How to Draw an Overworld Map

RPG MAKER WITH's Map Editor allows you to create and edit a map. Read on to learn more about creating your overworld map.

Why Have an Overworld Map?

An Overworld Map Makes Your Game Feel Vast

If you've played any classic RPG, then you would know what an overworld is. Overworld maps can enhance the player's experience by making the game world feel expansive. It visually connects different locations, helping players grasp the geographical relationships between them.

For example, in a game where players must travel between distant towns, forests, and dungeons, an overworld map offers a bird's-eye view, giving a sense of scale and adventure. Not only does it help in navigation, but it also evokes a feeling of discovery as the player finds new areas. An overworld map ultimately makes the game feel big, immersive, and engaging.

Luckily for you, you can easily make overworld maps on RPG MAKER WITH.

How to Draw an Overworld Map

How to Edit Map Details

1	If you are on the Map Editor screen, press the ZL Button and select Edit Map Information.
2	In the following screen, you can change the "Basic Settings, "Parallax BG," "Foreground," and "Encounters." For now, focus on the Basic Settings to change the map's name, display name, tilesets, width and height, and background music.
3	After deciding on a map's name and display name, set the tileset to "0001 World." The default size is 26x14, though you can increase or decrease this depending on your needs. In this instance, we set the width to 23 and the height to 11. You can also add in a BGM to add music. Once done, press the X Button and select "OK."

How to Draw the Map

1	Once you are back to the "Map Editor" screen, press the Y Button to access the "Tile Palette." From there, add tiles for your overworld map by selecting a tile and pressing the A Button.
2	In this example, we created an island with a castle surrounded by trees and mountains. While in the palette you can also press the L or R Buttons to access different tilesets. For instance, castles and towns are in the B Category.
3	Once finished, you create the overworld map. Please take note you can always go back to edit the overworld map to your liking by going to the "Map Editor"
4	Before testing the overworld map, press the ZL Button, and select "Set Start Position." There are four choices here such as "Player," "Boat," "Ship," and "Airship." Since there is only the main character for now, select "Player" and choose where your main character will be located in the overworld map.
5	Once finished, press the + Button, and select "Play" and answer "Yes." This allows you to move around the overworld map. Please take note that you cannot enter any areas at this stage. For that, we will have to draw maps for specific locations.

How To Draw Maps for Specific Locations

Tips for Drawing an Overworld Map

Flood Fill Tool

You can use the "Flood Fill" tool to cover the entire map with a single tile. Press the X Button and select the "Pencil" option. Press the A button, then select "Flood Fill." This is useful when you want to cover the map with water, land, or other tiles. Remember to switch the Flood Fill tool to other tools after using it or else you might overwrite your entire map.

How to Use the Flood Fill Tool

Add Previously Used Tiles

You can press the L Button in the "Map Editor," if you want to add previously used tiles. Press the L button again to switch between these tiles. Note that the Map Editor will only remember six previously used tiles.

Tile Palette Tips

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