On average, how long does it take to create a decent map?

  • Please make sure you are familiar with the forum rules. You can find them here: https://forums.tripwireinteractive.com/index.php?threads/forum-rules.2334636/

matrix121391

FNG / Fresh Meat
May 29, 2009
27
0
0
So far I've spent about 10-20 hours on mine. How much time have you guys invested because I see new maps coming out everyday.
 

Ron

FNG / Fresh Meat
Feb 9, 2006
910
0
0
Take your time imo make sure your map looks decent at the very least. Most of the people who release maps quickly do so either because they're exprienced or because they're releasing half finished maps.
 

Feelgood66

FNG / Fresh Meat
May 12, 2009
101
17
0
www.formidablefew.com
Take your time imo make sure your map looks decent at the very least. Most of the people who release maps quickly do so either because they're exprienced or because they're releasing half finished maps.

Or just quick ports of already done maps. :D

I have been a week on the map I am working on, and still on the first room. Granted I try to balance my time with admining several servers, a website, playing KF and all my family type duties...life kinda gets in the way at times. All in all, the time it takes is relevant to your level of experience, as well as the size and quality of the map you are trying to create. So there really is no right answer. It is complete when you feel it is finished.
 

Slyk

FNG / Fresh Meat
Feb 17, 2006
1,277
10
0
www.after-hourz.com
Not that I've tried a KF level yet, but most custom maps are going to take between 200 and 400 hours, depending on size and complexity. From what I have seen, these maps are potentially complex compared to an RO map but I suppose different aspects offset each other.
 

Anemia

FNG / Fresh Meat
Mar 22, 2009
232
15
0
That really depends on the complexity of the map and the mappers experience. If you work effective i dont think it would take 200h's.

And yeah many of these new maps isn't very complex at all. If you are all new to ued you often have to make at least one level before you get to know the editor.
 

IrritAnt

FNG / Fresh Meat
May 17, 2009
111
1
0
Echoing what's been said - the amount of time depends on the complexity of your map and your experience using Unreal.

I can suggest that you write out a short list of all the tasks you need to do to make the map. That's what I do and it means you make sure everything's been done that needs to be done, and in the right order. Then you update the list as you work, crossing tasks off and adding new ones as needed.

For example, I'm nearly finished my current map. My list currently reads;
- Pickups
- More detail meshes
- Centre pivots for zed spawns
- Adjust/test pathnodes.

By having a task list you have a quantitative measure of where your map is at.
 

Deek

FNG / Fresh Meat
May 28, 2008
218
12
0
400h if I'm lucky! The mapper's experience level definitely has a huge impact on the process. I'm nearly 10 hours in and my overall progress is pitiful ... mostly due to my inexperience with UnrealEd. Learning as I go, tackling each issue as it arises: pouring over tutorials and whining on the forums looking for help. As I suss out each problem, as I discover more efficient ways of doing things, it's a step in the right direction. Painfully small baby steps, but at least I'm moving forward!
 

The Fortune

FNG / Fresh Meat
May 16, 2009
133
0
0
I think my personal best was about 100 hours in Hammer a week according to steam. I've been on some maps that have taken months to do in some cases, but experience makes a huge impact.

I also learned workflow is a big deal too, making one room at a time, detailing it, adding lights etc is so time consuming with the testing it's unreal. I find maps come along a lot faster once you have the basic layout first and try to do things in groups. Focus on refining the shape of your level first, then on textures, static meshes + detailing, lighting and special effects.
 

=GG= Mr Moe

FNG / Fresh Meat
Mar 16, 2006
9,794
890
0
55
Newton, NJ
Well, I am making a map for one of the RO Mods and I can say there is a huge difference in the amount of time spent from where I think I have a halfway decent playable beta compared to a more finished, polished product. Being new to the editor doesn't help, but I could safely say over 400+ hours at this point...
 

Nenjin

Grizzled Veteran
Apr 30, 2009
3,879
480
83
Sub-Level 12
200 to 300, adjusted for map size. For something the size of BioticsLab....200 or less. Something the size of farm (with more detail)...? At least 400 hours. That is for people with no experience in UTE. I'd say a pro who knows what they're doing can cut those numbers in half.
 
Last edited: