Counter-Strike 2 - Level Design - Hammer Editor

Backyard Escalation

Backyard Escalation is an open 2v2 map with several vertical levels, set in the backyard of a shady organization. The core idea was to combine 2v2 duels with Wingman. The vertical layers and open structure are meant to create dynamic fights and different routes through the map.

The project was my first full project in the Source 2 Hammer Editor and also a way to turn my passion for CS into something I built myself.

View map structure Open Steam Workshop

Elevated in-game overview of Backyard Escalation’s open garden area — In-game snapshot of the upper garden area.

Project type Counter-Strike 2 map

Game mode 2v2 + Wingman / 1v1

Tool Source 2 Hammer

Project format Independent level design

Status Published on the Steam Workshop

In-game presentation

The map from the player’s view

The images show different parts of the map, including the spawn areas and the upper center.

Player view of the open garden area with trees, containers and layered cover — One of several possible spawn positions. The open structure is meant to allow fast first encounters, similar to a duels mode.

Backyard Escalation bombsite with two objective areas stacked vertically — View from the center. Bombsite A is on the bridge, while Bombsite B is located in the collapsed area underneath.

Side view of the spawn areas with access to the underground section — Side view of the spawn areas with a hidden underground access that allows for a quick escape or rotation.

Design & map structure

Underground section of the backyard

The upper garden area is the largest open section of the map. Trees, containers, crates and two small buildings create different cover and attack positions.

The sewer ruins underneath the garden can be entered through several routes. Below Bombsite B there is also a connecting room where the bomb can be planted.

Open sightlines between the different levels and angles are meant to encourage direct aim duels. At the same time, they leave enough room to fall back and attack again from a new position.

In-game view of the open garden area with several connected vertical levels — Another spawn point with an in-game view of the T or CT side.

Lower section of Backyard Escalation with concrete surfaces, stairs and different elevations — The underground area has less cover than the garden above. Two entrances near each spawn and the short route to the stairs still give players enough room to work with.

View from the lower section toward the levels above — View into the lowest part of the map, where the bomb can also be planted.

Reflection

Problems and learnings

The project was deliberately built as a learning project. The limited selection of freely available assets in the editor made coherent worldbuilding and visual design more difficult.

Another challenge was cutting and editing vertices directly in the editor. Adjusting specific shapes and dimensions could quickly cause problems when the work was not precise, so it required patience and accuracy.

Overall, the project made me even more interested in Counter-Strike and showed me how much I enjoy building 3D worlds - especially when there are enough fitting assets and textures to work with.

Next project

Memory

An interactive audio memory experience for children and families, developed for an external client.

Open project