The Mapping Manual

# OSU MT727

# Course Description:

This course explores the theory and practice of beatmap creation in osu!. Aspiring beatmappers will gain an understanding of the basic fundamentals of a beatmap and gameplay design in the context of osu! mapping. Through a combination of theoretical discussions, analysis of existing beatmaps, and hands-on mapping exercises, students will develop the skills necessary to create engaging and well-designed osu! beatmaps.

# Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Understand the fundamental concepts of beatmapping in osu!, including rhythm analysis, emphasis, contrast, consistency, and difficulty scaling.
  • Analyze and critique existing osu! beatmaps, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Apply mapping techniques to create beatmaps that provide an enjoyable gameplay experience.
  • Develop a critical eye for evaluating and refining beatmaps.
  • Create a rankable beatmap

# Course Outline:

# Week 1: Introduction to osu! Mapping

  • Overview of osu! and its mapping community
  • Understand the prerequisites of mapping
  • Basic terminology and concepts in osu! mapping

# Week 2: Prior to Mapping

  • Learn the editor shortcuts and how to use it efficiently
  • Using the appropriate beatmap settings
  • Finding material sources

# Week 3: Normal Difficulty Mapping

  • Reviewing rules and guidelines for a normal difficulty
  • Designing patterns for a normal difficulty
  • Proper object placement and spacing considerations

# Week 4: Hard Difficulty Mapping

  • Reviewing rules and guidelines for a hard difficulty
  • Designing patterns for a hard difficulty
  • Proper object placement and spacing considerations

# Week 5: Insane Difficulty Mapping

  • Reviewing rules and guidelines for an insane difficulty
  • Designing patterns for an insane difficulty
  • Proper object placement and spacing considerations
  • Critiquing existing beatmaps for pattern design

# Week 6: Easy and Extra Difficulty Mapping

  • Reviewing rules and guidelines for an easy and extra difficulty
  • Understand how to map an easy and extra difficulty
  • Proper object placement and spacing considerations
  • Critiquing existing beatmaps for pattern design in extras

# Week 7: Hitsounding

  • Learn the fundamentals and importance of hitsounds
  • Understand how to properly hitsound to provide feedback to the player
  • Additional hitsounding techniques

# Week 8: After Mapping

  • Steps required after successfully mapping a spread with hitsounds
  • Modding queue etiquette and code of conduct
  • Expectations and realities of ranking a beatmap

# Week 9 : Final Beatmap Project, Part 1

  • Planning and designing a complete osu! beatmap
  • Initial mapping and gameplay design

# Week 10: Final Beatmap Project, Part 2

  • Refining and polishing the beatmap
  • Course wrap-up