RMXP Unlimited - Tutorials: RPG Maker XP Mapping Tutorials

Fast Cave Mapping

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 03:33:14 +0000

The following tutorial can be applied when making other maps using the other cave dungeon tilesets.

You can also read the Portuguese version of this guide here translated by Gemstone.

Note: The picture examples are simply done so you can easily understand the tile's use.

Contents:
Introduction
Tileset Review
Mapping Caves the Usual Way
Mapping Caves the Easier Way
Other Tilesets and Other Ways to Use Them

Credits:
Rocky Cave - Unknown
Hell Tileset - Zanyzora
Tree Tileset - Unknown

Introduction
The Drawing Buttons
Use the three drawing buttons at your convenience.

http://www.rmxpunlim...g/pen.jpgPencil - the pencil makes a small dot when you click on the mapping area, as you drag the mouse, you can make a line. Click this button to manually draw something like the line of the dark soil as shown in the picture below.

http://www.rmxpunlim...re.jpgRectangle - the rectangle button makes a square as you drag your mouse.

http://www.rmxpunlim...rcle.jpgEllipse - the ellipse button makes a circular shape.

http://www.rmxpunlim...yer1-1.jpgLayer Buttons - These are the map layers. The orange color corresponds to the layer level. The icon in the farthest left side is the lower layer or we'll call it layer 1. The second icon after layer 1 is the middle layer or layer 2, the third icon is the upper layer or layer 3. The last blue cube is the event layer. This is useful when some tiles are missing when testing the game like for example, take a look at the picture below. Look at the orb as marked hidden under an elevated floor tile. To fix this problem, you just insert and event in the event layer.

http://www.rmxpunlim...ing/example.jpg

By inserting an event in the event layer using the right tile, the orb becomes visible during game play.

http://www.rmxpunlim.../orbvisible.jpg

This is done by using the always on top option:
http://www.rmxpunlim...mapping/top.jpg

Tileset Review

The marked tiles in the picture below are what I call the elevated floor tiles. The upper tiles can be used in layer 2 or 3 while the lower tiles can be used in layer 1. The tiles marked with "S" are used with the elevated floor tiles.

http://www.rmxpunlim.../icemarked1.jpg

For you hero get to the upper level of the elevated floors of your cave, we can use the following marked tiles.

http://www.rmxpunlim...g/markedway.jpg

Look below example on how the tiles can be used. The stairs can be used in layer 2 or 3. The slope as seen under can be used in layer 1. The rope ladders can even be used like the one I did below.

http://www.rmxpunlim...apping/path.jpg

The following marked tiles (below) are the tiles that I refer as edges. They can be used to add the darker spaces that makes up the shape of the cave.

http://www.rmxpunlim...edgesmarked.jpg

The following marked tiles (below) are the cave's walls that can be used in layer 1. The tiles with broken lines are still part of the walls of the cave. The longer wall below with the shades darkening are used for pits. Other wall parts are marked and seen in the next fourth picture.

http://www.rmxpunlim...pping/walls.jpg

Look below example on how the pit tiles can be used.

http://www.rmxpunlim...mapping/pit.jpg

Look at the left side of the picture (below) to see the tiles used in the mapping area. The same tiles could be found in other cave tilesets only with their appearance and other elements changed. Layer 1 is the best layer to put on the walls and the floor autotiles.

http://www.rmxpunlim...ng/caveref5.jpg

Look at the picture below to learn how to extend cave walls.

http://www.rmxpunlim...wallsextend.jpg

The marked tiles on the tileset seen on the left side correspond to the colors in the marked tiles on the mapping area. It can be used as what you can find in the picture examples below.

http://www.rmxpunlim...ng/caveref3.jpg

The marked tiles above picture can be used the same way as with the next marked tiles in the next picture.

http://www.rmxpunlim...ng/caveref4.jpg

For the usual cave mapping, the upper half of the cave (from the orange marked tile to the light blue tile including the red and gray) below are put in layer 1 while the lower area, the cave's edges (tiles marked with yellow, green, and brown) can be put in layer 2 or 3.

http://www.rmxpunlim...ng/caveref2.jpg

If we add the elevated floor of the cave in layer 2, we should put the edges in layer 3. If you don't put the elevated floor tiles, you can also use layer 2. You can always use any layer to place your tiles. Test play and make sure that everything looks fine. When following another approach (learn this on the section "mapping caves the easier way"), you can either use layer 2 or layer 3 for the cave autotile. Read the section on how to easily design cave's using the prepared autotiles.

http://www.rmxpunlim...ng/caveref1.jpg

The orange marked tile on the tileset below, can be used to extend the height and width of your caves. The same with the pink and light blue tiles. For a "variation" on the walls, you can use the following tiles as marked below. To add shadows on the walls, use the marked tiles as seen below. To really understand the marked tiles, refer to the pictures under "mapping caves the easier way". The yellow marked tile with the stretched rectangle in the mapping area is the shadow of the wall.
http://www.rmxpunlim...ping/iceref.jpg

Mapping Caves the Usual Way

If you want to do it the slow way, follow this tutorial.

You can use layer 1 to put on the walls, edges and the floor of the cave. We used the tile as marked below for the ground of the cave.

http://www.rmxpunlim...earthground.jpg

On layer 1, Use the following autotiles as marked below picture for the cave's floor. Draw them in a random manner.

http://www.rmxpunlim...ping/ground.jpg

Use the marked black tile as shown in the picture below to add the dark space.

http://www.rmxpunlim...apping/dark.jpg

Refer to the picture below to know what tiles are used on the mapping area.

http://www.rmxpunlim...ng/caveref2.jpg

We use the layer 2 or the middle layer for the upper edges of the cave. Refer to the marked tiles on the left side of the picture below. These are the tiles used for layer 2.

http://www.rmxpunlim...pping/dark2.jpg

If you will use the sunlight tile, you can put it on layer 1.

http://www.rmxpunlim...ng/sunlight.jpg

You'll then have to put the edges in layer 2.

http://www.rmxpunlim...pping/dark3.jpg

If you decide to add more things like elevation in layer 2...

http://www.rmxpunlim...pping/dark4.jpg

...Put the elevated floor tiles in layer 3.

http://www.rmxpunlim...pping/dark5.jpg

And this what will look like during game play:
http://www.rmxpunlim...pping/dark6.jpg

Mapping Caves the Easier Way

Follow this tutorial if you want to map caves faster and easier.

