What Program?

What program should I use to make guns? What do the guys that make them for mods and stuff use and how can I get ahold of them.

Thanks for your help.

Milkshape 3d - google

3D studio max - google + $$$ (or be creative)

XSI - google (this is the official HL2 modelling tool - there is a section on their website about it)

Google cos i can't be arsed to dig up the URLs :razz:

For skins it's a case of making a mesh from your model, and making a texture to wrap around it in say, Photoshop. But have a go at the modelling before you worry about that.

Thanks, just to clarify, is XSI going to be my best bet? And my Google is down right now, strange. Thanks for your help.

http://www.softimage.com/products/Mod/v4/default.asp?pg=http://www.softimage.com/products/Mod/v42/downloads/

I'd reckon so. Either that or Milkshape because of the wide support it recieves (mainly because it's free). 3D studio max is the best ideally, but the obscene cost and steep learning curve makes it one to avoid.

I don't model myself so this is all guesswork, but yeah - XSI or Milkshape.

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting Gwil</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>http://www.softimage.com/products/Mod/v4/default.asp?pg=http://www.softimage.com/products/Mod/v42/downloads/

I'd reckon so. Either that or Milkshape because of the wide support it recieves (mainly because it's free). 3D studio max is the best ideally, but the obscene cost and steep learning curve makes it one to avoid.

I don't model myself so this is all guesswork, but yeah - XSI or Milkshape. </DIV></DIV>
Or Maya, but it also requires either deep pockets or "creativity"

Schmuck so I need to PAY to get XSI? Screw that! Alright I'll try my hand at Milkshape, or see if my dad can get it from his pwnage company. Thanks Gwil/Tracer.

Off topic, Calvin and Hobbes rocks.

EDIT: Hold on, just went to the MilkShape website, doesn't say anything about HL2, does it work for HL2 or do I need to start saving money?

Schmuck so I need to PAY to get XSI? Screw that! Alright I'll
try my hand at Milkshape, or see if my dad can get it from his pwnage
company. Thanks Gwil/Tracer.

Off topic, Calvin and Hobbes rocks.

noooo XSI Mod Tool (can be used with HL2) is completely free to use

noooo XSI Mod Tool (can be used with HL2) is completely free to use

How so, might you be so kind as to give me some instruction? When I start up Source SDK, the only XSI thing I can click on redirects me to the site prompting me to give them money.

<DIV class=quote>
<DIV class=quotetitle>? quoting French Toast</DIV>
<DIV class=quotetext>Schmuck so I need to PAY to get XSI? Screw that! Alright I'll try my hand at Milkshape, or see if my dad can get it from his pwnage company. Thanks Gwil/Tracer.

Off topic, Calvin and Hobbes rocks.

EDIT: Hold on, just went to the MilkShape website, doesn't say anything about HL2, does it work for HL2 or do I need to start saving money? </DIV></DIV>

First off, Milkshape isn't free. Sorry :razz:
Also, milkshape DOES support Half-Life2 smds. The newest version that is. I can't tell you much about HL2 smds in Milkshape though, because all my experience has been with Half-Life1 models.

Does someone arty want to make a sticky listing useful image/modelling programs?!

That would be great, preferably something free so I don't need to buy/look for a free version.

Does someone arty want to make a sticky listing useful image/modelling programs?!

I'm trying to cajole fisheye into doing it, but he claims being involved with site administration betrays his hippy beliefs for fascist overtones.

Something like that :razz:

I'll get a whip round going off the modelling nuts on IRC.

I'll download XSI now, since i have realised that mapping is lots about modeling nowadays :biggrin: Thanks for all the tips guys!

Use milkshape... its by far the easiest, but it is very different to mapping.

When moving from mapping to modeling youre gonna be shocked the verties
wont stick to the grid and that you can have how many "invalid brushes"
you want. My tip is to start with Max. Thats what I did.

If you start with milkshape, here is a possible outcome:

1. You "buy" Milkshape

2. You get some tutorials and spend at least 30 hours before you understand how it works

3. You make a crappy model that you are very pleased with and people mock you

4. You make a better model and you start getting the hang of the program

5. You keep on making models but after about 1 year you realise there is something missing, you can not continue on this software

6. You "buy" 3D studio Max

7. You restart the learning curve from the beginning

Now if you start with 3Ds Max this curve is gonna start at step 6. You gain a year.
Honestly
though, if you feel like modeling might be your thing, get 3Ds Max. I
have only tried milkshape briefly but I see, and hear, so many limitations
with it. MS is basic, Max is advanced.

Oh btw,
heres
a tutorial that you will LOVE, if you get 3Ds Max.

I'd say for anything other than Npcs milkshape is you best bet :smile: