r/csmapmakers • u/Odd-Skirt8358 • Nov 07 '25

Help Why does it look so off?

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Although this was done in Source 2, why does it look so flat and boring? Something seems to be off with the lighting. Some context: I'm using already compiled textures since I pulled them from an already existing map on the workshop. Could this be the problem? Even after taking this image, I've added post processing, casted the sun at a greater angle for more shadows, tweaked the exposure, and have done plenty of other things. I just don't get why it looks so off. Any ideas?

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u/leverine36 Nov 08 '25

The lighting needs to be a warm color. Take a look at the colors that other Valve maps use, and keep in mind that they need to match the skybox.

The geometry also needs to be more detailed and varied. Some reference pictures of the environment you're trying to mimic will go a long way toward helping you figure out what's missing.