Breaking Down TF2's Most Unique Map

Out of all the maps Valve has accepted into TF2, Helltrain is by far the most unique one. In this video, I explain how the map works by showcasing some of its assets and logic in the Hammer Editor.

#tf2 #teamfortress2

[Batton]

I'm the 3D artist behind the animation of the rollercoaster... Thanks for triggering my ptsd again, it was a tedious process 😅

[TinyEngi]

Its really interesting how mappers make cool maps with old tools.

[rojapokemona]

This is the best map. It's Halloween, has trains, has that liminal space feeling and I would love to live in the understairs room if it was real.
Also one time I was just standing at the front of the train, admiring how big the world feels, and a guy from the other team just joined me. We spent next hour or so exploring each room and trying to fly around invisible walls. Never said a word in chat to each other. May this game never die

[DuckK]

correction for 6:36:

trigger_catapult was actually added to the game around the same time as passtime, and those maps are officially available under alternate gamemodes, helltrain isn't the only one with them.

[maxis_scott_engie_maximov_jr]

The rollercoaster section is hands down the *_best_* part of all the TF2 maps ever created, I've never been to rollercoasters in real life but man this one is just as breathtaking and when it happens, sorry, I'm stopping the fight to experience it, way too cool to pass up on

[kevkevplays]

Instead of moving the map, HE MOVES THE WORLD

[Techhunter_Talon]

The skybox rotating reminds me of koth_wubwubwub. When the control point is capped for the first time, a sequence is triggered where the skybox gets rotated 90 degrees and then moves away from the map to create the illusion that the map is launching off into space.

[neondead..]

And the best part is this map like Convoy from UT2004. We nee more maps like this.

[theunchosendude]

I love this map purely because it reminds me of ctf_convoy. Back in the day I would actually see convoy servers with people on them, but nowadays it just seems any server running the map is completely dead. Damn shame.

[MeatwadMeatwad]

6:37 You forgot about the passtime maps. They have jump boosts all over them

[orangy]

the first time i played this map last year everyone stopped fighting at the rollercoaster part just to watch it go. I knew it was all a 3d skybox but looking at the insane amount of tedious map logic that went into making everything work and look convincing makes me appreciate it so much more

[Thornskade]

What's funny is that this is essentially the Halloween version of ctf_convoy, which was a redesign of an Unreal Tournament map already

[ВластелинКриперов]

6:36
Well, akshuauly, every official PASS time map has them, and they've been in the game for a while now

...but, yeah, I **can** understand why you'd forget/not know about it

[slightlyistorical]

I genuinely love the concepts of these sorts of dual train racing maps. One just like this was made years way back for community servers and can be played on still today

[munchkin_mania]

The coolest part of the map has to be the skybox

[LuigIan]

Man… Im glad this map finally made it into the game, but this shit is so cool an expertly put together, I almost get the feeling that Valve doesn’t deserve it. Like after the way we’ve been treated, this map feels too good for them.

[coachacola]

What kind of exposed me to the skybox trick with hammer was definitely the ctf_convoy map.

It’s kind of an illusion breaker as when your mind breaks down the logistics of the map, all the immersion is completely broken and you start maps differently.

I hugely recommend people to learn the basics of Hammer, it’ll destroy your reality.

[Pyromaniax]

6:36 PASS time maps also have jump pads

[Peastable]

Randomly found this vid while just searching for hammer videos. Didn’t realize it was so new. This is an excellent breakdown and really makes this map even more impressive.

[Jarethenator]

I'd never actually experienced a draw before, so I didn't even know about that minigame. Very cool detail!