Wanna make a mod Created 17 years ago2007-09-24 20:00:25 UTC by Jokerboy

Hey I was wondering how you make a simple mod (hl2 based). I heard you need something like windows studios that I don't have. Anyone mind telling me what your supposed to use? Or if i could get started without it

Dont try and make a mod unless you have mapped for several months or about a year at least. i tried, and failed and a few others here tried making a mod at a lower level too. and failed.

ehh well thanks for being honest but i was really just thinking of a simple mod not even anything to really be played on i just want to know how to make a mod and the tools

make a lot (a lot) of smaller, single player maps.
When you can finish 50% of the one's you start, you're ready to make a mod.
then you need a team behind you, but in order for that to occur, you need media first. I.E. a storyline, character list, every detail needs to be set out. You have to have maps already made...

mods arent like lost; 'make it up as you build' (unlike OIFH i think)
which is why there arent many mods floating around this site.
this site is a platform for mappers to .. step up on.. so to speak.

You don't need a team, actually. That just adds difficulty, and you don't get as much credit.

well, if you want loads of custom content.

models, textures, sounds, coding.

A one-person team for all that is quite tedious.
I usually get overwhelmed making textures for only one map.

• i do use mspaint tho.

You'll never get anywhere using MS Paint. I strongly suggest you move to a program like Photoshop or Fireworks... or even GIMP (though I hate it so) if you're unable to 'aquire' the other programs.

Do so and watch your productivity FLY.

Textures and sounds are both very easy to make on your own, and some people can even model too. Other than that, you can totally customize everything just by replacing various GUI graphics and such, no coding required.

And now you're guilty of not doing anything yourself.

Jokerboy: You'll need the Source SDK to begin with, from there you can create a mod base for which all your custom content should go into.

http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Making_a_MOD

http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Create_a_Mod

Some good places to start.

I thought someone would appreciate that

lol thanks for all ur alls help. I did look at this valve page before http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/My_First_Mod and didnt get much from it. I really just want to get to know the mod tools and just work with it. I understand how to add levels to your mod. But what programs do you need is microsoft visual studios really needed? Im pretty much just making a platform and a player start. And since I dont know much about modding I dont know if it starts out with the hl2 player for you or if you have to create your own, and same with weapons.

Alright I assume this MS Visual is linked to coding?

I mean to make a mod you need levels right? So you use the SDK found in Steam and a program within that called Hammer which you use to make levels for the Source engine. If you want to make things like custom weapons then you need to model them in a modelling program such as XSI, 3DS Max, Maya etc. You'll then need to export it and rig it and then code it in.

So I mean if you have no skills at all in any of these sections then I highly suggest you start with Hammer in the SDK (Source Development Kit) in your Steam Games List. If you need tutorials on level design then I suggest a few places but since I have Hammer / HL2DM open at the moment I am only going to link once since long lag is looooooong.

http://www.interlopers.net/index.php?page=tutorials

Have a look at these and I hope they help. Feel free to ask anything else.

thanks. that gave me a better understanding of what microsoft visual studios is. So my last question is if I were just to click create a mod (and let it do all the loading and etc., then add a map to that mod, would i be able to play it? would it already have a player and weapons or do i have to create those on my own, or get someone else to?

Clicking create a mod and following the steps will create a sort of empty version of Half Life 2. You can add maps etc but by default it'll be like loading HL2 so you'll have all the weapons.

ya thats wat i thought