5 Level Design Mistakes Made by new level designers — And How to Avoid Them

Introduction

Level design is one of the most critical aspects of game development. A well-designed level can immerse players, guide their experience, and create memorable gameplay. However, new designers often make common mistakes that detract from the game’s quality. In this guide, we’ll explore the 5 biggest level design mistakes that beginners often make and how to avoid them.

Whether you’re designing for platformers, first-person shooters, or puzzle games, these tips will help you refine your skills and create more engaging, intuitive, and enjoyable levels.

Key Takeaways

• Simplify your design to enhance navigation and reduce visual noise.
• Playtest frequently to catch issues early and make adjustments.
• Use lighting strategically to guide players and set the right mood.
• Add visual landmarks to help players orient themselves in large levels.

Mistake 1: Overcrowding the Map

What Is Map Overcrowding?

Map overcrowding occurs when too many objects, obstacles, or decorations are added to a level, making it feel cluttered and hard to navigate. This mistake often happens because new designers think that more elements will make the level more exciting. However, a busy design distracts players and can create confusion.

Overcrowding a map is one of the most frequent mistakes made by beginner level designers. When creating a new level, it can be tempting to fill every inch with detail—trees, rocks, enemies, items, and all sorts of decorative objects. However, this approach often results in a chaotic and cluttered experience for players, making it difficult for them to focus on the main objectives or to understand where to go next. In many cases, less is more.

When designing a level, think of each element as a signpost for the player’s journey. Ask yourself: Does this object or structure add meaningful detail, or is it just visual noise? Try to strategically place elements that guide the player, such as by using open spaces to create a sense of movement and clear pathways that lead to objectives. This not only reduces visual clutter but also ensures that players can easily navigate the environment without feeling lost or overwhelmed.

Additionally, overly detailed environments can impact game performance. High object density means more for the system to render, which can lead to lower frame rates, especially in 3D games. By focusing on fewer but more significant objects, you can create a cleaner visual experience that allows players to focus on what matters.

Why It’s a Problem

• Harder to Navigate: Players may feel lost or overwhelmed.
• Visual Noise: Too many items can distract from the main objective.
• Performance Issues: High object density can strain the game’s performance, especially in 3D environments.

Example Use Case:
Imagine a forest level in a fantasy game. While it’s tempting to add tons of trees, rocks, and plants, think about how players will navigate. Instead, add clear paths with occasional trees or landmarks to keep the area visually interesting but not overwhelming.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Player Flow

What Is Player Flow?

Player flow refers to the natural path or route players take through a level. Good flow guides the player intuitively from start to finish without unnecessary backtracking or confusion. Beginners sometimes overlook this and create levels that feel like mazes or cause players to get lost.

Player flow is all about crafting an intuitive journey through the level that guides players from point A to point B without unnecessary frustration or confusion. New designers sometimes focus too much on the aesthetics of a level and forget to think about how players will actually move through it. This can result in a level that feels like a maze, with dead ends, unmarked paths, and unclear objectives.

Consider the player’s experience as they encounter different areas in the level. Start by identifying a clear beginning and end point. Use visual cues such as lighting, color, and unique objects to subtly guide players through the level. For instance, placing lights near doorways or using a distinct color scheme for important areas can create a natural flow. Gradual difficulty progression is also essential; introduce simpler challenges early on to build players’ confidence before moving on to more complex obstacles.

Always remember to playtest for flow, as even the smallest adjustments can make a significant difference in how players experience the game. If playtesters frequently hesitate or backtrack, it’s a sign that the flow needs refinement. Good player flow keeps them engaged, reducing frustration and helping them stay immersed in the gameplay.

Why It’s a Problem

• Frustrates Players: Poor flow can cause players to feel stuck.
• Breaks Immersion: Players who are unsure where to go may lose interest.
• Reduces Enjoyment: Lack of clear direction can make gameplay tedious.

Example Use Case:
In a platformer level, include visual cues like arrows, lights, or contrasting colors to lead players. Gradually increase difficulty as players progress to keep them engaged without causing frustration.

Mistake 3: Not Playtesting Enough

Why Playtesting Is Crucial

Playtesting lets designers see how real players interact with their levels. Watching others play can reveal blind spots in the design, such as confusing areas, unintentional difficulty spikes, or overlooked bugs. New designers may assume their design is intuitive but miss issues that only show up in live gameplay.

