Not a member yet? Why not Sign up today
Create an account  

  • 1 Vote(s) - 5 Average
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
 
Part I: How to Swap Weapon Meshes

#1
PART I: SWAPPING WEAPON MESHES

Introduction
Howdy, folks! Welcome to the first part of my guide towards better understanding how to modify SoulCalibur VI!
With the inaugural part of the series, we will do a mesh swap of an existing weapon already in-game with our own mesh. Any mesh you can think of, if you can make it work.

Well, I have nothing more to say, so let's get right into it, shall we?

Checklist
In order to follow this guide accordingly, I'll list the following that I will be using:
  • SoulCalibur VI (duh)
  • Umodel: http://www.gildor.org/en/projects/umodel#files
  • Autodesk 3ds Max: https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/3ds-max
    You can sign up as a student on Autodesk's website to get a free 3-year license for 3ds Max 2017-2019, as well as installing the program itself.
  • ActorX Importer Plugin for 3ds Max: http://www.gildor.org/projects/unactorx
  • An image editing software (Photoshop, GIMP, Paint Tool Sai, etc.)
    NOTE: If you're using DDS files, you'll need the NVIDIA Texture Tools for Photoshop, or the the DDS Plugin, if you're using GIMP. I'm not sure how it is for other image editing programs.
  • Unreal Engine 4.17.2 (This can be downloaded via the Epic Games Launcher.)
  • U4Pak (Make sure you install Python first!): https://github.com/panzi/u4pak/archive/master.zip
NOTE: If you're already familiar with another 3D modeling software, feel free to use it as you wish. I'll leave it to you to look around for how to import your objects and textures in that program.

Using Umodel to Extract Models
We must now decide which weapon to replace in the game, and to extract its assets. We will use Umodel to acquire said items.
Open up your Umodel and set up your settings like the following:

[Image: ukeX8i2.png]
NOTE: Change the directory to wherever you installed your SCVI at (by default, it should be located @ C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\SoulcaliburVI\SoulcaliburVI\Content\Paks)

You will be asked to put in an AES encryption key, enter the following: QyNTD(BsaNlg_)q2uO96blfz%tNCy#.gKo*y7JpYe6U(TL,M#~88Pkqs/l0~x,gc
We now have access to the files inside the PAKs! Now we must locate the weapons.
Within the SoulcaliburVI folder, there will be a Content folder, and within that folder will be one named 'Weapon'. Open that up.
If you're wondering which weapon is which for each character, pick a number from 0 to 6, then add one of the following numbers to it:
01: Heishiro Mitsurugi
02: Seong Mi-na
03: Taki
04: Maxi
05: Voldo
06: Sophitia Alexandra
07: Siegfried
0b: Isabella "Ivy" Valentine
0c: Kilik
0d: Chai Xianghua (has a 7th weapon, so you can use 70d)
0f: Yoshimitsu
11: Nightmare
12: Astaroth
13: Inferno
14: Cervantes de León (has a 7th weapon, so you can use 714)
15: Raphael Sorel
16: Talim
23: Tira
24: Zasalamel
62: Grøh
64: Azwel
65: Geralt of Rivia
66: Lizardman aka Aeon_Calcos

Essentially, if I wanted any of Nightmare's weapons, for instance, I'd just go to folder 011, 111, 211, 311, etc. If I wanted to replace a weapon of Taki's, it would be 003, 103, 203, 303, etc.

[Image: jVthGU4.png]

Select a folder within the Weapon folder. You can preview what mesh you're going to replace by double-clicking the 'weaponXXX.uasset'. This can be exported via the Tools -> Export current object option in the model viewer, or via the Export button at the bottom right of the file explorer.


[Image: VCE7gSM.png]

You can double-click the folder to show the Material and texture folders. Go to the Material folder, and export the UASSET file that's in it. This will come in handy later for when we import our object into 3ds Max.

