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TRS_TheGuidance 1 Jun, 2012 @ 4:20pm
DOTA 2 Workshop Resources
Since it seems that a lot of the same questions are popping up over and over I figured Id make a thread to bring all of my collected information to one spot. Feel free to recommend something to be added.

----- General -----

Valve Workshop Resources:
http://www.dota2.com/workshop/

Valve Developer Wiki:
https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Main_Page'

Useful resources to follow:
http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=100016
http://www.facepunch.com/showthread.php?t=1187703

Websites:
http://www.facepunch.com

ALL SMD MODEL FILES: ( They are not .Obj files so you will still need the importer plugins for your 3D modeling platform.)
http://www.facepunch.com/showthread.php?t=1187703&p=36314154&viewfull=1#post36314154

----- Importing/Exporting -----

Model Viewer Trick:
http://www.cyborgmatt.com/dota-2-model-viewer-guide/
http://www.cyborgmatt.com/2012/05/dota-2-cs-go-sdk-model-viewer-guide/#more-1376

Decompiling models for use in 3D platform:
http://www.polycount.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1598304&postcount=8

Getting the texture maps for models:
http://www.polycount.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1598882&postcount=29

Compiling and Workflow:
http://www.polycount.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1598569&postcount=20 (Isn't confirmed to work yet)

How to import .smd into Maya:
https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Modifying_a_Source_Model_in_Maya

- Software -

GCFScape (allows you to open .vpk files):
http://nemesis.thewavelength.net/index.php?p=26

StudioCompiler: (compiles and decompiles .mdl files)
http://www.chaosincarnate.net/cannonfodder/cftools.php?program=studiocompiler


- Plugins - (Used to import models after you decompile them and export models when finished.)

3DS Max:
http://www.wunderboy.org/3dapps.php

Blender:
https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Blender_SMD_Tools

Maya:(not a plugin but a tutorial on how to import)
https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Modifying_a_Source_Model_in_Maya

----- Workflow -----

Budget:
http://www.facepunch.com/showthread.php?t=1187703&p=36156317&viewfull=1#post36156317

http://www.facepunch.com/showthread.php?t=1187703&p=36158619&viewfull=1#post36158619

General Tutorials:
http://wyksblog.com/getting-started-dota-2-cosmetics/

----- 3D -----

- Software - (Remember to check for student discounts if your attending a school!)

Free 3D Modeling Software:
http://www.blender.org
http://www.pixologic.com/sculptris/ (high poly)

Free for Students (non-commercial use):
http://students.autodesk.com/

Premium Software ($$$):
http://www.luxology.com/modo/
http://usa.autodesk.com/3ds-max/
http://usa.autodesk.com/maya/
http://www.pixologic.com/zbrush/ (high poly)
http://3d-coat.com/ (amazing for retopoing and texturing)

- Tutorials -

HellJumper's Blender 2.5 Modeling Tutorial:
http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1536668

Tutorial: Create your first hat using 3ds Max & Item Test Compiler:
http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2515975

Modeling, UVmapping And Texturing A Low Poly T-Rex In Blender:
http://cg.tutsplus.com/tutorials/blender/modeling-uvmapping-and-texturing-a-low-poly-t-rex-in-blender-part-2/

Creating A Futuristic Weapon In Maya:
http://cg.tutsplus.com/series/modeling-a-futuristic-weapon/

Websites:
http://wiki.polycount.com/
http://cg.tutsplus.com
http://www.3dtotal.com/index_tutorial.php
http://www.thegnomonworkshop.com
http://eat3d.com
http://www.digitaltutors.com
http://www.pixologic.com/zclassroom/homeroom/ (ZBrush)

- Communities -

Websites:
http://www.polycount.com
http://www.gameartisans.org
http://www.3dtotal.com
http://cghub.com
http://www.zbrushcentral.com
http://www.cgsociety.org/

----- 2D (Texturing) -----

- Software -

Free Software:
http://www.gimp.org/

Premium Software ($$$):
http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshopfamily.html

- Tutorials - (Digital/traditional painting skills are always a huge plus with texturing!)

3D Motives - Hand Painted Weapon Texturing (highly recommended though it costs a few pennies):
http://www.3dmotive.com/new-release-hand-painted-weapon-texturing

The Ten Top Tips of Texturing: (different style obviously but it makes some good points):
http://www.cgsociety.org/index.php/CGSFeatures/CGSFeatureSpecial/the_top_ten_tips_of_texturing

How to Hand Paint Convincing Metal Textures:
http://cg.tutsplus.com/tutorials/photoshop/how-to-hand-paint-convincing-metal-textures/

Websites:
http://www.ctrlpaint.com
http://psd.tutsplus.com/
http://www.3dtotal.com/


- Resources -

Websites:
http://www.cgtextures.com/ (wouldn't recommend much photo sourcing for dota 2's style)

----- Troubleshooting -----

- Model Decompiling and Import Troubleshooting -

· Having trouble finding the models? Make sure your using GCFScape to open the file pak01_dir.vpk contained in the dota directory and export its contents...
i.e.
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\dota 2 beta\dota\pak01_dir.vpk

(StudioCompiler)
· Have no textures? Makes sure to decompile the .vtf files contained in the materials directory of the pak01_dir.vpk file you extracted...
i.e.
\materials\models\heroes\axe\axe_color.vtf

· Try leaving the output directory as default, changing it can sometimes cause issues...
i.e.
C:\Users\Name\Documents

· If a model is crashing StudioCompiler try a different model, some don't decompile correctly at this point though personally I haven't had an issue ...