Note: In this tutorial, you can follow either two of my approaches. For type 1, the autotiles are used in layer 3 so that the elevated floor tiles of the cave can be used easily in layer 2. Follow type 2 so you can use more tiles from the tileset. Type 2 uses the second layer for the autotiles. In this approach you can still use the elevated floor tiles. You'll just need to cover tiles in layer 3.

We can use the following autotiles for easily mapping cave interiors.
http://www.rmxpunlim...g/innerbody.png

Go to the database and set them to their specific tilesets. Set the passability to square and the priority to 5. This will make the autotile feel like the normal tileset.

http://www.rmxpunlim...pping/setup.jpg

The autotile goes here as shown below picture.

http://www.rmxpunlim...ng/tilehere.jpg

Type 1

We used the tile as marked below for the ground of the cave.

http://www.rmxpunlim...earthground.jpg

Click on the flood fill button and click the lower layer button .

Click anywhere on the mapping area. The fill button fills up all the white area in layer1 or the lower layer.

http://www.rmxpunlim...ing/layer1s.jpg

http://www.rmxpunlim...ping/ground.jpg

Use the following autotiles as marked above picture for the ground of the cave in layer 1. Draw them in a random manner.

http://www.rmxpunlim...arthscreen1.jpg

Let's go to layer 3 http://www.rmxpunlim...ping/layer3.jpg or the upper layer. Choose the earth cave autotile and draw any shape that will make up the cave area using the pencil tool. Add a small area for the entrance. Make this noticeable to your player's eyes as seen below in the lowest part of the map.

http://www.rmxpunlim...pping/draw3.jpg

Use the fill tool and click outside the line you draw before. This makes the dark area as shown below picture.

http://www.rmxpunlim...ping/fillin.jpg

Get back to the first layer and put on the walls. Use the tiles as marked on the left side of the picture below.

http://www.rmxpunlim...apping/wall.jpg

You can use the sunlight tile in the cave's entrance on layer 1.

http://www.rmxpunlim...layer1earth.jpg

Go to layer 2 http://www.rmxpunlim...ping/middle.jpg or the middle layer. This is where we can add the cave's "things".

http://www.rmxpunlim...layer2earth.jpg

Use the third layer to fix things or add more things.

http://www.rmxpunlim...layer3earth.jpg

This what will look like during game play.
http://www.rmxpunlim...finalscreen.jpg

Type 2

Layer 1
We can use the lower tiles of the elevated floor tiles in the first layer.

http://www.rmxpunlim...apping/ice1.jpg

Layer 2
We use the upper tiles of the elevated floor tiles in the second layer.

http://www.rmxpunlim...apping/ice2.jpg

Layer 3
We use the third layer to cover tiles we need to hide so that we can still use the elevated floor tiles in layer 2.

http://www.rmxpunlim...apping/ice3.jpg

Output

http://www.rmxpunlim...ng/icefinal.jpg

The marked tiles named variation on the left side of the picture as shown below is the same as the tiles you can see above with the orange square. The marked tiles named shadow are the tiles you can use to add shadows on your cave. Look at the layer 1 picture before for reference of the cave's shadows. The yellow marked tile with the stretched rectangle in the mapping area uses the shadow tiles. As you can see with the 6 orange marked tiles in the mapping area, we use the same orange marked tile in layer 1 to extend the height of the walls of the cave in the upper area of the map. The same method used with the 2 light-blue marked tiles.
http://www.rmxpunlim...ping/iceref.jpg

Other Tilesets and Other Ways to Use Them

Rocky Cave
Note: Do not right-click to save the tileset, the picture below is only a preview. Click on the picture for the actual tileset.

Using this Tilesethttp://www.rmxpunlimited.net/images/articles/fast_cave_mapping/Cave1.jpg

Layer 1
http://www.rmxpunlim...mapping/bc1.jpg

Layer 2
http://www.rmxpunlim...mapping/bc2.jpg

Layer 3
http://www.rmxpunlim...mapping/bc3.jpg

Output
http://www.rmxpunlim...pping/bcfin.jpg

Hell
Note: Do not right-click to save the tileset, the picture below is only a preview. Click on the picture for the actual tileset.

Using this Tilesethttp://www.rmxpunlimited.net/images/articles/fast_cave_mapping/cave2.jpg

Other things you can use with this tileset:
http://www.rmxpunlim...ing/Burning.png

The three following resources are original modifications of mine so you can use them with the hell tileset.
http://www.rmxpunlim...aveautotile.png
http://www.rmxpunlim...g/hellwater.png
http://www.rmxpunlim...llwaterfall.png

Layer 1
http://www.rmxpunlim..._mapping/h1.jpg

Layer 2
http://www.rmxpunlim..._mapping/h2.jpg

Layer 3
http://www.rmxpunlim..._mapping/h3.jpg

Output
http://www.rmxpunlim.../hellscreen.jpg

Inside Tree
Note: Do not right-click to save the tileset, the picture below is only a preview. Click on the picture for the actual tileset.

Using this Tilesethttp://www.rmxpunlimited.net/images/articles/fast_cave_mapping/insidetree.jpg

Layer 1
http://www.rmxpunlim..._mapping/t1.jpg

Layer 2
http://www.rmxpunlim..._mapping/t2.jpg

Layer 3
http://www.rmxpunlim..._mapping/t3.jpg

Output
Interior
http://www.rmxpunlim...etreescreen.jpg

Exterior
http://www.rmxpunlim...pping/tree1.jpg

How to Make a Simple Map: Lesson 2 - Enhancing the Map

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 09:17:56 +0000

This is continued from the previous Lesson, and we're using the same Map as before and adding onto it. If you haven't read Lesson 1, then Read it Now.

In this Lesson, we'll be adding all the Events that run as Parallel Process, and help Initialize the scene (I say scene, because you have the option of making the player Wait and allow other Events to happen before gameplay resumes.. storytime children).

So anyway.. thanx for the kudos for lesson 1...

