Explore this guide by using the TOC to your right of this page (desktop) or from the menu button to your top-right (mobile)

Want me to make in-depth, organized tutorials about modding Insurgency (Even Sandstorm)?
Give me a comment!


Author's Challenges

1. Steam limits the characters/words on each section.
   
2. I probably have to make my own website to bring them properly together.
   
3. Must type in a document outside of Steam to be able to undo multiple times and as proper backup. Explanation in "{ Change Log Archive }"
   
4. Not able to be on PC often. Mainly on mobile.
   
5. Cannot move sections in the mobile app / browser mobile site even in desktop mode
   
6. Sharing (copy & pasting) links & formatting is tedious on mobile
   
7. The only one working on the guide. Hardly any aid.

All free!
Detailed info / wikis / source links are shown as "^Info"
Any other labels are self explanatory.

In development and keeping up to date. Regardless they are promising.

1. SourceIO[github.com]
   Blender addon for importing\exporting source engine textures/models/maps(not yet implemented)
   
2. SourceOps[github.com]
   Blender Add-on for Source Engine
   
3. io_texture_VTF[github.com]
   Blender addon Import-Export > Source Engine texture import
   This addon allows for the import of Valve Material Type (VMT) and Valve Texture Format (VTF) files into Blender.

1. GCFScape[nemesis.thewavelength.net]
   ^Info
   
2. VTF Editor[nemesis.thewavelength.net]
   ^Info
   
3. VTF Thumbnail & Property support[www.wunderboy.org]
   
4. VTF Reader[gamebanana.com]
   
5. VMT Editor[gira-x.github.io]
   
6. Crowbar
   ^Guide ^BugTracker ^Insurgency ^Tutorials
   
   
7. Half Life Model Viewer[www.sourcemodding.com]
   Included in "insurgency2\bin" folder
   ^Alternative[github.com] ^Info ^Guide[www.sourcemodding.com]
   
8. SDK Launcher
   Included in "insurgency2\bin" folder
   ^LaunchInfo ^Alternative[gamebanana.com] ^Info[github.com]^Vid
   
9. Hammer
   Included in "insurgency2\bin" folder
   Go to "Source Modding Tools" section for more tools

1. GIMP[www.gimp.org]
   
2. GIMP 2.8.0[download.gimp.org]
   
3. GIMP VTF Plugin for 2.8.0[code.google.com]
   More info in "GIMP Tools" section
   "Why don't you just use Photoshop???"
   Answers: Pros and Cons here. You decide.[graphicdesign.stackexchange.com] ^Professional Example
   
   
4. Blender[www.blender.org] or BforArtists[www.bforartists.de]
   
5. Blender Source Tool[steamreview.org] ^Beta for Blender 2.80
   ^Info ^Forum ^Search ^Insurgency
   More info in "Blender Tools" section

1. Notepad++[notepad-plus-plus.org] or Atom[atom.io]
   Notepad++ VDF languages
   ^Info
   
2. 7-Zip[www.7-zip.org]
   
   
3. All .OBJ files for weapons Compatible with Photoshop cs6 Extended and Photoshop CC
   
4. Valve Source SDK Documentation

Basics for art and software handling and anything else related to modding.
Understand how things work.

1. Practice the fundamentals of Art[conceptartempire.com]
   
2. "It's not some magical talent a few people are born with. It's a skill you can train." ~DrawABox[drawabox.com] ^Vids
   
3. Concept Design: Thumb War[www.autodestruct.com]
   
4. Concept Fundamentals[wiki.polycount.com]
   
5. 3D Art Beginner Fundamentals

Major Creative Tip

1. History of Game Mods[www.nvidia.com]
   
2. Tips for New Modders[gamebanana.com]
   
3. Game Development Terms[www.pluralsight.com]
   
4. Glossary For Designers[pulsiphergames.com]
   
5. Glossary 3D Terms[www.timaxmedia.com]
   
6. >>> Are Ngons Really That Evil in 3D Modeling?[www.creativeshrimp.com]
   
   
7. Beginner's Texturing Tutorial[gamebanana.com]
   
8. The power of 2 Explanation[www.katsbits.com] ^Info[en.wikipedia.org]
   
9. What are the different texture maps for?[help.poliigon.com]
   
10. >>> https://youtu.be/xMpDTk3DTW8
    
    
11. 3D Rendering Wiki Index[en.wikipedia.org]
    
12. Styles / Techniques of 3D Modeling[www.creativeshrimp.com]
    
13. Game Rendering Terminology[wiki.polycount.com] ^Glossary[wiki.polycount.com]
    
14. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8OADBBgk7oM

Understanding the game's engine (and version) helps you understand how to make mods. ^Info[en.wikipedia.org] ^Info2

Insurgency (2014)[en.wikipedia.org]
^Info ^Info2 ^Info3[insurgency.fandom.com]

1. Evolution of The Source Engine
   
2. Is The Source Engine Outdated?
   
3. >>> Steam Workshop: Basic Guidelines on How to Get Started in Making Content (Team Fortress 2)
   P.S. They forgot to mention Blender and GIMP for software. File size = follow what other people are doing with their dimensions. Normally use 1024 or 2048 for Insurgency.
   
