Map Size

Asset Information and Discussion for Scripting, Area Design, and More

Moderators: Moderator, Developer, DM

User avatar
Cubicle
Retired Staff
Posts: 540
Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2012 6:44 am

Map Size

Unread post by Cubicle »

Is 32 x 32 too big for a map? Is there a set limit on placeables/water in an interior zone that might be too much lag-wise?

Edit: Also, is there a way to copy and paste Grouped Placeables without having to readjust the height/depth of each and every piece?
7threalm
Retired Staff
Posts: 1952
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2013 2:44 am

Re: Map Size

Unread post by 7threalm »

it isn't but you wanna keep the fps down, I think the good number for a 32x32 is 1800- +- 500, its the bottom number when you click fps. (i think those are the numbers)

to limit the fps, use a the same placeable for 32x32, it you feel up the area with 1000 different placeables you get a very hard drop on frame rate.

the way it works is each unquie resource costs you fps, so you can use 10 of same placeable and get the same result as having one placeable.

also you can set placeables at enviromental objects this all always reduces fps, but you have to manually draw the walk meshes in.

to copy mutiable placeables first you need to set each placeable to lock height(its in your properties menu. then select the group and copy it. each placeable you have has to have its height locked.

click placeable--->height lock---->copy and past to your hearts content= mutiple places at the same height

also make mutiple saves cause some times the data get corrupted :(

also if your getting started and learning do an interior first, exterior = nightmare
Duragin Balderden(Battle Rager of Kraak Helzak)

Rlyd (Drow Wizard)- Fearn School of Enchantment and Charm
User avatar
Cubicle
Retired Staff
Posts: 540
Joined: Tue Jun 12, 2012 6:44 am

Re: Map Size

Unread post by Cubicle »

That's some good information right there. Appreciate the help.
User avatar
Duster47
Retired Staff
Posts: 3727
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2009 7:57 pm
Location: Florida, USA

Re: Map Size

Unread post by Duster47 »

First, Read This to avoid some of the common pitfalls of interior design.

Start small and keep your theme in-mind. Save often. Check frame-rate (FR) often. Each unique placeable will add 2-8 points to FR. Choose tintable-placeables to vary color to get some level of differentiation within an area without running up the FR. Avoid using one instance of a placeable just because it is "cool". Avoid using placeables to just fill an area. If you are doing that, your area is probably too big. An NPC wearing shiny armor can add 100 points to FR. Each placed effect will add 1-8 pt to FR (i.e. candle, torch, toucan bird, waterfall splash, etc.).

Don't forget sound. Use creative lighting.

Last, be patient. Area design is a true slog.
PC1 = Nerys, Emissary and Skald of the Greyfox tribe, last seen roaming north near Secomber
PC2 = Valqis Sanejmeh; far away cartographer, Oracle of Nut at chaltin QulDaq, former navigator of the Sea Seeker, Reader of Candlekeep and sometime performer.

Return to “NWN2 Toolset Development”