UT3 UnrealEd mapping for Dummies Q's

[niX]

are these 3dbuzz tutorials available on the 3dbuzz website?

[{RA}SKYFURNACE]

actually most of the maps use pretty much the same 4-5 packages of materials,
what i do i open a few maps in UED im interested in as far as materials, and when it loads the map, it loads the material packages, and then i right click those and choose "fully load". i actually like the way it works.

[{RA}SKYFURNACE]

Originally Posted by niX

are these 3dbuzz tutorials available on the 3dbuzz website?

no, and they wont be for a long time. if you look up in my first post there is a video link for GOW tuts, which can help you with the current editor until UDN gets updated.

[Jaakko]

Originally Posted by HortonsWho

Brush size- do you mean the buidler brush or an add/subtract? For the builder-right click on the icon.

Thanks. This is way easier than what it was in the first editor. I still have no idea how to open maps. I assume I have to use some cook system or what was it so that I can open the file with the editor. I think I read it somewhere but can't find how to do it atm. I would need to know how I change an ut3 map to the form that can be opened through the editor.

[{RA}SKYFURNACE]

Originally Posted by Jaakko

Thanks....I still have no idea how to open maps...

in the first post it tells you where to find the maps.

open the editor,

choose File->Open->
navigate to:
C:\Program Files\Unreal Tournament 3\UTGame\CookedPC\Private\Maps

and the rest of the maps are here:
C:\Program Files\Unreal Tournament 3\UTGame\CookedPC\Maps

Materials:
C:\Program Files\Unreal Tournament 3\UTGame\CookedPC\Environments holds the materials

[Jaakko]

Hmm I can open the maps only with unrealfronted if I go through the directories inside the editor the private and cook folders are invisible.
EDIT: Okay I think it was not invisible I just went first to the map folder not private.

[HortonsWho]

Here's a handy trick.

If you want to get a sense of what packages are what, open a stock map... right click on the mesh or material in question, and choose "Sync Generic Browser".

This will pull up the browser window to the package in question, allowing you to quickly see what is in there.

[HortonsWho]

And to stave off your asking, yes, maps are now about 90% static mesh:

[Jaakko]

lol I just found it out.
EDIT: Wipii I just got my first material in the map. Why are the maps 90% meshes?

[HortonsWho]

Here's a question: looking through the stock maps- it would appear that EVERY static mesh has a blocking volume. That's SOP?

[HortonsWho]

Originally Posted by Jaakko

lol I just found it out.
EDIT: Wipii I just got my first material in the map. Why are the maps 90% meshes?

Easier on the resources. It's now all about instances. If you build a wall section from mesh- the engine learns about it once then just replicates. If BSP- it redraws everything. At least I think that's it in simplest terms.

[share_the_pain]

Originally Posted by {RA}SKYFURNACE

I cant seem to find the "Duplicate" option for meshes/Brushes... i keep having to copy and paste which is a waste.

Ctrl+w/shift + d I think is duplicate, just like the old editors. Alternatively, just holding alt and using one of the 3 widgets will create a duplicate.

[HortonsWho]

Yup- best thing is to hold alt and grab a spine (or corner of the wireframe cube the spines form then you can go in any dimension. Hold shift-alt and do it and your perspective will move with you.

Once you figure out where stuff is- you can create a mesh-only level pretty fast. Mind you- this doesn'y include any of the collisions, volumes, etc... but for teh first 30 minutes- s'okay.

[Jaakko]

My next thing is that I should find where all meshes and weapons are. I'm currently making my first test map.
EDIT: I made a terrain but when I wanted to add a layer and a material for it I have this option: "New Terrain Setup Layer From Material" although in tutorial it says "New Layer From Material". I use the option I have and nothing happens in the terrain editor. I don't get the layer visible as I wanted but it goes to my level package. :/ Okay I go to my package and select the layer and add the selected layer to terrain editor. It works. Oh no it does not. :/ Now it definetly works!!! Finally.

I have no clue where I get meshes and weapons. Nevermind I found the weapons now looking for other meshes.

Okay I found the ammo in pickups but does somebody know the name of weapon package?

[HortonsWho]

Get to know the "generic browser". From it all good things will come-