How would I go about making my own env_message?

[TZK203]

There seems to be a complicated procedure involving locating a .res file and .txt file in order to modify any message an env_message creates in front of the player.

My goal for my map is to make a message based somewhat like that of MINERVA Metastasis.

[The_Blazer]

To make long messages like the ones seen in Minerva, you do need the additional files, and I'm afraid they only work in mods, since in HL2 and its episodes they have a strict series of pre-defined messages (wich are also translated in the user's language) In those files. If you are planning to make a mod, I suggest you read how to use them here. If yours is a standalone map for HL2 or its episodes, then only the pre-defined messages will work and you won't be able to add your own.

If you want custom messages, you can alternatively use game_text, which however can only display up to 4 lines of text at once, each env_text can hold a line, and has no return function (IE each env_text will display its text all on the same line, possibly going out the screen, especially on lower resolutions)

Env_hudhint also exists but it will only display pre-defined messages like env_message, just with some more fancy effects, and as you may guess from the name the messages are just hints like "Pres Z to zoom" or "E to pick up stuff"