Beginner’s Guide to Map Making
Step 1: Select map size
Start by choosing your map size. The largest size, Iceberg, offers the most space to work with. You can pick any size you prefer.
Step 2: Create the outline
Begin by making an outline for your map. Use the 3rd size brush on the top row for Iceberg maps. Make any shape you want, but avoid straight lines. Keep the outline curvy and uneven to look natural.
Use close ocean to create the outer edge. Then use shallow ocean inside the close ocean line. Finally, add sand inside the shallow ocean. Don’t follow the previous lines exactly. Add some areas of sand to create beaches.
Step 3: Add land
Fill in the area inside the sand with plain soil. Don’t follow the sand line exactly.
Step 4: Use the Vortex Tool
Use the Vortex Tool with the largest brush to blend the different areas together. This makes the map look more natural.
Step 5: Add forests
Use the forest soil tool with a single pixel square brush. Draw randomly across the plain soil. Then use the Vortex Tool again to blend it in.
Step 6: Create elevation changes (optional)
Use the earthquake tool to add height differences to your map. This step can be tricky, so save your progress first.
Step 7: Add islands (optional)
Adding islands isn’t always necessary, but it can improve your map. Islands make the world seem larger than just one big piece of land. To make islands, follow the same steps as before, but make them smaller. Start with the outline, just like in the earlier steps. You can add forest areas to your islands if they are big enough. This step helps create a more diverse and full-looking map.
Step 8: Make rivers and lakes
For lakes, use a small brush and tap a few times in one area. For rivers, draw lines from the ocean to lakes.
Step 9: Add biomes
Cover the land with different environmental areas. This guide uses grass as an example.
Step 10: Create beach rocks (optional)
Use the hill tool to add rocky areas on beaches.
Step 11: Improve the ocean
Draw close ocean areas in the deep ocean, then use the Vortex Tool to blend them.
Step 12: Add ores (optional)
Place stone near beach rocks for a more realistic look.
Step 13: Place plants and trees
Add plants and trees near water, in jungles, and on beaches. Move your brush quickly over the map once.
Step 14: Finish up
Your map is now complete. You can make more detailed guides for specific features if needed.
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