Let us start the next Lesson... which is HUGE.

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Tileset Used - Outer Forest:
Click to View

Autotiles Used (All RTP):
G_Water01
G_Shadow01
Grass01
G_Ground02
Sn_Undulation01
Ground02
Waterfall01

Contents:

-Quick Info
--How Events Work
--Event Commands List
--Uses for Events
-Lesson 2: Enhancing the Map
--Step 1: Events that Work as Tiles (Above Hero,Same as Hero,Below Hero)
--Step 2: Initialize the Map (Map*/System** Settings)
--Step 3: Create Interactive Objects & NPCs (Non-moving/Movable/Consumable)
--Step 4: Create Events for Game Progression (Switches/Variables/Items)
--Step 5: Create Teleports (To other Maps/To another Map, then Back)
-Ingame Screenies
-Lesson 3: whatever else we can come up with..!! (coming soon!)

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Some quick info:
--------------------------------------

Events can perform many functions for your Map and can control all aspects of how your game runs (aside from the Scripts that are the actual program at work, Events can be used as Amendments to the Game system). There are 80+ Event Commands to use, with a few for Battle only (another tut??) =/ ..guess I should explain some of the more widely used ECs (Event Commands):

How Events Work:
-------------------------

Events are processed at the beginning of each screen(map) load, and depending on how they are configured, will each run through their list of ECs at least once, in order or by usage of Label/Jump to Label Event Commands. When first creating an Event, you may:

1) choose a Switch/Variable/Timer Amount that must be TRUE (Switch is ON, Variable/Timer is equal to) to have the ECs processed for that Event (this is called a Trigger),

2) select Animation options for the Event's Sprite (if a sprite is used): No Animation (to have animation while standing still) and Move Animation (to have animation when moving), so if neither were selected, the Event's sprite animation will not change if it walks or stays put, and will only face each direction you turn. There's a few things that are good about that, I'm sure...

3) select whether the Event is 'Phasing' or not (passability),

4) select whether the Event's Sprite is 'Always on Top' or not,

5) select how the Event interacts with the player character to have the Ecs processed: Hero Uses Action Key (press Enter while next to the Event and facing it), Hero Touches Event (ECs are processed once for each touch), Event Touches Hero (ECs will process repeatedly if the player doesn't move!), Auto Start (ECs for that Event will process repeatedly, but only one Event at a time) and Parallel Process (Ecs will process repeatedly and allow other Events to process as well).

Uses for Events:
-------------------------

There are numerous ways to use Events in your game. Here's a short List for what we will learn in this Lesson:

1) Using Events as a Layer when Making Maps (Above Hero,Same as Hero,Below Hero)
2) Initializing the Map with Events (Map*/System** Settings)
3) Using Events as Teleports (To other Maps/To another Map, then Back)
4) Using Events as Interactive Objects & NPCs (Non-moving/Movable/Consumable)
5) Using Events to Block/Further Game Progression (Switches/Variables/Items)
6) Using Events for Cut-scenes (Narrative/Storyline, Event/Player Movement)

* Panoramas,Fogs,Map BGM/BGS included
** Windowskins,Message Settings,Player/Event Speeds included

So... shall we begin Lesson 2..?

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Step 1: Events that Work as Tiles (Above Hero,Same as Hero,Below Hero)

--------------------------------------

Okay... so we learned how to structure a decent looking Map together. Now it's time to learn how to use Events as another Tile.

Examples:
http://www.rmxpunlim...on2/small02.PNG

Those are both examples of how to use Events as Tiles, either the Same Level as the Hero (meaning you can't walk on it) or Above the Hero (you can walk beneath it). Here are the Layers individually for the second Example from above, to better show how I placed each Tile:

Examples:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small03c.PNG
Notice the missing tiles..?

Now with the other Layers dimmed:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small03e.PNG
You can see how Tiles can be layered beneath and above eachother, but when you run out of Layers 1-3, you have one final option to place that Tile.. Events:

Example:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small03f.PNG

So that it looks like this ingame:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small03g.PNG

But with RMXP comes change.. and not all for the good. With RM2k3, you had the option of selecting whether the Tile was Above, Below or Same Level as the Hero, which made it easy to make blocking Tiles. RMXP no longer has those options within an Event, so you need to use Tiles that cannot be walked on to block the Player. For Example, notice these two spots marked with the red arrows:

Example:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small03h.PNG

Since both the top edge of the grass and the top of the plant can be walked on (the grass is below, while the plant is on top), the blocking edges of the cliff that they are atop of have no priority. The plant top has no more Layers left to place a Tile there, so we need to block the surrounding area so that the Player can't get there, plus add an Event on the top edge of the grass that will block the Player... like so:

Example:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small03i.PNG

I even had to add another plant Event (the white flowers) so that the Player can't walk on the corner edge of the grass. Now just tidy up the rest of the missing Tiles and we'll continue. Just be careful not to put too many Tile Events along walkable paths... Events tend to get stuck if more than two Events end up on the same screen location.

Here's one more quick example for the Tile Events near the big tree:

Example:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small04d.PNG

Each Layer individually:

Layer 1:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small04a.PNG
Layer 2:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small04b.PNG
Layer 3:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small04c.PNG
Event Layer:
http://www.rmxpunlim...on2/small01.PNG

There are two things to take note of in this Example, 1) the way I placed tiles so that the big tree looks like its covering surrounding objects and 2) the plant with a Tile Event top will appear above the Player sprite, so we need to stick another Tile Event on the bottom half that blocks the Player.

Example:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small04e.PNG

1) the little flowers, plants and rock pebbles closest to the big tree I placed on Layer 2 and the shadow of the big tree I placed above them on Layer 3, I also have the priorities for the big tree's shadows, from the opening and up, set as *3, so the shadows will be above the Player sprite. I used a Tile Event shadow to cover the bigger plant (since I ran out of Layers) and a Tile Event for the plant top, set as Always Above Hero, so it's above the big tree's shadow (I wanted that smaller plant to look like it was just out of reach of the shadow.. A2D (attention 2 detail)). The one thing wrong with the Tile Event top always above the hero will make it actually above the hero's sprite, which leads to point 2..