Playtesting is one of the most critical yet underused steps in game design, especially for beginners. It’s easy to assume that your level is perfectly intuitive because you know every inch of it. However, players won’t have the same insight, and what seems obvious to you may be confusing or unclear to them. Without playtesting, designers miss out on invaluable feedback that can reveal weak spots in the level, such as unexpected difficulty spikes, confusing layouts, or overlooked bugs.

A good rule of thumb is to playtest early and often. Start with a rough version of the level and have someone unfamiliar with it play through. Observe how they interact with the environment: Where do they hesitate? Are there areas they avoid or spend too much time on? This feedback can help you identify points of frustration or disorientation, allowing you to make improvements that enhance the player’s experience.

In addition to general feedback, ask specific questions about elements like flow, visibility, and challenge level. Different players may provide diverse insights, so aim for a range of feedback from both experienced and novice players. By embracing playtesting as a continuous part of the design process, you’ll create a more polished, player-friendly level.

Benefits of Playtesting

• Identify Confusing Areas: Where players struggle to understand the level.
• Feedback on Difficulty: Check if the level is too easy or too hard.
• Spot Bugs: Catch any glitches or collision issues.

Example Use Case:
Run a playtest for a maze-style level. Watch where players hesitate or get lost, and consider adding visual cues or simplifying complex sections.

Mistake 4: Poor Lighting Choices

The Impact of Lighting on Level Design

Lighting isn’t just about visibility; it sets the tone and atmosphere of a level. Proper lighting helps players navigate, creates mood, and makes objects stand out. New designers might add harsh or dim lighting that makes it hard for players to see or creates the wrong vibe.

Lighting is an incredibly powerful tool in level design, and it does far more than just make the game look good. Proper lighting guides players, sets the mood, and enhances the visual hierarchy of elements within the level. However, new designers often overlook its importance, either making the level too dark, too bright, or using colors that don’t match the theme of the game.

For example, dark lighting may seem atmospheric but can also make key objects hard to see, leading to player frustration. Alternatively, overly bright lighting can make the environment feel flat and unnatural. Another common issue is using inappropriate colors that clash with the game’s theme, which can distract players rather than immersing them in the experience.

Think about lighting as a way to direct the player’s attention. Place brighter light sources near important objects or pathways, and use shadows to add depth and intrigue. In areas where players may encounter enemies or challenges, consider using dimmer, moodier lighting to create suspense. Different lighting styles can dramatically change the feel of each area, so experiment with a balance that both enhances gameplay and reinforces the intended atmosphere.

Common Lighting Mistakes

• Too Dark or Bright: Poor visibility or uncomfortable glare.
• Unnatural Colors: Distracts from the setting or theme.
• Misplaced Shadows: Creates confusion about depth or navigation.

Example Use Case:
In a sci-fi game level, use neon blue or green lighting to create an eerie atmosphere. Soft lighting can guide players without overwhelming them.

Mistake 5: Lack of Visual Landmarks

What Are Visual Landmarks?

Landmarks are unique elements in a level that help players orient themselves. These can be structures, colors, or even objects that stand out from the background. Beginners may overlook the importance of landmarks, which can make players feel lost in larger levels.

Visual landmarks are essential in helping players navigate larger or more complex levels. Without clear landmarks, players can easily become disoriented, leading to frustration and a disjointed gameplay experience. Landmarks provide orientation points that allow players to remember where they are and help them find their way back if needed.

A good landmark should stand out from its surroundings. It could be a tall structure, like a tower or mountain, a unique object, or even a color-coded area that contrasts with the rest of the level. These elements give players a point of reference as they explore, helping them establish a mental map of the environment.

To implement effective landmarks, consider what makes each area unique. For example, if your level has multiple zones, you could assign each one a distinctive visual feature, such as a giant tree in one area or a waterfall in another. When players see these landmarks, they’ll instantly recognize where they are, which greatly improves navigational flow and prevents the level from feeling monotonous or confusing.

Why Landmarks Are Important

• Aids Navigation: Players remember locations and find their way back.
• Enhances Storytelling: Landmarks can tell a story or indicate points of interest.
• Creates Memorable Moments: Unique visuals make a level stand out.

