Decent [free] programs for making maps?

[JarlFrank]

Hay guys, I'm beginning to design an RPG now, too, and I need a map-making tool to properly design the gameworld. It's an underground world similar to Ultima Underworld or the Avernum series, so a dungeon designer would be enough, as it will consist completely of underground maps. Got any tips on what program to use? Campaign Cartographer with its Dungeon Designer plugin looks awesome, but it seems hard to use and it's fucking expensive. Anything that's freeware or open source would be awesome.

 

[Carrie Underwood]

CC and DD are each only 40 USD. You aren't required to buy the $300 bundle.

 

[Vault Dweller]

Excel.

 

[JarlFrank]

I could also use the good old graph paper and then scan it in, but that'll just create a mess of sheets on my desk, knowing how unorganized I often work.

I think I'll torrent Campaign Cartographer and buy it if I like it well enough and if it manages to give me satisfying results. Seems to be the best tool for things like this.

 

[Brother None]

Hay guys, I'm beginning to design an RPG now, too, and I need a map-making tool to properly design the gameworld. It's an underground world similar to Ultima Underworld or the Avernum series, so a dungeon designer would be enough, as it will consist completely of underground maps. Got any tips on what program to use? Campaign Cartographer with its Dungeon Designer plugin looks awesome, but it seems hard to use and it's fucking expensive. Anything that's freeware or open source would be awesome.

I'm highly partial to DungeonForge. It has its limits and doesn't allow you full freedom everywhere, but it offers downloadable additional packs, is intuitive in use (once you figure out you have to switch between tile tool mode and object tool mode to place tools or objects)

 

[Hory]

My suggestion is to just pay a freelance artist ~50$ for it, once you've developed everything else. Saves you time and you get something original and of probably higher quality.

 

[JarlFrank]

Yeah that's what I'll do once I'm further in development, but now I just need some simple tool to create some concept maps. Like, dungeon layout and stuff like that. The thing BN posted looks pretty interesting.

 

[elander_]

You might also look for a free tile map editor like Tiled. It's a more generic tool to help you create maps from grids of tiles. Then look for some free tile images and use them to build your map if you can't do your own. This site looks good: http://www.dreamweavedworlds.com/Gaming_Tiles.html

 

[Mareus]

Try this. It's very easy and results are very good

http://psdtuts.com/tutorials-effects/how-to-create-an-old-world-map-in-photoshop/