Vis_leafgroups in use on outside map

[Desert Eagle]

Vis_leafgroups sort of working on my map. I know the leafgroup should cover everything. Should it also cover the sky box in the area were it is being used?

[Slyk]

My understanding of the vis leaf thingy is that it should NOT cover, but only TOUCH the sky box.... as it is intended to hide everything INSIDE it from the other designated leaf groups.

So, in short, as I understand it, and I could be wrong, but... In most cases I would use them to hide everything INSIDE of buildings, but NOT enclosing the outside VIS blocking wall brushes. That way you can 'hide' everything on the INSIDE of each building without compromising your exterior brushes that may be and should be able to be seen from many angles and distances.

What you need to do is be smart about your layout and design to cut down multiple view angles at long ranges. This is something that I learned to late with my 'Tractor Works' map and using leaf groups became too big a challenge....at least one I didn't want to invest in at the time.

Make sense??? You don't need to cover your entire map with them, but it can be very useful to hide stuff in opposing corners/opposite ends from eachother. Remember though, your compile time will go through the roof.

[Desert Eagle]

Not worried about compile time. Want the best fps I can gain.

Do Vis_leafgroups have to square or can they be other shapes?

[jv_map]

I think they can have any shape.

[Gen Cobra]

How do I apply a vis_leaf group? I see it as an option but what do I do with it? And what does it do for me?

[Slyk]

To apply a leaf group, draw a box/shape that you want to size, then with it still selected, right-click and near the bottom of the menu is the 'leaf-group' choice, it will turn your brush into a leaf-group.

There are a couple threads here from the last three months dealing A LOT with this topic, see if you can find them. I think they're a great tool, although hard to implement without a ton of practice. I would think that ANY brush not being an exterior wall, floor, or roof that IS NOT clipped or 'damaged' should be detailed and provide a solid VIS and sight block. Then your leaf group will hide everything inside the walls....so don't make the leaf group enclose the exterior walls or roof line.

[Gizzy (nl)]

you can also use Area Portals in your doors...this helps reducing MTEX and increasing FPS.