Creating a Payload Map

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This gametype is included in A Boojum Snark's Team Fortress 2 Gametype Library

The complete entity setup for this gametype is included in "A Boojum Snark's Team Fortress 2 Gametype Library," a downloadable VMF that includes all official Team Fortress 2 gametypes. The entities can easily be transferred from the VMF to your own custom map without the hassle of having to build it yourself or debugging it.

"A Boojum Snark's Team Fortress 2 Gametype Library" can be downloaded here: TF2Maps.net

This tutorial will walk you through setting up the basic elements of a payload map. The standard convention is that the blue team attacks and the red team defends. This tutorial offers no advice as to how the layout of a payload map should be designed. For that information, see Payload Design Theory. In this tutorial you will create the train for the payload and all the necessary entities to work the map with 2 capture points on the first round. To create a single stage payload map, certain entities are unnecessary and you will be alerted to what can be omitted.

Setting up the round

Game Rules and Logic

For this tutorial there is only 1 round but has been made with other rounds in mind.

Create a tf_gamerules and name it GameRules.

Create a logic_auto entity and select the outputs tab.

My Output	Target Entity	Target Input	Parameter	Only Once
OnMapSpawn	GameRules	SetRedTeamRole	1	No
OnMapSpawn	GameRules	SetBlueTeamRole	2	No
OnMultiNewMap	GameRules	SetRedTeamRespawnWaveTime	4	No
OnMultiNewMap	GameRules	SetBlueTeamRespawnWaveTime	8	No
OnMapSpawn	GameRules	SetBlueTeamGoalString	#Goldrush_blue_final_goal	No
OnMapSpawn	GameRules	SetRedTeamGoalString	#Goldrush_red_final_goal	No

Place a team_control_point_master and name it CP_master, and adjust the properties (not all are displayed).

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	CP_Master
Start Disabled	Self-explanatory	No
Cap Layout	Self-explanatory
Restrict team from winning	Self-explanatory	Red
Switch teams on map win?	Self-explanatory	Yes
Scoring Style	Self-explanatory	Add team score for each captured point
Play all rounds before changelevel	Self-explanatory	Only changelevel after all mini-rounds have been played to completion
Partial cap rate	Rate at which to give partial cap points for area captures	0.1

Note:Use Changelevel normally for the property "Play all round before changelevel" if you are designing a single-stage payload level.

Round Entities

Next, an entity must be set up for each round in a round-based payload map.

Note:This entity is unnecessary for a single-stage payload level.

Create a team_control_point_round entity, and name it Round_A.

Set the team_control_point_round properties as follows:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	Round_A
Start Disabled	Self-explanatory	No
Print Name	Self-explanatory
Priority	Higher rounds are played first	#TotalRounds
Control points in this round	Self-explanatory	CP_A_1 CP_A_2
Restrict team from winning	Self-explanatory	Red

Note:The priority property is counter-intuitive. The higher the number, the higher the priority. So for round 1 of a 3 round level, the priority should be set to 3.

Note:Subsequent team_control_point_round entities should be lower in priority, and have the correct corresponding capture points indicated.

Round Timer

Now we will create entities that will ensure that if the round time runs out, that Red team will win.

Create a game_round_win entity and name it Round_Win Set Team to Red.

Create a team_round_timer entity and set the following properties:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	Round_Timer
Timer length (in seconds)	Self-explanatory	270
Max timer length (in seconds)	Self-explanatory	600
Start paused	Self-explanatory	No
Setup timer length (in seconds)	Self-explanatory	70
Reset time on round restart	Self-explanatory	Yes

Go to outputs and enter the following new outputs:

	My Output	Target Entity	Target Input	Parameter	Delay	Only Once
	OnFinished	Round_Win	RoundWin		0.00	No
	OnSetupFinished	SetupGate	Open		0.00	No

This sets the winner of the round to Red when time runs out, and opens the SetupGate after the setup timer expires.

Note:Creating a SetupGate is not discussed in this tutorial at this time.

Filters

Now we will create important filters for this gametype.

Create a filter_activator_name entity with the following properties:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	Filter_Cart
Filter mode	Self-explanatory	Allow entities that match criteria
Filter Name	Self-explanatory	Bomb_Model

This entity is used so only the cart prop will activate the final capture and explosion.

Create a filter_activator_class entity with the following properties:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	Filter_Players
Filter mode	Self-explanatory	Disallow entities that match criteria
Filter Classname	Self-explanatory	player

This entity is used to prevent players from being hurt by the cart.

Note:The following entities are only required for multi-round payload levels.

