All of the applications are free except for Counter-Strike: Source.Let's take a look at the applications that you will be using:
| Application | Use | Comes with Source SDK |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | platform required for Source SDK to function | |
| Counter-Strike: Source | testing the actual look of your model in the game | yes |
| Source SDK | provides a source of tools for compiling models | |
| Cannonfodder's mdl decompiler | decompiles original models as a guideline to compiling a new model | yes |
| studiomdl | compiling models | yes |
| HLMV (Half Life Model Viewer) | preview compiled models | yes |
| vtex | Convert TGA textures to VTF textures | yes |
| IrfanView | converting the textures to BMP format | no |
| GCFScape | extracting the original files out of the game | no |
| SOFTIMAGE®|XSI® 6 Mod Tool (with ValveSource addon) | animating the model and exporting it | no |
| XSI Mod Tool 6 Update | updating XSI Mod Tool to a more stable version | no |
| Crosswalk | merging XSI Mod Tool 6 scenes | no |
| SOFTIMAGE®|XSI® 4.2 Mod Tool (withValveSource addon) | rigging the model and merging it | no |
| Text editor | editing the QC file | no |
You need two XSI Mod Tools because XSI Mod Tool 6 is not fully functional for our purposes. Mod Tool 6 cannot merge scenes or import smds properly. Here is a feature comparison of the two Mod Tools.
| Feature | XSI Mod Tool 6 | XSI Mod Tool 4.2 |
|---|---|---|
| import smds with proper skeletons | No | Yes |
| export smds with proper skeletons | Yes | yes, sometimes doesn't work |
| Merge Scenes | yes | yes (easier) |
| open Mod Tool 4.2 scenes | yes | yes |
| open Mod Tool 6 scenes | yes | no |
| registration required to save and export scenes | no | yes |
Clickhere to register XSI Mod Tool 4.2.
| Animating Weapons for Counter-Strike Source | ||
| Questions | Applications Used | Setting up the Source SDK |