Note: I have seen a lot of bad maps on Bad Map Weekend, a series by yourmcadmin. And, I made this thread in order to help those who are new to map making out there.
If you don't know what map you're going to make, you're going to be in trouble. Is it a puzzle map? Or an adventure map? Do you know which kind of map is which? Well, here's a handy guide:
Puzzle Map(PUZ)
A map where you have to brainstorm to achieve an objective. It is recommended to make puzzles that are related to Minecraft. Almost nobody likes to go out of Minecraft to research. Puzzles maps should be made on a Superflat World.
Adventure Map(ADV)
A map with a storyline and objective. Adventure maps should be made on anything, except Superflats, if they are open to the environment. Nobody likes to travel through a boring flat land, while looking at the 'scenery'.
Rpg Map(RPG)
Rpg maps are when you roleplay as a character in the map. Very similar to ADV maps. Rpg maps are recommended to be open-world. The open-worldness is what makes it different from ADV maps.
Complete the monument(CTM)
CTM maps are the ones with stages. You have to go through every stage in order to 'complete the monument'. They can be either on Superflats or Regulars, depending on the content.
Parkour Map(PAR)
Hopefully you know what 'parkour' is. If you don't, 'parkour' is where you jump/climb to get to a destination. They can also be either on Superflats or Regulars, depending on the content.
Player vs. Player(PvP)
Of course, you know what this is. It's a Multi-player map, where Players fight each other. Can be either on Superflats or Regulars, depending on the content.
You can combine most of the above Map Types to make more exciting and interesting maps.
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Testing Your Map
So you know what type of map yours is and you've already made it. Don't go rushing onto MCF and post it, yet! First, you need to test it. It is recommended to get a Beta-Tester to test out your map. Most Beta-Testers can be found in Maps Discussion. By testing it, you would've found some bugs on your own.
Testing out your map is very important. Now, if you watch Bad Map Weekend, you'll notice that the Bad Map Makers almost never test out their maps. By testing, you'll avoid making their mistake(you'll also be able to avoid your map getting on Bad Map Weekend, though that's one way to get popular).
After testing it out and fixing the bugs, you could polish the map a bit. If you've done all this, you're ready to post and share your map on MCF , which brings us to the next step...
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Posting it on Minecraft Forums
So, your map is done and ready. You're excited to post it on MCF. But, hold your horses and don't put just a download link on a topic. The Title should be your map name(Duh) and some other extra stuff you'd like to put in. But, remember not to go crazy on the extra stuff. The first tag would be what type your map is and, you could use it as a prefix by ticking the tick-box, that you'll see just below. And, the other tags are used for making your map more find-able.
Here's a list of things you need to include on your map thread:
A descripton or Overview
Screenshots
A download link
Credits
(Optional)Support
Pretty easy, right? Include these, and you won't have people ignoring your thread. Remember to keep it tidy!
Nobody likes a mess of a thread.
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Making your map popular
So, you've posted your map on MCF and got a little bit of attention. And, you want more. Here are some ways to amp up your map's popularity:
Get your map to a reviewer
Hopefully, you will get a good review. By doing this, you will gain some self-esteem, and others will probably see the review and will decide to try it. Reviewers can be found in Maps Discussion.
Make a Banner
Make a banner on a website or Paint and other programs. Stick it in your signature and post things on MCF. People who know and respect you(there's got to be someone) will probably decide to try out your map. Make this effect greater, by posting more detailed and well-thoughtof posts.
Mention your map to a map-needing youtuber
You'll see them in Maps Discussion. Mention your map and they'll make a video out of it. I recommend mentioning it to the most subscribed channel you can find.
But, your map will get popular eventually if it's good.
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Tips and Tricks
Make your map UNIQUE! Think up ideas that no one has ever thought up before!
Use rare-known minecraft contraptions and machines! Xisumavoid is one of the youtubers that makes these. eg. The Inception Door, The Fencegate Ladder, The Flying Boat, etc.
Make your builds detailed and big! People will stare in awe at your creations!
Examine successful maps and their makers! Learn from them and their maps.
Be straightforward! Don't make two or more maps at the same time. By concentrating on one map, you'll be able to polish it and make it more better.
Take short breaks! This is one of the splash texts of Minecraft. It's right, however. Take short breaks to keep your cool, in order to keep yourself from frustrating.
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Other
Other
Note that these are just tips. They were not meant to be as long as other tutorials.
Support
If you want to support me, click that green arrow on the bottom right. Or you can make me a banner. I know that I mentioned making your own banner. But, my fingers are kinda tired right now.
Also, help me out by telling me some mistakes if you find them.
You can help add more content to the tips by posting more below, too.
Special Thanks
To you! For reading through all that!
Or even if you didn't thanks for viewing this anyway!
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