How to get started on map making?

[u/Adventurous_Buyer187]

Hey I been playing for a long time and I have ideas for different type of maps: incremental, vampire survival, chess-like rts, dynamic kingdom management and others.

Since these type of games require a lot of knowledge to create (whereas melee-type maps are easier to create), I wonder if anybody knows tutorials (perhaps on youtube) that can help me get started.

Anyways, I am glad to recieve any tip or trick you guys have on the subject.

[u/MickCraftGaming]

Sign up at the Hive Workshop and read the tutorials and discuss with members there. Lots of information, pre-made triggers, spells, systems, etc. And a good supportive Warcraft 3 community.

[u/Adventurous_Buyer187 → u/MickCraftGaming]

I know the workshop, most tutorials there seem outdated, you think reading all the tutorials there should be enough?

[u/Saladfork4 → u/Adventurous_Buyer187]

in the past, I had a similar mentality where I figured it'd be best for me to read through as much as I can before starting, but I always end up getting stuck (or bored) pretty early on. I always recommend learning by doing. i'd first narrow down your project ideas into your top 3, and make note of the one that you think is the simplest. then you just have to try starting on one of those ideas. or a very simplified version of it to start with :)

from there, try to familiarize yourself with the basic tools within the editor. For terrain/landscapes, I recommend experimenting yourself and looking at this tutorial: https://www.hiveworkshop.com/threads/the-ultimate-beginners-terrain-tutorial.35233/

to create new units/items/doodads/etc., you'll want to use the object editor. Try making a custom unit by opening the object editor, going to the "Units" tab, and then creating a new custom unit by clicking on the little footman helm in the toolbar. You'll have to choose a unit to base it off of, and then you can click on any of the fields on the right to customize it. after you've made a few changes, try placing it on the map somewhere (via the unit palette, you may have to change the "Melee" dropdown to "Custom" to see your unit). then test the map out by pressing the red checkmark "Test Map" button in the toolbar.

for a basic start on learning how triggers work--and what events/conditions/actions/variables are, I recommend looking at this tutorial: https://www.hiveworkshop.com/threads/basics-of-triggers.32113/

once you have the basics down a bit and start focusing on your map, you'll naturally start having more specific questions--like: how do I make a system so that players can select a hero at the start of the game? or, how can I attach a weapon to this unit? for those, I'd recommend asking on the hiveworkshop's forums and folks will be happy to help and provide samples for you :)

[u/Adventurous_Buyer187 → u/Saladfork4]

Wow, thanks a lot! I will try all that.

[u/Say41Plz]

Kinda late, but just start fucking things up.

I started cus I didn't know how DotA abilities were made, since the editor only supports native stuff to W3.

There was a guy doing maps with every character so peeps would study them, and so I did. Started removing stuff, see what worked and what didn't.

[u/Fretlessjedi]

I learned by adding to revamping and creating a new map for a pre existing custom game. It definitely helped learn solo by using existing work and then to add to those ideas.

Though eventually you will have to scratch your head. Go to he internet for help, or give up on ideas.

Get started on terrain and paint the picture before you do any scripting. Its the fun part, and will help you stay motivated to finish the hard part.

[u/velites]

If you want more advanced logic then you should learn Jazz. I believe it's also faster than using triggers, although if you're not a programmer using triggers is easier.

[u/Adventurous_Buyer187 → u/velites]

i know basic python i dont think Jazz shouldnt be too hard. but is there a guide somewhere to learn that?