Welcome to the world of Build

You have played all the episodes, add-on's, map paks, and user maps and now you are ready to make your own. If you are at all like most Builders, you will be very picky and want to make the very best maps that you can. That's not to say that you (or me) will make the best maps but the best that we possibly can. With that said, there's one more very important thing: l e v e l  d e s i g n  i s  a d d i c t i v e !

 Installing Build

If you already have Duke3D installed, then to use Build here's what you need to do:
1- In order to use Build and have it run properly without weird side effects, you must copy ALL the files found on the Duke Nukem 3D CD from the "Goodies\Build" directory into the Duke3D directory on your hard drive. Make sure that all the files you have copied from "Goodies\Build" into the Duke3d directory DO NOT have the attribute "Read-only" selected. At the DOS prompt using the DOS ATTRIB command you can change the read-only attribute or through the Windows95 Explorer, right click on each file choose "Properties" and remove the check mark from the read-only box. To see how to use the DOS ATTRIB command, click here
note: DO NOT use the BSETUP.EXE ! This really does nothing and for most people, it only causes problems with the installation of Build. You can copy it over with the rest of the files but just ignore it.

2- Get yourself a copy of the mapFAQ and print it up for easy access. It is best to have a hard copy of the FAQ so you can easily reference it. Once you get Building, you won't want to stop very often (but you will have to stop often) and you will want to quickly refer to the FAQ and get back to your map.
note: There are several example maps included in the mapFAQ zip that illustrate many of the effects seen in the game. Also, there is a BuildKey.txt that you can use to familiarize yourself with the Build commands.

3- A great way to learn how to make various effects is to study the original maps.
To extract the originals from the Duke3d.grp:
Open a DOS window and at the Duke3d prompt: C:\DUKE3D> type kextract duke3d.grp *.map

4- If you plan on using EditArt, you might need to download and install Dos4gw.zip
Download this file and unzip it into the Duke3D directory on your hard drive.
note: We are unsure whether or not you will actually need this file.
If you have tried everything else, first, then go ahead and try it.

5- Before you can use EditArt you must extract the Art files in to the Duke3D directory on your hard drive. Open a DOS window and at the Duke3d prompt: C:\DUKE3D> type kextract duke3d.grp *.art

6- (extra If you want to extract all the files in the Duke3D.grp, open a DOS window and at the Duke3d prompt: C:\DUKE3D> type kextract duke3d.grp *.*

7- (extra If you want to extract just the sound files in the Duke3D.grp, open a DOS window and at the Duke3d prompt: C:\DUKE3D> type kextract duke3d.grp *.voc


 B u i l d  H e l p  L i n k s :   For help with Build and EditArt


You will undoubtedly find this FAQ very useful. DOWNLOAD the M a p F A Q  version 2.1

Although the MapFAQ is most likely all you will need, you may want to consider checking out a book called, The (official) Duke Nukem 3D Level Design Handbook by Matt Tagliaferri. The book is out of print but you can order a used copy of this book through Amazon.com.

R.T.C.M. has loads of utilities for your editing needs and Usurper - Total Conversion has great information on using EditArt and various programs for editing Duke3D art (tiles & textures).

Be sure to visit Ben Safranski's Duke Nukem 3D Level Editor's home page
The site is well done with lots of descriptive info on map design. His level design site helped me out in my early days of Build editing and I am sure you will find his site useful, as well.

Another recommended site is Patrick Steele's GENESIS
He is no longer updating or maintaining the site (so don't bother to email him) but the site is still there and it is very useful. Patrick's got step by step instructions as well as screen captures to help you along.