Preparing the Textures
It's now time to prepare our textures! Each weapon will usually contain the following 4 texture maps:
wep_XXX_all_COLOR
wep_XXX_all_MASK
wep_XXX_all_NORMAL
wep_XXX_all_SRMA

Each of these will have the dimensions of 512x1024, so keep this in mind when creating your textures.
Now to go over what which texture does:

COLOR (wep_XXX_all_COLOR): The basic texture map. If you want your weapon to have color customization, this should be greyscaled. Transparency can be achieved via its alpha layer, if your mesh supports it. However, it is uncertain if SCVI supports it natively. Test this out for yourself.

[Image: ZGYquKX.png]

MASK (wep_XXX_all_MASK): Controls what areas of your weapon can be colored. As far I can tell, it has 3 (perhaps even 4?) colors that can be utilized to allow this. Here's an example that was provided to me using the SCIV Soul Edge's texture map:

[Image: LxnKELp.png]

As you can see, it uses the RGB format for determining the areas. Provided your weapon can support adding colors, it will utilize the three colors in-game in their respective color slots. You can experiment with this map to decide what you want you to be customized. If you want no means of customizing your weapon, you can just make this map completely black.

NORMAL (wep_XXX_all_NORMAL): Adds definition to your object's textures. These will usually come with most models, but if, for some reason, you don't have one, you can use a program like CrazyBump to generate one for you.

[Image: f7vTTc8.png]

SRMA (wep_XXX_all_SRMA): Gives a finished look to your weapon. As far as I can tell, there are three main types of finish to a SRMA map:
  1. Red (255, 0, 0): A very shiny look; very wet/oily.
  2. Purple (255, 0, 255): A reflective shine; works best with shiny metals.
  3. Green (0, 255, 0): Little to no shine; ideal for matte objects.
Here's an example I did for a SRMA map:

[Image: mBVoFpE.png]

As you can see, the hilt of Soul Edge will produce next to no shine, and the blade will produce a strong, reflective shine in-game. One can adjust the strength of each type of finish by lowering their color values; don't be afraid to experiment with this map!

Each of these textures should be named EXACTLY as they are above, but obviously replacing the XXX with the number of the weapon you're replacing. Each of these can be saved as a Taiga (TGA) texture; Unreal Engine 4 will recognize them when imported.

Adjusting the New Mesh
Now to get our new mesh rigged over the old mesh's skeleton!
Make sure you have your ActorXImporter script copied over to your 3ds Max's script folder:
  • 64-Bit: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 20X\Scripts
  • 32-Bit: C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\3ds Max 20xx\Scripts
NOTE: I am using the default settings that came with my installation of 3ds Max; nothing has been adjusted prior to this guide. So, if you have weird scaling/posing issues with your objects, it may be from an error on your end or your settings.
We'll start by importing the skeleton of the weapon we want to replace using the ActorXImporter script:

[Image: YEpOKor.png]
MAXScript -> Run Script... -> ActorXImporter -> ActorXImporter.mse

The ActorXImport window will pop up, if you select the correct script. Make sure to click on the checkbox for 'Load skeleton only', since we will be covering up the skeleton with the new mesh. 
Now click on 'Import PSK...'. Your PSK file should be in your Umodel folder, in the UmodelExport -> Weapon -> XXX folder:

[Image: OsmYw78.png]

You should get something like this, or something slightly different (might have to zoom in and out a bit to see it):

[Image: Fthu755.png]

This sliver (or slivers, depending on your weapon) is the bone you will rig your new mesh to. Since I prefer using exporting my meshes as FBXs, the key here is to have our mesh cover the skeleton just enough that it isn't sticking out anywhere. But first, let's import our object in:

[Image: s69hwUe.png]

Just find wherever you have your mesh placed at. No need to change anything in the import settings.

