Level Design Onboarding Checklist

[brylie]

Weeks 1-2: Getting Started with Godot and Level Design

Week 1: Basic Familiarization

Day 1-2: Godot Editor Basics

• Install Godot and get project access
• Open the existing project
• Learn to navigate the editor interface:
  • Explore the FileSystem dock
  • Locate the Scene tree panel
  • Find the Inspector panel
  • Practice with the 3D viewport controls (rotate, pan, zoom)
• Learn to save and load scenes

Day 3: Understanding Project Structure

• Locate the main game scenes
• Find and examine the shared cave/floor scene
• Identify where level scenes are stored
• Review how scenes are organized in the project
• Learn basic scene instancing:
  • How to instance a scene
  • How to make a unique copy
  • Understanding when to use each

Day 4: CSG Basics

• Learn what CSG meshes are
• Practice with basic CSG shapes:
  • CSG Box
  • CSG Cylinder
  • CSG Sphere
• Try basic CSG operations:
  • Union
  • Subtraction
  • Intersection

Day 5: Working with the Cave Scene

• Make a copy of the base cave/floor scene
• Learn how the cave scene is constructed
• Identify different parts of the cave:
  • Main structure
  • Collision shapes
  • Material assignments
• Practice making simple modifications

Week 2: Practical Application

Day 1-2: Level Assembly Basics

• Create a new level scene
• Instance the copied cave scene
• Learn to place basic elements:
  • Launch pad
  • Landing pad
  • Basic obstacles
• Save and test the level

Day 3: Game Elements

• Learn about all available game elements:
  • Interactive objects
  • Obstacles
  • Decorative elements
• Practice placing and configuring each type
• Understand their gameplay purpose

Day 4: Level Design Practice

• Create a simple test level
• Include all basic game elements
• Test basic player flow
• Get feedback from team
• Make adjustments based on feedback

Day 5: Review and Documentation

• Review all learned concepts
• Document any questions or unclear points
• Present test level to team
• Gather feedback on learning progress
• Plan focus areas for next weeks

Daily Habits to Develop

• Take notes on new discoveries
• Test changes frequently
• Ask questions when stuck
• Save work regularly
• Make backup copies of scenes before major changes

Questions to Answer

• How to properly copy and modify the cave scene?
• When to create a new scene vs. modify existing one?
• How to effectively use the CSG tools?
• What makes a good level flow?
• How to test level playability?

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Don't modify the original cave/floor scene
• Don't forget to make scene backups
• Don't overcomplicate first designs
• Don't skip testing after changes
• Don't hesitate to ask for help

Resources to Reference

• Godot Editor official documentation
• Team's existing level examples
• Project style guide
• Team design documents

End of Week 2 Goals

• Comfortable with Godot interface
• Can create new level scenes
• Understands CSG basics
• Can modify cave/floor copies
• Basic level assembly skills
• Created at least one test level
• Received and implemented feedback

Next Steps Preview

• More complex level designs
• Advanced CSG techniques
• Level optimization
• Performance considerations

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Note: This checklist is flexible - adjust the pace based on comfort level and understanding. It's okay to spend more time on challenging concepts.