4. Documentation & Wikibook[en.wikibooks.org]
   
5. File structures in Valve games (Windows 10)
   
6. SDK (Source Software Development Kit) ^Info
   It is a public accessible video game creation and editing program designed by Valve Corporation. It is the chief program used to develop all games made by Valve and many other mods.
   
7. Official Valve Source Glossary

>>> Be sure you can view file extensions ^Info[www.howtohaven.com]

Types of formats[wiki.polycount.com]

1. .gcf (Game/Grid Cache File)
   Archive files in which Steam games are stored and official content is downloaded.
   GCF files can be shared between games (e.g. source engine.gcf), and are stored in the Steam\SteamApps\ folder.
   
2. .vpk (Valve Pak)
   Uncompressed archives used to package game content.
   Valve's post-GCF games store materials, models, particles, choreography scenes and many other file types in VPK files.
   VPKs are also used to distribute mods via the the addoninstaller tool that ships with some games, such as Left 4 Dead 2
   
3. .vtf (Valve Texture File)
   Proprietary texture format used by the Source engine.
   VTF files are generally referenced in a Material instead of being accessed directly, which allows re-use in different ways.
   
4. .vmt (Valve Material Type)
   A text file that defines a two-dimensional surface.
   It contains all of the information needed for Source to simulate the surface visually, aurally, and physically.
   
5. .qc
   A script file which controls the process of compiling SMDs into a binary model that can be loaded into a game.
   Configures the model's location and name, which SMD files are used to provide geometry, collision meshes and animations, how the model reacts when shot, and so on.
   
6. .smd (Studiomdl Data)
   Stores 3D models in ASCII for analysis and compilation by studiomdl.
   SMD files are usually generated by an SMD export plug-in for a given model editor package like MilkShape.
   
7. .dmx (Data Model eXchange)
   Stores a Datamodel object, encoded in either binary or ASCII.
   
8. .mdl
   Valve Source's proprietary model format.
   It defines the structure of the model along with animation, bounding box, hit box, materials, mesh and LOD information.
   It does not, however, contain all the information needed for the model.
   
9. .vmf (Valve Map Format)
   Proprietary format that stores raw (pre-compile) map data, used by the Valve Hammer Editor to save production-stage maps and prefabs.
   It contains information on all map brushes and entities in a keyvalue format
   
10. .vtx
    Proprietary mesh strip format.
    It stores hardware optimized material, skinning and triangle strip/fan information for each LOD of each mesh in the MDL.
    
11. .vvd (Valve Studio Model Vertex Data File)
    Proprietary model vertex data format.
    It stores position independent flat data for the bone weights, normals, vertices, tangents and texture coordinates used by the MDL.

Note: Will sort alphabetically

Keep your workspace prepared and clean to manage your workflow better.

• Don't forget to download the required installations such as the ones seen in Nem'sTools VTFEdit
  
• Be sure you're using the correct version if you're using addons that are compatible for a specific version of your software
  
• Update your drivers (graphics, tablet/wacom, etc)
  
• Download manuals or references as well for offline use and anything else vital to keep your mission rolling

Go to "Main Tools" or other "Tools" sections for stuff

You can sort it any way you want as long as you're not asking yourself, "Where the #%^ is it?!"
Make a project folder for all projects then add & sort folders by specific categories for things or tasks. You'll thank yourself later

• Example #1
  
  1. Project folder
     
  2. AKM_CustomModNameHere
     
  3. Models + References + Materials + Textures + Animations + Audio + Scripts + Shortcuts
  
  
• Example #2
  It's in "Textures & Sounds" section but those steps are necessary for the game to be able to 'read' your files
  
  
• Other examples: ^Link[developers.nravo.com] ^Link2[forum.unity.com] ^Link3[blog.theknightsofunity.com] ^Link4[www.howtogeek.com]

1. Copy/drag the shortcuts/programs/folders you want to use
   
2. Paste/place as shortcut to the project folder
   
3. You can utilize the file paths for folders for exports/imports/plugins/addons/"custom" folder etc

Like so...


No excuses! I made the mistake of not doing so and lost all of my work due to system failure

Cloud Storage
Where to save your work online in the cloud
General-use options (Not as privacy respecting)

1. Google Drive
   
2. One Drive
   
3. Dropbox
   
4. Mediafire

More "privacy-friendly" options
Encrypt before uploading if you're dead serious about privacy for necessary things

1. Mega nz
   
2. Tresorit
   
3. Sync
   
4. Woelkli
   
5. Nexcloud Providers

Or self host (Advanced) ^Link[github.com]

Tutorials for modding weapon skins, character skins, sounds, user interface, and more related
>>> Reorder

Privacy tip

1. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1221777683
   
2. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=269352649
   
3. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=338229566
   
4. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=720079368
   
5. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=349559876

Click for Playlist: "How to make skins for insurgency" by BOBdotEXE

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uKDurX8A2w
   
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dlJ4MWsO6D8
   
3. With GIMP VTF Plugin ^MultipleMaps https://youtu.be/d17FCBT8Rjc
   
4. https://youtu.be/z8hZRYdus-0

Understand Valve's Source Engine
Making a Mod - Valve Source Engine Fundamentals
Basically for this case:
Extract, convert for design, design, convert back (conserving same structure), repack