I have successfully imported, but there seems to be a problem: 

[Image: Mk05V0i.png]

It is too small. Thus, we must scale it up to cover the skeleton just enough to not notice it. The same should be done if your mesh is too large, otherwise, it will look gigantic in-game:

[Image: Rb1Rd9F.jpg]

We will use the the Select and Uniform Scale to fix the size of our mesh:

[Image: ExqviZH.png]

Select your mesh, and make sure all 3 axes are selected (scale from the center):

[Image: emucMNv.png]

By doing this, the mesh will now be properly scaled. Depending on how your mesh works, you may need to do further adjustments to get it just right:

[Image: hPl2XjE.png]

Now, in order for our weapon to properly move in-game, we must add a skin modifier and some weights.
At the top right, you should see something called 'Modifier List':

[Image: EN8tYrg.png]

From the drop-down menu, you'll want to scroll down and select the Skin modifier. This will allow us to attach the bones to the weapon:

[Image: SiTYbgO.png]

With the Skin modifier selected, and going to the Parameters section, you can add the bones to your mesh. Each weapon should have, at the very least, 2 bones, so make sure to select them all. If you added them in correctly, they should appear on the list, like in the screenshot above.
For adding in the weights, select your Skin modifier's envelope, and under Parameters, click on Edit Envelope. Under Select in the Parameters section, click on the checkbox for selecting vertices:

[Image: UBjjLWx.png]

Select both your mesh and the bones. Now, if you click and drag down a bit somewhere in your Parameters section, you'll want to keep dragging down until you see the Weight Properties section:

[Image: d9QJe77.png]

Select the Weight Tool (the wrench icon). This will let us add weights to the bones:

[Image: 5OTYVFn.png]

For each bone, you'll want to add a weight of 1. If you do it right, they should be appear on the list in your Weight Tool window.
Now, we need to see if textures load up properly on the mesh. We will do this via the Material Editor:

[Image: WwuiT9N.png]

A window will pop up, and you'll notice a bunch of blank spheres. You can drag one of your TGA files to a blank sphere (preferably the top left one), like so:

[Image: 5IMGvZ4.png]

Drag the orb with your texture on it to your mesh. If it looks correct when applied, then your UV map is fine. If, for some reason, it looks messed up, refer to my post down below for how to fix it.

Now, we must apply the material extracted from the weapon we have replaced. It will be located in your Umodel's UmodelExport -> Weapon -> XXX -> Material folder. Drag that material over to your 3ds Max, have it replace the top left material in your Material Editor (or the texture you tested on your mesh). Go back to where you got your material from, and copy its name. Rename the material that you just imported over:

[Image: vQlpVF4.png]

Then just drag that material over your mesh. It is necessary that you do this, otherwise, your textures will not be properly loaded by the game. If there's more than one material for your weapon, make sure you create a multimaterial to hold them all; the game will give you a fatal error, if you're missing even one.
And with that, we're pretty much done with the hardest part of this process!

Cooking and Packing the Files
And now, for the final steps in this entire process!
Launch your Unreal Engine 4.17.2.
On your first launch, you'll be asked to create a new project. Set it up as such (can name the project whatever you want):

[Image: DWPL4n7.png]

In the new project, within the Content Browser, you can right-click and create folders. Create the following folder hierarchy:

[Image: MJeHv8E.png]

Replace the number with the number of the weapon you want to replace. You can import your textures to the texture folder by right-clicking and choosing 'Import...', or dragging them into the texture folder from your Windows Explorer. When importing your mesh in, make sure you check the box for Skeletal Mesh in the import options window. Uncheck 'Import Textures'. Move your material to the Material folder.

Now we can commence cooking the files! But we must change one option right quick: File -> Package Project -> Packaging Settings... ->Packaging -> Uncheck 'Use Pak File'.
Then just do File -> Package Project -> Windows (32-bit)/(64-bit) -> Save it wherever.

There will be a WindowsNoEditor folder, open that up, then go to SoulcaliburVI -> Content -> Copy the Content folder.
Go to your u4pak folder, create a SoulcaliburVI folder there. Place your Content folder inside. Delete the physics and skeleton files inside your weapon's folder, along with the Material folder; the game will use the default one.

Now open up a Command Prompt. Use the cd command to change the directory to where your u4pak folder is. EX: cd C:\Users\Spectator Sly\Downloads\u4pak-master\u4pak-master
Then type the following into the Command Prompt: u4pak.py pack NAMEOFYOURMOD_P.pak SoulcaliburVI
A PAK file will generate in the u4pak folder. Create a ~mods folder where your SCVI Paks folder is, and put the PAK there. Test that bad boy out in-game!

