VPK vs BSP files

Forum

VPK vs BSP files

flynn1978 18 Oct 2009 19:05

I've installed 2 VPK's, but I don't know about the BSP files. Also, I haven't made my own level yet-so I need to know-

Is a BSP file something that compiles into a VPK file?? What's the difference between the files?? Did the level editor only make BSP's first, and then made maps into VPK's?? How do you make VPK files and how do you make BSP's?

I'd like someone to shed some light. (plz)

Re: VPK vs BSP files

Virgin Mary (guest) 19 Oct 2009 14:52

The BSP file is the map and it’s created by using Hammer World Editor in L4D Authoring Tools.

The VPK is a file which contains all the files needed to run the map in L4D. It can be compared to a zip file. As well as your BSP file it has to contain the following files:

Nav file
Addoninfo.txt
Missions.txt
Etc.

Here you can find some great tutorials for making maps for L4D. They take you through every step – from making the map and making the VPK file:

http://www.worldofleveldesign.com/categories/cat_left4dead_mapping.php

Good luck. :-)

Re: VPK vs BSP files

Virgin Mary (guest) 19 Oct 2009 15:01

Btw to extract the files from the VPK you need to use a tool called GCFScape, which you can find on this page:

http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/index.php?p=26

Re: VPK vs BSP files

flynn1978 20 Oct 2009 01:19

So do you just extract the files from the VPK (with GCFScape) if you need to make some improvements or change something?

Also, on the site w/the program, what's the archive downloadable for?

Last edited on 20 Oct 2009 01:21 by flynn1978 Show more

Re: VPK vs BSP files

inigomontoya (guest) 20 Oct 2009 17:05

Actually an easier way to extract vpk files is to just click and drag it over "vpk.exe" in your Program Files\Steam\Steamapps\common\Left 4 Dead\bin\ folder. This file both packs and unpacks vpks. The vpk will quickly extract into a folder of the same name as the vpk file.

all affiliates / your link here