This tutorial til show you how to make a basic ladder correctly in Hammer.

Firstly make a brush with a ladder texture (For example {LADDER1 ) where it is supposed to be one, like I have done here:



Tie this brush to an entity called func_wall, and use this values:
Name: A name
Render Mode: Solid
FX Amount: 255
This makes the ladder. Now you got a visible ladder, but it isn't climbable! That's the next step.

Now you make a brush on top of the ladder, that covers it. Like I've done here:



Tie this brush to an entity called func_ladder, and it's ready for use.

Congratulations with making your first ladder

Easy and good for the beginers.And the funs_wall must be soild on a 255 FX Amount to not take glass holes Foxpup

A func_wall ladder will have glass bullet holes, make it a func_illusionary. You don't need a clip brush because the func_ladder clips you (even though its invisible). And don't you dare make a ladder brush by brush, that uses up WAY to many polys.

Jon I didnt understand that lol

Mapping tidbit: never ever set a ladder upon a func_wall.. in other words, do not place a ladder with the floor at your ladder is a grate or such.. you will be stuck each time you want to get off and be forced to hop or some other crap just to turn loose of the damned thing..

I would rather just set it to func_illusionary, myself. In most instances, players won't care or notice if the ladder clips them or not. And the few instances they do will most likely result in frustration - more difficulty in getting on the ladder, getting stuck for a brief period of time, etc.

If you set the ladder brush as a func_wall entity, this will prvent the play from climbing the ladder on the wrong side (sometimes usefull, like in America's Army). Setting it to func_illusionary will allow the player to climb. It is up to preference really.

As well, to go further into detail. The actual ladder is the invisible func_ladder entity. Therefore, if you wish, you can built your ladder brush by brush and cover the "climbing" surface with a single func_ladder brush to make a cooler looking ladder.

On another note, to get rid of the annoying metal ladder sound that is played, I believe several (or many) very small brushes will prevent the player from making sound. Good when your ladder isnt made of metal. Like say, a rope ladder. At least, I think this works.

Func_illusionary would be better, combined with a clip brush.

Since you are not climbing the ladder texture, you set it to func_illusion, and you need not worry about bullet marks..

tuts basic, deserves recognition, but not as much as a complex tut would..