Automap

From Traxus

A portion of the automap from the Marathon Infinity level Arrival.

Automapping refers to the ability to map a level. Automaps are created automatically as the player explores any given level. The map can be recalled using the 'M' key and will reveal anything the player has seen. Various features of a level are represented by different colors (see below). Images of automaps are often used outside of the game for discussing the location of various items and objectives. Terminals will also include portions of maps to direct the player around the level.

Studying the automap can significantly decrease the frustration of finding paths or items in the larger levels. Zooming in and out is allowed, but the center of the map is always focused on the player, which is displayed as a triangle in the middle of the screen. Movement abilities are not restricted while viewing the map, allowing for a top down navigation of the level. Due to the map's two-dimensional nature, however, determining which paths or hallways are at the same height can be difficult. There is no distinction between which floor any particular room or hallway.

An automap generally includes the name of the level at the top of the screen. Some levels also have different areas marked with descriptions that can aid in navigation and discussion of the level. ^{[citation needed]}

Key

Any area that the player can traverse is dark green. Walls are light green and designate a solid that the player cannot walk through. The player can, however, walk onto a wall of an appropriate height and stairs often look like a series of light green boxes. ^{[citation needed]}

Most elevators and doors are marked as red. Doors are often easy to distinguish from elevators due to differences in shapes and positioning, but exceptions to everything are not uncommon. Some elevators or doors do not appear red on the automap, so a complete reliance on color is not suggested. ^{[citation needed]}

BoBs will appear as a blinking, blue square and will be displayed on the automap even if they have not been spotted. This can help lead the player to the location of rooms that have not been explored yet. If a BoB is killed, the square will remain where his body fell and stay there for the duration of the level.

Weapons and other items do not appear on the automap. ^{[citation needed]}