How to Model

[Monorail Cat]

    Although this has to do with mapping, it's more of a help issue.  I'm trying to get or create some custom models for my map, such as car axles, ropes, barrels, etc.  However, out of the various models I've looked at downloading, none of them fit with the style of my map, or just aren't what I'm looking for.

    So, I've considered making my own models, but I know absolutely nothing about what to use to do this, how to do this, and how to implement the models into hammer editor.  I've tried to check out tutorials, but they mostly just tell how to import custom models.  I would very much appreciate anyone's help.

[Alkaline]

WWMT

[Mehis]

The only things you really need are a modelling program (3ds max, blender, xsi, maya, etc.), Wiki and SHIT TON OF PATIENCE.

You will know pain in a whole new different level. Mapping compared to modelling is just a sissy's little pet. Not only do you have to learn how models work but also... THE COMPILING. OH YES, THE COMPILING. YOU WILL KNOW THE PAIN OF COMPILING.

BUT at the end, there's a light. There's a light at the end, which grants you the power to get use to it. Doing so, you will win your inner demons and just get use to it. To a point where compiling a model will take roughly about a minute. Not whole day.

[Monorail Cat]

Thanks for the warning.  And Alkaline, is there a program like WWMT that works with Blender?

[Alkaline]

Thanks for the warning.  And Alkaline, is there a program like WWMT that works with Blender?

There isn't one for Blender but it's definitely worth learning 3DS Max to have this plugin. If you do stick with Blender, you can use GUIstudiomdl and manually type up the .qc file, BUT I think it broke with the Steampipe update.

I recommend WWMT because it correctly sets up a collision model (which is a pain to do without WWMT) and it works with layers and textures. I think it still works after the Steampipe update.


As for other things to say, when you learn how to model it really opens up a whole new level of detail you can add to your maps. Here are some examples:
pic1
pic2
pic3 (my favorite since it was the first animated one)

However it becomes time consuming when UV mapping textures (along with its own size restrictions), running into compiling errors, and the polygon limit.

[Monorail Cat]

Eh, it's just, I'm never comfortable pirating things.  Is there a "legit" link for a free download you could give?

Actually, I just found out that you can register here https://students.autodesk.com/?nd=home and get free student software.

[Travelsonic]

How to Model

Become Anorexic and grow big tits. 

[» Magic «]

There isn't one for Blender but it's definitely worth learning 3DS Max to have this plugin. If you do stick with Blender, you can use GUIstudiomdl and manually type up the .qc file, BUT I think it broke with the Steampipe update.

I recommend WWMT because it correctly sets up a collision model (which is a pain to do without WWMT) and it works with layers and textures. I think it still works after the Steampipe update.


As for other things to say, when you learn how to model it really opens up a whole new level of detail you can add to your maps. Here are some examples:

Spoiler: IMAGES! (click to show/hide)

(my favorite since it was the first animated one)

However it becomes time consuming when UV mapping textures (along with its own size restrictions), running into compiling errors, and the polygon limit.

(The forums support [img] tags with those steam urls)

Those are sexy as fuck.