This thread will cover the most asked questions that you may have in mind. We will always try to bring as much help as we can, but to avoid any repetitive questions, please make sure you have read this FAQ.


As stated in the official guidelines, make use of the search feature first to see if your problem has not already been covered.


This is what you will see if you attempt to create a new file.

Failed to load the default scheme file. The map views may be missing some visual elements.

Since the SteamPipe update in 2013, the Source SDK has been broken and Valve has yet to fix it. In order to launch Hammer without any issues, you will need to go to a folder where Hammer.exe is located.

For Counter-Strike: Source:

X:/.../Steam/SteamApps/Common/Counter-Strike Source/bin -> Hammer.exe

For Half-Life 2: Deathmatch:

X:/.../Steam/SteamApps/Common/Half-Life 2 Deathmatch/bin -> Hammer.exe

For Team Fortress 2:

X:/.../Steam/SteamApps/Common/Team Fortress 2/bin -> Hammer.exe

NB: Newer Source games, from Left 4 Dead to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, use their own SDK or Authoring Tools. These can be found respectively in the tools tab, in your Steam Library. The concerned games are:

Left 4 Dead, Left 4 Dead 2, Alien Swarm, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Portal 2.


If you encounter an error, or multiple errors, copy your compile log and paste it on this site:
www.interlopers.net/errors

Most of the time, the website will explain what the problem is, and how to fix it. If you happen to have an error, and Interlopers.net/errors is unable to guide you (not all errors are stored on the website), feel free to post your problem here.


This is no more no less caused by a fatal error during the compiling phase. Most of the time, if changes don't appear in-game, it's because VBSP hasn't been able to complete the creation of a .bsp

To remedy this, all you have to do is look at your compile log for errors. If you don't understand what causes the process to abruptly stop, post your compile on www.interlopers.net/errors


Since the Wildfire operation update, there has also been an SDK update bundled with it. Valve, with the new and fancy Nuke map, have brought many enhancements, but some features have been left broken.
You can find those improvements here.

To fix the problem, you will need to add -StaticPropLighting in your parameters under $light_exe.

If you are still confused on how to fix the problem, watch this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJCpXPq8Bhw


To prevent a wall of text here, TopHATTwaffle has written a thorough tutorial on how to achieve this.

Read this[www.tophattwaffle.com]


If you are going to decompile a map and edit it, you may want to be careful. Editing and releasing a map that does not belong to you could get you into trouble. Always ask the author's permission.

Furthermore, decompiling a map causes problems more often than not. A decompiled map will not be a 100% replica of the original source.

To avoid any misunderstanding, refrain from posting decompiled maps here.


Starting a mod is an ambitious project and, of course, takes time. Before you start a mod, you want to take into consideration the following:

• Am I skilled enough to start a mod?
  
• Do I know how the Source Engine works?
  
• Am I able to dedicate time to it?
  
• Do I really know what I want to do and are my ideas original?

Being a mod developer is not something you want to take lightly. The moment you begin a mod, you are committed to doing it. Don't start a mod if you don't feel like spending time on it.

If you are ready, there are numerous documentation available to you on the Internet ranging from level design to programming, going through a wide variety of categories.


If you are entirely new to Source's level designing, you can start learning the basics with the following people who are dedicating their time in making these videos:

3kliksphilip:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfwtcDG7LpxF7-uH_P9La76dgCMC_lfk3

TopHATTwaffle:

https://www.youtube.com/user/rocketrascal34/videos

Besides, there are some websites that will help you learn more about Hammer.

The VDC is the official site where you will find all the helpful information you might be looking for.

https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Main_Page

Interlopers.net is a great website to find various tutorials for making things feel more alive.

twhl.info is also a great site, similar to the VDC, which has both GoldSrc and Source documentation. It also contains an active forum if you ever need help from them.

Along with these, there are countless numbers of videos and written tutorials that focus on a specific topic as well, such as http://www.nodraw.net/ which emphasizes optimisation techniques.


It all depends to who you ask this question to. Generally speaking, newer engines have come out and give more possibilities. On the other hand, Titanfall 2 is made on the Source engine.

It's really up to you to decide whether it's really worth it or not to work with the Source engine.

Hopefully, this wraps up all the questions that are frequently asked here. This FAQ is subject to changes if more information arise. So, be sure to check this FAQ once in a while for updates (which will be written in the title).