Getting started: Setup hammer

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Getting started: Setup hammer

Submitted by: RaptorSKA on 12 Feb 2025 14:24
Last updated by: RaptorSKA on 12 Feb 2025 15:52

Lets get started with setting up your hammer editor..

the setup for hammer (which ever one you decide to choose) is more or less the same for each program. It's just placed out differently.
first thing you want to do, is to download the required programs

- Sven Co-op
- Sven Co-op SDK
- J.A.C.K.

+ Setting up Hammer

- Setting up Hammer

Setup

Assuming you have the above 3 all installed, lets move to the Setup of J.A.C.K. which is, like stated above, similar to any other hammer.

When opening JACK, you will be greeted with this blank canvas.

First thing you want to do, is go to the top tool bar, hit tools and then select options

After selecting *options* the configuration window will open..

this is basically were you can choose all your preferred options such as 2d and 3d options, maximum world size which is important for sven co-op as it has a modified world size that can be used.

but for right now, we want to go ahead and select *Game Profiles*

First, you want to go to the configuration bar at the top of the window, the drop down will be empty but there is a *edit* button, select it.
inside this window you can *add* a configuration.. in the example picture, i have mine set up as bts_rc.. you can name this anything you wish.

this is where we're going to setup your hammer for which game / mod you wish to use and various other things like textures, compilers and install locations.
but we're going to go ahead and continue with the Games tab.

+ First Tab: Game

- First Tab: Game

you will see a window below called *Game Data Files* which is empty and a few options to the right hand side, go ahead and select *add*
you will then need to navigate to your steam folder where your game is installed.. in this tutorial we're using Sven Co-op.. which for me, is stored inside my
*steam/steamapps/common/sven co-op/sven co-op/*

in that location, you will find a sven-coop.fgd file.. this is what you want to select for your game data files.

So far, you have created a configuration that has now got the game data files for sven co-op.
the next step is setting up the directories for your application..

+ Second Tab: Directories

- Second Tab: Directories

Game executable
*Steam/steamapps/common/Sven Co-op/svencoop.exe*

Base Game Directory
*Steam/steamapps/common/Sven Co-op/svencoop*

Mod Directory
*Steam/steamapps/common/Sven Co-op/svencoop_addons*

Source maps directory
*Steam/steamapps/common/Sven Co-op/svencoop_addons/maps*

I personally like to have my source map files backed up somewhere else on the system, as a precaution. This is basically where you will save the RMFs files and ultimately where the compilers will deposit the finished and compiled map files.

+ Third Tab: Textures

- Third Tab: Textures

you will now want to select textures.. for now, i'm going to do the two main texture packs. you can add others if you wish. this is purely from simplicity.

You want to hit *add files* and then navigate to your sven co-op folder if you never already started there. and scroll down until you see halflife.wad and zhlt.wad
the halflife.wad obviously containing all of the half life 1 textures, and the zhlt has alot of textures such as nul, trigger, hint textures. very useful

Opposing force = opfor.wad
Blueshift =barney.wad
Decay = decay.wad
Decals = decal.wad
Xen textues = Xeno.wad
Water = Liquids.wad

once you have the textures selected, you are now onto the next tab

+ Fourth Tab: Build Programs

- Fourth Tab: Build Programs

This tab is where you select the tools you want to use for each compiler to make your map, basically your engine room.
Compilers will come with your editor, but it is best to use the ones that have been developed for sven co-op. If you're using hammer for
another modification / game, make sure to use the best compilers for that game.

In this tutorial, well be using the tools from the Sven Co-op SDK. Located in the Steam/Steamapps/Common/Sven Co-op SDK/Mapping/Compilers folder

CSG:
Steam/steamapps/common/Sven Co-op SDK/mapping/compilers/SC-CSG_x64.exe

BSP
Steam/steamapps/common/Sven Co-op SDK/mapping/compilers/SC-BSP_x64.exe

VIS
Steam/steamapps/common/Sven Co-op SDK/mapping/compilers/SC-VIS_x64.exe

LIGHT
Steam/steamapps/common/Sven Co-op SDK/mapping/compilers/SC-RAD_x64.exe

These are the best ones i believe, however if you have any issues using these compilers, make sure to join the sven co-op developer discord and ask for some help. sometimes issues can be caused by updates, perfectly normal - these can always be fixed.

+ Last step: 3d / 2d setup

- Last step: 3d / 2d setup

go ahead and hit apply + okay.
you will now be able to hit *File* + *New* and the editor will now open up a blank canvas called map 1 with 4 view ports
Camera
you can hit tab on this to change its mode which can be very useful for sketching out layouts

2d windows
X/Y = TOP
Y/Z = FRONT
X/Z = SIDE

If you dont like the order of these windows, you can always hit *Tab* and it will cycle through the options. However you will need to select the Camera manually if you want to change it to a 2d camera, same as the 2d to 3d.

you have no set up your JACK editor, lots of tutorials are available online and we look forward to seeing what you come up with!
make sure to join the sven co-op developer discord to show off your work and/or ask for help!

+ Optional: Map size

- Optional: Map size

If using JACK: to set up the maximum map size, go to: Tools > Options
you will see Maximum world size
if you're on sven co-op - this can go to 262144 units. You can use the normal grid size if you wish, however if you're making a larger map which is capable within the sven co-op boundaries and limitations - you might want to up this size.

+ Optional: Autosaving

- Optional: Autosaving

Most hammer editors will have a backup system, this is usually found in the configuration window: Tools > Options
on JACK, this is under *Misc* on the tab selection.

Autosaving is incredibly useful, as files can become corrupt over time.. you can set up the autosave directory along with how long it takes for it to automatically save. Do not rely on this for saving however, these can also become corrupt.

Thank you for reading.