Create a filter_activator_tfteam entity with the following properties:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	filter_A_2
Filter mode	Self-explanatory	Allow entities that match criteria
Associated Control Point	Self-explanatory	CP_A_2

This filter is used for any entity that should be usable by the owner of the Second Capture Point of the First Round. This could apply to Spawn Door Triggers, Resupply/Regeneration Triggers, etc.

Create another filter_activator_tfteam entity with the following properties:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	filter_B_2
Filter mode	Self-explanatory	Allow entities that match criteria
Associated Control Point	Self-explanatory	CP_B_2

Similar to the entity above, this filter should be used for any entity that should be usable by the owner of the Second Capture Point of the Second Stage.

Building the payload

Prepping the payload

Basic payload train.

This section will help you build the train section and the entities needed to get it to function.

First we create a simple brush entity that represents the payload train.

Create a brush the same size of the payload model(64 79 128), but using the tools/toolsclip texture and make it a func_tracktrain (with ctrl+t). Name this brush Bomb_Train.

Note:Make sure your train is oriented 0 degrees: facing east/right from the overhead view in Hammer. It must stay oriented this way to function properly.

Set the origin of the func_tracktrain to be above the train. This will ensure that the spectator camera view of the cart is above the cart, and not in the cart.

Note:In order to set the origin above the train, edit the z value of the origin property in the func_tracktrain. Raising the origin by a value of +16 units should be sufficient in most cases.

Now we add the actual physics prop for the train.

Create a prop_physics_override and set the following properties:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	Bomb_Model
Pitch Yaw Roll	Y Z X	0 180 0
World Model	Self-explanatory	`models/props_trainyard/bomb_cart.mdl`
Disable Shadows	Self-explanatory	Yes
Fade Scale	Forcible fade distance	0

Note:Resize the Bomb_Train brush so that it matches the size of the model. This ensures that the players won't get stuck in the model.

Now we need to attach the cart's model to the Bomb_Train.

Create a phys_constraint with the parameters:

Property Name	Value
Name	Bomb_Const
Entity 1	Bomb_Train
Entity 2	Bomb_Model

Now we need to add a volume to keep objects from getting stuck on the cart.

Create a brush slightly larger than the payload model, but this time use the tools/tooltrigger texture and make it a trigger_hurt brush. Set the following properties for this trigger:

Property Name	Description	Value
Parent	Entity bound to	Bomb_Train
Filter Name	Applicable Filter	Filter_Players
Damage	Self-explanatory	1000

Edit the flags: Uncheck Clients, Check Everything (not including physics debris)

Now we need to create the capture or push zone around the payload cart.

Using the tools/toolstrigger texture create a box around the train to be used as the capture zone. Make this a trigger_capture_area and set the following properties:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	Bomb_CapArea
Parent	Entity bound to	Bomb_Train

Note:This brush needs to extend out from the model as far as you wish players to be when moving the payload.

Now it's time to set up the regeneration zone around the cart.

Create another box using the tools/toolstrigger texture again around the train. Make this brush the same size as the Bomb_CapArea. This new trigger will be the health and ammo regeneration zone. Make this into a dispenser_touch_trigger with the following properties:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	Bomb_Dispense
Parent	Entity bound to	Bomb_Train

Activating the payload

In this section you will need to set the values, the inputs and the outputs required to get the train working. First we will set some additional properties in the Bomb_CapArea. Make sure the following properties are set:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	Bomb_CapArea
Start Disabled	Self-explanatory	No
Parent	Self-explanatory	Bomb_Train
Control Point	The cap assigned to this trigger	CP_A_1
Can RED cap?	Self-explanatory	No
Can BLUE cap?	Self-explanatory	Yes
Number of RED players to cap	Self-explanatory	1
Number of BLUE players to cap	Self-explanatory	1
RED spawn adjust	How much to change the spawn time on cap	0
Blue spawn adjust	How much to change the spawn time on cap	0
Time to cap	Prevents capture by standing in the zone	99999

Next, we can work on the Bomb_Train. This tutorial presumes that you want the mine cart sounds from Goldrush. Make sure these variables are set correctly:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	Bomb_Train
First Stop Target	Self-explanatory	Track_A_01
Max Speed	Self-explanatory	90
Change Velocity	How the acceleration is handled	Linear blend
Distance Between the Wheels	Self-explanatory	20
Damage on Crush	Self-explanatory	99999
Move Sound	Self-explanatory	Cart.Roll
Start Sound	Self-explanatory	Cart.RollStart
Stop Sound	Self-explanatory	Cart.RollStop
Manual Train Speed	Self-explanatory	On
Manual Accel Speed	Self-explanatory	70
Manual Decel Speed	Self-explanatory	150

Additionally, click on the Flags tab and check No User Control and Is unblockable by player.

