Level Design

Map Template Format

## Map: [Name]
**ID:** MAP-[NNN]
**Size:** [Dimensions]
**Player Count:** [Min-Max]
**Match Duration:** [Minutes]

### Zone Layout
[ASCII art or visual description]

### Zones
| Zone | Risk Level | Loot Tier | Purpose |
|------|------------|-----------|---------|
| [Name] | [Level] | [Tier] | [Function] |

### Extraction Points
| Extract | Location | Type | Requirements | Risk |
|---------|----------|------|--------------|------|
| [Name] | [Position] | [Type] | [Needs] | [Level] |

### Loot Distribution
| Zone | Common % | Uncommon % | Rare % |
|------|----------|------------|--------|
| [Name] | [X%] | [X%] | [X%] |

### Flow Analysis
**Rotation patterns:** [How players move]
**Choke points:** [Conflict locations]
**Camping risks:** [Defensible spots]
**Anti-camping:** [Mitigations]

### AI Spawns (if applicable)
| Patrol | Route | Difficulty | Loot |
|--------|-------|------------|------|
| [Name] | [Path] | [Level] | [Drops] |

Level Design Principles

Flow

Players should move through the space with purpose:

• •Clear paths - Intuitive routes between areas
• •Multiple options - No single "correct" way
• •Decision points - Players choose their path
• •Risk gradient - Danger increases with reward

Landmarks

Players should orient themselves easily:

• •Silhouettes - Distinct visual shapes
• •Lighting - Key areas highlighted
• •Audio cues - Sounds indicate location
• •Unique features - Memorable elements

Pacing

Match the intended experience:

• •Buildup - Start slow, increase intensity
• •Peaks - High-tension moments
• •Breathing room - Brief downtime
• •Climax - Final push to objective

Level Design Process

Step 1: Concept Sketch

Create a rough layout showing:

• •Overall shape
• •Major zones
• •Key landmarks
• •Spawn/extract points

Step 2: Zone Definition

Define each area by:

• •Primary purpose
• •Risk level
• •Loot quality
• •Flow role

Step 3: Connection Design

Create paths between zones:

• •Main routes (obvious)
• •Alternative routes (hidden)
• •Shortcuts (risk/reward)
• •Choke points (conflict areas)

Step 4: Loot Placement

Place rewards following:

• •Risk gradient (deeper = better)
• •Exploration reward (off-path = bonus)
• •Flow guidance (loot attracts movement)
• •Balance considerations (not all in one spot)

Step 5: Playtest Validation

Test and iterate:

• •Do players flow as intended?
• •Are there camping spots?
• •Is loot distributed fairly?
• •Are spawns safe?

Common Level Patterns

Arena

Symmetrical, focused on fair competition:

• •Central conflict zone
• •Mirrored starting positions
• •Clear sightlines
• •Equal distance to objectives

Linear

Progressive, narrative-driven:

• •Clear forward path
• •Branching side areas
• •Setpiece encounters
• •Progressive difficulty

Open World

Exploration-focused:

• •Non-linear progression
• •Multiple objectives
• •Fast travel points
• •Dynamic events

Hub and Spoke

Central base with destinations:

• •Central safe zone
• •Radiating paths
• •Distinct themed areas
• •Return to hub mechanic

Level Review Checklist

Before marking a level complete:

• • Layout supports target player count
• • Spawns are safe and accessible
• • Extractions are balanced
• • Loot distribution is fair
• • Flow creates meaningful choices
• • Landmarks provide orientation
• • Choke points have counterplay
• • Performance is acceptable
• • Art style is consistent