2) we need to fill in the space below that Tile Event that will appear above the Hero with a non-walkable Tile sprite.:

Example:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small04f.PNG

All we need to do is Copy and Paste a similar Tile Event and change it's Sprite to another non-walkable one.

Which would then look like this:

Example:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small04g.PNG

And the ingame screenshot:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small04h.PNG

Section 1 shows what we just did... Section 2 is where I had to remove a rock that was blocking the walkable path of the Player, making it so the player couldn't get to the area near the cave entrance.

Test your Map thoroughly, walking along all edges and seeing which Tiles need a blocking Tile, using layers 2/3 if available or an Event (*hint: there's a spot behind the tree in Section 2 of the above example, you can walk on the little stream.. just use a rock or something to block it). My general rule of thumb when creating my maps... don't allow the Player to touch the edge of the screen. Usually only when it's to Teleport to the next Map, or following along some secret path around the normal screen objects (super mario brothers Underworld style baby.. bloop bloop bloop... warp to level 4 o.O!) or maybe if you're just stressed for space/time and don't wanna draw a whole new line of tiles.. whatev..

..all done lip smackin? ~~~~~~c/././/.|= (o.o) pew pew!! laser gun attack!

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Step 2: Initialize the Map (Map*/System** Settings)

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* Panoramas,Fogs,Map BGM/BGS included
** Windowskins,Message Settings,Player/Event Speeds included

Init Event:
--------------------

okay.. so now let's put in some Initializing Events. Pick a corner of the Map and Create an Event. Call it Init. Structure it like this:

Event: Init
Preconditions: none
Graphic/Movement/Options: none
Trigger: Parallel Process
Event Commands:
<>Weather Effects: Rain, 2, @10 (Rain, Power 2, lasts 10 frames). This is just a sprinkle..

*for those who use ccoa's weather script, use a Call RGSS EC:
>Script: $game_screen.weather(1,2,0) (for rain.. check script for more info)

<>Change Map Settings:Fog = '001-Fog01',0,64,Normal,200,-1,1 (whatever cloud/fog image, Hue of the image, magnification of image, blend, speed X, speed Y). So you can use whatever image you want to appear above everything on the Map (not screen, because Menus and windows may appear above Fog images/weather effects). Gives a nice misty effect.

<>Move Event: Player
<>>Change Speed: 3
<>>Frequency Change: 5 (these are to help keep the Player at a set speed)

*Windowskins are optional to init, unless you really change skins alot using scripts. Same with the Message Display Options, set it to however you want the windows to show up on screen. Here's the Windowskin/Name Box code for people who use Dubealex's AMS r4 #2:

<>Call RGSS Script:
<>>$ams.message_box_skin = "Windowskin01" (or whatever you named it)
<>>$ams.name_box_skin = "NameBox01" (or whatever you named it)

<>Tint Screen: (-17,-17,-17),51), @0 (because of the weather.. cloudy/rainy)
*its good to have this command after all other screen changing ECs (before the Erase Event EC), just in case the screen had faded to black prior to teleporting to this Map; the fogs and weather can have a chance to initiate.

<>Wait: 5 Frames (just pauses a fraction of a second.. not really needed because Erase Event below, but good to have if the Event repeats, in that case set to 3 frames)

<>Erase Event (this is so that the Event only runs once when the Map is first loaded)
-------------------

okay, that wasn't hard. It should look like this (I left in both weather commands, but only use one):

Init Event Example:
http://www.rmxpunlim...2/InitEvent.png

You can, of course, add other things to your liking, but I usually just use those as a base starter. The script weather is alot more flexible and has many more functions, like leaves and feathers, etc.

BGM/BGS:
-------------------

Now let's edit the Sounds. Right-click the Map's Name in the Map List to the bottom-left of the Editor, select Map Properties. Now we're messin with the Native BGM/BGS options. For this Map, let's choose a serene little piece, maybe with some melodic undertones... =/ err... or rather something funky I guess. I'll use bjorn_lynne-return to witchwood, set at Volume of 70 and Pitch of 100%. Here's the file:

bjorn_lynne-return_to_witchwood.mid

Now Play the BGM and select the BGS option and choose a river/stream SE. I use the default River sound, 010-River01, set at Volume 45, Pitch 150%. And there you have some ambience.

If you want other looped sfx, just make them in a new Event, call it Sounds or something, have it set as parallel process, and add a Wait EC bewteen each Play SE command and at the very end of the EC List. So it might look like this:

Event: Sounds
Preconditions: none
Graphic/Movement/Options: none
Trigger: Parallel Process
Event Commands:
<>Wait: 20 frames
<>Play SE: birdcall01
<>Wait: 50 frames
<>Play SE: insect01
<>Wait: 20 frames
<>Play SE: birdcall02
<>Wait: 30 frames
<>Play SE: insect01
<>Wait: 50 frames
--------------------------
and it will just keep looping those sounds, with a pause bewteen each one. Try it with other animal/nature sounds you may have. You can get some pretty cool atmospheres going on if you do it right. Also try using specific animal sounds to where the player might be at in the game. Like they can only hear certain bird calls within certain woods or something. Or they need to find an insect sound, on a certain Map, in order to have an encounter with that insect to get a certain item, etc. Whatever you want.

Panoramas:
------------------

And last, but not least... the Panorama for this Map. I specifically left this for last in this Step. With the way the Map is drawn, we couldn't call a Panorama and have it show, so we need to do some restructuring of the Map itself so that there are blank tiles (blank tiles allow the Panorama to show). And here's what we'll do:

1) Go to Map Properties (right-click Map Name), and make the Height of the Map 20, instead of 15. Right-click the Map Name again and select Shift Map this time. Move the Map Down 5 tiles. So now there is a blank area at the top of the Map. We now need to create a Horizon so that the Panorama will show behind the Tile Objects (trees, plants, etc).

2) Fill in the tiles closest to the finished Map parts, making them blend like before... like so:

Layer 1:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small05a.PNG

Layer 2:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small05b.PNG

Layer 3:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small05c.PNG

Event Layer:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small05d.PNG

We now have the horizon created, and the panorama will show behind that. I had to use a few Tile Events because I used all the Layers for the grass and plants in those spots.

