Level Transition (Portal 2)

Coop

Here is a way to make a sequence of test chambers for coop.

Create your map

First, create your coop map. Add another func_instance, setting its VMF file to instances/coop/coop_lighting_ents.vmf. (All we're using is the point_servercommand inside.)

Modifed endlevel

The end-of-map logic lives within the instances/coop/coop_endlevel_room.vmf instance. Load this map within Hammer and save a copy of it-- e.g. my_coop_endlevel_room.vmf.

In a little room in this map you'll find a logic_script named transition_script. (You can use the Find Entities command to select it.) You'll see that its Entity Scripts property is set to debug_scripts/mp_coop_transition_list.nut.

Don't modify that file! It's part of Portal 2 and you don't want to touch it. Instead, change the Entity Scripts property to point to a script of your own-- e.g. debug_scripts/my_mp_coop_transition_list.nut. Then save the map.

Go back to your coop level, select the func_instance containing the endlevel room, and edit its VMF file to point to your modified version.

Modified script

Now go to scripts/vscripts/debugscripts in the Portal 2 installation and create this script. (Again, don't touch the Valve script.) All you really need is something like this:

// Map order
MapPlayOrder<- [
"mp_coop_easiest",
"mp_coop_easiest_two"
]

function TransitionFromMap()
{	
	local nextmap = -2
	
	// Loop through maps
	foreach( index, map in MapPlayOrder )
	{
		if( GetMapName() == MapPlayOrder[index] )
		{
			// This is the map we're on
			nextmap = -1
		}
		else 
		{
			if (nextmap == -1)
			{
				// This is the first map past that one
				nextmap = index
			}
		}
	}
		
	printl( "nextmap = " + nextmap )
		
	if (nextmap > 0)
	{
		// We found a map; go to it
		EntFire( "@command", "command", "changelevel " + MapPlayOrder[nextmap], 1.0 )
	}
	else
	{
		// No map found; we're done
		EntFire( "@command", "command", "disconnect", 2.0 )
	}
}

The array at the top, MapPlayOrder, is your list of maps in order. (For those not familiar with Squirrel, note that each map is enclosed in quotes, and there must be a comma in between each map. That is, the last map doesn't get a comma after it. And don't lose that final bracket!)

Testing

Make the additional coop maps, using your modified endlevel room instead of the default one. Compile them all.

Now you can test your maps. Just load the first map and play it. When you get to the end, Portal 2 will switch to the next map. Once it gets to the end it will simply exit to the main menu.

(This method could be extended to create a hub as in the game. Look at mp_coop_transition_list.nut for ideas.)

Single-player

PAGE STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION, DO NOT TAKE THIS INFORMATION AS 100% TRUE AS MESSING WITH THE FILES MENTIONED IS DANGEROUS TO THE FUNCTIONALITY OF YOUR GAME. IF YOU WISH TO CONTINUE, YOU SHOULD MAKE ONE OR MORE COPIES OF EACH OF THE FILES YOU EDIT BEFORE EDITING THEM SO YOUR GAME WILL REMAIN FUNCTIONAL

To make a level transition, you must first create an elevator for both an entrance and exit to all the levels that you want to connect. Then go into "C:\Program Files\Steam\steamapps\common\portal 2\portal2\scripts\vscripts\transitions" for 32 bit and C:\Program Files(x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\portal 2\portal2\scripts\vscripts\transitions" for 64 bit. There are two files named "sp_transition_list.nut" and "sp_elevator_motifs.nut". Open each in Notepad. Please read the instructions carefully as messing with these files is dangerous and can cause problems with your game.

First, in "sp_transition_list.nut" there is a list of maps, press "Ctrl+F" and type in "demo" to get to the final maps on the list. The last map should be "demo_paint". You must copy the format of the header and the levels below and paste it on a line beneath the "demo_paint" level. The result should look like this:

// ---------------------------------------------------
// 	Demo files
// ---------------------------------------------------
"demo_intro",
"demo_underground",
"demo_paint",

// ---------------------------------------------------
// 	Your title
// ---------------------------------------------------
"your_first_level",
"your_second_level",

Place the levels you want to play in order from top to bottom(will be played first to last). As long as you list the level there and keep everything in the same format, and have the elevators in each level listed, you will transition to the next level. Note the bracket at the final line, this must be kept there, even missing this small detail will ruin your game.

SAVE THE FILE AND CLOSE.

Next, open "sp_elevator_motifs.nut". This is a smaller file, and the level list is much shorter. Scroll to the last line that reads "{ map = "sp_a4_jump_polarity", speed = 200 },". If you copy this format and paste your levels on each succeeding line, you can control the speed at which you enter the level.

Result should look like this:

{ map = "sp_a4_jump_polarity", speed = 200},
{ map = "your_first_level", speed = 300},
{ map = "your_second_level", speed = 300},

Again, note the bracket at the end, this must be kept at the end of the entire list to maintain functionality. The order of the maps on this list must be the same as the maps on the first file you edited.

SAVE THE FILE AND CLOSE.

Congratulations, your maps now transition!