Vermintide 2
The Start.
Vermintide 2
Small choices of paths
Right at the start the players are given the option to either walk up the log, or go under. One choice in one playthrough, maybe another choice in another playthrough.
Vermintide 2
Vermintide 2
Vermintide 2
Vermintide 2
Vermintide 2
Vermintide 2
The illusion of choice.
Three smaller paths leads to the same goal. Adapt your gameplay depending on the situation.
Vermintide 2
Vermintide 2
Vermintide 2
Vermintide 2
Vermintide 2
Vermintide 2
Vermintide 2
Vermintide 2
Vermintide 2
Vermintide 2
Vermintide 2
Lamp Oil Barrel.
I also designed environmental utilities such as the lamp oil barrel which is an excellent tool to use when facing a horde.
Vermintide 2 01
Paper Design 01. The Start.
I divided the map into three sections. This is the start area where the players are introduced to the theme and moves down into the main/middle part.
Vermintide 2 02
Paper Design 02. The Middle.
As we go further more cave like systems appear and the Nurgle infestation increases. One thing that was important to me was to create paths, wether they were small or had a bigger impact and seperated the players more. This creates more dynamics to the player movement and makes the map feel fresh longer.
Vermintide 2 03
Paper Design 03. The End.
I wanted each of the 3 sections to feel different on a bigger level as a means of progression. So by opening up and decreasing spaces while entering new areas this contribituted to the sense of progression.
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Level Design for Fatshark's Vermintide 2.

Theme was decided to habitate a nurgle infestation. Gory with lots of various growth.

Main idea was to be that the nurgle infestation would continue to grow and become more apparent as the map moves on until you reach the end where you reach the main infestation. My main focus on the map was to make sure to not make it a, what I call it, W-map. A map where all you do is hold W and move forward. I wanted excitement and for the player to always be curious what was ahead. I think there's a huge difference between a player feeling needing to go "there", as to wanting to go "there" and I loved to put that thinking into this level design.

Recognition:

The map was voted in-house as one of the possible maps to become most popular. The game has sold over 500k units in the first four days.

Game:

Vermintide 2.

Engine:

Stingray.

Production Time:

3-4 weeks.

Michael Söderqvist © 2018. All rights reserved.