Step Two

In this step, we will begin with our first creation in Hammer, the basis for many future buildings. By this, I mean, the most basic room; four walls, one floor and one ceiling, without any other details.

Step One

When opening Hammer for the first time, my reaction was pretty much bewilderment, confusion and a slight bit of revulsion. The thing just looked complicated, even double so when opening up an actual map for the first time. Not knowing the controls, nothing I usually did for other 3D programs was working for me. The drop down menus were also quite cryptic and mysterious. So, to anyone else opening Hammer for the first time. I know how you feel. So let’s begin from the top, with the very basic basics.

Step Zero

You read that right. This is the step you should take even before you take your first step. What I mean is conceptualization.

Concept is the leading force behind both design and development. When it comes to maps, it is even more important. Maps are more than just a pretty place to have a gunfight, or to fight monsters. It has to be balanced, so that the player or players can’t simply climb up a ledge and be unreachable from the other players. It also has to be well kept, so the player isn’t getting stuck in the gaps between your two decorative rocks.