3) Now open up the Init Event and add this command after the Weather Effects:
<>Change Map Setings: Panorama = '004-CloudySky01', 0

You can use whatever panorama you want, but I'm gonna use one of the RTP ones. Just remember that these Panoramas don't Move. You need to install the new Panorama Options script that is available at www.Phylomortis.com in order to modify how they are shown.. thanx to RPG Advocate for hosting that script (not to mention GOOD explanations of how the default Scripts work in RMXP!). I tried using the Mountain Panorama, but you can only see the sky part, and no mountains... in order to fix that, you would need to make the Map taller (changing Height to 25 or up). Hmmm.. we'll try both.

4) Cut and Paste the Init Event and all of your other Sounds/Etc Events that run as parallel process and place them in the corner again, since the Map was enlarged and they are now 5 tiles lower than the top. If you placed these Events at a bottom corner of the Map, they should be there already, since we moved the Map down (just make sure you don't erase your Events by moving the Map too far one way, then saving it. .. ugh.. )

With the CloudySky Panorama, your Map should now look like this ingame:

Cloudy Sky Example:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small05e.PNG

Notice the red arrow.. the Tile Priorities for that tree (on Layer 1) are all 0, so that it will show behind the other Tiles on the higher Layers. You can have the same trees as the others, but you need duplicate Tiles with different Priorities. Looks good though yes? =)

Let's alter the Fog EC to use the Mountain Panorama:

First, make the Map 5 more Tiles taller (Right-click Map Name/Map Properties/Height = 25). Second, Shift the Map down 5 Tiles (like before). Third, change the Panorama image to 006-Mountains01 (within the Init Event). *note..you can leave the Initializing Events where they are until you've totally completed the Map. Just organizing.. Fourth, change the Tint Screen EC '>Tint Screen: (0,0,0,0), @0' (normal settings because there are no more clouds by changing the panorama).

So with all that done, your Map with the mountains should look like this:

Mountains Example:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/small05f.PNG

..not bad... not bad.. You see where the Player sprite is standing? Well he should be Teleporting to the next Map at that very point. But, that's the last thing you need to make, since you still need to populate the Map with some interactive objects..

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Step 3: Create Interactive Objects & NPCs (Non-moving/Movable/Consumable)

--------------------------------------

You can always make little creatures running here and there, and wee lil insects and butterflies eveywhere, but those take up cpu power, and I'm just gonna worry about the more important types of Events for now. But it is good to add some originality to your Maps.. creature different things. Make hidden paths and secret Events that unblock other areas for the Player to explore in. Unlimited realms of creation. Who ever heard of a 500x500 tile Map before...? o.O well, I have... people do it.. but do they do it right? It's nice and all to have huge Maps filled with empty space, but why waste the space when you can create with taste.. =/-~ errr....

Shop Event (moving):
--------------------

First off, create an Event and call it Shop. You can change that later if you'd like. Make the Sprite whatever you want and select these functions:
http://www.rmxpunlim...ShopEvent01.PNG

Second, add in a Message and Choice EC:
http://www.rmxpunlim...ShopEvent02.PNG

Third, add the Shop EC, with a selection of items to buy (or weapon/armor)
http://www.rmxpunlim...ShopEvent03.PNG

And the Shop Event is done..

Sign Post (non-moving):
-------------------

First, create an Event on the upper Tile of the signpost, with no sprite and Triggered with the Aciton Key. Second, use a Message EC like so:
http://www.rmxpunlim...gnPostEvent.PNG

..and that's that.

Visible/Hidden Items (consumable):
----------------------

First, create an Event anywhere on the Map and call it Item/Weapon/Armor1 (or 2,3,etc), with a Trigger of 'Hero Touches Event', no options, no movement. The Sprite grapic depends on what type of item/equipment being found (equipment usually go in chests), or if it's invisible (no sprite graphic).

Second, place these ECs in the EC List:
<>Play SE: 'coin07',65,90 (this is just for a healing potion type pickup, use whatever)
<>Message: You find a Healing Potion..! (or whatever,weapon,armor,gold,etc)
<>Change Items: [Healing Potion] + 1 (or weapon,armor,gold,etc)
<>Switch: [0133: HealingPtn1] = ON (just name the switch whatever1,2,3,etc)
<>Erase Event (to just get it out of the way.. )
---------
Page 2:
---------
Pre-Condition: Switch [0133:HealingPtn1] Is ON (what you just switched ON above)
Options/Movement: none, Trigger: Parallel Process
EC List:
<>Erase Event (to get it out of the way.. )
--------------

boom... there's your hidden or visible item.. If the item is a one time pickup, you can use the Local Switches (A-D) for that Event instead of using one of the Game switches. But if the item is important in the game, and you need to check and see if the Player has found it or not, you must use one of the Game Switches, because you can't check an Event's local switches from another Event or Common Event. Only by using a Call RGSS Script EC. But lets not get into scripting just yet. =/

These Interactive objects look something like this:

Non-moving/Movable/Consumable Events:
http://www.rmxpunlim...on2/small06.PNG

..next! Some blocking Events that the Player must operate in order to get around them (aka Switches/Levers/Buttons)

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Step 4: Create Events for Game Progression (Switches/Variables/Items)

--------------------------------------

Okay.. so to make these blocking Events work, we'll use a Blocking Tile Event (or 2 Events, depending on how many tile pieces the object uses) and an Operator Event (that will turn the appropriate Switch ON and make the Blocking Tile Event move out of the way).

We will use this object for the Blocking Tile Event:
http://www.rmxpunlim...on2/small07.PNG

And the Events should be set up in these locations:
http://www.rmxpunlim...lockEvent01.PNG

First, create an Event and call it CaveBlockingTile . This Event should have no Options, PreConditions, Movement or ECs, but change the Speed to Slower and the Frequency to Lower. Make the Sprite the bottom Tile of the above example.
Second, create another Event just above the first one, call it CaveBlockTop, and have the Option of 'Always On Top', with no Movement,PreConditions or ECs, but change the Speed to Slower and the Frequency to Lower.

*Both of these Events will need a second Page that will keep them in their new positions after the Operator Switch is turned ON and the Player exits and enters the Map. If not, they will be in their original positions. That's in a bit..

