Dust, Fog, & Smoke

This article is about adding smoke, dust, fog, etc, to a map. Due to their similarities, most of these effects can be achieved by variations of each other.

Entities

• env_fog_controller — adds fog to the entire map
• env_smokestack — smoke emerges, is moved by wind, and dissipates
• func_dustcloud — a volume of dust
• env_steam — fast-moving version of env_smokestack, without wind
• env_dustpuff — emits puffs of dust
• env_smoketrail
• func_smokevolume

Materials

• effects/fog_d1_trainstation_02 Used only in the distance. Fit to brush face. HL2-content derived source games only.
• shadertest/volumetricfog — Doesn't work.
• tools/toolsfog — Works only with func_smokevolume.
• tools/toolsskyfog (needs description)

Notes

• env_smokestack and func_dustcloud use numerous sprites to achieve their effect, and can therefore be very expensive to render (some settings will slow your map, especially on low-end systems).
• CS:S has some cloud props.
• Shafts of light must be added by hand. There is a model for this (Effects/vol_light.mdl) or you can create a non-solid brush with material models/effects/vol_light001 or vol_light002.
• To get fog in a 3D skybox, adjust the fog settings in the sky_camera. For best results give it the same settings as the env_fog_controller.
• There is a Fog Panel in Left 4 Dead 2 that allows in-game manipulation of fog parameters. It is loaded via console command fogui.

See also

• Fog tutorial
• Moving Clouds
• Category: Level Design

External links

• Fog prefab for Episode One and Two Realistic, non-fps killing fog - tutorial