1. Prepping "custom" folder:
   Go to file path below by copying and pasting the path into your File Explorer's address bar & press Enter
   
   C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\insurgency2\insurgency\custom
   If the "custom" folder does not exist, create one in "insurgency"
   
2. Prepping your custom mod folder for AKM (as example):
   In "custom" or anywhere else: Setup your new folders in the order as shown below and rename what's in CAPS
   
   YOUR_CUSTOM_MOD_NAME\materials\models\weapons\akm (or other weapons)
   Underlined = For navigating in the .vpk later
   "akm" = All your modded files (such as .vtf, WIP) go here

With GCF Scape...
1. File > Open > Go to...
   
   C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\insurgency2\insurgency
2. Open "insurgency_materials_dir.vpk"
   ^Info ^Info2 ^Info3
   
3. Go to underlined path shown above
   
4. Drag the 2 files ending with "_dm.vtf" to "akm" folder (In your renamed custom mod folder) or anywhere else you'd like. Be sure it's in a convenient place like in a project folder.

Use GIMP VTF Plugin
If plugin doesn't work, go to "GIMP" > "Workaround1" for conversion to edit, etc
(Optional) Use Normalmap Plugin for generating nornalmaps after making heightmaps ("Filter" > "Map" > "Normalmap")

1. Drag your custom mod folder to vpk.exe in...
   
   C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\SteamApps\common\insurgency2\bin
   With File Explorer in your custom mod folder's location...
   
2. Move .vpk back to "custom" folder (Path at very top, step 1 of prepping)
   
3. In Insurgency...
   Main menu > Click "Workshop"

Note: DL workshop content and view internals for reference

Decompiling, importing, fixing animation / deltas, compiling models.
You can use Blender & GIMP together for making models and/or texturing
>>> Reorder

1. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=844825568
   
2. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=405641895
   
3. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=757804088
   
4. Compiling weapon models for Insurgency using Blender ^Info
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkwiS8t8odc
   
5. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=650663814
   
6. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1170853573
   
   
7. Model Creation Overview
   
   >>> Sort the rest
   
8. Complete Blender Game Ready Art Tutorial[www.gamefromscratch.com]
   
9. Creating Game Ready 3D Models - Blender Beginner Modelling Tutorial Series

1. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=285489946
   
2. Compiling Viewmodel Attachments[gamebanana.com]
   
3. Porting custom models for source engine[www.tophattwaffle.com]
   
4. https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Compiling_a_model
   
5. Insurgency Model Hack[mrbrightsideanimator.net]
   
6. Search: Blender Hard Surface Modeling[hooktube.com] (guns, weapons, solid surfaces, sharp edges)
   
7. Two armature, two rest pose, fixing animations[blender.stackexchange.com]
   
8. Valve Source Materials for Models Guide

1. Source Engine: Porting Models
   
2. https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Compiling_a_model
   
3. https://youtu.be/VkTwyhjfYqs
   
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9HQ231R3MM
   
5. Blender 1st Person Animation
   
6. Editing a Valve Model for SFM Using Modern Tools
   
7. Creating a Weapon for Source
   
8. Source Engine Viewmodel Rig and Animating[hooktube.com]
   
9. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KMBkFp7pe3Y
   
10. Low and Highpoly Workflow https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=OX2DIAnOacU
    
11. Adding Detail Without High Poly Mesh https://youtu.be/bOTBcFfLD3o
    
12. What are Normals and Fixes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmMD9fV98Co
    
13. Hard and Soft Edges https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sTJ-pryZFQk

Search

1. Search: UV addon
   
2. Search: Blender Bevel Weight
   
3. Valve SDK Doc: Modeling
   
4. Search: Blender to Source Engine
   
5. Search: source rig viewmodel
   
6. Search: Blender Source Rig Viewmodel[hooktube.com]

Materials / Texture effects such as bump mapping, engraving, glow, animated textures, shine, shader effects, and more

>>> Reorder and move Source Engine

1. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1492468820
   
2. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=594255575
   
3. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1703547148
   
4. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=469609809
   
5. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1722379559

1. Material Nodes ShaderForge[www.acegikmo.com]
   
2. Adding Effects to Source Textures[twhl.info]
   
3. Getting Around in the Material System[valvedev.info]
   
4. VMT Tutorial Post[gamebanana.com]

1. Materials for Models
   
2. VertexLitGeneric for Models

1. Normal mapping. The correct Way[gamebanana.com]
   
2. How NOT to make normal maps[www.katsbits.com]
   
3. Making Normal map from image[www.katsbits.com] or make your own material via procedural material creation then bake for HD textures? > Go to Blender
   
4. Painting Normalmaps in Photoshop
   Can be done the same way in other programs that can paint. Just use Color picker

1. Spec maps in Normal maps[gamebanana.com]

1. $selfillum How to[gamebanana.com]
   
