Got a problem with how Valve designed 2Fort in Team Fortress 2? Now you can alter the map yourself using the source files for TF2 maps recently released on the Source SDK.
“This map sucks.” You’ve said it. I’ve said it. That one annoying guy on your team says it every time he gets killed, and then still says it once the map rotates to something else.
Few of us are willing to take the time to try to make maps suck less, however. Those with the dedication, interest or just straight up gumption, however, can take a look at the recently released .vmf source files for TF2 maps on the Source software development kit. The maps featured include Lumberyard, Ravine, Badlands, Dustbowl, Granary, Gravelpit, 2Fort, Badwater, Goldrush, and Hydro.
Valve says the release of the source files are meant to serve a double purpose by making it easier for novice map makers to get into the practice since they won’t have to start from scratch, while providing some valuable lessons for more experienced designers, who can see in detail how Valve built these levels.
It is a bit intimidating for newcomers, so here’s are a few starting ideas courtesy of Valve themselves: “For example, you could start by fine-tuning cover in Goldrush, alter the layout of Granary, or tweak the amount of health and ammo in Gravelpit. Or maybe you just have a ton of ideas on how you think you could improve Hydro or 2Fort.”
More “maps and model sources” are due for release in the SDK in the future, Valve says. “We’d love to see what you come up with,” they said.