Third, create another Event and call it CaveBlockOperator, with the Option of 'Phasing' and the Trigger of 'Hero Touches Event'. Add these ECs:
http://www.rmxpunlim...lockEvent02.PNG

A Switch sound effect is heard, then the stone tiles moving, then a message telling you so. Here is the Drag sound effect:

drag02.wav

Fourth, Add a New Page to the CaveBlockOperator Event with the PreCondition of Switch '0134: Secret Area1' is ON, set as Parallel Process. Add this EC:

<>Erase Event

Then add second Pages to both the CaveBlockingTile Event and the CaveBlockTop Event, with the PreCondition of Switch '0134: Secret Area1' is ON, set as Parallel Process, and add these ECs to each second Page:
<>Change Event Location: This Event, (012,021 for the bottom Event and 012,020 for the top), with Retain Facing Direction on both. (*note* this is with the Map Height set at 25 Tiles and using the Mountain Panorama).
<>End Event Processing
---------

Test it.. that's one way of getting the Player to interact with the Map. The more intricate you make the pieces to the puzzle, the funner the game can be. You can make Events that use Variables to keep track of the Player interacting with the Event, plus make it so the Player must possess a certain Item/Weapon/Armor in order to activate the Event (with use of the Conditional Branch EC). Now let's finish up this Map and add the Teleports to other Maps you've done.

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Step 5: Create Teleports (To other Maps/To another Map, then Back)

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SO, usually you'll create a Teleport Event for the exit you just came from (since this is the only Map I've done with you folks, we'll say the Player came from the left)..
Example:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/Small08a.PNG

..therefor create an Event and call it anything you'd like (West Exit maybe), with no PreConditions,GFX,Options, or Movement, and the Trigger of 'Hero Touches Event'. Add a Teleport EC in the Event Commands window and select which Map and coordinate to Teleport to. You can also set what direction to be facing, or retain facing, and if the Maps should Fade (blend together) or switch instantly. And that's your basic Teleport Event. You can just copy and paste that Event onto the other Teleport locations for the Map, and just change the Location Coordinates for each.

Here's Each Location:

West Exit:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/Small08b.PNG

North Exit:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/Small08c.PNG

Tree Entrance: Notice the extra root tiles I added to cover half of the hole?
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/Small08d.PNG

Also with this big tree object, the Player needs to be able and walk next to the Event that has the Teleport EC within it. So the Tile below the left part of the hole must be walkable (where the main roots of the tree are)

Cave Entrance:
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/Small08e.PNG
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Ingame Screenies:

http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/InGame01.PNG
http://www.rmxpunlim...n2/InGame02.PNG
--------------------------------------

And there you have Lesson 2 complete!!

How to Make a Simple Map: Lesson 1 - Creating the Map

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 09:08:04 +0000

This thread contains information on how to construct a simple map using RMXP and it's many features. I will show how to use all 4 Layers (Layer 1-3 & Event Layer), how to Show/Move Pictures over your map, and how to use the Panoramas & Fogs to enhance the dynamics of your maps dimensions.

I start out with a basic route the party can walk along to get from one end of the map to the other by using a sandy/path looking autotile, preferably one that blends with a darker, grassy autotile. Hope this tutorial helps new users to RMXP map making. I luv what can be created, and this isn't even the tip of the iceberg with the ruby scripting language. ^.^ rmxp2!!

*wakes up*

------------------------------------------

Contents:

Tileset Used - Outer Forest:
Click to View

Autotiles Used (All RTP):
G_Water01
G_Shadow01
Grass01
G_Ground02
Sn_Undulation01
Ground02
Waterfall01

Sections:

-Quick Info
--Usage of Priority Stars
--Layers
--Pictures
--Panoramas & Fogs
-Lesson 1: Creating the Map
--Step 1: Adjust Viewing Settings & Create a New Map
--Step 2: Fill the Map With a Ground Tile (Mainly Using Autotiles)
--Step 3: Mark the Entry Points (All Main Spots for Teleport Events)
--Step 4: Draw a Walking Path (That the Player Can Visibly See)
--Step 5: Add Different Ground Textures (Grass, Sand, Patchy Ground, Etc)
--Step 6: Place Larger Blocking Tiles (Bottom of Trees, Large Rocks, Etc)
--Step 7: Add Any Other Main obstacles (Water, streams, Undulation Autotiles)
--Step 8: Fill in the main features (Finish building Trees, Grass Edges)
--Step 9: Attention to Detail (Add all single/misc tiles, Layer from bottom up)
--Each Layer individually
-Lesson 2: Movable Events, Panoramas, Fogs, and misc other things (coming soon!)

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Some quick info:

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* = Priority Star. Within Database/Tileset under the Priorities Tab, you can set each tile to have a Priority of 0-5, 0 being No Priority and 5 being above everything (you have more flexibility using Scripts to change the priorities of Pictures/Images/Icons/etc from 0-9999). So if a tile had a priority of 1, I would use *1 to represent that in this tutorial.

Usage of Priority Stars:
--------------------------------------

No Stars: usually tiles that the player cannot walk through (for normal size character sprites). Like single tile plants, logs, and flower bushes (or bottom halves of tall plants/etc, otherwise known as ground touching tiles in this tut).

*1: tops of ground touching tiles (plants, pillars, etc) that should appear above the player sprite. !!!If it happens that you can still see the player sprite above a tile with priority *1 (like when you walk towards that tile, the player sprite is partially above it, then when you stop on the same tile location, it is above you, when it should have always been above you!) then you should use *2 instead to keep that little bug from happening.!!!

*2-*5: these higher priority numbers are mainly to keep these tiles above other *1 priority tiles, like tree tops and branches, overhangs, or anything you want to show above all tiles (except ones within an Event that have the option marked 'Always on Top'.. those have higher priority than even *5 tiles). The Arshes character sprite appears below all *2 and higher tiles, and while the RTP dragon sprite shows above *1 and *2 tiles, it doesn't show above *3 and higher tiles.

Layers 1-3: These are the main layers of your Map.
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Layer 1 is basically the ground layer, what you want to have below all other layers (besides the Panorama, more later), like grass/water/rock ledges (more on rock ledges as ground tiles later).

