Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
down one level, just turn to the right or left 90 degrees and start again. Keep turning in the
same direction to ensure that you drop down vertically.
A 3×3 version of the same staircase involves going down two steps straight, turning, going
down another two steps straight, and so on. This leaves a single-column central core that
you can remove to create an open light well, gaining more illumination from each torch
you place. It's also a bit easier to keep your bearings if you remove the central core as you
go.
Figure 4.5
shows the result.
FIGURE 4.5
A 3×3 spiral staircase provides a handy light-well down the middle single
block core.
A 5×5 version is similar, but you go down four steps and then turn. This leaves a solid
block of 3×3 in the middle. You can then dig out the central block in the pillar and place a
ladder against the side when you're ready for faster ascents and descents. Open up blocks
fromthestaircaseintothecore(exceptonthesidereservedforaladder)tobringlightfrom
the torches into the core. This style of staircase also exposes the maximum surface area,
essentially mining out a block of 5×5 units all the way down. It is, however, a complicated
method requiring that you keep careful count of the steps you dig on each side.
