[sumoftwosins]

I like to help people, but there becomes a point when people stop helping themselves. I think some would agree that it is easier for to make time to help someone if we know they have tried very hard to solve the problem themselves. Regardless of skill level, there will always be a time when we all run into a snag and we help each other out. However, it is hard for me to take someone serious when they ask questions that basically ask for someone to give them a step by step guide how to do it - entirely. Unfortunately, too, links to tutorials and help are hard to keep track off and place in an area easily found by all.

The problem with experience is you always get it after you need it. Modding is all about trial and error. There might be a few geniuses that have mystical mod making powers, but most of us just keep trying until we get it right. The only thing experience does is help you know ahead of time what is possible and what isn't.

LAST UPDATED = 2/6/09

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G.E.C.K. - Getting Started

Bethesta GECK Wiki
Here you will find 70% of what you need to know to make your own interiors and find information about every option in the GECK. It may not provide a tutorial for each thing, but can help you weed out nonsense and focus your talents. The search feature does work and there are some good links.

Bethesta Videos
You can find tutorial videos that will help you get going quickly. Most of what they cover is simple stuff, but knowing the fundamentals can help you rule out things when you run into problems.

Oblivion Tutorial Wiki
I don't know anything about Oblivion, but from what people say... texturing and modeling works about the same for both FO3 and Oblivion. So you can find some good reference there that will help you in your Fallout 3 endeavors.

Elder Scrolls Contruction Kit
The Elder Scrolls kit is very similar to the GECK. Navmeshing is different, but for AI, scripting, and most other options are almost identical. If you can't find the info you need on the GECK Wiki, you can find it here.

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Tools & Utilities

FO3 Archive Utility
Extract & Create BSA files. These files contain the games raw files - meshes, sounds, textures...

Nif Tools
If you want to edit a mesh, like changing the textures... get NifScope

Nvidia DDS / Normal Map Plugin
Allows you to use Adobe Photoshop to open and edit DDS files. The plugin will also create Normal Maps.

EGM File Generator
This nifty tool creates the critical file needed to keep head wear correctly located on people.

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Topics Here
Here are posts on this forum that may provide more insight. They may not have solutions, but might contain the right hint to get you going again.

General - Mod Packaging Suggestions

GECK / Sounds - Adding Custom Sounds.
GECK / Console - Removing items while in game.
GECK / Items - How to change item effects/stats.
GECK / Items - EGM Files.
GECK / Items - Renaming meshes and textures.
GECK / Items - Changing item's Form ID.
GECK / NPC's - AI Packaging Info.
GECK / NPC's - AI Packages 2
GECK / NPC's - Creating Dialog.
GECK / NPC's - Creating a Follower- HowTo.
GECK / NPC's - Follower Problems + Solution
GECK / NPC's - Factions
GECK / NPC's - Equipping Good Armor
GECK / Scripting - Scripting Info.
GECK / Scripting - User posted sample scripts.
GECK / Misc - LOD Trees.
GECK / Misc. - Determining your item's ID code.
GECK / Misc. - Merging Mods
GECK / Misc. - Bink Movies
GECK / Misc. - Explosion Force

Modeling - Blender & Poser Questions
Modeling - Learning Max/Maya.
Modeling - UV Mapping.
Modeling - Nif Exporting.
Modeling - Blender Importing.
Modeling - Move UV Mapping Stuff.
Modeling - Rigging Question.


Textures - Opening DDS Files.
Textures - 1st Person Stuff.
Textures - Hi-Res Textures.
Textures - Re-Texturing FO3 Items.
Textures - Camo Samples

Video - Photoshop Texturing

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End

I went back about 12 pages and I will try to go back some more. If I happened to miss something, PM me the link and I'll add it to this post to keep everything in one spot rather than spread out over pages. Like I said, I want to make it easy for people to find info since searching tends to ward people off.

LAST UPDATED = 5/29/09

[buddah]

I have pinned this topic, I see it as a usable reference and asset. We shall see how this is accepted.

Buddah

[hbzliln1ck]

Thank you so much guys

i really was looking for these tutorials

[sumoftwosins]

Now that we have a place to horde information, I can start working on the video tutorials. If anyone has requests for various tutorials, let me know. I might not be able to do them all... but some other people might want to jump in.

[darkbrave]

thanks man you have answered all my newbie questions lol

[GodofAlcohol]

Just in case it helps. Heres a thread about Problems with Followers and custom Interior Cells (seems to be a frequently reported probem):
http://thenexusforum...showtopic=96923

[thenightgaunt]

Well hell, this answers almost all of my questions all at once.
Thanks ^_^

[EthanBlackheart]

Ok here it goes i am looking for a video tutorial on adding effects/particles to weapons/armors I know there is a tutorial on the wiki but I learn so much better visually. Also I'm finding it difficult to find any decent scripting tutorials that aren't put together for those new to modding they seem to be directed toward people who are somewhat experienced in modding. Please help out a newb that really would like to learn.

[Barandon]

I'm interested in nay tutorials on how to add new houses and lands to the world. For example like the mod that adds the speed boat next to rivet city that takes you to a small island.

A tutorial explaining a bit about this would be appreciated as it could hopefully help us get more content of this sort.

Just looked throu the GECK wiki and saw that it covered this area pretty neatly.

[sumoftwosins]

At the moment I am trying to get the MERC mod finished. I plan on releasing it at the first of March so I've got a big deadline. After I finish it though, I intend to start doing some intermediate and advance tutorials. With the mod finished and released, I will be basing my tutorials from in on how everything was accomplished.

I also need to update the links again. I think we have a few more helpful posts floating around and I will try to get them up. If anyone finds good links outside of the nexus, please send them to me. I can't check all the sites and I know there are other places with similar content as the nexus.