Any Advice before creating a RPG map?

Help and Feedback Building Support
#1

Hey there,
My studio and I are about to start creating a new RPG game that is set on a medium to large map with different biomes and features. Features include forests, hills, caves, farms, cities, and etc. I was wondering if anyone had advice on any part of the construction of the map. I am having trouble deciding how I want to initially tackle the map, whether I should build separate parts at a time or make the entire thing at once.

If anyone out there has experience or feels like they have worked with a similar situation, your feedback on how you did it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

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#2

Make sure the map flows well and that traveling throughout the map works at a pace that you’re comfortable with. You don’t want to go too large for lag reasons so consider making several places linked via teleportation if the map gets too big. I recommend create a concept for the whole map, perhaps even a rough sketch in something like MS paint before building it . Make sure the map design directly compliments any storyline the game may have/sense of progression it may have (such as perhaps a linear map if the game progresses towards a final location).

  • Also consider using reference pictures of real life “forests,hills,caves,farms,cities,etc.” to aid in your making of those. MAke sure the tri count on your trees isn’t too high either if you’re going to have a lot of them
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#3

Alrighty thanks that helps a lot :slight_smile:

#4

So @TooMuchRice this will be a long project by the sounds of things but I know from experience that designing RPG maps is one of the most fun and rewarding things. Here is what I recommend you do:
Pre Build:

  • First decide the basics of your game: Story, Plot, Location and theme. Once you have done that you can begin to make more in depth decisions.
  • Next decide your style of terrain will you use terrain or parts.
  • You have stated:

I would say try to contain your creativity and real invest it into smaller areas and create A medium sized map unless you want the player to travel to different places(Games). Otherwise the players will feel too spread out or over whelmed.
Now I assume you have already done the above but if not I hope some of it is helpful.

In development:

  • When making your map it is usaually best to make it in chronological order in RPGs. As you are making a large map make the tutorial area first and think about areas expanding from there and when the player should have the capability of reaching them.
  • Another way I personally have found useful is if you are making a story based RPG and characters need certain skills or abilities create the areas in that order. For example you may prohibit the player from diving underwater and once that feature is obtained create the settlement or biome that corresponds to utilizing that feature.
  • As you are working with A studio and are the builder make sure that an area is somewhat functional before deciding to create the next area as it can and will become rather overwhelming.
    *If you are deciding to not have any area restrictions it is usually easier to make A map similar to pet simulator where the player cannot get lost.
    Pet Simulator! - Roblox
    However if you are prepared for it make A diverging map again in areas for a better game experience.

After Development:
The following is entirely optional but may be useful:

  • Release your game in stages… Alpha,Beta Released. This means every time a new area is added to the game you can allow people to try it.(For things like Paid access I will not advise as monetization is the decision of the studio) From an analytics standpoint this can develop A player base meaning the building of the map.
  • Do not neglect old areas:
    What is meant by this is often the downfall of story games. When games amass a large player base updates will gradually get larger but when adding features or just fixing the game do NOT forget to update old areas to give them purpose to older players.
    I hope this helped! Feel free to mark it as the solution if it was sufficient enough. I would love to see your game throughout development as I am very intrigued.
    Good Luck!
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