Saunter Free
A Fistful of Frags Multiplayer Map
Custom Fistful of Frags Map (Hammer Editor) January 2021 – May 2021
Lead Designer/Developer Team Size: 1 (Solo)
Overview + Design Reel
Saunter Free is a custom Fistful of Frags Multiplayer Map created in the Hammer Editor with Valve's community tools and assets. This map was created from the ground up starting with top-down concept images made in Adobe Illustrator. I then created a blockout of the map with BSP and preexisting models. After lots of testing and iteration, the map became what it is now.
Map Gallery
When building Saunter Free, I wanted to create an interesting space that featured a central spire-like structure to engage with. In my first iteration of the full map layout, I found that players flocked to the middle a little too much due to how powerful the top of the spire was as a vantage point. This caused the surrounding portion of the map to not be used as much as I had hoped. Although I was thrilled that people enjoyed playing around the center, I needed to find a way to strengthen the rest of the map and spread out the gameplay.
Problem Solving - Balancing Verticality
My first solution was to remove some access points to the spire and instead grant access to other raised platforms. This created multiple vantage points around the map. Although none of these points are as high up as the spire, they are significantly easier to access. This allowed for quick and easy positioning options near player spawns, and creates a risk/reward dynamic for storming the spire.
My second solution was to add stronger weapon crates to the lower areas, allowing players to trade a better vantage point for a better weapon. These two solutions spread the gameplay to all levels of the map.
Solution - Leveling the Playing Field
Top Down Blockout
