Slade 3 Doom Editor 3D Floors Tutorial: A Comprehensive Guide to Creating Stunning 3D Floors in Slade 3

Slade 3 is a popular all-in-one tool for editing Doom WADs and PK3s, known for its user-friendly interface and robust feature set. Creating 3D floors—also known as sector stacks or true 3D sector architecture—is a key feature used in ZDoom-based ports (including GZDoom) to add complex geometry and height variations. This tutorial will guide you step-by-step through creating 3D floors in Slade 3, using UDMF (Universal Doom Map Format), which supports advanced mapping features such as 3D floors.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Project

Begin by launching Slade 3 and either opening your current project or starting a new WAD/PK3. Make sure your map is in the UDMF format, as 3D floors aren’t supported in classic Doom format. You can check or change this in the MAPINFO lump or by starting a new UDMF map in the map editor.

Step 2: Defining 3D Floor Control Sectors

In your map, create a separate sector—off to the side or outside the playable area—which will serve as your “control sector.” This sector defines the height and texture of your 3D floor.

1. Set the floor and ceiling heights of the control sector to the desired lower and upper surfaces of the 3D floor.
2. Apply the textures you want for the top, bottom, and sides of the 3D floor (the front and back midtexture fields).

Step 3: Assigning the 3D Floor to a Sector

Select the playable sector where you want the 3D floor to appear. In the sector's properties (usually opened via “Edit Sector” or double-clicking the sector), locate the “Sector Specials” section.

1. Assign the sector special for a 3D floor. In UDMF/GZDoom, this is typically done using the action “Sector_Set3DFloor” with the right parameters.
2. Set the first argument to the tag of the control sector.

Step 4: Testing in GZDoom

Save your map and load it in GZDoom. You should see your new 3D floor appear as defined by your control sector. Walk under and over it to ensure proper collision and rendering.

Design Tip: Integrating 3D Floors into Your Level

As a designer, integrating 3D floor planner tools into your workflow can help you visualize complex structures more intuitively. I often use digital planners to see how different heights and architectural features interact, leading to more creative and navigable spaces in my Doom maps.

Tips 1:

For enhanced visual results, combine 3D floors with lighting effects. The “Sector_Set3DLighting” action can add dynamic shadows or simulated light passing through floors. Also, experiment with translucent or water-effect floors by adjusting 3D floor flags—a great way to create pools, glass, or bridges.

FAQ

Q: Do 3D floors work in classic Doom engines?

A: No, 3D floors require advanced ports like ZDoom, GZDoom, or Eternity that support UDMF and custom sector actions.

Q: Can I stack multiple 3D floors in one sector?

A: Yes, GZDoom supports multiple stacked 3D floors. Define multiple control sectors and link them properly with unique sector tags.

Q: How do I create liquid or transparent 3D floors?

A: Adjust the alpha/transparency flags in the 3D floor action, and use appropriate textures for a realistic effect.

Q: Is Slade 3 a map editor?

A: Slade 3 is primarily a resource and script editor. For map editing, pair it with GZDoom Builder or Ultimate Doom Builder, then manage resources and scripts with Slade 3.

Q: What's the best way to debug 3D floors if they’re not displaying?

A: Double-check sector tags, sector heights, and special actions. Also ensure the control sector is outside of the playable area and not accidentally accessible in-game.