2. https://twhl.info/index.php/wiki/page/Tutorial%3A_Adding_effects_to_Source_textures#h5b30be322b96b

VMT Commands Cheatsheet[docs.google.com]
1. Surface GGX [wiki.newworldinteractive.com]
   
2. VMT Parameter Reference[gamebanana.com]
   
3. Shader Parameters
   
4. Animated Particles
   
5. Shader Parameters List

https://youtu.be/LvYUyyONuU0?list=PLJ6m33DMpkcY0orJq-brhrivezZtN7B6f
https://youtu.be/_lxWuqrGsUE
Workaround in "GIMP Tools" https://youtu.be/97S9NfC985w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6G2B6cnx9E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLXkJbf_oGE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQ9gtLo4xwQ
^Info

To (re)animate with your modifications or make new ones. Rigging, vertex groups, weight painting, bones, etc
>>> Reorder move Source En

Raw game model to animation
https://cloud.blender.org/p/humane-rigging/
https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Animation_in_Blender
http://forums.cgsociety.org/t/how-to-rigg-fps-arms-and-guns-inside-blender-2-8/2050934
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM1Fc-NTDsg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhQY2_gVoVg
https://youtu.be/gIDSh9Dr-9E
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=X0Ssmvu1Nu8
https://youtu.be/jdGUedrxm-0
https://youtu.be/v6_m3xFSlIU
https://youtu.be/Yokj3SnISUw
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WjAJHrLGvBE
https://youtu.be/G3lYabSIUD8

Search: FPS Animation Tutorial Blender
Search: Video reference animating

>>> Reorder

1. Artiflex Terra 3D Terrain Editor[www.artifexterra.com]
   
2. Nem's 3D Map Editor[nemesis.thewavelength.net]
   
3. Mipui[www.mipui.net] Simple Map Maker, Collaborative
   
4. Tile Map Editor[www.mapeditor.org]
   
5. Simple RPG Map maker[rpginferno.com]
   
6. Pymapper[pymapper.com]
   
7. Blender Addon: Level Buddy[matt-lucas.itch.io]
   
8. Compile Pal[github.com]

Source Map Tools[forum.facepunch.com]

1. Valve Source SDK Basics
   
2. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=250800601
   
3. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=158909187
   
4. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=158899767
   
5. Level Design CS:GO[www.worldofleveldesign.com]
   
6. How to Design Your Maps[devforum.roblox.com]Blender: City Making Resources
   
7. https://gamebanana.com/articles/59
   
8. https://gamebanana.com/articles/64
   
9. https://gamebanana.com/articles/68
   
10. https://www.mapcore.org/
    
11. Seizure warning at the end of the vid at 1:44 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wf5O9MTIoB8
    
12. https://www.worldofleveldesign.com/categories/cat-level-design.php
    
13. https://www.worldofleveldesign.com/categories/cat-csgo.php
    
14. https://www.worldofleveldesign.com/categories/cat-game-art.php
    
15. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1110438811

Go through the links below for GIMP tutorials and resources

GIMP Fundamentals / Basics
For new / returning users
GIMP Videos
Includes videos about the basics
GIMP for Valve Source Engine Workshop Development / Modding
For Insurgency (2014) since it's based on Valve Source Engine
GIMP Tools
Such as addons, plugins, and more
GIMP Communitiies
Forums, websites dedicated to GIMP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-C-BJe1lRc
This is a beta developer release with major features and updates not available in Blender 2.79 / older.

Blender 2.80 can be used as a Substance painter / designer alternative (texture painting / shader editing (node editor).
It would help if someone makes an addon to make it easier to handle the node, texture layers workflow

Top Changes Coming to 2.8[cgcookie.com]
Blender Dev Manual[docs.blender.org]
Webpage[www.blender.org]

https://youtu.be/f92r93t2HKE
https://youtu.be/jBqYTgaFDxU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85Xu93bsN34
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz4qV5_zuMo
https://youtu.be/aTDF94CU5wc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReVGrqx_c5M
https://youtu.be/dG_BQ5uXxJc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svzKoq3vew0
https://youtu.be/nM-Oirmb-Pw
https://youtu.be/p5GgkPXGoH0

Non destructive modeling. This year. https://m.youtube.com/results?search_query=basic+non+destructive+modeling+blender&sp=EgQIBRAB
Hard surface modeling. This year. https://m.youtube.com/results?search_query=hard+surface+blender+2.8&sp=EgQIBRAB
Texture painting. This Year. https://m.youtube.com/results?search_query=blender+2.8+texture+painting&sp=EgIIBA%253D%253D
https://hooktube.com/results?search_query=best+blender+2.8+gun
https://hooktube.com/results?search_query=best+blender+2.8+fundamental
https://hooktube.com/results?search_query=blender+2.8+tutorials
https://hooktube.com/results?search_query=blender+2.8+addon

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9YYrVQdCMY
   
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6gRUUeFteQg
   
3. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cS6B5PAzlWI
   
4. https://youtu.be/_rDfJlyqDC8?t=41
   
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scPSP_U858k&list=PLjEaoINr3zgHJVJF3T3CFUAZ6z11jKg6a&index=5
   