[Image: UKsJxd3.jpg]

Not 100% perfect, but it can be improved on! (About to be replaced, anyways.)
(Will splice in a pic with the Giant Squid, once I fix the missing material issue.)

phew And that's part 1 done! This took a good a while to put together, and I'm not 100% if how I do it will translate into it serving others well, but we shall see. Let me know what you guys think of this, so I can improve on future parts.

Best of luck to everyone, and happy modding!
[+] 6 users Like Spectator Sly's post
Reply

#2
Awesome tutorial! Thanks for this! Smile
Reply

#3
(11-02-2018, 08:11 AM)Spectator Sly Wrote:
PART I: SWAPPING WEAPON MESHES

Introduction
Howdy, folks! Welcome to the first part of my guide towards better understanding how to modify SoulCalibur VI!
With the inaugural part of the series, we will do a mesh swap of an existing weapon already in-game with our own mesh. Any mesh you can think of, if you can make it work.

Well, I have nothing more to say, so let's get right into it, shall we?

Checklist
In order to follow this guide accordingly, I'll list the following that I will be using:
  • SoulCalibur VI (duh)
  • Umodel: http://www.gildor.org/en/projects/umodel#files
  • Autodesk 3ds Max: https://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/3ds-max
    You can sign up as a student on Autodesk's website to get a free 3-year license for 3ds Max 2017-2019, as well as installing the program itself.
  • ActorX Importer Plugin for 3ds Max: http://www.gildor.org/projects/unactorx
  • An image editing software (Photoshop, GIMP, Paint Tool Sai, etc.)
    NOTE: If you're using DDS files, you'll need the NVIDIA Texture Tools for Photoshop, or the the DDS Plugin, if you're using GIMP. I'm not sure how it is for other image editing programs.
  • Unreal Engine 4.17.2 (This can be downloaded via the Epic Games Launcher.)
  • U4Pak (Make sure you install Python first!): https://github.com/panzi/u4pak/archive/master.zip
NOTE: If you're already familiar with another 3D modeling software, feel free to use it as you wish. I'll leave it to you to look around for how to import your objects and textures in that program.

Using Umodel to Extract Models
We must now decide which weapon to replace in the game, and to extract its assets. We will use Umodel to acquire said items.
Open up your Umodel and set up your settings like the following:


[Image: ukeX8i2.png]

NOTE: Change the directory to wherever you installed your SCVI at (by default, it should be located @ C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\SoulcaliburVI\SoulcaliburVI\Content\Paks)

You will be asked to put in an AES encryption key, enter the following: QyNTD(BsaNlg_)q2uO96blfz%tNCy#.gKo*y7JpYe6U(TL,M#~88Pkqs/l0~x,gc
We now have access to the files inside the PAKs! Now we must locate the weapons.
Within the SoulcaliburVI folder, there will be a Content folder, and within that folder will be one named 'Weapon'. Open that up.
If you're wondering which weapon is which for each character, pick a number from 0 to 6, then add one of the following numbers to it:
01: Heishiro Mitsurugi
02: Seong Mi-na
03: Taki
04: Maxi
05: Voldo
06: Sophitia Alexandra
07: Siegfried
0b: Isabella "Ivy" Valentine
0c: Kilik
0d: Chai Xianghua (has a 7th weapon, so you can use 70d)
0f: Yoshimitsu
11: Nightmare
12: Astaroth
13: Inferno
14: Cervantes de León (has a 7th weapon, so you can use 714)
15: Raphael Sorel
16: Talim
23: Tira
24: Zasalamel
62: Grøh
64: Azwel
65: Geralt of Rivia
66: Lizardman aka Aeon_Calcos


Essentially, if I wanted any of Nightmare's weapons, for instance, I'd just go to folder 011, 111, 211, 311, etc. If I wanted to replace a weapon of Taki's, it would be 003, 103, 203, 303, etc.

