Decompiling Maps: Difference between revisions

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* [[BSP Viewer]]
* [[BSP Viewer]]


== Getting dirty ==
== Getting Dirty ==
The latest decompiler is called [[BSPSource]] and is written in Java. You need an updated version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), which can be downloaded from [http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/ Sun] to run BSPSource. Once installed, you are ready to decompile your first map.  
The latest decompiler is called [[BSPSource]] and is written in Java. You need an updated version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), which can be downloaded from [http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/ Sun] to run BSPSource. Once installed, you are ready to decompile your first map.  


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4. Right-click on the BSP file you want, then click <code>Extract</code> or drag the file from the GCF into a folder.
4. Right-click on the BSP file you want, then click <code>Extract</code> or drag the file from the GCF into a folder.


== Before you go ==
== Before You Go ==
Before you take this jump to run off and decompile a map take a second or two to think, "What am I trying to learn/do?".
Before you take this jump to run off and decompile a map take a second or two to think, "What am I trying to learn/do?".
Read the included TXT files, you may just find the creator's e-mail, and that could be more helpful than you imagine.
Read the included TXT files, you may just find the creator's e-mail, and that could be more helpful than you imagine.

Revision as of 11:15, 12 June 2012

Decompiling is the process of taking a compiled level and generating a source that can be opened in a map editor. Decompiled levels mimic the original source, they are not exact reproductions. This makes them useful for learning, measurement, and inspection, but not direct recompilation. The original source is ideal for reproductions or modifications.

Releasing reproductions, modifications, or approximations of another's work without permission nor credit is frowned upon and may be considered as a copyright violation.

Tools

Getting Dirty

The latest decompiler is called BSPSource and is written in Java. You need an updated version of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE), which can be downloaded from Sun to run BSPSource. Once installed, you are ready to decompile your first map.

Extracting Valve maps

  1. Install GCFScape.
  2. After you install GCFScape, go to File >> Open.
Note.pngNote:Left 4 Dead, Left 4 Dead 2, and Portal 2 also have other folders for DLCs, for examples: steamapps\common\portal2\portal2_dlc1\pak01_dir.vpk, steamapps\common\left 4 dead\l4d_dlc1\pak01_dir.vpk, steamapps\common\left 4 dead 2\l4d2_dlc1\pak01_dir.vpk .

3. Browse the directory until you find a \maps\ folder. Each location varies per game.
4. Right-click on the BSP file you want, then click Extract or drag the file from the GCF into a folder.

Before You Go

Before you take this jump to run off and decompile a map take a second or two to think, "What am I trying to learn/do?". Read the included TXT files, you may just find the creator's e-mail, and that could be more helpful than you imagine.

Some mappers will offer up help and advice, they may even go so far as to provide perfect examples of what you were trying to "borrow" from the map.

See Also