Creating Custom Gmod Playermodels: A Beginner's Guide

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In the vast world of game modification, few projects can rival the sheer creativity and personalization offered by creating custom player models in popular modding platforms like Garrys Mod (GMod). In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the process step-by-step, focusing on one particularly accessible method: turning a basic Ragdoll into an entirely new Playermodel. Whether you're just starting out with model creation or looking to breathe life into existing assets, follow along as we explore how to make a GMod playermodel that truly reflects your unique style.

Prerequisites

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Before diving in, ensure you have the following:

1. Garry's Mod (GMod) installed on your computer.

2. Blender or another 3D modeling software capable of .obj and .mdl export/import.

3. -Basic knowledge of 3D modeling concepts.

Step-by-Step Guide

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### Step 1: Downloading the Necessary Tools & Resources

First, you'll need to download some essential tools:

* Blender: A free, open-source 3D creation software that supports .obj and .mdl file formats.

* 'Download Blender'(https://www.blender.org/download/)

* Garry's Mod (GMod): If not already installed.

### Step 2: Setting Up Your Workspace

1. Launch your preferred text editor or IDE, such as Notepad++ for Windows or TextMate for macOS.

2. Create a new folder within the Gmod\gmpmodels directory and name it something descriptive like 'MyPlayerModel'.

### Step 3: Importing & Preparing Your Ragdoll Model

1. Open Blender and create an empty scene (File > New > Empty Scene).

2. Navigate to File > Import (.obj) in the top menu bar.

3. Locate your downloaded ragdoll model file (.obj extension), select it, and click 'Import'.

4. In the import options window that appears:

* Under 'Model Type', ensure 'Triangular' is selected.

* Leave all other settings as their default values.

5. Click 'Import Object'.

### Step 4: Rigging & Skinning Your Model

1. With your imported model visible in Blender's viewport, navigate to 'Object Mode' by pressing Ctrl+Tab (Windows) or Command+Tab on macOS.

#### Basic Rigging:

* Select the entire object hierarchy (Ctrl+A or Command+A).

* Underneath the Object tab in the top toolbar, click on 'Armature' > 'From Merge'.

+ In the subsequent dialogue box:

- Set both 'Merge Method' and 'Use Modifier Hierarchy' to 'Merge By Name'.

- Click OK.

2. Your model should now have a basic skeleton.

#### Skin Creation:

1. Create a new empty object (Ctrl+Shift+A or Command+Option+A) in the scene hierarchy window on the right side of your Blender workspace, naming it 'Skin'.

2. Duplicate this skin asset multiple times to create different parts for your character's body (head, left arm, etc.).

### Step 5: Exporting Your Playermodel

1. With all necessary assets prepared and organized within Blender:

* Go back into Object Mode by pressing Ctrl+Tab or Command+Tab.

2. Select the entire hierarchy of objects you wish to export as a player model (Ctrl+A or Command+A).

3. Navigate to File > Export (.mdl) in the top menu bar.

### Step 6: Setting Up PAC & Testing

1. Extract your exported ..mdl and accompanying .phs files into the Gmod\gmpmodels directory.

2. Launch GMod, then navigate to Tools > Options within game settings.

3. Under 'Playermodel', select 'Custom Model' from the dropdown list.

Troubleshooting Tips

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* Ensure all necessary assets (mdl, phs) are present in their correct locations within your Gmod installation directory.

* If you encounter errors during model loading or display issues after saving changes to your playermodel files:

- Restart GMod and/or ensure that PAC is properly updated.

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Congratulations! You've successfully created a custom Playermodel for use in Garry's Mod. This beginner-friendly guide has walked through the essential steps required, from importing a basic Ragdoll model to exporting it as a fully functional player character ready for playtesting within your favorite modded environment.

Remember that practice makes perfect - continue experimenting with different models and techniques to refine your skills further!

Make a gmod playermodel