Sorry for late reply. Well I didn't used any tool like that, I only used func_detail and that's about it, sorry

they spilt visleafs optimisation tool

hint brushes?

how do you use hint brushes they dont seem to work for me

I just start with shaping the map, placing block by block, nothing special. I detail as I go, if I have no ideas for details I leave the area and finish it later

what do you do first when making a map as i find myself detailing but im not sure if i should start with the main shape or detail as i go. how do you start like what is the first brush you make.

My first map I've ever completed and posted to workshop (gm_alpha) was made 2 years ago, so I guess about that long. I had a lot of breaks tho, it's not like I'am working with hammer everyday, even when I'am working on a bigger project I tend to take it slow and take a break whenever I feel like it. I only have 2 maps on workshop so that says a lot :P Tip? Well I like to get a lot of ideas from google graphics, I listen to music 100% of the time when I'am working with hammer and I also like to explore popular maps on workshop to find inspiration. And if you wanted a Hammer tip then try to use a lot of func_details on small or complicated objects that can't block players view, func_detail small walls, window/ door frames, etc. (shift+t when you pick one or more objects), it makes map compiling waaaay faster.

how long have you been mapping for and what is the best tip you learnt over that time.

Thanks

yee thanks for the talk and i really like ur map 👌

Haha, no problem, Iam glad I could help, there are very few props on this map actualy, 2 padlocks and few lamps, I try to use as few as possible because I think that this way is more performance friendly, another reason is that it feels more original and you can get pretty creative with these basic shapes :) Iam going to hit the bed now, expect other replies in few hours, thanks for a nice talk! Have fun with Hammer

Thank you for responding so quickly and i do watch those youtuber a lot and follow there advice and i will be taking yours into consideration as well, really appreciate you responding, i also just decompiled your map to see how it worked and i was surprised to see no props but still have a ton of detail. i've been practicing mapping for almost a year now with 3 month breaks now and then but i've never come close to uploading to the workshop as it gets too overcrowded with brushes and takes a while to compile and i sometimes feel like im doing something wrong. and I always look at like gm_freespace and think how they got to this point. But any way thanks for responding this has given me so more inspiration and i will take in your advice. thx :D

Don't worry, I have the same problem, a lot of projects I start end up abandoned. I tried planning on paper but it simply doesn't work for me. I often start my projects by thinking about the gamemode it would be designed for, this map was made for Melon Wars gamemode, (I got a suggestion in the comments to make it a better map for deathmatch so V2 has more cover and interiors) that gave me and idea to make a mirrored map, perfectly balanced. I suggest you to make some really small maps to practice, get familiar with textures and tools, etc. I personally love making them whenever I can't finish a bigger project or something like that, finishing these tiny maps gives you a feeling of completement. Thanks for commenting and good luck with making maps! Don't give up! :D (Take a break if you need one, no need to force yourself into map making)
PS: I highly suggest watching these 2 youtubers for very useful tutorials, I learned everything from them! TopHATTwaffle and 3kliksphilip

I am starting mapping my self but i'm struggling to finish them, i was wondering how you come up with ideas and if you plan your maps out on paper ect. Thx

Thank you! :D

awesome map

Update! Map is now rigged with NPC navigation nodes, enjoy! (Remember to report any bugs or oddities here please, thanks)

Haha, it's ok. I didn't take it as in you are rushing me :P

Ok, no problem. Take your time. I don't want it to sound like I am rushing you. Please, take your time.

I'll try to make them as soon as possible, the 3d skybox will be a pain to make tho :/

I do, can't wait for those AI nodes. I am sure that would be a while. I tried to Node maps, not very fun...

Thanks! Glad you like it :D

This map is awesome!

хорошо ,буду ждать

Это очень верно, я могу попробовать, когда у меня есть время :) (Google translate )

ну попробывать стоит , все ведь учатся на своих ошибках

Это был бы интересный проект, я не знаю, достаточно ли у меня опыта, чтобы (Google translate )

Советую попробывать сделать пост-апокалиптическую карту

:)

вау круто