Dust, Fog, & Smoke

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This article is about adding smoke, dust, fog, etc, to a map. Due to their similarities, most of these effects can be achieved by variations of each other.

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Entities

env_fog_controller — adds fog to the entire map
env_smokestack — smoke emerges, is moved by wind, and dissipates
func_dustcloud — a volume of dust
env_steam — fast-moving version of env_smokestack, without wind
env_dustpuff — emits puffs of dust
env_smoketrail
func_smokevolume

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Materials

effects/fog_d1_trainstation_02 Used only in the distance. Fit to brush face. HL2-content derived source games only.
shadertest/volumetricfog — Doesn't work.
tools/toolsfog — Works only with func_smokevolume.
tools/toolsskyfog (needs description)

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Notes

env_smokestack and func_dustcloud use numerous sprites to achieve their effect, and can therefore be very expensive to render (some settings will slow your map, especially on low-end systems).
CS:S has some cloud props.
Shafts of light must be added by hand. There is a model for this (Effects/vol_light.mdl) or you can create a non-solid brush with material (where did that material go?).
To get fog in a 3D skybox, adjust the fog settings in the sky_camera. For best results give it the same settings as the env_fog_controller.

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