Command and Conquer Generals/Zero Hour Modding Overview

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A modding overview for Command and Conquer Generals/Zero Hour.

This covers tools setup, RenX, 3D model exporting (W3D), animations, skeletal linking and a brief ini overivew. Some knowledge of texturing, 3D modelling, scripting and general game modding is assumed. Hopefully it's basic enough for beginners but not too condescending for experienced modders.

Programs are open a closed a lot so people can pick up individual sections and not have to watch the whole thing!


Downloads and tools:

# str file, csfeditor, dds plugin, FinalBig, w3d import scripts
-- https://drive.google.com/open?id=1yu6Y-sQLCGwLVy82DX49TA_MvuVhDS2q

# RenX
-- https://drive.google.com/open?id=1THGz99XF7AChoAZRTtHq7THy7TRQBn4w

# Gmax
-- Official link, no longer supported... nice of them to tell no one
---- https://www.turbosquid.com/gmax
-- Official release. Will need a key, which I guess you can't get as it's no longer supported. This is what I use. Included official help files and tutorials
---- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1n0NHQ1fsPRmM8fEdW48f2rdygB162i-e/view?usp=sharing
-- An unlocked version (I've not used it, take no responsibility)
---- https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MMmvopmD16QlYUOKF1RoX-jAAVIYGqri/view?usp=sharing

# For generating waves in WorldBuilder (not covered in this guide)
-- https://drive.google.com/open?id=1n_mGfAGKNpsb8ywyVThTSppPwiaHi8wD


Examples
-- https://drive.google.com/open?id=1qdbjjN8AACjyf-XrYwwgXtKXgNZZ7-pn


Other reading and items not covered in this guide:

# WorldBuilder Guide
-- https://www.cnclabs.com/maps/generals/worldbuilder/

# AI creation
-- https://www.moddb.com/mods/command-conquer-generals-version-20/tutorials/gen-zh-step-by-step-guide-to-building-an-ai


Timestamps:

# 00:00:00 - 00:00:26
-- Intro

# 00:00:26 - 00:15:33
-- Tools setup
--- 00:00:26 - DDS plugin
--- 00:01:49 - Renx, W3D script installation
--- 00:04:36 - FinalBig
--- 00:08:03 - CSF and str files
--- 00:09:30 - Game config
--- 00:12:01 - File load ordering

# 00:15:33 - 00:21:40
-- RenX, comparing W3D importers

# 00:21:40 - 00:35:06
-- 00:21:40 - Basic texture application using the USA humvee
-- 00:28:41 - Single face texture application to humvee

# 00:35:06 - 00:39:14
-- INI overview; changing build times and prerequisites in ini files

# 00:39:14 - 00:49:54
-- Animated textures for objects such as treads

# 00:49:54 - 00:54:19
--- 00:49:54 - Fixing discoloured meshes
--- 00:52:30 - Hiding bones in-game

# 00:54:19 - 01:00:31
-- Transparent textures and alpha maps

# 01:00:31 - 01:12:23
-- Renx, linking skeletons to meshes

# 01:12:23 - 01:20:35
-- Renx, skeletal animations

# 01:20:35 - 01:24:55
-- General mesh animations for non-skeletal units

# 01:24:55 - 01:27:49
-- Audio

# 01:27:49 - 01:32:53
-- CommandSets and buttons

# 01:32:53 - onwards
-- Debug logs and wrapping up