(New to SFM) Are Content packs important?

[RogerDatSoldier]

I know it may take a while to download every single one of the packs but are they all important? As of right now I'm downloading only the L4D content since I don't do HL, DOD or Portal work much.

[Zappy]

Short answer: No. (But feel free to download any content packs from games you know or think you'll be working with.)

[Marco Skoll]

They're not vital, and I'd actually recommend not downloading any you don't particularly need, as every bit of content installed slows down SFM's searches and increases RAM usage (every previewed model is cached into RAM).

That said, the packs often do include useful props that are useful outside of just images/animations created within those universes - such things are particularly useful when scenebuilding (putting together your own sets, either within another map or on a blank map).

[TruBlu0014]

Originally posted by GmanKindufguy:

I know it may take a while to download every single one of the packs but are they all important? As of right now I'm downloading only the L4D content since I don't do HL, DOD or Portal work much.

They are only important if you plan to use something from them. Just consider them to be more tools for your toolbelt that is SFM.