Layer 2 should be used to place all ground touching Tiles, like if you use a bush tile that uses 2 tiles, one above the other, and you can't walk on the bottom tile but can walk behind the top tile, as it's Priority is *1, the ground touching tile is the tile you can't walk on. Therefor, Layer 2 should be tiles that the Player cannot walk on, but does not need to be so. You can use Layer 2 as a filler layer later on in making your map to spruce it up with random tiles, like little rock pebbles/etc (more on using Layers to build multiple tiles on eachother later).

Layer 3 should be used to top off your tiles that have Priorities on them above 0. So with that bush from the example above, you would place the top of it that the player can walk behind in this layer.

The Event Layer can be used in so many different ways, and for so many different things that I'll explain this as I get to them, but some of the ways are: 1) to place a tile above everything else, ie if you have a ground layer, a partial grass layer, and a bush layer in the same spot and need a tree layer above all of that, you would use an Event to place that tree layer, 2) to place a tile within the water, giving the tile an Opaque of 30-60 & Tinting it's Hue to the water color, which would simulate the effect of being under water), 3) creating little critters/insects for your map and 4) a bunch more things!

Pictures:
--------------------------------------

Pictures can be placed anywhere on the screen, and can be given a specific Hue, Opaqueness, Magnification, etc... They are accessed through your Pictures folder of your Project. These images can be manipulated through Event commands (more later). Using Event commands, you can only show a maximum of 50 Pictures at one time (never liked that), but using Scripts you have the ability of showing up to 9999 Pictures at one time!! (much better, more later).

Panoramas & Fogs:
--------------------------------------

A Panorama can be used to show an image behind all Layers, and is usually 640x480 in size (or longer in width to slow it's scrolling.. more later). These are accessed through the Panoramas folder of your Project. You can only see a Panorama if the tile coordinate is blank (as in when you first create a map, and don't place any tiles yet, you could see a full-screen Panorama if you called one, because all tile coordinates are blank).

A Fog can be used to show an image above all Layers, including ones with any Priority setting (0-5 for Database, or 0-9999 for scripts) and can be given a specific Hue, Opaqueness, Magnification, etc...

To scroll the Panorama or Fog, change the X,Y speeds of the Panorama/Fog from -256 to 256, where a negative number moves left for X and up for Y, and a positive number moves right for X and down for Y. More advanced functions will come at a later tutorial.

Shall we begin...?

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Step 1: Adjust Viewing Settings & Create a New Map

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First off, set your Viewing Settings like this: View All Layers, Dim Other Layers.

Second, Create a new Map. We all know how to do this: right-click the Project name in the Map List(bottom-left of the Editor) and select New Map. Don't worry about Encounters right now, or either of the BGM or BGS settings. Just make your map the default size of 20x15 tiles (meaning 640x480 pixels, since each tile is 32x32 pixels in size). You cannot go smaller than this, since RMXP runs at 640x480 in size (for now.. people are working on getting this setting to go higher, and work properly!). Bing! Your new map is created..

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Step 2: Fill the Map With a Ground Tile (Mainly Using Autotiles)

--------------------------------------

In order to see what you are working with, go ahead and use an Autotile to Fill in the Map (Paint Bucket) with any ground tile that you would like, using Layer 1 of the Map Layers. Try to use a tile that the player will most likely be walking on (ie some type of grass, sand or rocky surface, etc). ..done? Next step..

Example Screenshot:
http://www.rmxpunlim...ps/SS-Map01.PNG

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Step 3: Mark the Entry Points (All Main Spots for Teleport Events)

--------------------------------------

As with any Map, the player should be able to move from screen to screen if it's within a larger area, or should be able to enter buildings.. so with that in mind, use a tile to mark where you would like these Teleport Events to be (place the marking tile in Layers 2 or 3, as Layer 1 was used for the ground and you'll be replacing the marking tile later with a Teleport Event, and don't forget to use the Pencil instead of the Paint Bucket!).

Example Screenshot:
http://www.rmxpunlim...ps/SS-Map02.PNG

Try to keep the Teleport spots as seperate as possible, meaning don't bunch them up (unless they are both part of the same building, or a cluster of buildings, if so you can add those later on). So if the player can exit the Map to the north and to the West, place a marking tile somewhere along the top(north) edge of the Map and along the left(west) side of the Map.. done marking the Teleport spots? Let's continue..

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Step 4: Draw a Walking Path (That the Player Can Visibly See)

--------------------------------------

To help illustrate the more walked areas of any map, you should draw path-like roads on the Map, by either a) using Layer 1 and an Autotile that is similar to the first ground Autotile you placed (like grass and sand in the screenshot example below), or B) using Layers 2-3 to place an Autotile that has a transparent border (like sand or grass, or whatever can be walked on).

Example Screenshot:
http://www.rmxpunlim...ps/SS-Map03.PNG

Try to lead the paths towards the teleport spots, because you want the player to be able to distinguish where he/she should go (unless you want a Teleport spot to be a secret, you would then NOT lead a path towards it!). There looks like there is alot of green space that needs to be filled in... well, it will be! Let's continue..

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Step 5: Add Different Ground Textures (Grass, Sand, Patchy Ground, Etc)

--------------------------------------

So we have something basic... let's add some different ground tiles to give detail to the Map. Using Layer 1 again, select a Tile (or Autotile) and draw in areas that you want to have a different ground texture. Keep in mind that if these tiles/autotiles don't blend with the surround tiles, you usually won't want them to be near eachother.

Example Screenshot:
http://www.rmxpunlim...ps/SS-Map04.PNG

In the above example, look at how I placed the darker grass tiles away from the sand/grass tiles. This is because we will add the borders to that darker grass later, using Layers 2-3. I'll explain the borders to grass tiles later.

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Step 6: Place Larger Blocking Tiles (Bottom of Trees, Large Rocks, Etc)

--------------------------------------

OK... so you should have a Map that has the basic ground, paths and Teleport spots, now you need to put in some tiles that the player cannot walk through. This will help you layout an actual walkable path for the player, so he/she can't just walk straight through the Map, but must explore all areas of the Map to move on. Like so...

