Sandbox 2 Workflow Thread

Source Engine ----> Sandbox 2 = incredibly confusing paradigm shift. Everything is so much simpler but at the same time so overwhelming.

Likewise I'd like to know what's an ideal workflow when making a Sanbox map. Like in Source a good workflow would be brush work - texturing - lighting - props - npcs.

Also I looked really hard but I can't find good level design theory articles about open levels, or levels in Sandbox. Because it's such a non-linear editor I don't know whether or not articles like Johnsto.co.uk can still apply. Also the gameplay of the mod in question is very non linear and it's a challenge I might need a little help on :p

in sandbox its more
terrain -> texture -> statics -> roads -> trees -> entities
but from experience i can tell that that isnt allways right
when there is something wrong with the heightmap for the road you will adjust it, retexture it, ...

with open ended maps you need to keep in mind that players can see alot from the map
so you should allso focus in off gameplay ares (off gameplay as in, there is still 1 major line troughout the level, players can divert from it)
that allso means that they can bypass alot of the map so you need to think of 'chokepoints' where the player HAS to pass trough (when needed)