Level Design Projects

This is the home for any of my notable-level design projects. I’m currently learning the Source 2 Hammer editor to create content for Half-Life: Alyx.

Source 2 Hammer editor practice level

Game: Half-Life: Alyx Length: 5-8 minutes

Half Life: Alyx Hammer Editor First Level

How the level started

Overview of what I started with

How the level ended up

Overview of the same area in the finished level

Personal Goal

I built this map to learn how to work with Sources 2’s Hammer editor. Starting with one of the provided Source 2 example maps, I wanted to expand on it and try adding art, lighting, a story, more refined combat, music, etc; effectively “complete” the map.

Map Setting

This map is a transitionary level, existing between two non-existing levels before and after, with the main purpose of introducing the player to the shotgun. Leading into this level Alyx is being pursued by combine and makes a quick escape into a sewer. Little does she know, that this path will lead her through a zombie-infested junkyard and a fight with a combine cleanup crew.

Map Goals

Introduce the player to the shotgun
- I wanted to try shaping the level as though it contains the introduction to a new weapon. I thought it would give me a good direction for the level’s combat and pacing.
Try to keep the level dense and compact
- Since this is my first attempt at making a level in Source 2 Hammer, I wanted to try keeping the need for new geometry to a minimum, focusing on injecting a story and design into the already provided map shell.