Note:You might also have to set the Height above track property to make sure that your train sits on the ground nicely, but also that the spectator camera still works. You will most likely need to modify this value slightly, about 4 units, so that if you have any track props or rims on the wheels of the cart that they match up neatly when compiled.

Building the Track

You may want to lay track models first until you know what each model is.

Trains path.

You now have a working train but you will now need to build a line for it to run on.

Create a path_track entity and place it where you want to start the track, Name this Track_A_01.

Create another path_track and place it where you next want the line to follow and name this Track_A_02.

Click back on Track_A_01 and set Next Stop Target to Track_A_02.

Keep creating new path_track and continue naming and linking them in the line you want the train to follow.

Note:If you clone a path_track entity(Shift-drag), Hammer will automaticly link these together so you can quickly build track without naming manually.

To mimic the track models seen in tf2, use several prop_static entities to generate the track segments, and place these on the path underneath the path_track entities.

The models required are those named props_mining/track*.mdl with the asterisk in place of the type of track segment required.

For the model around the midpoint capture points, use a prop_dynamic entity, with the world model as props_trainyard/track_midcap.mdl. Name your first capture point model CP_A_1_Model.

Adding a Capture Point

Middle capture point.

There are generally two capture points per round: midpoint captures and endpoint captures.

Mid point cap

First, make sure you have your static CP_A_1_Model in place. Next, find the Path_Track that sits directly on top of that model. In this example it's Track_A_24.

Select the middle path_track and go to the outputs tab. Add the following outputs:

My Output	Target Entity	Target Input	Parameter	Delay	Only Once
OnPass	CP_A_1_Model	Skin	1	0.00	Yes
OnPass	Bomb_CapArea	CaptureCurrentCP		0.00	Yes
OnPass	Round_Timer	AddTeamTime	3 240	0.00	Yes
OnPass	Track_A_23	DisablePath		0.00	Yes
OnPass	cap_sound	PlaySound		0.00	Yes
OnPass	Bomb_Sparks	StopSpark		0.00	Yes
OnPass	CP_A_1	SetOwner	3	0.10	Yes

This performs several important functions when the payload cart reaches this track point. It changes the skin on the capture point model, it captures the area for blue team, disables rollback to the previous track point, plays a sound and stops sparking effects, as well as adding time to blue team's assault via the Round_Timer.

Now we need to create the team_control_point entity and position it so that it is floating over the center of the model and track point.

Set the following properties on your newly created team_control_point:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	CP_A_1
Start Disabled	Self-explanatory	No
Print Name	Name to display on HUD	#Goldrush_cap_1_A
Group Index	N/A	0
Default Owner	Team	Red
Index	#ofCapPoint starting at 0	0
Warning Type	Announcer	No Announcements
BLUE Previous Required Point	Self-Explanatory	CP_A_1

Set the following output:

	My Output	Target Entity	Target Input	Parameter	Delay	Only Once
	OnCapTeam2	Bomb_CapArea	SetControlPoint	CP_A_2	0.00	Yes

This effectively creates a capture point. This will display a red hologram over the point until blue captures the point, thus displaying a blue hologram. Additionally, the output sets the next capture point for the payload.

Note: The first capture point should have an index value of zero, which each following capture point increasing by +1.

Note: Warning Type should be set to No Announcements because announcement messages will be handled by the team_train_watcher.

End point cap

Set up this point's team_control_point entity with the same properties as CP_A_1, but with the following changes:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	CP_A_2
Print Name	Name to display on HUD	#Goldrush_cap_1_B
Index	#ofCapPoint starting at 0	1
BLUE Previous Required Point	Self-Explanatory	CP_A_1

Don't forget, this entity needs the following output:

	My Output	Target Entity	Target Input	Parameter	Delay	Only Once
	OnCapTeam2	Bomb_CapArea	SetControlPoint	CP_B_1	0.00	No

This sets up the capture point for the next round.

Set the following outputs on your second to last path_track. For this tutorial it is Track_A_42.