· Make sure you changed the name of the file containing the .dx90.vtx to .dx80.vtx...
i.e.
antimage.dx90.vtx to antimage.dx80.vtx

· Folder contains the 3 main files of a model when you select the .mdl to decompile...
i.e.
antimage.dx80.vtx
antimage.mdl
antimage.vvd

· If you are unable to import an .smd make sure you are using one of these plugins:
3DS Max:
http://www.wunderboy.org/3dapps.php

Blender:
https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Blender_SMD_Tools

Maya:(not a plugin but a tutorial on how to import)
https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Modifying_a_Source_Model_in_Maya
Last edited by TRS_TheGuidance; 16 Jun, 2012 @ 12:17pm
< >
Showing 1-15 of 28 comments
Ahh-Young 1 Jun, 2012 @ 5:40pm 
Thank you very much..
This thread really helpful..
May god bless you..
:D
#1
TRS_TheGuidance 1 Jun, 2012 @ 5:45pm 
Glad its helpful, I will try to keep it updated when I have the time to look around.
#2
KE ES GANAR?? 1 Jun, 2012 @ 6:33pm 
dude you are awesome !! thank you so much
#3
El Morco 1 1 Jun, 2012 @ 8:51pm 
TY :D
#4
SilentImage 1 Jun, 2012 @ 8:57pm 
Thanks for the info, been looking around for ages and this answers everything. Now off to model!
#5
verymature 1 1 Jun, 2012 @ 10:47pm 
Hey everything seems all well and good and this is really my go to discussion, but searching through my dota2 folders in steam only shows me an incomplete .dmx model of beastmaster and nothing else. Where or how do I request .dmx models to work with from Valve? Specifically am interested in the pudge .dmx.
#6
TRS_TheGuidance 1 Jun, 2012 @ 11:18pm 
Hi Earl,

Follow these tutorials and you will figure out your issue. You weren't looking through the actual valva pack file or .vpk but just the model folder contained within the dota directory.

How to access .vpk file and decompile the model files:
http://www.polycount.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1598304&postcount=8
(This will prepare your models to be imported into a 3d platform, i.e. 3DS Max)

Download plugin that allows you to import .smd files into your 3d platform:
3DS Max:
http://www.wunderboy.org/3dapps.php

Blender:
https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Blender_SMD_Tools
(import the file that appears to be the default model, i.e. antimage_model.dmx.smd)

Maya:(not a plugin but a tutorial on how to import)
https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Modifying_a_Source_Model_in_Maya

I haven't tried very many models at the moment but rumor is some models don't decompile correctly so if you have issues try experimenting with other models.

Last edited by TRS_TheGuidance; 3 Jun, 2012 @ 3:10pm
#7
verymature 1 1 Jun, 2012 @ 11:44pm 
What a legend, thanks Gui!
#8
Maxz 2 Jun, 2012 @ 2:44am 
hi... which program need to create weapon for dota2?
#9
76561198047091517 2 Jun, 2012 @ 3:00am 
finally
#10
@Tsunami Chani 2 Jun, 2012 @ 3:49am 
many thanks for him ...
#11
slocik 2 Jun, 2012 @ 4:44am 
i can model, but i have no idea how to put a model in dota 2 ;f
wont we get a real forum for worhop ?
also the polycount lins dont wor, and i would guess that would be the best place to go
#12
TRS_TheGuidance 2 Jun, 2012 @ 11:54am 
The polycount links should work, is anyone else having issues? Putting the models in Dota 2 itself at this point is a matter of getting it to view correctly in the model viewer (try this method http://www.polycount.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1598569&postcount=20 then use this tutorial to learn how to view it in a model viewer http://www.cyborgmatt.com/dota-2-model-viewer-guide/ ), from what I understand from there we'll have to wait till Valve releases more information on the details or wait till someone more fit answers the question in this forum or another. All weapon modeling, armor modeling or anything really will be done in a 3d platform of your choice there is no special program to do a project just preferences. However there are different methods of approaching modeling but if your a beginner you shouldn't worry about it at this point, research and learn the basics. Avoid programs such as Sculptris and ZBrush at this point.

Follow these threads and use Google, it does wonders.
http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=100016
http://www.facepunch.com/showthread.php?t=1187703
Last edited by TRS_TheGuidance; 2 Jun, 2012 @ 12:03pm
#13
slocik 2 Jun, 2012 @ 1:15pm 
i meant facepunch, i said polycont since im stupid
#14
slocik 2 Jun, 2012 @ 1:19pm 
oh and im no begginer, my tools of choice are modo zbrush photoshop
but zbrush is my true love
i will try something simple like a weapon tomorrow, if its not that hard to get it into source maybe i will try making some real sets
#15
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Date Posted: 1 Jun, 2012 @ 4:20pm
Posts: 28
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