modding/mapping

[fault&fracture]

ive been wanting to get in to mapping and maybe even mapping for a while now. ideally i would like to try making some maps for hl2, but i dont have the money to pay for the game. are there any games that offer their SDK's for free?

[NsOmNiA91130]

The game's only $22.45 on Steam right now, and you get CS:S with it. That's very cheap for an awesome game. As far as I know, you have to buy HL2 to get the Source SDK. Besides, mapping for Source is really fun and extremely easy. I recommend Interlopers (http://www.interlopers.net) to get you started, and maybe SnarkPit (http://www.snarkpit.net)too.

EDIT: Don't forget to download Garry's Mod 9. If you like it, I HIGHLY recommend getting GM10, so much more fun. Also, mapping for it is even easier to learn, as you don't need to be quite as good, just creative.