6. https://youtu.be/pfhtbaLSCx0
   
7. https://youtu.be/o-OgkrWX94I?t=46
   
8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcCXM5zCuc0
   
9. https://youtu.be/LcCQKuWPhXk?t=4
   
10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Db_cYZh6lt4
    
11. Nondestructive Shading https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C__h2q81Ej8
    
12. Secrets to realistic texturing in Blender
    
13. Making Realistic PBR Materials[www.blenderguru.com]
    
    
14. Scripting: How to Automate Your Tasks in Blender with Python Programming ^Vid2 ^Vid3
    
15. 2.80 addon dev https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uahfuypQQ04
    
16. Nondestructive modeling https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0SbyO33YtL4
    Production Lessons[cloud.blender.org]

• Search: Faster workflow for beginners

Addons, programs, scripts, and more for blender

Addons
^Info[docs.blender.org]
> Blender Addons that Work with 2.80[blenderartists.org]
> 55 Addons for Blender 2.80 (Some can work on older versions)

1. Interactive Tools for Blender (Smart Scripts)[docs.google.com]
   Collection of intuitive, context sensitive tools to improve workflow
   
2. MACHIN3tools 0.3 for Blender 2.80
   Continuously evolving collection of blender tools and pie menus in a single customizable package
   
3. BY-GEN for 2.80
   Simplifies the process of creating non-destructive, generative modeling styles
   
4. "base" Blender Addon for Source Engine[github.com]
   
5. Armor Paint (Build It)[www.blendernation.com]
   Physically-based texture painting that aims to become an open source alternative for Substance Painter
   
6. {LINK REMOVED}KIT OPS Free Version for 2.79
   Instantly cuts and adds to existing objects or create standalone objects with the goal of rapidly creating and exploring new designs.
   
7. Image Refresh[blenderartists.org]
   Improves image/texturing workflow by automatically refreshing image in blender for new changes
   
8. Cycles Texture Paint Layers[blenderartists.org]
   Quickly create and manipulate layers in Blender’s texture paint mode
   
9. TexTools[renderhjs.net] ^Info[80.lv]
   UV and Texturing tools
   
10. Magic UV[github.com]
    Consists of many UV manipulation features which Blender lacks of.
    
11. Fast Carve
    Hardsurface utility for quick and easy boolean and bevel operations
    
12. Building Tools[blenderartists.org]
    Simplifies creation of building exteriors
    
13. ArchiPack[github.com]
    Faster workflow for architecture / construction
    
14. Principled Baker[github.com]
    Bake PBR textures with a few clicks
    
15. Simple Asset Manager[blenderartists.org]
    Works with objects, materials and particle systems. Made for simplicity of usage.
    
16. Proper Keymap for Blender 2.80[blenderartists.org]
    Improves usage of Blender
    
17. Sprytile[chemikhazi.itch.io]
    Brings tile mapping tools to Blender to give you a powerful and intuitive way to create in 3D

Other

1. BlenderKit[www.blenderkit.com]
   Database containing online models, brushes, and materials to be used directly in Blender.
   
2. fSpy[fspy.io]
   Open source still image camera matching for Blender

1. ArmorPaint[armorpaint.org]
   More affordable 3D PBR texture painting software compared to Substance Painter ^FreeVersion?[armory.itch.io]

Addons

1. Speedflow
   
2. NodeCustomBuilder[blendermarket.com]
   Saves your node setup, including the settings each node
   
3. Level Builder[blendermarket.com]
   Speeds up level design process
   
4. (BATS) Blender Artistic Texturing and Shading[blendermarket.com]
   PBR Material Creation With Layers
   
5. Definitely EEVEE Materials System[blendermarket.com]
   Material library
   
6. Extreme PBR 2.0 for Blender 2.79-2.80[blendermarket.com]
   Material library and manager
   
7. Materialiq for 2.79 and 2.80[blendermarket.com]
   Materials library, Cycles+Eevee pbr, architectural materials, uv+generated mapping
   
8. {LINK REMOVED}MESHMachine
   
9. AutoMaps[http//AutoMaps+Texture+Group+Manager]
   Allows easy management of groups of texture maps
   
10. {LINK REMOVED}UV Packmaster
    UV packing solution.
    