Set Track_A_42 Outputs:

My Output	Target Entity	Target Input	Parameter	Delay	Only Once
OnPass	Bomb_CapArea	CaptureCurrentCP		0.00	No
OnPass	Bomb_CapArea	Disable		0.00	No
OnPass	Bomb_Light	Stop		0.00	No
OnPass	Bomb_Train	Stop		0.00	No
OnPass	cap_sound	PlaySound		0.00	Yes
OnPass	CP_A_2	SetOwner	3	0.10	Yes
OnPass	Bomb_Train	SetSpeedDirAccel	1	1.00	No

The last path_track should be underneath this one in order for the cart to ride down the chute like in Goldrush. This final track point, Track_A_43, should have the following Outputs:

My Output	Target Entity	Target Input	Parameter	Only Once
OnPass	Bomb_Train	TeleportToPathTrack	Track_B_1	No
OnPass	Bomb_Train	Stop	Track_B_1	No
OnPass	Bomb_CapArea	Enable		No

This will teleport the cart to the next round's starting track point, and enable it's push area.

Train Watcher

The next stage is to add in the train display, which is also used to tell when the train should start rolling back.

Create a team_train_watcher and name this Watcher_A. If you are creating a multi-round map, create a watcher for each round. Set the properties of the first round team_train_watcher to:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	Watcher_A
Start Disabled	Self-explanatory	No
Train to watch	Self-explanatory	Bomb_Train
Allow the train to recede	Self-explanatory	Yes
Train recede time (in seconds)	Self-explanatory	0
Handle Train Movement	Self-explanatory	Yes
Default Speed Modifier	Self-explanatory	1
Associated env_spark	Self-explanatory	Bomb_Sparks
Node that the path starts at	Self-explanatory	Track_A_01
Node that the path ends at	Self-explanatory	Track_A_43
Linked PathTrack 1	Self-explanatory	Track_A_24
Linked CP 1	Self-explanatory	CP_A_1
Linked PathTrack 2	Self-explanatory	Track_A_42
Linked CP 2	Self-explanatory	CP_A_2
Linked PathTrack 3	Self-explanatory
Linked CP 3	Self-explanatory
Min Speed for Speed level 1	Self-explanatory	1
Min Speed for Speed level 2	Self-explanatory	60
Min Speed for Speed level 3	Self-explanatory	80

Subsequent watchers should be created for each round with appropriately modified variables, such as the name, linked control points, and linked path tracks and nodes. The rest of the variables can stay the same.

Additional Effects

On Gold Rush and Badwater, additional effects are added to the cart, such as the dispenser beam, a flashing light, and sparks while the train is moving backwards along the track. Both are simple entities that start and stop depending on certain conditions.

Dispenser Beam

Now we will add a dispense beam effect to the train.

Create a mapobj_cart_dispenser entity and place it where you want the healing beam to come from. Set the following properties:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	Bomb_DispenseBeam
Parent	Entity bound to	Bomb_Train
Team	Selt-explanatory	Blue
Custom Touch Trigger	Trigger zone	Bomb_Dispense

Flashing Light

Create a info_particle_system and align it with the light on top of the bomb cart, and name it Bomb_Light

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	Bomb_Light
Parent	Self-explanatory	Bomb_Train
Particle System Name	Self-explanatory	cart_flashinglight
Start Active?	Self-explanatory	No

Sparks

Create a env_spark entity at the bottom center of both rear wheels and name it Bomb_Sparks

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	Bomb_Sparks
Parent	Self-explanatory	Bomb_Train
Spark Trail Length	Self-explanatory	Medium

Capture Bell

On Badwater and Gold Rush, a bell "ding" is used to announce point captures by BLU. Making this sound is simple.

Create a new ambient_generic and name it cap_sound

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Name of the entity	cap_sound
Sound Name	Self-explanatory	Hud.EndRoundScored

Final Terminus

Place for explode in Hammer

Now we are going to create a basic version of the explosion at the final terminus. KaBOOOOOOM!

Final Capture Point

Make sure your final team_control_point has its properties properly configured, with Index # reflecting the highest number of total capture points.
Also, the print name should be increased correctly in sequence,
Additionally, BLUE Previous Required Point 1 should reflect the previous point's entity name.
Finally, set the following Flags as checked:

Flag Name	Description	Value
Start with model hidden	Self-explanatory	True
Disable Shadow	Self-explanatory	True
Disable Sounds	Self-explanatory	True

Explode Pit

Pit Model

First you should create a pit for the cart to fall into for the final explosion. After you've created the brushwork, cover the pit with the following models.
Create a prop_static with World Model models/hybridphysx/badwater_destruction_before.mdl
Make another with World Model models/props_farm/sewer_cap001a.mdl.

Doors to Pit

Create two brush-entities func_door, with the material glass/glasswindow002a on the upper face.

Parameters for two func_door:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Self-explanatory	cap_door
Speed	Self-explanatory	700
Move Direction (Pitch Yaw Roll)	Self-explanatory	0 270 0

In Flags check Touch Opens to false and check Toggle to true.

