Create a Mod

The 'Create a Mod' button is accessible through the Source SDK software available through STEAM to all owners of Half-Life 2 or another primary Source engine product. This button does exactly as the name implies, it allows you to create a modification of the Half-Life 2 game or of the Source engine itself. This is only a stepping stone application really and the hard work that generally goes into a successful modification is still left up to you. This button will generate the basic framework for you to work with, allowing you to dabble in the code, the models and the worlds of Half-Life 2 to create your own interesting world.

The Setup Sequence

Before following the steps below you need to select which version of the Source engine you want to work with. The first drop down box in the Source SDK window allows you to do this. Pick either "Episode 1" or "Orange Box". It's recommended you work with the Orange Box engine as it is newer and still backwards compatible with most of the content from the Episode 1 engine.

Step 1. The Choice

The Source SDK window

After double clicking Create a Mod from within the Source SDK application, you will be presented with four options. You can either modify Half-Life 2 Single Player, Half-Life 2 Multiplayer, Start a mod from scratch or utilize the Source Code only. The screen on which these options are presented looks as follows.

The following steps will depend on which option you select. If you selected Modify Half-Life 2 Single Player, Modify Half-Life 2 Multiplayer or Start a mod from scratch (advanced users only), go to step 2. If you selected Source code only (advanced users only), go to step 4.

Step 2. Directories & Mod Name

At this screen you will be prompted to enter the directory you would like to install the mod as well as the mods name. The first box will contain all of the source files that you will use to construct your mod project. This name can be anything you like, but lets start it simple and enter the title "C:\mymod-source". Into the mod name line enter "My Mod". Click next when you are ready.

The Source SDK will now copy the needed Half-Life 2 code, maps, models, and other materials into your own development folder. This may take several minutes to complete so please be patient.

Once complete, you will be informed of it and be prompted to click 'Next'. Do so now.

Step 3. Completion

Complete the setup by selecting to Open readme file and click finish. Your files are now ready to be used for your next great modification: so get modding!

Step 4. "Source Code Only"

This installation is different from the previous three only in the fact that there is a difference between editing the Source code for an end result of a modification and editing the Source code simply for self-experience and exploration purposes. Source code only (advanced users only) will not give you the tools needed to compile the code into modification format and this is useful for people making server-modifications for Counter-Strike who wish to have it run alongside another mod, rather than a new mod all together.

At the first screen you will be prompted to enter the directory you would like to install the source code. The location will contain all of the source code files for whatever use you intend for them. This name can be anything you like, but lets keep it simple and enter the title "C:\myproject-source". Notice that you are not prompted for a 'SourceMods' modification directory. This is the key difference between this installation and the other three choices.

The Source SDK will now copy the needed source code into your own development folder. This may take several minutes to complete so please be patient.

Once complete, you will be informed of it and be prompted to click 'Next'. Do so now. Return to Step 3 to continue.

Additional Resources

To continue on and use the newly installed files, you will find the following resources and pages very useful:

• Books about modding and mapping