Greetings PMC community, my name is Jake and in this post I will detail what I believe to be the best way to make Minecraft maps. This is a loose guideline as all maps are different in purpose and function. I have played Minecraft since 2014, and have much experience in making good (and a lot of bad) maps. The tips I have collected come from my own experiences and seeing the wins and fails of others. Let's begin in no particular order:

1. World Generation
Minecraft's world generation is very basic. As much fun as it may be in survival play, it is a poor first impression for adventure maps. It is much more rewarding to design your own custom terrain. Personally, I would either use the World Painter application (allows the design of custom terrain) or use a flat world preset (good for ocean or inside based maps). Utilise commands to assist in the build process, e.g. /fill, /clone and structure blocks. Use your creativity to bar player access to areas you don't want them.

2. Build Features
There are only so many blocks and so many ways in which to arrange them, that often no build is truly original. I say, embrace this. Use reference material to design your build features. Google real-life architecture and take inspiration from this. Find unique ways to use those odd blocks. It is so refreshing to see new and original builds. That being said, don't go crazy spamming random blocks. Ensure that you maintain some order and ensure that you don't end up plagiarising your reference material. Use facades to save building time whilst still creating the image of a bustling town

3. Story Development


4. Mechanics
This is where the hard work really pays off. Design and test the mechanical features of your map. Depending on the complexity of your intended map, this may take weeks. It will pay off in the end. Feel free to use online command generators, they are there to help you. Try to be unique here as well. As stated earlier, nothing is truly original, however, you might just find a way to put your own personal spin on an otherwise old concept. Boss battles, quick time events, custom items, entities and NPCs are all good components of a good map. Perspective is often overlooked

5. Clichés
Use only where appropriate. They will not ruin your map as long as you know how to do it right.

6. Dialogue
This is a must have for all Minecraft maps. I would highly recommend /say and /tellraw over signs (where appropriate) as it is often easier to read and more immersive however his does not prevent you from using both. Utilise wit (where appropriate) to spice up dry segments, but ensure you maintain the overall composure of your map. Get the player involved.

7. Stuff that doesn't matter
- Length: whether its a short or long map, as long as it is refreshing and enjoyable to play, the length does not matter
- Errors: Poor translation may lead to minor errors in dialogue and story. This is not the end of the world. As long as some sense can be derived from the translation, a story still exists
- Rules: Set whatever rules you deem necessary to gain the most enjoyment from the map as possible.
- Genre: Horror, puzzle, parkour, adventure, survival, you name it, the player will enjoy it.
- Texture packs: Texture packs are not essential in map. A good map can be made without them. That being said, feel free to use texture packs if you think it helps

My personal checklist for map design
1. Initial idea
2. Initial building
3. Story
4. Builds & mechanics
5. Dialogue
6. Final polish
7. Final product


I hope you find this guide somewhat useful in designing your own Minecraft map. These are all my own personal opinion, and it is most definitely possible to create a good map without following these tips, however, I find these points make the making of Minecraft maps easier for myself, and I hope you do too.