I thought I would write up this quick tutorial, on how you package up your basic MP maps, for distribution.

#1) Make a folder on you're desktop, with the maps name (ie: mp_mymapname) (all MP maps must start with the mp_)

#2) Place two files in there . . . they are:

mp_mymapname.ff
mp_mymapname_load.ff

If you have a map with nothing custom, then zip it up and you are good to go, however, if you have a custom load screen, minimap or scripts, you will need to create an iwd.

To create an iwd file you will need winrar. The directory structure of the iwd is as follows:

images
mp

Inside the IMAGES folder, place the following items:

compass_map_mp_mymapname.iwi
loadscreen_mp_mymapname.iwi

Inside the MP folder, place the following item:

mp_mymapname.arena

You are almost done :) Now all you need to do is RAR it up. To do this select both IMAGES and MP folders, and then right click, add to archive. A window will pop up, in the ARCHIVE NAME text window, type mp_mymapname.iwd then click ok :) (remember iwd's are really rar files NOT zips)

Now that you are done you should have these three files in the mp_mymapname folder:

mp_mymapname.ff
mp_mymapname_load.ff
mp_mymapname.iwd

Now zip up the mp_mymapname folder and you are all set :)

DO NOT PACKAGE the directories you created in order to make the iwd..... Just package the above three files, inside of that mp_mymapname folder.

So when the user extracts the map they will see:

Folder:
mp_mymapname

Contents:
mp_mymapname.ff
mp_mymapname_load.ff
mp_mymapname.iwd

I hope this helps, all you new comers.

- Col. Phil Bilko (aka: CDN Merc Bilko)

I did this exactly and when I go to change to the map on my server game crashes to desktop and computer locks up

I've always been of the belief you can do it far more efficiantly than that, but as of yet i've not been able to suceed

vorg writes...

This could be due to a number of reasons. Mostly due to the scriting in you're map, fx e.t.c To fix this you will need to go through you're console and see what errors there are and fix them before you compile the final build and pack it up.

The above tutorial is exactly how you put a basic map together for distribution. When people start adding visual FX e.t.c to their maps it can cause LOTS of problems, so again check, check and triple check, to make sure that you are adding the fx correctly into the map in radiant, and also in the scripting. A lot of issues are caused by bad entity links too.

Take care

Col. Phil Bilko

ColPhilBilko - Thank you for this clarification as to how to bundle the maps for others to enjoy. The problem as I see it is that no one can enjoy the maps because not one individual can explain as to precisely where to put these files/folders to use them.

I myself have downloaded a couple of them "mp_subway" being one of them. Did explicitely what the author said to do and no map available.

My attempts are as follows:
...\Modern Warfare\usermaps\mp_subway.ff, mp_subway_load.ff & ...Modern Warfare\Mods\mp_subway.iwd

...\Modern Warfare\usermaps\mp_subway.ff, mp_subway_load.ff & ...Modern Warfare\Mods\customMaps\mp_subway.iwd

...\Modern Warfare\usermaps\mp_subway.ff, mp_subway_load.ff & ...Modern Warfare\Mods\ModWarefare\mp_subway.iwd

...\Modern Warfare\usermaps\mp_subway.ff, mp_subway_load.ff & ...Modern Warfare\main\mp_subway.iwd

The above produces nothing in the Mod screen in the game consequently no listings in the available maps to play

Now when I move the mp_subway FOLDER into ...Modern Warfare\Mods\ it will show up in the list in the Mod screen but clicking on it will not show as an available map

These are but a few of the options I have attempted to no avail. I guess we are all still waiting for a tutorial on EXACTLY the placement of the folders/files to allow us to enjoy them.

If you need help on this let me know as well as others to get all of the ideas out there hoping someone can make sense out of all of this

Thank you

Rick

ok ive got everything you said but what is missing is how to make it run on a server ,where to place it ,what folder and so on

Yes this seems to be an ongoing problem. Lots of people just can not get it to work.

#1) In your [root] cod 4 directory create a usermaps folder.

#2) Then create a folder as follows: mp_themapsname (the MAPS name no what I typed ;) but ALL MULTIPLAYER MAPS START WITH MP_

#3) Place the ff and iwd files in there.

Done, do the same on the server.

Take care.

-Col. Phil Bilko

cool to easy lol
seems that i spend 20%posting to figer somethings out 15%
mapping 10%modding and 55% helping people to run and find things in radiant
thank you modsonline after 2 years with you guys still hands down the best open forum for Q/A

so u dont need a csv or gsv file?

also where is the ff file i am a noob and only know where my .map is saved lol

reborn1213 writes...
Its in your C:\Program Files\Activision\Call of Duty 4 - Modern Warfare\zone\english folder. look for mp_yourmap.ff