Request To Modders From a Newbie

[Greygor69]

I can see a plethora of threads about modding appearing so rather than put this in each thread I'll put it hear.

This is a request for those of you who are experienced modders. If you were to advise a newbie just setting out on modding what would you tell them.

Are there particular tools and resources you'd recommend.

Tutorial series to get the new modeller started (text or video) a bit like the Quill18 Unity and Blender series http://quill18.com/unity_tutorials/

Any good Jargon busting websites.

Mistakes to avoid?

Good practices to follow?


Basically anything you've learned since you started that can set a Newbie on the right path to swelling the modding community.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Greygor69]

And the first entry is Blender tutorials https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrgQj91MOVfjTShOMRY8TLmkJ7OFr7bj6

Link from another thread http://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/showthread.php?836759-The-modeling-in-blender-beginner-thread

 

[aerosnake]

Can creations from CXL be converted to be used in skylines?

 

[McWrisk]

I would assume as long as you can get it into the right file format you can if you have the original file. Which I expect a lot of people will. So the game could populate quite quickly after release if this is possible.

 

[OlaHaldor]

I can see a plethora of threads about modding appearing so rather than put this in each thread I'll put it hear.

1. Are there particular tools and resources you'd recommend.
2. Tutorial series to get the new modeller started (text or video) a bit like the Quill18 Unity and Blender series http://quill18.com/unity_tutorials/
3. Mistakes to avoid?
4. Good practices to follow?
5. Basically anything you've learned since you started that can set a Newbie on the right path to swelling the modding community.

1. I think we are all biased to answer; <use the same tool as I do> because that's what we prefer and know the best. But to answer more detailed; search a little, find trials and learning editions. I personally prefer LightWave 3D. Others prefer 3DS Max, Maya or Modo. All of thes work perfectly well, but the license comes at a cost.
   
   The only free tool I know of is Blender, but just about none of us who's got a licensed app know how to work with Blender, thus we cannot help you directly with issues should you go that way.
   
   Image editing: Photoshop Elements would suffice if you're on a budget. Gimp is free, but I have no knowledge about it.
2. I'm sure there's plenty of tutorials for whatever 3D and 2D app you go for. There's nothing on modding specifically for Cities Skylines yet.
3. Mistakes? Don't be afraid to ask when in doubt. Be polite. People will easily help you if you are polite and/or helpful in general. Making mods is a lot of trial and error, at least in the beginning when we are adapting to how the game reacts to our models.
4. Don't lose your temper. Don't give up when you hit the wall.
5. First, figure out which 3D app you'll use. Follow tutorials to know the basics of the app. Don't go straight for the tutorials that show you how to make a building. If you don't know how to hold a hammer, probably won't do good as a carpenter. The same applies to 3D. Don't be afraid to ask questions. When you have settled on a 3D app, it will be easier to answer directly on any trouble you encounter so you speak the same language and terminology to get the job done.

 

[Pippi]

Another free program is Wings 3D what is a lot easier to use than Blender.

 

[Greygor69]

Excellent, some good tips and info there.

I can't talk for other newbies but I will be going the free tool route to start with, Blender and Gimp.