11. BPainter[blendermarket.com]
    Powerful texture painting
    
12. RetopoFlow[blendermarket.com]
    Helps you create clean topology in minutes versus hours
    
    
13. Search BlenderMarket: Best Rated, Low to High Price[blendermarket.com]

Other

1. Best Blender Addons & Plugins For 3D Artists In 2019 [conceptartempire.com] ^Vids
   
2. Top Blender Addons&Scripts[blendermarket.com] ^Search2[blendermarket.com]
   
3. Search Github: Scripts[github.com]
   
   ^Addons[github.com] ^All Blender[github.com]

>>> Move to Source related Steam, sort

1. SDK Tutorials
   
2. Where to find 3d models for model importing[gamebanana.com]

1. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1316254513
   
2. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1372652108
   
3. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1288408087
   
4. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=763495213
   
5. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=918708716
   
6. Creating a Material (Fundamental page for Source Engine material modding)
   
7. Generic compiling/decompiling for Source Engine[gamebanana.com]
   
8. Making High Quality Textures[blenderartists.org]

1. How to Create Textures From Scratch
   
2. How to make 3D textures with Blender's Internal Render Engine and Gimp
   
3. TopHatWaffle Tutorials (level design, 3Ds max, counter strike)

1. How to Model a Tech 9
   
2. Model And Rig Any Gun With 6 Steps In Blender
   
3. Creating a Combat Knife[blenderartists.org]
   
4. Weapon tutorials
   
5. How to Texture Weapons
   
6. Weapon Creation Tutorial
   
7. Handpainted Style Workflow For Game Assets
   
8. Texturing Light Machine Gun - Blender + GIMP Workflow Example
   
9. FPS Weapon Creation: How To Match AAA Standards[room8studio.com]

1. CS:GO Workshop Site
   
2. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=290669146
   
3. CSGO Weapon Finish Guide Info > faq > mats
   
4. ^Vids ^Vids2 ^Vids3
   
5. ^Guide ^Guide2 ^Guide3 ^Template

Topology Guide[drive.google.com] ^Info2[www.artstation.com]
https://www.worldofleveldesign.com/tutorials.php
Physically Based Rendering (PBR)[docs.google.com]
Marmoset PBR Content Creation[marmoset.co]
PBR Guide Substance Painter[www.substance3d.com]
PBR Tutorial Resources[3dcoat.com]

Search: Top Guides Garry's Mod

(Still Useful Reference)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BBq-bQJCHs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnI35hr2BHE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7PnstNigFg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOZaP4XZ0PE

• Older Docs[docs.gimp.org]
  
• https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/GIMP

Also logging unsolved problems to track.

>>> Reorder and fix redundancies, move to official tracker. Make subReddit?

+++++++++
+++++++++

1. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=724809825
   
2. https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1420741343
   
3. Troubleshooting Modeling
   
4. Search: Troubleshooting
   
5. FAQ Valve Source SDK

Taking quick notes as I go
SDK Launcher "File models\weapons dosen't exist" ^VidFix
Purple and black checkered texture problem
optic not on right place
Gun in wrong position
Delta animation
UV
Skin/textures effects
shine, glow
Mod not working
Sounds not working
vpk.exe not working
compilation not working
My mod not showing

Be sure your programs are up to date/correct version
Check your mods
Delete mods you don't need
Turn off then back on
File extension
Never use spaces for naming files
Be sure your files/connections are in the right place
Be sure to keep strict workflow b/c the game needs to be able to read

Please do your research before asking for help!

1. Steam Discussion Forum for Workshop
   
2. Official Reddit ( Mods/Addons )
   
3. Modding Reddit
   
4. SourceEngine Reddit
   
5. Source SDK Forum
   
6. Valve Source Help Desk
   
7. Search: Crowbar Insurgency
   
8. Search: Blender Source Tools Insurgency

Here is about how to submit / upload / remove your workshop content / mods

>>> Add images, clean, reorder, copy to Source

This should apply to most games that use the source engine and/or steam

For anyone who wants to delete some (or all) of their old/unsubscribed mods
- knowing that Steam does not remove all unsubscribed mods -
(Subscriptions = updates, not auto-removal when unsubscribing. They're like newsletters)

1. Be sure that the game is not running
   
2. Unsubscribe on Steam any mods you don't want anymore (Or everything)
   Insurgency Workshop > Browse (or Your Files) > Subscribed Items
   
3. Workshop Content Location
   Click the path below 3x to select all of it and copy it
   Open your File Manager, paste the file path below into the address bar of your File Manager and press Enter for quick navigation
   
   C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\workshop\content
   If it's not there, you might want to check your AppData[support.pointlogic.com] folders
   
4. To choose the right folder, know the SteamAppId (The game's ID)
   (Indicated in "gameinfo.txt" or "steam_appid.txt" or
   at the top, in the address bar, of the game's store page)
   You can enable the address bar of the steam browser somewhere in your settings[ccm.net]
   Use Notepad++[notepad-plus-plus.org] or Atom[atom.io] to open the txt files if you want to see the txt easier
   
   File path to the .txt is below
   
   C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\insurgency2\insurgency
   IDs
   > SteamAppId (The game's ID) should be 222880
   > Individual Mod IDs (Mod names and their IDs)
   are listed in "state_workshop.txt" (or at the top, in the address bar, of the mod's content page where you normally subscribe to)
   
   222880 = Insurgency
   Other Workshop/Mod paths
   
   C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\insurgency2\insurgency\custom\workshop C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\insurgency2\insurgency\custom C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\insurgency2\insurgency\insurgency\custom
   Look in "gameinfo.txt" for other paths
   /////
   Note: You go back and forth on checking Mod IDs in "state_workshop.txt" and deleting mods within the content workshop (mods) folders
   
