it's broken and it can't path outside of the Tech Point.
that's the navigation mesh - just turn it off in the console :) nav_debug 0
you only need to see it if you are wondering why something can't build or if your mac's and stuff won't go where you want them to.
also to turn on cheats you gotta do "cheats 1" in the console (without the double quotes)