Adding new maps to your GMod gamemode can seem complex at first, especially when dealing with zone placements, timers, and map multipliers. This tutorial will walk you through the process step-by-step using the FlowNetwork timer configuration as the baseline. Whether you’re adding one map or building a fresh rotation, this guide gives you what you need to know to get started.

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Step 1: Preparing the Map

Before adding anything to your server:

• Make sure the new map is located in your server’s maps/ directory.
• Ensure the map is also available on your FastDL (Fast Download) server, so players can download it quickly when they join.

In this example, the map being added is:

bhop_slope_v2

If you still have a full default config (e.g., 183 maps pre-installed from FlowNetwork), it’s a good idea to clean it up or start fresh, but that’s optional.

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Step 2: Load and Enter the Map

1. From your admin panel in-game, use Force Change Map and select your map (e.g., bhop_slope_v2).
2. Once loaded into the map, move to the start area.

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Step 3: Set Up the Zones

Creating the Start Zone

1. Stand in one corner of the intended start area.
2. Open your admin menu and select:

Zone > Normal Start

3. Move to the opposite corner of the starting area to define the zone bounds.
4. Click Set Zone—a preview will show up before finalizing it.

Creating the End Zone

1. Navigate to the end of the map (or use practice mode if the route is long).
2. Select:

Zone > Normal End

3. Mark the second corner.
4. Click Set Zone.
5. Adjust zone height if necessary. For example, if players come in from above, increase height (e.g., 500) to ensure timing accuracy:

Set Zone Height > Normal End > 500

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Step 4: Activate the Map

1. Use the admin menu to set the map multiplier:

Set Map Multiplier > 5 (or any desired value)

2. Reload the server. This finalizes the change and enables the map.

After the server restarts:

• The zone data will persist.
• The map will now appear in the nominate list.
• Check by typing !nominate. Your new map count should increase (e.g., from 183 to 184).

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Step 5: Add Bonuses (Optional)

If the map includes bonus zones:

1. Navigate to the bonus area.
2. Use:

Zone > Bonus Start

3. Set zone corners and click Set Zone.
4. Repeat for Bonus End.
5. Optional: Add a Bonus Anti-Cheat Zone to prevent straight-line abuse.
6. Assign a point value to the bonus (e.g., 1 point).

After setup, test by completing the bonus path to verify the timer and point allocation work.

Note: Bonus anti-cheat zones only affect bonus runs—they won’t interfere with normal zone play.

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Troubleshooting and Advanced Configuration

• Some maps may require custom fixes (e.g., navmesh issues, zone logic errors).
• Advanced edits involve modifying Lua files or map entries within the gamemode folder.
• This requires working knowledge of Lua scripting and potentially the Hammer editor.

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Conclusion

That’s it—you’ve successfully added a new map to your GMod gamemode with working start/end zones, nominate list support, and optional bonus integration. As you expand your server’s map rotation, following these best practices ensures a smooth experience for players.

For more info on admin features or config options, check out the extended admin panel tutorial. Thanks for reading!