Welcome to the Swarm Mapping page. Below is decriptions of the
unique features of Swarm, and examples of each of the types of gameplay
that can be created. I do assume a few things, and that is your using
Worldcraft 3.3, you know how to put a basic map together (in HL or any mod
for that matter), and you know the difference between a brush and an
entity. This information was created for Swarm Version 3, so some features
will not work in previous Swarm versions, but will work in any versions
afterwards.
The horizontal menu above is your navigational key to jumping from one
Step to another.
Step 1 - Intro to Swarm Mapping
Swarm mapping is very simple, yet endless in possibilities. Swarm is a
Half-Life MOD that allows users to play either Xen or Human classes. One
destinct feature that sets Swarm apart from other MODS is that the mapper
can use any monster entity in there Swarm maps. This includes scripting
and all. So you have the option of creating a battlefield of AI Human's
and Xen's with no 'real' players present. The sight of a 'empty server'
can now be reserved for the other mods. :)
Swarm also has added some new options to the existing entities. By
de-selecting the 'Smart-Edit' button, you can click the 'Add' button and
type in "teamname" in the 'Key' field, and whatever team you want this
entity to only effect, type it in the 'Value' input text box. This is
great for making doors, turrets, trigger_hurt, etc... only effect one
team. This is also how you can set AI too love or hate thou enemy.
Setting up Worldcraft 3.3 for Swarm mapping is no different than
setting it up for HL or other mods like CounterStrike and TFC. Only thing
you must remember is that you only load the swarm.fgd, and not the
half-life.fgd. (or any others for that matter). According to Valve, you
are allowed to use any textures from any of Valve's MODS. This includes
CounterStrike, Team Fortress Classic, and Half-Life. There are also many
other talented artists who have made custom .wad files, you just need to
look around.
Step 2 - Swarm's Custom
Entities
Below are the custom entities for Swarm located in the 'swarm.fgd'
file. There are in order of what you would see in Worldcraft 3.3, and are
as followed:
Swarm Custom Entities List |
Entity name |
Description |
|
|
swarm_team_human |
Used to create each Human team in a map. One per
team. |
swarm_team_xen |
Same as above, but for Xen team's only. |
swarm_map_data |
Used for controlling a sequence of maps. So
if one goal is achieved, it continues onto the next map in
sequence. |
|
swarm_scenario |
Used for describing the current map, and if
there are any other maps in the sequence. Also the 'Flag' tab has an
important option to allow the team to re-spawn. This gives you the
option of a Counter-Strike type of gameplay, or typical TFC/HL type
of gameplay. |
|
swarm_capture_mission |
Capture the Flag gameplay. Except how it
works is you create the brush you want to be captured, and attach it
to this entity. |
|
swarm_destroy_mission |
Destroy the Object gameplay. You can create
any brush or have a button that targets this entity, causing the
round to end. |
|
swarm_escort_mission |
Escort a Player gameplay. Use this for
making a certain class or AI monster the VIP that needs to be
destroyed in order to win. |
|
swarm_survive_mission |
Surviver gameplay. This is used when you want to set a
timer for the level. |
swarm_spawn_point |
These are where the player will start, you
want to put at least 12 per team so people don't spawn at the same
time in the same spot. You can adjust it so only a specific class
can spawn as well. Good for classes who require larger area's or
fly. |
|
swarm_ammo_human_primary |
Primary ammo re-supply for the Human team(s). |
swarm_ammo_human_secondary |
Secondary ammo re-supply for the Human team(s). |
swarm_ammo_xen_primary |
Primary ammo re-supply for the Xen team(s). |
swarm_ammo_xen_secondary |
Secondary ammo re-supply for the Xen
team(s). |
Every Swarm map must have the following entities:
info_player_start |
Only one per map required. Nothing to edit. |
swarm_map_data |
Only one per map. |
swarm_scenario |
Only one per map. |
swarm_team_human |
Only one per team per map. For every team
you have, you must have this entity to describe the team name, how
many of each class are allowed, etc.. |
|
swarm_team_xen |
Same as above, but for the Xen. |
swarm_spawn_point |
At least 12 per team. |
Step 3 - Making a Capture the Crystal
map
Coming soon...
|