Instance

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An instance is a map (.vmf) file referenced inside another map through a func_instance, possibly aided by a func_instance_parms.

Instances are helpful in many ways:

  • They provide a more dynamic alternative to prefabs, as any changes to the instanced map will be reflected in all instances of it.
  • They provide an alternative to visgroups, as they can be used to divide a large, unwieldy map into several smaller, manageable ones (that can even be worked on by multiple authors simultaneously).
  • They provide a simple way to edit portions of a map that needs to be at a non-orthogonal angle. (Build the map on-grid inside a separate map, and then instance it into another map through a func_instance rotated at the correct angle.
  • They provide a way for maps to work on multiple platforms, such as Left 4 Dead and Left 4 Dead 2 versions of the same map.

Manifests

[Todo]


Also see