Level 4 CSGO Hammer Editor

Day 1 (Learning more about the engine)

As I used an older version of this engine last week, it's quite handy to go into another project with the same sort of tools. Although this new one has a different UI, it still has a lot of similarities and resembles its predecessor in many ways.

Today was spent collecting video guides to use as a baseline for learning what I need to know about the engine.

Day 2 (Learning about CSGO map layouts)

If I were to make a map for CS:GO, then I would need to examine what makes a CS:GO map. I pulled three of the most popular maps and looked for similarities.

The first thing I noticed is that the CT (Counter-Terrorist) side is always close enough to the objective to arrive there at least 10–25 seconds before the Terrorists. This gives them enough time to hold angles on the site.

Another thing I noticed, represented by the blue square, is that each map has one essential corridor to a site (the objective for the enemy), often referred to in-game as "Long." This is the main way to the site.

This leads into the next point: access to the Long site is often possible through the middle, represented by orange. Middle is usually in between sites and can be used to get to either one.

The red objective represents the other site, which usually consists of tight corners and multiple entrances. This design gives the Terrorist team different strategies and is a very smart way of making a competitive shooter.

Day 3 (Basic block out exercise & More tutorials)

Today I decided to try and make a simple block out of a random house on google maps in the engine, this simple exercise in the engine got me to figure out some of the mesh editing tools, look through the asset folder for models and textures and helped me learn some of the hot keys.

After this I watched a couple more tutorials on the engine, theres not too many as CSGO 2 is fairly new.

Day 4 (Simple Block out of starting map)

Today I made a simple concept map and then started to block it out trying to get the essential elements I discoverd from my research.

• I need to get the timing right for CT to be able to get to there site objective.
• I need a middle control point for the map.
• I need a long corridor to get to site red and a route to get there from middle.
• I need site blue to have tight sight lines and multiple entrances.

Day 5 (Shaping up the block out)

With this project coming to a close I really needed to speed up the process and add more detail and update the scale of the map. This has been one of the highlights for me definately in the top 3 projects.