On one of two doors create the outputs:

	My Output	Target Entity	Target Input	Parameter	Delay	Only Once
	OnFullyOpen	cap_door	kill		0.00	No

It will destroy the door when it's fully open.

In the pit create a brush-entity trigger_hurt with the parameters Damage - 1000, Damage Cap - 1000.

Create a brush-entity func_nobuild on the upper doors with parameter Team - Any.

Barrels in Pit

Create 10-15 entities prop_dynamic_override with WorldModel models/props_badlands/barrel03.mdl and Name - End_Barrels

Final Explosion

Final explode (ingame) (dpl_mine_b2)

Create near pit three ambient_generic.

Parameters of the first:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Self-explanatory	Cart_tip
SoundName	Self-explanatory	Cart.Falling

Parameters of the second:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Self-explanatory	pre_kaboom
SoundName	Self-explanatory	Cart.Trigger

Parameters of the Third:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Self-explanatory	kaboom
SoundName	Self-explanatory	Cart.Explode

Additionally, create an env_shake entity with the following properties:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Self-explanatory	kaboom_shake
Amplitude	Self-explanatory	16
Effect Radius	Self-explanatory	500
Duration	In seconds	1
Frequency	Self-explanatory	150

Set the following Flags as checked:

Flag Name	Value
Global Shake	True
In Air	True

Now create under doors one info_particle_system with parameters:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Self-explanatory	pit_effect
Particle System Name	Self-explanatory	cinefx_goldrush
Pitch Yaw Roll (Y Z X)	Self-explanatory	-90 0 0

Now create trigger_multiple with properties:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Self-explanatory	KaBoomZone
Start Disabled	Self-explanatory	Yes

Set the following outputs:

	My Output	Target Entity	Target Input	Parameter	Delay	Only Once
	OnStartTouch	!activator	SetHealth	-1000	0.00	No

Now we are ready to address the outputs for the final path_track.

Set the outputs as follows:

My Output	Target Entity	Target Input	Parameter	Delay	Only Once
OnPass	cap_door	Open		0.00	No
OnPass	Cart.tip	PlaySound		0.00	No
OnPass	Bomb_Light	Stop		0.00	No
OnPass	CP_C_2	SetOwner	3	0.10	No
OnPass	Bomb_Train	kill		0.00	No
OnPass	Bomb_Const	Break		0.01	No
OnPass	pre_kaboom	PlaySound		0.50	No
OnPass	Bomb_CapArea	CaptureCurrentCP		2.00	No

Note:This tutorial is assuming the final terminus takes place on the second point of the third round, and hence CP_C_2 is SetOwner to 3. Replace the capture point name as necessary.

Finally, create a trigger_once brush at the bottom of the pit where you want the cart to explode.

Set the following properties:

Property Name	Description	Value
Name	Self-explanatory	Final_Trigger
Start Disabled	Self-explanatory	No
Filter Name	Associated Filter	Filter_Cart

Add the following outputs:

My Output	Target Entity	Target Input	Delay	Only Once
OnTrigger	kaboom	PlaySound	0.00	No
OnTrigger	kaboom_shake	StartShake	0.00	No
OnTrigger	pit_effect	Start	0.00	No
OnTrigger	end_barrels	kill	0.00	No
OnTrigger	Bomb_CapArea	kill	0.00	No
OnTrigger	Bomb_Model	kill	0.00	No
OnTrigger	KaBoomZone	Enable	0.00	No
OnTrigger	KaBoomZone	Disable	0.10	No

Set the Flags to only Physics debris true, with every other flag false.

Timeline

So what happens is:

0.0:

open doors to pit
destroy Bomb_Train
cart tipping sound played
cart effects disabled

0.01:

detach and fall cart's model

0.5:

"beep" sound played

On Contact with Trigger:

play ka-boom sound
play ka-boom effect
ka-boom shakes screen
destroy barrels
destroy cart's model
capture final CP
destroy Capture Zone
activate killing zone

After Contact (.1 seconds):

deactivate killing zone

You should now have at least a fully working 1 stage round of payload style game play, if you have taken in this tutorial fully you should be able to change the number of rounds and capture point to anything you need.

Creating a Payload Map

Contents

Setting up the round

Game Rules and Logic

Round Entities

Round Timer

Filters

Building the payload

Prepping the payload

Activating the payload

Building the Track

Adding a Capture Point

Mid point cap

End point cap

Train Watcher

Additional Effects

Dispenser Beam

Flashing Light

Sparks

Capture Bell

Final Terminus

Final Capture Point

Explode Pit

Pit Model

Doors to Pit

Barrels in Pit

Final Explosion

Timeline

See also

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