[KaRzY6]

Hey, I want to learn how to start modding. I have not one single clue about it. I would like to start with probably San Andreas, because it's my favourite GTA. I have modified it a bit, using others mods. But I want to make my own mod.

Any suggestions, tips, help?

[ALMOST610]

Well it all depends on what area of modding you are interested in and what skills you have.

Mapping, Vehicles, Coding, Missions, Etc. then what can you do, Modeling, Mapping (Editing with Ked or Med), Scripting/Coding, Etc.

[Ashwin the new boy]

Start with Tutorials …
Try to do some Practical if you understand any of them

[Dr. John13]

Start with modeling as there are many tools for it. Make IPL objects to make your own GTA SA. Or start off with Scripting. By reading the opcode, we can get to know what it does. Make something funny or something challenging, it's up to you. But, you should have a aim in what are you going to make.

Things you should have:

• Have a non laggy GTA SA.
• Have it as Version 1.00 which has vast amount of modding.
• Read the modding forums rules.
• Read some tutorials if you have some doubts. Still, we will help you.
• Have interest in modding.

Good luck.

[ManDog]

To start off..

If you want to model things, or convert things, make peds, players, etc for any GTA.
You need 3ds max, by that. You can either buy it ($4000), download the trial of it (lasts 30 days) on the autodesk website. Or Torrent it.
You will need a strong computer, but not that strong.

For mapping, i would suggest MEd, for SA model based maps. Or KEd for VC/III mapping.

Texture editing, you can use TXD Workshop, which works for all GTA3, VC, and SA.

For texture editing, i would suggest for a starter. Use GIMP, then build your way up to Photoshop. Like i did, GIMP is like "Photoshop's little brother".
Easier, and simpler.

For modding SA, i would suggest using a Downgrade patch. To downgrade to V1.00, V2.00 crashes your game when modded, VC and III dosen't have a "Version". Only one, which works on modding/editing always.

I hope this helps. Good luck

Small tip: Start small before making a TC. Like a simple t-shirt change. Or a ped change, something like that. Then work your way up

This post has been edited by ManDog on Thursday, May 24 2012, 12:46

[Bad.boy!]

You don't need 3ds max, there are more programs like Zmodeler and Gmax.
What do you want to mod? Do you have any usefull talents?

If you're creative I'd sugest you modelling or texturing. Texturing is the easiest one to learn because for modelling you need to know both. But it doesn't make tremendous changes. Modelling takes time. You need to learn modelling and you need to learn some more things to create in game working peds, cars, buildings etc. But if you succeed you can add/replace many things.

If you want to make huge changes I'd suggest mapping. It is quiet easy to learn but it will take some time to master it. This would be a great combination when you can also do modelling or texturing.

If you want to make new missions, add tweaks or just make something crazy I'd sugest coding. It takes time to learn it, but while your learning it you can already make simple tweaks or a very simple mission.

If you hate the word "learning" you can try making your own missions with DYOM (just google it).

And last but not least the infamous (on GTAF) converting. You need to learn to convert models to working things in San Andreas. It's like modelling without the modelling part.

[KaRzY6]

Thanks for the replies, everyone. I would like to do modelling and texturing, maybe coding afterwards. My parents don't have a credit card, so I can't buy things online. I have a version 1 SA, not laggy. My computer is good. So, what programs did I need. I have photoshop already.

[ALMOST610]

For Modeling you would need Gmax, it is an Old free version of 3DS Max Basically, then KAMS Script which lets you export/import GTA Models, and I will also throw in a Gmax Patch which means you dont have to sign up to a website to get a free activation code for Gmax.

Download - Gmax
Download - KAMS Script
Download - Gmax Registration

Fire it up and have a play around.

[Bad.boy!]

For modelling you need 3ds max (many tutorials online), there's some kind of student program to get it for free but I'm not sure, or you need Zmodeler (2), or Gmax (free, but not very good). Most modder use 3ds max (mostly pirated ).

QUOTE

I have a version 1 SA, not laggy. My computer is good.

San Andreas is from 2004, almost every computer can run it.