Map Creation

2022-07-04T12:36:20Z

Hoppili: /* Multiplayer */

Also see:

* [[ZK Map Making Guide]]
* [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PL8U2bf-c5HuSVAihdldDTBA5fWKoeHKNb130YDdd-w/edit# Advanced guide using WorldMachine], by Beherith

Maps are 7z archives which, at their most basic, consist of three image files packaged in a particular way. They can be found in <code>Zero-K/Maps</code> and be zipped or unziped with [https://www.7-zip.org/download.html| 7zip]. Maps can contain more than their three image files, including:
* Metal spot layout.
* Start area configuration.
* Tree, rock or any other models to be placed as map features.
* Arbitrary code and units changes that can arbitrarily modify the game. See [[Mod Creation]].

= Creating maps =
Beginner mapping tutorial for SpringRTS is located here: https://springrts.com/wiki/Mapdev:Tutorial_Simple

Ask for help in #zkmap in on the [https://discord.gg/xCUAvnQT4Z| Zero-K Discord server].

Here are some SpringRTS (the engine) links [https://springrts.com/wiki/Mapdev:Main] [https://springrts.com/wiki/Map,_Game,_And_Unit_Development_Programs#Map_Creation]

== Startboxes ==

Startboxes are loaded from /mapconfig/map_startboxes.lua and can be generated ingame with the Startbox Editor widget included with the game. Alt-F11 to toggle.

Full guide for the startbox editor here: [[Startbox API]]

== Metal Configuration and Spot Graphics ==

Metal spots on maps are done via Lua configs. They can be generated ingame with the dbg_mouse_to_mex_portable.lua widget, available at [https://github.com/The-Yak/mexes_grounddecal_autoplacer | TheMooseIsLoose's github.]

Download that repo as a zip and extract into your map folder. Load the map in ZK, enable cheats, and then enable Mouse to Mexes in your alt-f11 widget menu. Click to create new metal spots, the values and positions will be automatically saved to your game data directory. Copy and paste the content from MexSpots_YourMap to your /mapconfig/map_metal_layout.lua

= Running maps =
== Local testing ==
To run a map locally put it in <code>Zero-K/Maps</code> then start the game. Untick 'Only featured maps' in <code>Settings -> Lobby</code> and start a singleplayer skirmish game. Select 'Advanced', click 'Change Map' and select your map from the list.

== Multiplayer ==
Upload your map to https://springfiles.springrts.com/upload/ to make it downloadable and playable by others. Some admin action to feature/support the map may also be required.

= Links =

* [[User:Aquanim/WaterMapDesign|Some subjective comments on design of sea maps, by Aquanim]]

{{Navbox manual}} [[Category: Development]]

Zero-K - User contributions [en]

Map Creation