   
5. Delete mods/content you don't want anymore (or everything) from the content folders referenced above
   
6. In "state_workshop.txt"- Delete individual mods in the list or delete the whole .txt file itself
   Be sure that the mods you want to delete are already deleted from the workshop content folders as referenced above
   
   C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\insurgency2
   /////
   
7. Verify Game Cache
   Verifying should restore "state_workshop.txt" (if you deleted it) and any mods you're subscribed to
   It may take a while and may take a lot of data depending on how much you deleted and how many mod subscriptions you have
   If you notice some mods that were working before which aren't showing up, you might have to unsubscribe and then resubscribe
   
8. Enjoy The Game
   You can (re)subscribe to mods

Reference links to how I found out WIP

Mods don't always work on every server.
They all depend on whether the server owner enables them.
You can filter out for mod-supported servers by ticking the 'mod support' square in the coop server browser page at the bottom.

Be careful for heavily modded servers though because they can break some of your mods.
You can fix that by restarting Insurgency and then going to a more vanilla (close to default insurgency) server.

Everything About Steam Workshop[www.lifewire.com]
Get Workshop Mods Without Steam[www.gog.com]
Workshop Downloader tools are in "Source Modding Tools" section, in the "Webapps" child-section

How To Submit / Update Workshop Content (Mods)[wiki.newworldinteractive.com]

Please let me know if there are issues. Correct me if i'm wrong.

Assets, references, wikis, and related resources for modding or game development and modding

>>> Move some to source, military stay, assets to site

Valve Source SDK

• Camopedia[camopedia.org]
  
• Camouflage Patterns[en.wikipedia.org]
  
• Half Life Wiki[twhl.info]
  
• Internet Movie Firearms Database: Insurgency[www.imfdb.org]
  
• Fandom: Insurgency[insurgency.fandom.com]
  
• Minimal List of all Insurgency Weapons
  
• Wikipedia: All Weapons[en.wikipedia.org]
  
• Polycount[wiki.polycount.com]

• https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=729217515
  
• Forgotten Weapons[www.forgottenweapons.com]
  
• Wood Database[www.wood-database.com]
  
• Polycount Reference Links[wiki.polycount.com]
  
• Valve's CSGO Workshop Style Guide
  
• ZeqMacaw's Tidbits[sites.google.com]
  Tutorials, resources, and more

• https://www.textures.com/freeTextures
  
• https://beta.gametextures.com/freebies?order=popular&tags=Free

1. GameBanana Community Made... ^Models[gamebanana.com] ^Textures[gamebanana.com]
   
2. Gaming Models[www.gaming-models.de]
   
3. GameDevMarket Free Stuff[www.gamedevmarket.net]
   
4. Free GameArts[freegamearts.tuxfamily.org]
   
5. Open Game Arts Collections[opengameart.org]
   
6. Itch.io Game Assets[itch.io]
   
7. Free3D[free3d.com]
   
8. TurboSquid[www.turbosquid.com]
   
9. UnrealEngine[www.unrealengine.com]
   
10. Unity[assetstore.unity.com]
    
11. BlendSwap[www.blendswap.com] ^Register to download stuff
    https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=841469178
    
12. Blueprints[www.the-blueprints.com]
    
13. Gamer Lab[gamer-lab.com]

Pages with loads of mods
Ganes List
Steam Source Engine List
https://gtm.steamproxy.vip/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=94164282
Day of Infamy
Garry's Mod

Font Library[fontlibrary.org]
https://game-icons.net/

• GameBanana[gamebanana.com]^Insurgency[gamebanana.com] ^Tutorials[gamebanana.com]
  
• ModDB ^Insurgency ^SourceEngine
  
• Interlopers Source Engine Forum Section[www.interlopers.net]
  
• NexusMods[www.nexusmods.com]

Important Reminder for Game Devs

1. Valve Dev[valvedev.info]
   
2. Game Design & Content Making Tutorials For Blender[www.katsbits.com]
   
3. r/gamedev
   ^Wiki ^Tip ^YT Channels ^Resources
   
4. Gamasutra[www.gamasutra.com]
   
5. FacePunch[forum.facepunch.com]
   
6. UnrealEngine Forums[forums.unrealengine.com] ^Freebies[forums.unrealengine.com]
   
7. Next Level Design[nextleveldesign.proboards.com]
   
8. Game Dev Resources[github.com]
   
9. CGSociety Forum[forums.cgsociety.org] ^Blender[forums.cgsociety.org]

GIMP

Blender

https://blender.community/c/
1. Blender Reddit Wiki
   
2. Blender Resources[blender.stackexchange.com]

CS:GO

1. r/csworkshop
   
2. CSGO Game Banana[gamebanana.com]
   
3. CS:GO Weapons https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Category:Counter-Strike:_Global_Offensive_Weapons

