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

## 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