[Image: jVthGU4.png]

Select a folder within the Weapon folder. You can preview what mesh you're going to replace by double-clicking the 'weaponXXX.uasset'. This can be exported via the Tools -> Export current object option in the model viewer, or via the Export button at the bottom right of the file explorer.


[Image: VCE7gSM.png]

You can double-click the folder to show the Material and texture folders. Go to the Material folder, and export the UASSET file that's in it. This will come in handy later for when we import our object into 3ds Max.

Preparing the Textures
It's now time to prepare our textures! Each weapon will usually contain the following 4 texture maps:
wep_XXX_all_COLOR
wep_XXX_all_MASK
wep_XXX_all_NORMAL
wep_XXX_all_SRMA

Each of these will have the dimensions of 512x1024, so keep this in mind when creating your textures.
Now to go over what which texture does:

COLOR (wep_XXX_all_COLOR): The basic texture map. If you want your weapon to have color customization, this should be greyscaled. Transparency can be achieved via its alpha layer, if your mesh supports it. However, it is uncertain if SCVI supports it natively. Test this out for yourself.

[Image: ZGYquKX.png]

MASK (wep_XXX_all_MASK): Controls what areas of your weapon can be colored. As far I can tell, it has 3 (perhaps even 4?) colors that can be utilized to allow this. Here's an example that was provided to me using the SCIV Soul Edge's texture map:

[Image: LxnKELp.png]

As you can see, it uses the RGB format for determining the areas. Provided your weapon can support adding colors, it will utilize the three colors in-game in their respective color slots. You can experiment with this map to decide what you want you to be customized. If you want no means of customizing your weapon, you can just make this map completely black.

NORMAL (wep_XXX_all_NORMAL): Adds definition to your object's textures. These will usually come with most models, but if, for some reason, you don't have one, you can use a program like CrazyBump to generate one for you.

[Image: f7vTTc8.png]

SRMA (wep_XXX_all_SRMA): Gives a finished look to your weapon. As far as I can tell, there are three main types of finish to a SRMA map:
  1. Red (255, 0, 0): A very shiny look; very wet/oily.
  2. Purple (255, 0, 255): A reflective shine; works best with shiny metals.
  3. Green (0, 255, 0): Little to no shine; ideal for matte objects.
Here's an example I did for a SRMA map:

[Image: mBVoFpE.png]

As you can see, the hilt of Soul Edge will produce next to no shine, and the blade will produce a strong, reflective shine in-game. One can adjust the strength of each type of finish by lowering their color values; don't be afraid to experiment with this map!

Each of these textures should be named EXACTLY as they are above, but obviously replacing the XXX with the number of the weapon you're replacing. Each of these can be saved as a Taiga (TGA) texture; Unreal Engine 4 will recognize them when imported.

Adjusting the New Mesh
Now to get our new mesh rigged over the old mesh's skeleton!
Make sure you have your ActorXImporter script copied over to your 3ds Max's script folder:
  • 64-Bit: C:\Program Files\Autodesk\3ds Max 20X\Scripts
  • 32-Bit: C:\Program Files (x86)\Autodesk\3ds Max 20xx\Scripts
NOTE: I am using the default settings that came with my installation of 3ds Max; nothing has been adjusted prior to this guide. So, if you have weird scaling/posing issues with your objects, it may be from an error on your end or your settings.
We'll start by importing the skeleton of the weapon we want to replace using the ActorXImporter script:

[Image: YEpOKor.png]
MAXScript -> Run Script... -> ActorXImporter -> ActorXImporter.mse

The ActorXImport window will pop up, if you select the correct script. Make sure to click on the checkbox for 'Load skeleton only', since we will be covering up the skeleton with the new mesh. 
Now click on 'Import PSK...'. Your PSK file should be in your Umodel folder, in the UmodelExport -> Weapon -> XXX folder:

[Image: OsmYw78.png]

You should get something like this, or something slightly different (might have to zoom in and out a bit to see it):

[Image: Fthu755.png]

This sliver (or slivers, depending on your weapon) is the bone you will rig your new mesh to. Since I prefer using exporting my meshes as OBJs, the key here is to have our mesh cover the skeleton just enough that it isn't sticking out anywhere. But first, let's import our object in:

[Image: s69hwUe.png]

Just find wherever you have your mesh placed at. No need to change anything in the import settings.

