Hey Escapists/Restartians, I'm Swift!
Today I decided to create this thread because a few other ER members, myself included, thought that it was important for us, the community, to help each other improve; from sharing building advice, tips, and tutorials. These being the reasons behind the creation of this thread, to make building easier and more enjoyable for others.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In order for your build to be promoted to [Builder], you will need to create a build that includes:
-Depth
-Detail
-Terrain
-Organics
In this section I will show you some ways in which you can include all 4, aswell as showing you some other methods in which to achieve builder.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depth
Depth is usually the main thing that is missed out on builds, which is an important thing to include if you don't want your build to look like a giant cube. Depth is when you add a 3D effect to your build or it's detail. It is when you add multiple layers of detail on your structure to make the surface less flat and more interesting.
Tips:
-Make sure that your supports are thicker than your walls (unless you know exactly what you're doing with them).
-Do not OVERDEPTH your build as it may become too overwhelming and too much of an eye-strain.
-When creating depth, aim to use flat coloured blocks in the background to contrast with the detailed blockss that you'll place infront.
-Depth should always be symmetrical and consistent, so if one side has depth then the other side should aswell.
-Avoid repeated use of the same blocks, add some variation to the blocks used.
-Make sure that, when building large structures or towers, that the supports of your build are supported along the bottom. Also make sure that the pillars are uneven blocks apart or else you will have a 2-wide roof.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DetailAnother main thing that is missed out in builds, and is needed to be ranked is Detail. Detail is when you go out of your way to make small changes in order to improve your build, and make it more realistic. Detail could range from playerheads to crops to little things like chairs and tables (used in the interior of a house).
Tips
-Do not overuse slabs and stairs to create Detail (there are over 200+ blocks), they can make the build look messy.
-Detail should also be symmetrical and consistent, same as the Depth.
-Never have a half detailed building or else it will look strange.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TerrainTerrain is the land that your build is placed on; the water, lava, rivers, mountains and hills. It should never be flat.
Tips
-Make sure that all your water is supported by riversbanks and that it's appropriate to the surroundings.
-Terrain should never be boxy or cubed. Always smooth it out manually or with WE.
-Make sure that all hills on your plot have a gradual increase and never a sudden sharp rise, meaning that your terrain is smooth and not rough.
-Make sure that your terrain is appropriate, related to your style of building and that it's not too random.
-Make sure that your build is theme appropriate, no boats in a desert or medieval houses in space.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OrganicsOrganics are everything in your plot that isn't structure or terrain. They are mostly trees, wells, vines, boats and gears.
Tips
-Creating Organics takes time, be patient!
-Make sure that you have enough space to place your Organic, as it often looks weird when you have crushed/small Organics.
-Always create custom trees, bonemealed trees (Notch Trees) never look good.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Extras
Here I will show you some extra things that you could include to improve your build (reccommended).
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
InteriorTry to make use of most of the interior, and leave as little space as possible to make it looked detailed. Do not go over the top, you must be able to move around inside. A few methods of improving interior is by adding tables, beds, stairs, shelves, bookshelves and plants. Lighting is important but don't go over the top on glowstone/torches, hide lighting sources unless you're going for realism.
[/Spoiler]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ExteriorNever have a 45o Roof, instead add a curve to enable you to add more detail, make it less boring and less flat. Instead, an alternative method is to use slabs to create the Roof, which fits better on storage buildings and barns. Also make sure to add overhangs to your Roofs so that they look more detailed.
[/Spoiler]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Block VariationBlock Variation is an essential thing to add to your build. Try to use multiple blocks that blend together well together, otherwise your build will look rather dull. By using more than one block you add more detail and make the build look more interesting, but be careful not to go over the top because your build can look like a mess.
[/Spoiler]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ShapeThe shape of a building can also improve how it looks, instead of using a regular rectangle or square you should try using an L or T shape build instead. This helps your build to stand out more, look more interesting and look more unique. You could also try incorporating circle within your build, for towers, to help improve build shape and detail.
[/Spoiler]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Plot StructureIn order for a build to be succeessful, you often need to plan before you build. This can be done both in-game and on computer
A method that this can be done in-game is to think of your plot as a grid. By doing this you can get a general idea behind how you want your build to turn out, aswell as a blue-print that you can follow.
Example:
Terrain Grids (Redstone Blocks)
Terrain Grids are normally where you would place Structures/Organics on your plot. At the edges they generally make an incline or decline. The Pathway grids end or start here.
Pathway Grids (Brown Carpet)
Pathway Grids are grids that connect the terrain grids withing a plot. Obviously, this is where Pathways/bridges would go.
Water Grids (Blue Carpet)
Water grids are self-explanatory, they are where water will be placed. They can be crossed by Pathways and Terrain grids.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Theme Appropriation
Theme Appropriation is how well your theme is put together, it consists of both Design and Concept.
Design
Everything from Depth, Detail,Terrain and Organics. This can also include Interior, Exterior, Block Variation, Shape and Plot Structure.
Concept
Concept is how well the different aspects of your plot go together, and how they are organised.
Concept Examples
It is the way that you have organised your plot, so if you have an unneeded building, organic, structure or you've bonemeal your entire plot with flowers and grass. It's also logical, so if you have a wooden building near a volcano then it'd burn down, which isn't Concept.
Making your plot make sense is easier if you have a checklist of things that you must do, for example:
-Is water appropriate to the surroundings/is it supported?
-Do the trees used work with the surroundings?
-Does your water flow in the right direction/correctly?
-Do your paths make sense/is every area accessible?
-Do all your builds match the same theme?
-Are your structures all supported?
-Are all your structures complete?
-Is there any way for you to improve your build (ask yourself, then others)?
-Why is Swift_Siren so awesome?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last edited:
