Level editing

Build/Mapster32 Map Editing

Level Editing · True Room Over Room Mapping Guide · Build/Mapster32 Keyboard Commands
Special Tile Listing · Sector Effector Tag Listing · Sector Tag Listing
Utilities Reference Guide · Mapster32 Scripting · Mapster32 Map Checking

NOTE: Much of information on this page is from around 1999. Some may be outdated, and some may be incorrect -- this page exists to get you started with the Level Editing and may not currently cover some of the additional features available in Mapster32.

Information About Maps

What is a map?

A "map" is a general term used to describe the levels in Duke Nukem 3D (or just about any other game for that matter). Maps include all the level information (effect parameters, wall placement, sprite placement, etc.).

What can I do to maps?

Unlike games such as Doom or Unreal, maps are solely the layout of a level, the effects used in that level, etc. Enemy coding, sounds, and art textures can be found in the .grp and .con files.

Can I look at the game maps?

Yes. The file "kextract" is used to extract map files into your game directory, where they then can be viewed.

You also can view the maps without extracting them. Use the command line parameter -map <mapname>.

What do I use to make maps?

The editor available for creating your own maps are the Build program (used to create the levels found in Duke Nukem 3D), Makemap (distributed with Eduke 2.0), JFBuild (distributed with JFDuke), and Mapster32, which is included with Eduke32. This FAQ currently only discusses features of Build and Mapster32 specifically, although the other editors may (and generally do) function the same way.

Can I make maps for other games?

Yes. The Build editor that came with Duke Nukem 3D was made specifically for Duke Nukem 3D, but it can also be used to make levels for NAM.

How do I run user maps?

Running user maps that you create and/or download is can be run within Eduke32 by selecting "User Map" under the "New Game" menu. The command line parameter -map <mapname> also may be used to execute user maps.

What exactly is the Build engine?

The Build engine is the graphics engine that games such as Duke Nukem 3D, Shadow Warrior, Blood, and NAM run on. Although it isn't truly 3-D, it does give a nice feel for the environment that has been presented, and it gives the player a never before seen level of interactivity in this environment.