Have you ever had an idea for a fantasy world that can't be done on paper? Do you want to create a world that others can explore and enjoy? Do you like the famous video game "Minecraft"? If you answered yes to all these questions, then read how to make a map in Minecraft.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Plan the Map
Step 1. Plan the map
The project is one of the most important moments; even if you can try to create your map on the fly, chances are you won't get good results.
Step 2. Choose a map type
There are many different types of maps; here are the most popular:
- Survival. In these maps the players will have to survive within the parameters of the map. They will be able to break blocks, craft items and do whatever it takes to achieve their goal.
- Adventure. This type of maps is much more linear. Usually players cannot place or destroy blocks, and will have to follow the path decided by the creator, although the adventure can be more open.
- Parkour. A subtype of the adventure category that has acquired its own dignity. In this type of maps, you will have to reach your goal, usually by going through a series of skill exercises, such as a series of very precise jumps.
Step 3. Write your story
Write down everything you need for your story, the setting, the documents that the players will find, the dialogue and everything in between.
Step 4. Draw the map
When you have created the story, and you know what kind of map to build, draw the plans of your map. Include everything you need.
Squared paper is recommended for this step
Method 2 of 3: Build Your Map
Step 1. Build your map
With plans at your fingertips, you are now ready to build.
Step 2. Build the landscape
Before you start building the map structures, you will need a nice landscape. There are many ways to do this.
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You can try to make the world by hand, but if you're not focusing on a small item and don't have a lot of free time, you'll need to use one of these programs or mods:
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Image World Edit is part of the Single Player Commands mod, and you can download it from the link provided. It allows the player to change and modify the terrain from within the game, even if it is not easy to use.
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Image World Painter is a program that allows you to "paint" the Minecraft landscape. It is an independent program with many options; it cannot edit existing maps, you can only create new ones. It's not as accurate as World Edit, but it allows you to work on a much larger scale.
- MC Edit is an open source program that allows you to edit an existing world. It doesn't work perfectly, but it has many important features and allows you to use a lot of commands.
Step 3. Build the structures
This step is self-explanatory.
Step 4. Add the story / details
When you've built everything, you can add the story. There are many ways to introduce it to the game:
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Image Dialogues on Cartels. With this system you will send messages to the players with signs, or you will make them talk. In the first case, you will probably have to trap a villager, NPC (Non-Player Character) or similar in the area.
If you are using the latest version, you can use MCEdit's filters to customize the items that can be exchanged with the villager. You can find the description in this video:
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Notes to find. There are several ways to do them:
- Books. In version 1.3 you can write books and have players find them in a chest.
- Transform an image into a map. This will convert an image into an in-game map, although an image editor will be required to use it.
- Signs indicating to read notes. These are signs that say "read note 1" or something similar, and the player will have to pause the game and read the corresponding document you provided along with the map files. It is probably the least practical method, but the most versatile.
- Another option (not recommended) is not to include a story. In some rare cases it may be appropriate.
Step 5. Add treasures, and other features
All that's left to do is add the treasures for the players (if you plan on adding any) and whatever else you want.
It is recommended that you are practical in the use of redstones, because it can greatly influence the visual impact of your map
Method 3 of 3: Publish the Map
Step 1. Publish your map on a site like Planet Minecraft or the Minecraft Forums
When the map is finished, it will be ready to be downloaded from all over the world.
Step 2. Test the map
This is one of the most important steps. If the map doesn't work, it will be annoying for the players and will force you to correct it later.
Step 3. Open the "saves" folder
You can find it in the.minecraft folder inside the programs.
Step 4. Compress the map folder
You will need to compress it in.zip or.rar format.
Step 5. Choose a hosting site to upload the file to, such as dropbox or mediafire
Step 6. When publishing your map, respect the site rules
Make sure you make your post interesting by adding map information, reviews, and most importantly images, because most people won't download your map if they can't see an image. When you have done all this, the map will be finished and published!
Advice
- Build in creative mode, it would be too difficult to do in survival!
- Make lots of backups of your map.
- Check your post, and read the comments to find bugs and suggestions on how to improve your map.
- Always be polite towards other players.
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