Creating a Skybox
Making the Level a DM
Weapon Placement
Multiplayer Respawn Points
Creating a Skybox
This is a simple process that adds a lot to any level. Firstly, for the skybox to work, it needs to be placed outside the level you have created. Go into Brush mode and create an air type cylinder with 8 sides and make it Height=10 and Radius=10. Go into Texture mode and select the Sky option form the second dropdown list, then press browse. Double click on the sky_nightskybox1.tga texture and press OK (or the Enter Key). Apply it, then Apply Map. Scale (S + arrow keys) the texture to your liking.
Go into Object mode. You need to be in the box for the skybox that you have just created. Double click on Room Effect, bring up the properties (Ctrl + P) and change the Effect TYpe to Sky Room.
Go back to Texture mode and select the faces of the Skybox and press Ctrl + P and check the Full Bright flag.
Navigate your way back to the room with the building, water and tower in it and while in Texture mode select the roof face of the rock wall brush. Then press Ctrl + P (properties) and select the Show Sky flag.
Your Skybox is now complete. If you wish to apply the Skybox effect to the side walls, as well as the ceiling, follow the same process. Go into texture mode, select the side walls, press Ctrl + P and select the Show Sky flag.
Build your level (Spacebar), Calculate lights and maps (W, Shift+w, L, Shift+L), Save (Ctrl + S), Create a Packfile (Alt + F then L) and then test your level (F7).
Making the Level a DM
OK, I guess your at the point where you want to test your tutorial level with your friends. There are just a few things that need to be done before you can do this. In the top menu select Edit and then Level Properties. There are a few goodies in here. For instance the level name and author, the level lighting and fog, the hardness of the level and most importantly, the multiplayer check box. To play this map as a multiplayer level the Multiplayer Level checkbox needs to be checked.
Next, the name under which you save the level is also important. In this instance the level name needs to begin with the DM prefix. EG dm_tutorial, DMtutorial, DM tutorial etc, etc. With this prefix, DM, you will also be able to play Team DM. A Capture the Flag level needs the CTF prefix.
Weapon Placement
Nearly ready to go, but I think that your friends will be a bit disappointed to see that they only have a pistol. Lets place some weapons and health.
Go into Object mode and click on the + in front of the items list on the left. Another list will open up and it will be full of weapons, health and powerups. The screen shots are only suggested weapons placement, ultimately it is up to you. The best way to place the weapons etc is to move your viewport to where you wish the weapon to be placed and then double click on the weapon in the list on the left hand side. Then you can move it around by pressing M + arrowkeys to line it up a little better. Remember; O will align the object and Ctrl + G will snap it to the grid.
Assualt Rifle - 5.56mm
Heavy Machine Gun - 7.62mm
Sub Machine Gun - 12mm
Shotgun - 10 guage
Sniper Rifle - .5 cal
Multiplayer Respawn Points
Respawn points are the points at which players will respawn in a multiplayer game. To add a respawn point, change the position and orientation of the Freelook Viewport. Face it where you want the respawn point to be and the direction you want it to face. Go into Object mode and then double click the Multiplayer Respawn Point object in the list on the left.
If this tutorial has been enjoyable, boring, worth your while or a complete waste of time, please email
and tell us what you thought. If there is enough response more time will be put into developing another begginner-intermediate tutorial that will carry on from this one.