I have successfully imported, but there seems to be a problem: 

[Image: Mk05V0i.png]

It is too small. Thus, we must scale it up to cover the skeleton just enough to not notice it. The same should be done if your mesh is too large, otherwise, it will look gigantic in-game:

[Image: Rb1Rd9F.jpg]

We will use the the Select and Uniform Scale to fix the size of our mesh:

[Image: ExqviZH.png]

Select your mesh, and make sure all 3 axes are selected (scale from the center):

[Image: emucMNv.png]

By doing this, the mesh will now be properly scaled. Depending on how your mesh works, you may need to do further adjustments to get it just right:

[Image: hPl2XjE.png]

Now we must re-attach the bones to the mesh, for this will allow the weapon to move in-game.
Select your mesh, then go to Attach List:

[Image: NKbmdue.png]

A window will pop up. There may be one or more bones on the list; select them all, and click Attach at the bottom right. The mesh is now attached to the bones.

Now, we need to see if textures load up properly on the mesh. We will do this via the Material Editor:

[Image: WwuiT9N.png]

A window will pop up, and you'll notice a bunch of blank spheres. You can drag one of your TGA files to a blank sphere (preferably the top left one), like so:

[Image: 5IMGvZ4.png]

From there, I can just drag the sphere with a texture over to my model to see if it looks correct:

[Image: Sxg0Hyo.png]

Alas, the UV map got messed up when getting upscaled and attaching the bones. This will have to be fixed!
We will add an Unwrap UVW modifier to rectify this:

[Image: kLYeESa.png]

Now we must edit the perimeters:

[Image: qbaSD8a.png]

A new window will pop up. It will be easier to align the UV maps back in place by switching from CheckerPattern, to Map #1 (top right of the new window):

[Image: xtY95oL.png]

[Image: DoMRQda.png]

As we can see, this UV map got knocked way out of place, so we'll need to move it back. If we do Ctrl+A, and select one of the red dots, we can move the map back in place.
However, we can also see some problematic spots on the UV map:

[Image: ITvBbYE.png]

These spots are from the bones we attached, and they're causing complications with moving around the map back in place. It is advised to move these problematic spots out of the way, otherwise it will be very difficult to fix the map.
Once that problem is resolved, by moving and rotating the map around, it can put back into place, and look normal again:

[Image: USJxH79.png]

Now we must apply the material extracted from the weapon we have replaced. It will be located in your Umodel's UmodelExport -> Weapon -> XXX -> Material folder. Drag that material over to your 3ds Max, have it replace the top left material in your Material Editor. Go back to where you got your material from, and copy its name. Rename the material that you just imported over:

[Image: vQlpVF4.png]

Then just drag that material over your mesh. It is necessary that you do this, otherwise, your textures will not be properly loaded by the game. If there's more than one material for your weapon, make sure you create a multimaterial to hold them all; the game will give you a fatal error, if you're missing even one.
And with that, we're pretty much done with the hardest part of this process!

Cooking and Packing the Files
And now, for the final steps in this entire process!
Launch your Unreal Engine 4.17.2.
On your first launch, you'll be asked to create a new project. Set it up as such:

[Image: DWPL4n7.png]

In the new project, within the Content Browser, you can right-click and create folders. Create the following folder hierarchy:

[Image: OPoON7M.png]

Replace the number with the number of the weapon you want to replace. You can import your textures to the texture folder by right-clicking and choosing 'Import...', or dragging them into the texture folder from your Windows Explorer. When importing your mesh in, make sure you check the box for Skeletal Mesh in the import options window. Uncheck 'Import Textures'. Move your material to the Material folder.

Now we can commence cooking the files! But we must change one option right quick: File -> Package Project -> Packaging Settings... ->Packaging -> Uncheck 'Use Pak File'.
Then just do File -> Package Project -> Windows (32-bit) -> Save it wherever.

