3D Modeling in Oblivion

[Codemonkey]

Greetings everyone,

 

I've browsed the stickies and the forums for a bit, but I havn't found anything (tutorials or actual programs) that allow me to covert 3D Models to and out of Oblivion's Fileformat? I see a lot of reskins, but very few remodels.

 

For example, I saw one mod I loved, but was buggy and caused the game to randomly crash. This mod added Fist-Blades to the game (wristblade mod). Considering my Assassin character is skilled in Blade and Hand to Hand, I find not having any true "fist weapons" quite strange. I know that "fist weapons" would truely qualify as gauntlets... So here's what I'm looking for... Either a program that converts files from Oblivion to 3DS or, some other Modeling program, such as MDL... Or, a standalone that allows me to model and make new 3D items in the game.

 

Feedback would be very appriciated.

 

Sorry, I'm quite new to modding, and have not released any public mods... However, I'm not inexperienced with game design or 3D Modeling. :D

 

Cheers.

[Vagrant0]

There isn't any official exporter. Instead what there are is a bunch of minor tools which are useful for some stuff, but not too good for everything. You can find information on these at the CS Wiki here.

 

You might also want to take a look at the sticky regarding the Civ4 exporter as I think that allows some stuff as well.

 

Regardless, you'll want to get a hold of NifScope, and something to unpack .BSA files.

 

For the most part, adding any new meshes isn't a refined process, and some problems will probably occur.

[Senus]

At the moment nif exporters for 3D Studio and Blender and Maya are still very much in development when it comes to Oblivion nif files (ver 20.0.0.5)

 

I use Blender (open source modeling program) and at the moment you can export models, UV's and rigged meshes to nif files. No collisions or animations or particles yet. You still need to open your nif in nifskope and copy certain parts of it into an original game file in order for it to work because some stuff about the oblivion nif version hasnt been figured out yet.

 

I believe the Civ4 3D exporter (official exporter) is the way to go for max users. There is another nif exporter under development by the niftools team at the moment. I believe it does basic geometry and collisions. It may do rigged meshes by now. I dont have max so im not up to date with the exporter.

 

Progress is being made all the time, for the latest you should visit niftools here and be sure to check out the forums too, thats where the latest info will be.

 

Vagrant0 is right tho, whatever way you make new models at the moment you will need to fiddle in nifskope to get it to work in game.