How to build a tileset from scratch

tutorialstilesbeginnerlevel design

Design 16×16 tiles, test seams with Repeat Tiles, and stamp a test room like retro platformers.

A good tileset is a small set of readable pieces that seam cleanly. Start with one ground tile, prove it repeats, then grow the set — the same authored-room approach you see in games like Cave Story and Super Metroid.

What you'll make

A starter tileset (ground, wall, accent) tested with Repeat Tiles and stamped into a tiny room with Map Builder.

Cave Story authored room design
Cave Story — unique props per room, not infinite auto-tile noise.

Steps

  1. Draw one tile on a grid-sized layer (16×16 is a solid start).
  2. Select the tile and open Repeat Tiles to check seams.
  3. Fix edge pixels until the pattern tiles cleanly left-right and up-down.
  4. Add the tile to Map Builder (T) under a category.
  5. Paint a test room with the Brush tool (B).
  6. Add one wall tile and one accent prop — keep the palette shared.
Super Metroid readable room layout
Super Metroid — clear floors and vertical paths built from a tight tile vocabulary.

Tips

  • Test seams early — fixing a tile after a whole map is painted is slower.
  • Keep solid vs breakable tiles visually distinct before you add mechanics.
  • See Repeat Tile Mode and Build Maps Quickly.