Example Use Case:
In an open-world level, add a giant tree, a waterfall, or a castle tower as a landmark. Players will be able to find their way more easily and have a better sense of the world around them.

Table: Summary of Common Level Design Mistakes and Solutions

Conclusion Level Design Mistakes

Mistakes are part of learning, but knowing the common pitfalls can accelerate your journey as a level designer. By avoiding these five key mistakes—overcrowding the map, ignoring player flow, skipping playtesting, poor lighting choices, and lacking visual landmarks—you can create levels that are more engaging, intuitive, and visually compelling.

These tips will help you level up your design skills and build levels that captivate players. Happy designing!

Level Design FAQ

1. What is map overcrowding, and why is it a problem?

Map overcrowding happens when a level is crammed with too many objects, obstacles, or decorations. While new designers might think this makes the level more interesting, it actually leads to:

• Navigation Difficulties: Players can get lost or overwhelmed.
• Visual Noise: Too much clutter distracts from the main objectives.
• Performance Issues: Rendering many objects can strain game performance, especially in 3D environments.

Instead of cramming, focus on essential elements that guide players and enhance the experience.

2. How can I improve player flow in my level?

Player flow is the natural path a player takes through a level. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable flow:

• Guide with Visual Cues: Use lighting, color, and unique objects to subtly lead players along the intended path.
• Gradual Difficulty Progression: Start with simpler challenges and gradually increase the difficulty to keep players engaged.
• Frequent Playtesting: Observe how players navigate and identify areas where they get stuck or confused. Adjust the level based on this feedback.

3. Why is playtesting so important, and how often should I do it?

Playtesting is crucial because it reveals how real players interact with your level, highlighting issues you might have missed. Benefits include:

• Identifying Confusing Areas: See where players struggle to understand the level’s layout or mechanics.
• Feedback on Difficulty: Determine if the level is too easy, too hard, or has sudden difficulty spikes.
• Spotting Bugs: Catch glitches, collision issues, or other unintended behaviors.

Playtest early and often, even with rough versions of the level, and gather feedback from a diverse group of players.

4. How can I use lighting effectively in my level design?

Lighting impacts both visibility and atmosphere. To use it effectively:

• Set the Tone and Mood: Adjust lighting brightness and color to match the intended atmosphere of each area.
• Guide Players: Place brighter lights near important objects or pathways, and use shadows to create depth and intrigue.
• Enhance Visual Hierarchy: Use light and shadow to emphasize important elements and de-emphasize less important ones.

Avoid making the level too dark or too bright, and ensure that colors complement the game’s theme.

5. What are visual landmarks, and why are they important?

Visual landmarks are unique elements in a level that help players orient themselves. They can be structures, colors, or objects that stand out. Landmarks are important because they:

• Aid Navigation: Players can remember locations and find their way back more easily.
• Enhance Storytelling: They can tell a story or indicate points of interest.
• Create Memorable Moments: Unique and striking visuals make the level stand out.

Consider what makes each area in your level unique and use distinctive visual features as landmarks.

6. How can I avoid over-detailing my level?

It’s tempting to fill every inch with detail, but this often leads to visual clutter and performance issues. Instead:

• Simplify Your Design: Focus on essential elements that contribute to gameplay and atmosphere.
• Use Open Space Strategically: Create a sense of movement and clear pathways to objectives.
• Think Like a Player: Ask yourself if each object or structure adds meaningful detail or just visual noise.

Remember, less can often be more when it comes to level design.

7. What’s the biggest mistake new level designers make?

One of the most common and detrimental mistakes is neglecting playtesting. Designers often assume their level is intuitive, but real players will interact with it in unexpected ways. Playtesting provides invaluable feedback to identify and address problems early on.

8. How can I make my levels more engaging and memorable for players?

• Create a Clear Flow: Guide players intuitively through the level without unnecessary backtracking or confusion.
• Use Lighting to Set the Mood: Enhance the atmosphere and highlight important elements.
• Incorporate Visual Landmarks: Make it easy for players to navigate and remember key locations.
• Tell a Story: Use the environment and level design to convey narrative elements.
• Playtest Thoroughly: Gather feedback and refine your level based on real player experiences.