All this waiting for DoD:S has given me the sudden urge to learn how to map. I've been researching and DLed programs and what not but I'm still very much confused on how to even get started.

I went to the Mapping FAQs
http://www.dayofdefeat.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=100

and the first FAQ answers lead to spots that don't really help at all. Anyone know some Tutorials with extremely simple words that I could understand? Anything would be helpful. Thanks

Try this (http://www.hl2world.com/wiki/index.php/Category:MappingTutorials) and this (http://gamewag.com/hl2.html). Follow the 'Build you first room' tutorial and work from there.

yeah hl2world has a good range of tutorials and im sure someone will do a xerent when dod:s is out explaining all the dod:s specific entities etc... also pay a visit to the collective

How about Loading up Textures? I've seen the Texture Thread and I see that you need to get whatever Texture you want to use into TGA and then converted to VGX format. My problem is getting a VGX Texture loaded onto Valve hammer Editor. It only allows me to load .wad files.

are you using hammer from the HL2 SDK, in steam?

I'm using the Hammer Program......um I have no idea if i'm using it through steam though.

You want to map for source games right?
Hammer version 4 (for source) you get in the SDK which is in the steam 'play games' list. You have to own HL2 to use it. You dont have to import materials with this one, you just put them in the materials folder in the corresponding game directory.

oh wow....Source SDK is right on my play games tab. lol I've been using some hammer thing I downloaded online. Thanks for the info.

help -> help topics = awesome