Skybox 'Decorations'

[ToiletRoll]

Hey, I'm currently making a Carentan map for DoD: Source (using Hammer) but I need to know how to add 'decorations' (that can't be reached) that form a backdrop infront of the skybox... like fields, farmhouses, trees etc.

A good example as to what I mean is the surrounding area around the Allied spawn on dod_argentan

PS If you don't know what I mean then say and I'll post a screenshot and try to explain better

 

[mindless_moder]

post a screeny.

 

[ToiletRoll]

Sure, here it is...

http://i3.tinypic.com/40pfi4w.jpg

Notice the distant farmhouse, trees and other foliage in the background - they're what I need.

Thanks

 

[Ennui]

find a tutorial on how to make a 3d skybox

 

[Kester^]

Like Ennui said, we could explain, but it'd be hella easier to find a tut on 3d skyboxes, as it can be pretty complex. Once you've found one and tried it though, if you are having any issues I'll gladly help you out there.

 

[clarky003]

http://www.hl2world.com/wiki/index.php/3D_Skyboxes

They would of modelled the building/buildings and trees to scale with the player in a 3D app, then reduced the size to 1/16th scale (0.0625) and exported the models at their reduced size out ready to be placed in your 3D skybox. Compile without VIS and RAD in hammer so you can quickly test and tweak their position and appearance in game and it really is that simple.

You can even bake shadows into the models texture so you don't have to bother with any brushwork or displacements in the skybox too. Aslong as your light position in the map is already decided and you bake the shadows from the right angle this can be made to look really good, saves majorly on compile times too.