Example Screenshot:
http://www.rmxpunlim...ps/SS-Map05.PNG

So I added some tree trunks without all the foliage, and a big rocky cliff area. I won't show each Layer individually, would take too many screens. Notice on of the tree trunks I used as a Teleport marker is now the cave entrance.

Let me explain again that all ground-touching tiles (such as the tree trunks, larger plants, bottom of larger plants, etc) should be on Layer 2, UNLESS 1) you only have 1 Layer left plus the Event layer because of mixed ground tiles taking up Layer 1 and 2, or 2) you have placed several tiles there already, overlapping each other (one above the other), and you are left with NO layers left inwhich to place a ground-touching tile... in that case you are always left with the Event Layer as a last resort to place a tile.

Also, you can always make an Event somewhere else on the Map, usually next to the spot that needs the tile, make the Event's sprite the image of the tile needed, and when the Map first initializes (you teleport to it), the Event Tile's Event Commands run in Parallel process and can Move that Event to the spot where it's needed, turn a Switch ON, and then remain either as an overlaying tile image, or one that the Player cannot move through (or whatever else an Event can do!).

What you do not need to place right now are the bottom edges of cliff ledge tiles, or any ledge tiles that have an overlapping bottom edge (or top edge), mainly because you will be placing other little things around the map that might need you to erase those overlapping tiles, or use the layer it's on, therefor having to move the overlapping ledge tile UP a Layer.

Let me show you what I mean by overlapping edge tiles, this goes for rock ledges, grass, etc:

Example Screenshot:
http://www.rmxpunlim...ps/SS-Map06.PNG

This is Layer 2, and the darker areas are all other Layers. Notice how the tiles on this Layer are overlapping tiles, or tiles that show another tile beneath it. Usually you won't place ground touching tiles on these, just tiles that appear above the player's sprite (ie tops of tall plants/bushes/pillars/etc).

With grass tiles that have overlapping edges, try to place those below any plants/rocks/ledges/etc, but directly above the actual ground tile. So you may end up with the top missing to a 2-tile horizontal plant, because you've used all 3 Layers: 1 ground tile, 1 grass border tile, and 1 a flower/bush tile (or something hidden behind the top of the horizontal plant's top). In that case, place the tile using an Event, with 'Always on Top' checked.

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Step 7: Add Any Other Main obstacles (Water, streams, Undulation Autotiles)

--------------------------------------

Before you go off and populate your map with goodies, decide on whether you want any other prominent fixtures strewn across your map. I decided on this:

Example Screenshot:
http://www.rmxpunlim...ps/SS-Map07.PNG

A wee lil stream... I also filled in the rest of the big tree. The inner part of the big tree's bulk is on Layer 2, because there's nothing needed behind it. If I wanted to stick something behind the tree, and have halfway sticking out, I'd place only the tree tile needed to be above the ground tile on Layer 3, and leave the rest of the tree's bulk on Layer 2 (unless, again, you want to have something blocking the path below the tree, so you might just want to have the edges to your trees on Layer3 to start so you get used to the idea of saving Layer space ).

To have a blank blocking tile, you can also use an Event that uses a Tileset Sprite with Passability set to X. That Tile can be blank, just remember that you set it to X, and don't use it on accident, or you won't know why you can't walk on a blank spot... o.O because little worms will eat away at your brain.. leaving unclenchable aches of agony writhing horribly before thee...

err... where was I...?

oh yeah.. a wee stream... big tree... fill in map somemore... oh yes. I also added some undulations... the raised ground Autotile. All done placing all blocking tiles??? Stuck in all your rocky walls, raised autotiles, streams, waterfalls, tree trunks???? good..

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Step 8: Fill in the main features (Finish building Trees, Grass Edges)

--------------------------------------

Now just go through the map and clean up the edges to the darker grass areas and make the trees have some tops (mind the overlapping grass and rock edges, they tend to take up all 3 Layers).. add a few blocking tiles around certain areas so that the player can't walk everywhere. Kind of makes it funner to make them find the walkable path to get through your map. You could have a dead tree trunk laying across a path, blocking it, so the player must find a way through the surrounding foliage to get around.

All done constructing the main part of your map, giving it a good foundation before we continue on with adding detail..?

Here's what mine looks like:

Example Screenshot:
http://www.rmxpunlim...ps/SS-Map08.PNG

So you can basically see how quickly a map can fill up. I haven't even done any of the little things yet. With making larger maps, the larger the map doesn't necessarily mean the larger the spaces inbetween the tiles. You can have a large map and still have plenty of detail laying all over the place, without massive gaps that look like no attention to anything was put there. Gaps to me mean empty canvas... if it's anywhere on the map, it's in the game. No one wants to see a game filled with gaps...??? do they?

if it's in the game, it's in the game... =/ um.... nevermind..

--------------------------------------

Step 9: Attention to Detail (Add all single/misc tiles, Layer from bottom up)

--------------------------------------

oh yimminy... my favorite part............... the details.

*plops down some yummy tiles*

..a little bush here... a little bush there... here a bush... there a bush.. everywhere a bush bush... =/-~

So now you look at your map and add the little things that stick out when people tend to look at your map for more than 5 seconds without going "mmhmm, i see"...

Throw in some pebbles along the sandy walking path... add a few flowers across the map randomly so they aren't bunched up too much om just one area. I tend to use certain flowers/plants for certain areas of our game, so that the player can sort of tell what area he/she may be in without having to look it up. I'll give each of my maps something different that stands out. Use animated autotiles to your advantage (ie get some good wavering grass autotiles and use those sparingly across your map in certain open areas so that it looks as though a small breeze is drifting through).

..and wallah!!!!

Example Screenshot:
http://www.rmxpunlim...ps/SS-Map09.PNG

So this is what a completely filled Map should look like. Not that hard to do... just use your imagination eh.. =)

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Each Layer individually:

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Layer 1:
http://www.rmxpunlim...ps/SS-Map10.PNG

Layer 2:
http://www.rmxpunlim...ps/SS-Map11.PNG

Layer 3:
http://www.rmxpunlim...ps/SS-Map12.PNG

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Map As Seen Ingame:

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http://www.rmxpunlim...ps/SS-Map13.PNG

And that's how you do that... End Lesson 1!