Skybox Error/Bug (EVIL.)

[Zaughi]

Okay, I'm adding a 2D skybox to my map. My map is fairly large already and I'm only 15% of the way done. My map will have a 3D skybox to come, but I need a 2D skybox for testing. (No skybox can really mess up your HUD, scripts, height, that stuff.)

But when I create a skybox around my map and hollow it (A large box around my map, I know it's lazy but creating individual faces around each exterior brush would take HOURS.), it doesn't show up in-game. I'm using sky_day_01_09 (night map). This bug is recurring, and also makes compiling times up to 30 minutes.

Anyone know the problem?

[LordDz]

1. You're using a hollow skybox
2. Maybe you specified an invalid texture. Show some screenies, it helps.

[Dives]

There is no underscore between 'day' and '01' on that texture. It's sky_day01_09.

[dark0r]

Really, really, really, really, really don't just put a large hollow brush around your map and make it the skybox.

Please. No wonder your compile times are so long.

[Epifire]

Yeah here is a good article to read about making a good skybox...

https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wik ... timization

[Mr. Happy]

It may take a long time but think about it like this: the next time you do it, it will take less time, because you have the practice and etc. You will also learn ways to make the surrounding skybox simpler. Doing things right, no matter how long it takes, will pay off in the end even if it's inefficient or problematic in the short term.

[Zaughi]

My map includes a LOT of content, which I have to constantly test. Is there really no way around having to delete a skybox, add a bit more content, run a test, delete the skybox, add a little more, and repeat? It takes 2 hours alone just to do it once. Imagine having to do that eight times in a row, or more.

[LordDz]

Use visgroups if the skybox is blocking when you're editing.

[Zaughi]

Visgroups? Sorry, still a bit new at this.

[Epifire]

Right here ole boy...

https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Grouping_and_VisGrouping

[Zaughi]

Alright, so I group the skybox or map area and move it out of the way, then edit? If I edited it, wouldn't I have to make changes to the skybox to make it fit the map area?

I also tried putting the skybox around each face of the map, and placing nodraw under brushes, which took about an hour and a half, but the compile times didn't change, and when I started up the compiled map, it crashed every time.

[Zecrah]

Use the cordon.

https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Cordon