Authoring Tools
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Note:For the Authoring Tools to function correctly, it is important that your installation of Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop is fully up-to-date, or matching the version of the game itself (if you are using the beta version). You can make sure of this by running the game before launching the Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop Authoring Tools. Simply launching the game then quitting after you get to the main menu is sufficient. You can also click on the game > right click and select Properties > then go to Local Files > Verify integrity of game files...
Note:Much of the stuff and documentation from 
Alien Swarm are also applicable to 
Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop
The Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop Authoring Tools, also known as an SDK, is a set of software utilities that allow you to create your own missions, weapons, aliens and other gameplay elements.
Availability
The Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop Authoring Tools, like the original, are freely available on Steam to all owners of the PC version of Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop.
Downloading and installation
To install or run the Authoring Tools, either click here or:
- Open the Steam window.
- Click on the LIBRARY tab and then the TOOLS tab.
- Double-click on the Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop - SDK entry.
- The Alien Swarm SDK and Authoring Tools will download to your computer via Steam.
- Once it has been fully installed, you will be able to launch it in the same way you installed it (from the Tools tab).
If you haven't installed it previously, you will need to install the Source SDK entry. You can install it the same way.
You can also create a desktop shortcut by right-clicking on the Alien Swarm Authoring Tools entry and clicking Create desktop shortcut from the context menu.
Note:For the Authoring Tools to function correctly, it is important that your installation of Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop is fully up-to-date, or matching the version of the game itself (if you are using the beta version). You can make sure of this by running the game before launching the Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop Authoring Tools. Simply launching the game then quitting after you get to the main menu is sufficient. You can also click on the game > right click and select Properties > then go to Local Files > Verify integrity of game files...What's included?
The package includes:
- Hammer, the Source level editor (4.1 Build 7397)
- Suite of command line compiling utilities, such as
studiomdland map compiling tools - Updated Particle editor
- Updated Faceposer
- Example campaign
- Tutorial maps
- SketchUp plugins
Where do I go from here?
Note:Much of the stuff and documentation from Alien Swarm are also applicable to Alien Swarm: Reactive Drop- To learn how to make a custom campaign addon go here: Swarm Campaign Add-on Tutorial
- The Swarm Mapping basics is a good place to go if you are familiar with Source mapping already. If not, you will need to master the basics of Source level design first (Level Design).
- Another good way to start creating your own levels is using the SketchUp Source Tools.
- If you want to learn about how to create content for the Source Engine in general, the main page of the Source SDK documentation is a good place to start.
Bugs and issues
- Post all issues and bugs in the Steam Community - Discussions.
- See the Source SDK FAQ for answers to general SDK questions.
- For level design and Hammer editor issues, see the Level Design FAQ.