Model Variations?

[jleips2600]

I've come to need a unit that can have multiple model variations, a la Dark Templar, or most doodads. I found the 'variation count' under models, but after changing it, i do not see any way to set alternate model files.

I read elsewhere that for things like the DT there are the following files and it's generating automatically. How can I modify this for my own use?

Dark Templar.m3
Dark Templar_00.m3
Dark Templar_01.m3

Looks something along those lines, and by simply selecting Dark Templar.m3 as your model, and choosing a variation count of 2, you can randomize either model.

 

[jleips2600]

Of course, once again, I solve my own problem only minutes after posting for help. So I'll explain what I did for anyone else that needs help!

Step by step on creating your own model variations:

For the purpose of this 'tutorial' I will say we are making variations of a model called "Squad Member"

1) Find model: Open up the first model you wish to use as a PLACEHOLDER.

The 'placeholder' model is what shows up when you select the SET of models that includes all the variations.
The way I accessed the models I wanted was by choosing any model file in the data editor. Then scroll down to where you can choose the model file. Click Browse, and a window should pop up. From there you can access any model available. Find the one you want and choose View in Previewer.

We will be opening the Marine model first.

2) Export model: Click File > Export Model File

Name it "SquadMember.m3"

Now this is your core model file. This is what you will set your model in the data editor to target.

3) Repeat for varations: Do the first two steps over and over for any variation you wish to have.

Maybe we'll export the ghost and the marauder with the marine.

When you do this, firstly, remember that you must name this variations with sequential numbers. The first save should be named "SquadMember_00.m3", the second "SquadMember_01.m3", and so on.

Also remember that even though we saved our Marine model as "SquadMember.m3", if we do not save an alternate Marine model as "SquadMember_01.m3" I do not think it can be used.

Think of the "SquadMember.m3" file as a SET that doesn't actually give a model file itself, but references a collection of model files.

4) Import: After you get all the necessary files exported, import them back into your map with their new names.
You can access the Import menu by clicking Modules > Import or alternatively by pressing F9.
Here you simply import all the files you just exported with new names.

5) Set Model File and Variation Count: Now create a new model (or edit an old one) in the data editor and select "SquadMember.m3" Also be sure to set the variation count to the number of variations you have available.
You can also add weight to the model variations. So maybe the marine comes up 50% of the time while the ghost and marauder both have a 25% chance of showing up.

AND BAM! Now we can have the same unit with a random marine, ghost, or marauder model. Although... I'm not sure why anyone would want that specifically..

All in all, I hope tonights hour long endeavour helps someone else, too!

PLEASE NOTE: You can change a units model via triggers on the fly. It doesn't seem to affect anything but the visual model of the unit. Turns out this is actually more useful for my situation.

The said trigger is "Unit - Set Unit Variation". Not only does it allow for setting which variation of the unit, but also allows for completely different models.

It's a ridiculous 6am here, so if there's typos or confusion, let me know. I've been known to have less than perfect English at this point of a GE night.

 

[onisagi]

Its great when someone who solves their own problem posts the solution to everyone. Someone is bound to find this useful. Nice work.

 

[MerrillPhish]

This helped a lot thanks!

I am making a trench warfare game and I want to turn sandbags into a LOS blocker and there are 8 variations.