The Most Basic of Questions

I know nothing of mapping. Nothing whatsoever. I would like to learn how. Can anyone help me out with site recommendations? What are the tools needed to map? What are the computer requierments (typo)? Where can I teach myself to map? I've been playing Empires since about 1.01 and I really enjoy it, however, I can't be the only person who wants to help develop the game but doesn't know what to do.

Thanks.

 

Any comp running hl2 will do. Yes it might get slow on low end comps but its doable

http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Your_First_Map
That is where i started.
Also check out:
http://www.interlopers.net/index.php?page=tutorials.htm

You need to install source SDK, its located in steam games-> tools

Start with the hl2 and/or cs tutorials as there are plenty offered. Just google "hl2 hammer tutorial" and im sure you can find tutorial for anything.

When you are comfortable with props, displacements and such then advance to empires.
http://empiresmod.info/index.php/Mapping

 

www.interlopers.net is great if you want to learn the basics, they got everything

 

i started the day sven coop came out

man, the good old days...

 

svencoop rpg 4h straight at a lan starting at 5am :D:D

but yeah, have to agree ^_^

 

No one has mentioned my personal favorite: The SnarkPit

 

I know you're out there. To all those people who are as totally overwhelmed by mapping as I am, Wereaser's suggestion, The SnarkPit, seems to contain everything for the nubiest of ubernubs. It has the most basic processes broken down and explained in easy steps. Thanks, man.

Edit: holy crap, it is NOT. However, there are some very simple tuts on it.

 

wont let me join

 

Lobster, you're not alone, I'm busy trying to get maps working.. I keep on running into problems though. XD Just need time I guess.

 

Hmmm i was just about to post asking how to setup HAMMER for empires mod, never really bothered with any thing other then CS:S with it before, and along comes these lovely posts. Cheers.

Except crappy half hearted maps within the week!

 

Nonsense! These maps will have lots of heart!

And bugs. And lag. :D

 

just heart for me... as it might be a few weeks before my map is worth showing. XD

EDIT: Way to go on copying my VGCats theme Dashy, now I'm not uniqe anymore! =..(

 

Ahh nowi remember why i ran kicking and screaming away from programming all the fuss and pain when your maps wont work correctly

Managed to get a nice Hl2 map done though, an RPG with an ammo create Vs hordes of zombies which respawn constantly.

As for Vgcats, What other comic gives brings you "the rat flail"? :D

 

...I use a rat-flail icon somewhere else, too.

...Thief. :p

 

Right now I'm trying to compile a map on my other computer to see if it'll work, just taking it one step at a time. I've gotten the hang of Hammer now, just gotta learn the rest from experience.