Before beginning any modding project make sure you have the other programs necessary. Basic meshes are usually imported to a second program for that, such as Nifskope for Skyrim and Fallout. Many 3D modeling programs do not have baked-in collision boxes or moving pieces. Depending on the game you want to modify, look at the tutorials in place and check to see which one has the scripts and plug-ins you need. Once you get used to one, switching to the other might get confusing. The main reason for this is that Max3DS and Blender have different controls and short cuts. Whichever one you choose it is not wise to switch. If you are not modeling for Milkshape specific games, download Max3DS or Blender. Milkshape: Used for Half-Life, Blockland, the Sims and Rock Raiders, is also used for other sand box games.Blender: Open Source supplement for Max3DS comes with a large number of plug-ins and user generated help info and scripts.Max3DS has powerful tools and many plug-ins to work with almost every game engine. Max3DS: The bread and butter of 3D modeling.Next we will discuss modeling programs and good choices to look for. They are usually moving bits of textures that are placed inside the game to give a realistic feel. EffectsĪlso called FX or VFX, these are what make a fireball explode or a iceball freeze. There are hundreds of tutorials out there for people to use. Depending on which game you are modding depends on what script you use. The meatier codes for the engine are generally a variation of those scripts that modders use and C++.
Skyrim, a very mod friendly game, uses Payrus.
You can open up the texture file and under the alpha properties colour over the area you want to be invisible, save it and in game that belt is “gone.” The model is still there, but not visible to the eye.ĭifferent games uses different scripts, which are lines of code that execute a command. Say you have a piece of armour but you hate the belt on it.
Masks are used often for character creators to give different skin and hair colours. These are either greyscale or a single “channel” such as Red, Green, Blue or Alpha.
These types of mods have spawned thriving communities and their actions are increasingly being supported by the game developers themselves. I was recently sparked by a question on the Fextralife forums of “How do modders do it?” when it comes to creating mods for video games, and not the kinds of modifications that hack and cheat, but the vibrant mods that games like Fallout 4, The Witcher 3 and Dragon Age: Inquisition receive.