How do I run a HL map (.bsp file)

Tutorials > Half-Life > Beginner > How do I run a HL map (.bsp file)

By Skeeve (More from this user)
10th June, 2003
Beginner
,intro,.bsp,map,run map,HL,console,command line,
(1 vote)

How do I run a HL map (.bsp file)

Running a Map

The single question that every new mapper asks is always the same: "How do I run a .bsp I just downloaded?"

Any .bsp file that does not contain a info_player_deathmatch will not show up in Half-Life's Custom create game menu. In order to start the map, the user must directly let Half-Life know it is there through a console command. This can either be done at the command console itself, or through a run dialoug.

First the .bsp file needs to be placed in Half-Life maps directory. If Half-Life was installed using its default directory path, put the .bsp file in:
C:\SIERRA\Half-Life\valve\maps

Using the run dialoug (my preferred method):
1. Click Start.
2. Click Run. A dialoug box will open.
3. Type:
C:\SIERRA\Half-Life\hl.exe +map map_name
map_name is the name of the map you wish to run, without its .bsp extension.
4. Click OK and Half-Life will open and run your map.

The Run Dialog Box for XP

Using the command console:
1. Open your consle screen
2. Type:
C:\SIERRA\Half-Life\hl.exe +map map_name
map_name is the name of the map you wish to run, without its .bsp extension.
3. Hit Enter and Half-Life will open and run your map.

The commands above assume that Half-Life was installed in its default location and your default drive is C: If this is not the case, C:\SIERRA will have to be changed to M:\Games\SIERRA or whatever file stucture your system is using.

Hint:
If this is a map you wish to play several times, save the game as soon as it opens. This puts a pointer in Half-Life which allows you to open the map through Load Game.

Comments

GuitarGuru12 says: 11th April 2009, 23:39 PM

Thanks! this helps alot when downloading maps and testing them

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