How To Become A Modder

[simplywayne90]

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/6615/howtobecomeamodder.jpg

 

I decided I want more modders out there, and to hopefully become one myself, so I've decided to create this topic in order to (Hopefully) get others started on the same path.

 

If your still reading thats good, I imagine some of you are frustrated that there is something you would love to see in Fallout but hate that you have to rely on someone else to make it, So lets begin

 

Now

Modders use either the program 3D Max or Blender to create 3D models to import into Fallout.

 

They also use a free program called Nifskope to tweak 3D models, either new or original.

 

Photoshop or the program Gimp can be used to modify textures.

 

And of course you need the G.E.C.K from Bethesda and the Fallout game itself in order to mod anything you've created into the game.

 

Edit: Also since the G.E.C.K itself can be a bit flawed I recommend looking up on the "G.E.C.K Power-Up" Which allows the GECK to be more useful and easier to use.

I double that recommendation to any future or current scripters

 

All those programs require time and effort to learn to use well, so most likely you won't be able to make that super awesome detailed armor from blah blah anytime soon unless your a natural software savant.

 

If you already know what your looking for and know the basics of the programs listed then try looking in the Nexus Articles and maybe they well help you.

I'll post more shortly, I'm having personal difficulty with a good connection.

Edited June 15, 2011 by simplywayne90

[simplywayne90]

Here I found some materials to better explain these topics, since I'm just begininng myself.

Hopefully Veteren Modders and Model Makers will post useful tips for us just staring out.

I'll make sure to ask some of them. Anyways moving on,

 

These may be old but I'm hoping are still useful

 

A Fallout 3 Nexus Tutorial On All The Programs Mentioned Earlier

 

A Niftools Explanation

 

Retexturing Using Photoshop

 

Please let me know if there are simpler tutorials or programs to use when making new textures and models,

I don't plan to cover the use of the G.E.C.K since there are MANY threads by much better users with it than me, I hope that this thread will only cover the creation of custom content such as new weapons, armor, buildings, objects, or the editing of those found in game already.

[Maganus]

Have seen that you need to use Blender to make 3D Models, just started working with it (yesterday really, first dive in). I'm use to CS3 Photoshop and Illustrator, but haven't gone deep into 3d Modeling. Since I'm interested in making some things, what I could use is a good source for a tutorial on how to use Blender. I have a PDF that was made with picture references that I need to go deeper with now, but I haven't done a lot of searching. If you of someone else has a great place to go for tutorials on this, that would be a great help.

[Interfer0]

I made a tutorial video on how to use Google Sketchup to make items too. Its a little easier to learn then blender, but not as powerful. And even using that method you end up doing some stuff in blender.

[crossfirex]

Lot's of things can actually be found on the nexus article guides. After that, it's more up to the modder to decide how far he wants to go. I myself didn't read any guides and just picked up NIFSkope one day with no idea how to use it xD I wanted the AS Val and VSS in my game, and saw there was only an Fo3 version. So I decided to port it. That's how I got started. So in my opinion, there has to be some personal interest for someone to become a modder.

[simplywayne90]

Well hopefully the reason people will read this is because they want to make what they would like to see in fallout or to help us beginners

[crossfirex]

Well hopefully the reason people will read this is because they want to make what they would like to see in fallout or to help us beginners

Wasn't trying to shoot you down or anything, just giving my input.

 

I actually think it's great you made the threads. But I am just saying I doubt many people will mod.

[simplywayne90]

Sorry I had to type that out on an iphone since the net was down, I wasn't offended at all,

 

and yes I do realize modding is not for most people, most want to just play, not work to play or make it better. However if I make even one or two new modders, who knows they might be the ones making mods as good or better than the DLC, or they may make what I can't etc.

 

This thread is for those who've thought about modding, but never knew how to start really.

 

Oh also I remember an earlier post about more tutorials, well I know someone mentioned Nexus Articles and thank you by the way, and they were right the articles on Fo3 Nexus are full of them in many styles so if you find on tutorial hard to understand there may be a simpler one

 

Heres The link to get started ya'll

 

Nexus Articles -- Modding

[simplywayne90]

Here are some topics here in the forums I've found that have answered likely questions you may eventually have, but I'd suggest the Nexus Articles first and foremost

 

What Is FNV edit?

 

Where To Start If I want To Make Models?

 

How To Make Meshes And Textures Work

 

How To Make Interiors Change With Quests/Upgrades

 

The process of making a new weapon from request, to model, to eventual integration in Fallout Made by a reader after they looked at this thread.

 

How To Make Message Boxes Like Megaton Bomb

 

Thread Started By Beginner Modder

 

Changing An NPCs Animation

Question about Animation

 

Proper Method Exporting Blends To NIFs

 

New Weapon Animations Possible?

 

Creating A Companion

 

Help with textures and retextures

 

A thread started by another noob modder!

 

Help for an Aspiring Modder

 

CGTextures.com - Creating a rope texture (For MAX)

 

 

I'll find more later promise.

Edited March 19, 2011 by simplywayne90

[Kroljas]

Actually, if anyone wants to try and tutor me, I'd love to learn how to mod. I've been wanting to make a weapons similar to a Warhammer 40k Assault cannon and Autocannon for a while now, or even some new armor.

 

 

<---- *Blank slate rich for learning ^^*