---
name: gd-design-level
description: Map and level design documentation. Use when designing map layouts, creating level templates, placing loot and spawns, designing flow and pacing, or creating navigation systems.
---

# Level Design

## Map Template Format

```markdown
## Map: [Name]
**ID:** MAP-[NNN]
**Size:** [Dimensions]
**Player Count:** [Min-Max]
**Match Duration:** [Minutes]

### Zone Layout
[ASCII art or visual description]

### Zones
| Zone | Risk Level | Loot Tier | Purpose |
|------|------------|-----------|---------|
| [Name] | [Level] | [Tier] | [Function] |

### Extraction Points
| Extract | Location | Type | Requirements | Risk |
|---------|----------|------|--------------|------|
| [Name] | [Position] | [Type] | [Needs] | [Level] |

### Loot Distribution
| Zone | Common % | Uncommon % | Rare % |
|------|----------|------------|--------|
| [Name] | [X%] | [X%] | [X%] |

### Flow Analysis
**Rotation patterns:** [How players move]
**Choke points:** [Conflict locations]
**Camping risks:** [Defensible spots]
**Anti-camping:** [Mitigations]

### AI Spawns (if applicable)
| Patrol | Route | Difficulty | Loot |
|--------|-------|------------|------|
| [Name] | [Path] | [Level] | [Drops] |
```

## Level Design Principles

### Flow

Players should move through the space with purpose:

- **Clear paths** - Intuitive routes between areas
- **Multiple options** - No single "correct" way
- **Decision points** - Players choose their path
- **Risk gradient** - Danger increases with reward

### Landmarks

Players should orient themselves easily:

- **Silhouettes** - Distinct visual shapes
- **Lighting** - Key areas highlighted
- **Audio cues** - Sounds indicate location
- **Unique features** - Memorable elements

### Pacing

Match the intended experience:

- **Buildup** - Start slow, increase intensity
- **Peaks** - High-tension moments
- **Breathing room** - Brief downtime
- **Climax** - Final push to objective

## Level Design Process

### Step 1: Concept Sketch

Create a rough layout showing:
- Overall shape
- Major zones
- Key landmarks
- Spawn/extract points

### Step 2: Zone Definition

Define each area by:
- Primary purpose
- Risk level
- Loot quality
- Flow role

### Step 3: Connection Design

Create paths between zones:
- Main routes (obvious)
- Alternative routes (hidden)
- Shortcuts (risk/reward)
- Choke points (conflict areas)

### Step 4: Loot Placement

Place rewards following:
- Risk gradient (deeper = better)
- Exploration reward (off-path = bonus)
- Flow guidance (loot attracts movement)
- Balance considerations (not all in one spot)

### Step 5: Playtest Validation

Test and iterate:
- Do players flow as intended?
- Are there camping spots?
- Is loot distributed fairly?
- Are spawns safe?

## Common Level Patterns

### Arena

Symmetrical, focused on fair competition:
- Central conflict zone
- Mirrored starting positions
- Clear sightlines
- Equal distance to objectives

### Linear

Progressive, narrative-driven:
- Clear forward path
- Branching side areas
- Setpiece encounters
- Progressive difficulty

### Open World

Exploration-focused:
- Non-linear progression
- Multiple objectives
- Fast travel points
- Dynamic events

### Hub and Spoke

Central base with destinations:
- Central safe zone
- Radiating paths
- Distinct themed areas
- Return to hub mechanic

## Level Review Checklist

Before marking a level complete:

- [ ] Layout supports target player count
- [ ] Spawns are safe and accessible
- [ ] Extractions are balanced
- [ ] Loot distribution is fair
- [ ] Flow creates meaningful choices
- [ ] Landmarks provide orientation
- [ ] Choke points have counterplay
- [ ] Performance is acceptable
- [ ] Art style is consistent