There will be a WindowsNoEditor folder, open that up, then go to SoulcaliburVI -> Content -> Copy the Content folder inside the Content folder.
Go to your u4pak folder, create a SoulcaliburVI folder there. Place your Content folder inside. Delete the physics and skeleton files inside your weapon's folder, along with the UASSET and UEXP files that generated in your Material folder; leave only the UBULK file.

Now open up a Command Prompt. Use the cd command to change the directory to where your u4pak folder is. EX: cd C:\Users\Spectator Sly\Downloads\u4pak-master\u4pak-master
Then type the following into the Command Prompt: u4pak.py pack NAMEOFYOURMOD_P.pak SoulcaliburVI
A PAK file will generate in the u4pak folder. Create a ~mods folder where your SCVI Paks folder is, and put the PAK there. Test that bad boy out in-game!

[Image: UKsJxd3.jpg]

Not 100% perfect, but it can be improved on! (About to be replaced, anyways.)
(Will splice in a pic with the Giant Squid, once I fix the missing material issue.)

phew And that's part 1 done! This took a good a while to put together, and I'm not 100% if how I do it will translate into it serving others well, but we shall see. Let me know what you guys think of this, so I can improve on future parts.

Best of luck to everyone, and happy modding!
Very informational! Keep it up!
Reply

#4
Great tutorial @"Spectator Sly" , thanks!
[+] 1 user Likes Tetraspore's post
Reply

#5
I am currently updating this guide, for some things have changed with the process since its initial post. Here are the changes:
  • It is now highly recommended to use FBXs instead of OBJs, with the recent fix to skeletons in the latest version of Umodel.
  • I have redone the section involving your mesh and the bones. It now properly goes over how to add a skin modifier and weights to said weapon. No longer needs re-attaching.
  • Clarified what I meant by using the materials on your model, and why I use it.
  • Changed the reference photo for the file hierarchy in your UE4 project; this was most likely causing some unintentional issues.
  • A material folder is no longer needed when packing; the game will use the default materials already within the data.
These were the main flaws that either I noticed, or were pointed out to me by others, so this will hopefully improve the clarity of some things. I also seem to have a better idea of what the SRMA does, but I'll go into detail with that once I've tested out with a few mods.

I have moved the fixing the UV maps section to here, since it usually won't be a problem, for most people:

FIXING UV MAPS

Sometimes, your mesh might end up with a misplaced UV map when upscaled:

[Image: Sxg0Hyo.png]

We will add an Unwrap UVW modifier to rectify this:

[Image: kLYeESa.png]

Now we must edit the perimeters:

[Image: qbaSD8a.png]

A new window will pop up. It will be easier to align the UV maps back in place by switching from CheckerPattern, to Map #1 (top right of the new window):

[Image: xtY95oL.png]

[Image: DoMRQda.png]

As we can see, this UV map got knocked way out of place, so we'll need to move it back. If we do Ctrl+A, and select one of the red dots, we can move the map back in place.
Once that problem is resolved, by moving and rotating the map around, it can put back into place, and look normal again:

[Image: USJxH79.png]
Reply

#6
Thank you Spectator Sly. I was about to give up on researching but I saw your post. So I created an account here just to say that I really appreciate your guidance and there are some questions I'd like to ask. I'm pretty new to this 3d thing. I've been spending the last 6 weeks with at least 5 hours a day trying to learn how to use 3d programs and related tools. I decided to go with 3ds max but I think I haven't gotten anywhere.

The only tool I could find to export files from game is Umodel which is the same tool you're using for this game. But Umodel can't extract animation from this game. Does that mean we can't modify soft body/jiggle bone? Also, there are 2 other things I want to fix with this game. The first would be collision of weapons to the characters. Second is the jagginess around shoulders, hips and breast. How do we add more segments to the mentioned body parts and smooth them out?
Reply

#7
What if your texture files look completely different from the ones in SC6 models (e.g. diffuse+bump+specular), will it still work or is there a way to convert it?
Reply

#8
You forgot the crucial part - how to export your mesh from 3ds max and import it in UE4?
Reply



Forum Jump:


Users browsing this thread:
1 Guest(s)