Dust, Fog, & Smoke

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

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

Textures

• effects/fog_d1_trainstation_02 Used only in the distance. Fit to brush face. HL2-content derived source games only.
• shadertest/volumetricfog — Does this work?
• tools/toolsfog (needs description)
• tools/toolsskyfog (needs description)

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.

External links

• HL2 Smoke Stack tutorial