Dota 2 Basic Workshop Guide (Blender)

This tutorial encompases the basics of compiling 3D models for Dota 2. I recommend watching my old TF2 tutorial first if you are completely new to modeling. Otherwise enjoy and hopefully learn something ;)

Comprehensive Video Tutorial

Required Programs

• Blender - http://www.blender.org/
  
• Photoshop - http://www.photoshop.com/
  
• Dota 2 - http://store.steampowered.com/app/570/
  
• SMD Tools - https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Blender_SMD_Tools
  
• nVidia filter - http://developer.nvidia.com/content/nvidia-texture-tools-adobe-photoshop

Picture Based Guide

Remember, all these steps are explained in detail in the video. These steps are simply a recap for people who already watched the video but want a quick refresher.

Step 1

Go to the technical requirements page and read everything. Once you have an idea in mind, select a hero to go to that specific page. Download the model to begin.

Step 2

Open blender and import the downloaded hero .smd file. Make your model, and position it similar to how the default build looks like.

Step 3

Unwrap your model, bake it, and texture it (you can also make a high detail version for a good normal map and light map).

Step 4

Rig your model to the appropriate bones. Weapons / simple items may only have one bone while others may have several bones. Getting good at rigging takes practice if there are multiple bones involved. If you are having trouble, google "weight painting blender".

Step 5

Once you are finished rigging, export the model as a .smd file. (Optional: create a higher polygon version deemed 'lod0' for portrait purposes. Export this .smd file as well).

Step 6

From your texture create the appropriate mask1, mask2, and normal maps according to Valve's shader guide.

Step 7

Open up Dota 2, go to the Store tab, go to the Workshop sub-tab, click "Publish New Item", select the appropriate settings and compile your model. At the end, upload to the workshop.

Step 8

If you get lucky Valve will ship your item. If you found this tutorial useful, perhaps you could upvote the Scythe of Vyse featured in this tutorial... or not. Your choice.

[TurboHusky]

At the risk of being accused of blatant self-promotion, I've had a go at making a viewport shader for preview purposes. More info here.
It may be of some use to some of you.

[MAREYUS]

In my version of Dota 2 (german) there is no "Store" tab. How do I import my assets then?

[دىلرەبا دىلمۇرات]

when I download blender, I cant find import with smd. what should I do to get smd ?

[LanCZai]

I can import file,help pls

[Buds]

I Have Trackback error on export

http://i.imgur.com/C52eaHw.png

plz hep

[Billie Gin]

why smd file is not apearing when im trying to find them in blender?

[Fiscal de Rachadores]

Thanks a bunch for this tutorial ! You're awesome !

[DarkHobG0blin]

my model unwraps and bakes came out weird. i created my model by changing the original sword, is that why?

[Bulbasor]

for some reason when i tried to paste the phtyon files in blender it says unexpected error. I need help :(

[Meme Man Jr.]

Hello, may I add you on steam I really need a favor, I am aware that this has been posted 2 years ago.