Randomized Clothing for NPC Citizens using Dresser.Randomize() on Prefabs
Overview This demonstrates how to create NPC citizen prefabs with randomized clothing using the built-in component. Each time the prefab spawns or is enabled, i…
Mapping in s&box
Mapping in s&box s&box includes Hammer, the Source 2 level editor, for creating maps. Opening Hammer Main Menu → Tools → Hammer Or click Hammer icon in toolbar …
Shaders in s&box - HLSL and Shading Models
Shaders in s&box - HLSL and Shading Models Write custom shaders in HLSL with Source 2's shading models, render states, and GPU instancing support. Shader Develo…
ActionGraph - Visual Scripting System
ActionGraph - Visual Scripting System Create game logic using node-based visual scripting without writing code. Overview ActionGraph lets you: Build gameplay lo…
Sandbox: ToolMode system — creating custom Tool Gun modes
ToolMode System — Creating Custom Tool Gun Modes is the base class for all Tool Gun tools in Sandbox. Tools are components on the Toolgun and are enabled/disabl…
Particle Effects System
Particle Effects System CPU-simulated, fully controllable particle system for effects like fire, smoke, sparks, and explosions. Architecture The particle system…
Performance Best Practices
s&box Performance Best Practices Community guide for writing performant s&box code based on engine behavior and developer recommendations. Object Pooling Avoid …
Custom Particle Controller - s&box Documentation
Official s&box documentation for the Particle System - visual effects. Particle Effect creates GPU-accelerated visual effects. Custom Particle Controllers scrip…
Decals in s&box
Decals in s&box Decals are textures projected onto surfaces for bullet holes, graffiti, scorch marks, etc. Decal Component Add to a GameObject: DecalDefinition …
Binary Serialization - s&box Documentation
Official s&box documentation for Binary Serialization - efficient data storage. Binary Serialization saves data in compact binary format. The system handles ver…
Sandbox: BaseWeapon — ammo system, reload, shoot delay, and IPlayerControllable
BaseWeapon — Ammo, Reloading, and Firing Pattern extends and adds ammo management, reloading, and a shoot delay system. It implements so it can also be used fro…
Scene lighting setup — DirectionalLight, PointLight, SpotLight, SkyBox, AmbientLight, and Fog
Scene Lighting Setup s&box lighting is built from components. A typical scene needs a directional light (sun), ambient light, and a skybox. Directional Light (S…
Particle Effect system — emitters, manual emission, and custom controllers
Particle Effect System s&box particles are CPU-simulated and fully programmable. A particle system is built from three component types on the same GameObject: (…
Sandbox: BaseBulletWeapon — hitscan shooting with BulletConfiguration, recoil, and IronSightsWeapon
BaseBulletWeapon — Hitscan Shooting with Recoil and Camera Noise extends and implements hitscan bullet firing with configurable aim cone, recoil, and camera noi…
Media Support - Video and Audio Codecs
Media Support - Video and Audio Codecs Video and audio codec/format support for playback, streaming, and encoding. Video Codecs Recommendation: Use VP9 or AV1 f…
Indirect Light Volumes (DDGI) — dynamic global illumination probe grid
Indirect Light Volumes (DDGI) places a probe grid for dynamic global illumination — light bouncing off surfaces tints nearby objects, and sunlight fades natural…
Sandbox.Log
Sandbox.Log Static logging class for console output. Overview Log messages appear in the editor console, in-game console (press ), and log files. Logging Method…
Sandbox: Stacker tool — duplicate objects in a line or arc with StackAlignMode
Stacker Tool — Duplicate Objects in a Line or Arc The Stacker tool clones a selected object N times along a configurable axis with optional rotation and gap. It…
Mapping - s&box Editor Documentation
Mapping s&box includes Hammer, the Source 2 level editor, for creating maps and environments. Build worlds with brushes, props, lighting, and gameplay entities.…
Beams - s&box Rendering Documentation
Beams Beam effects create animated lines between points - useful for lasers, lightning, energy beams, and trails. BeamEffect Component Create beams using the Be…