1. Source Shader Editor (SSE) ^Vid ^Vid2
   
2. Mass VMT Generator[gflclan.com]
   
3. VMT Editor[gira-x.github.io]
   
4. VTF image loader[sourceforge.net]
   
5. Source MDL Texture Information Tool[gamebanana.com]
   
6. https://github.com/GorangeNinja/PyVMF
   
7. Wonderboy's Source SDK Tools[www.wunderboy.org]
   
8. Official Valve Source Tools ^Tag ^3rd Party
   
9. Engine Tools ^Direct Launch
   
10. Source Modding Tools[www.sourcemodding.com]
    
11. Other Source Tools List[www.sourcemodding.com]
    
12. TopHatWaffle Downloads for Tools[www.tophattwaffle.com]
    
    Online Webapps
    
13. Online 3D Converter[www.greentoken.de]
    
14. {LINK REMOVED}Workshop Downloader ^V2[steamworkshopdownloader.com] {LINK REMOVED}^V3

Alternatives to GIMP and Blender

>>> Move to site and add pictures

Please lend at least some support for the developers of the free softwares, they've worked hard to keep it all up and let it exist.

Main
1. PaintNet (PDN)[www.getpaint.net]
   Beginner friendly alternative to GIMP, but lacks many features ^VTF Plugin[nemesis.thewavelength.net] ^V2 TopHatWaffle[www.tophattwaffle.com]
   
2. LazPaint[sourceforge.net]
   Image editor, like PaintBrush[sourceforge.net] or Paint.Net
   
3. PixBuilder Studio[www.wnsoft.com]
   Photo editing software
   
4. PixaFlux[www.pixaflux.com]
   Node based, visual scripting system
   
5. Photopea[www.photopea.com]
   Online webapp which is a "clone" / alternative to Photoshop ^Info[www.diyphotography.net]
   
6. Alternative to Photoshop + 3D Combo = Gimp (with Photoshop Plugins extension) + Krita + G'mic plugin + Blender
   
   
7. Krita[krita.org]
   Professional FREE and open source painting program. It is made by artists that want to see affordable art tools for everyone.
   
8. Fire Alpaca[firealpaca.com]
   More simple paint program. Beginner friendly alternative to Krita
   
9. MyPaint[mypaint.org]
   Nimble, distraction-free, and easy tool for digital painters. It supports graphics tablets made by Wacom, and many similar devices.
   
10. Verve Painter[www.wnsoft.com]
    Uses dynamic fluids and brushes. Very GPU intensive.
    
    
11. Mari Non-Commercial 3D Paint Tool[www.foundry.com]
    
12. Sculpris[pixologic.com]
    A gateway to 3D
    
13. MakeHuman[www.makehumancommunity.org]
    
14. SculptGL

Still useful

1. Silo[nevercenter.com]
   Dedicated 3D Modeling and UV Mapping
   
2. Hack n Plan[hacknplan.com] ^More[www.gamasutra.com]
   Project management suite for developers
   
3. Photoshop[www.adobe.com]
   
4. Substance Painter
   
5. AutoDesk Trial Page[www.autodesk.com] 3D Design Software
   
6. Rizom UV Virtual Spaces[www.rizom-lab.com] Full-featured UV Mapping application, with features surpassing most offerings currently on the market
   
7. Corel Draw[www.corel.com]

• Steam Store Software (Lowest Price for Free Stuff) ^Design

Tools / Software that can be used alongside other programs in your workflow.

>>> Move to site, add pictures review and solutions

1. Ultra_Outliner[ultraoutliner.com]
   Connect cards in chains, intersect the chains and view each plot isolated. It is based on Microsoft Visio concept.
   
2. Cosmic Everyday (FREE + Portable)[comigo.itch.io] ^Comigo[comigo.itch.io]
   Project management suite
   
3. PureRef[www.pureref.com]
   Helps you organize and view your ref images
   
4. ShareX[getsharex.com]
   Screen capture, file sharing and productivity tool + Color picking
   
5. DropIt File Organizer[www.dropitproject.com]

1. nJob[charles.hollemeersch.net]
   You can use this to convert normal maps to heightmaps ^Info[www.katsbits.com]
   
2. Insane Bump[sites.google.com]
   GPU accelerated map generator.
   
3. Awesomebump[github.com]
   Generates normal, height, specular or ambient occlusion textures from a single image
   
4. XNormal[www.xnormal.net] ^Guide[katfetisov.wordpress.com]
   Bakes texture maps
   
5. Laigter[azagaya.itch.io]
   Generates normal maps for 2D textures

1. Shader Forge from Unity[github.com] ^Vid ^Info[docs.unity3d.com] ^Info2[forum.unity.com]
   
2. TexGraph[galloscript.itch.io]
   Procedural texture creation tool
   
3. PixaFlux[www.pixaflux.com]
   Image Operations defined by nodes that can be connected to create powerful workflows
   
4. Texatool[kronbits.itch.io]
   Generates textures
   
5. Texture Grid Generator[wahooney.itch.io]
   
6. Texture Exporter[unorthodox.itch.io]
   
7. FilterJs[comigo.itch.io]
   Generates textures
   
8. Materialize[boundingboxsoftware.com]
   A standalone tool for creating materials for use in games from images. You can create an entire material from a single image or import the textures you have and generate the textures you need.
   
9. Texture map generator[cpetry.github.io]
   (Or use graphics editing software such as GIMP)

1. SculptGL
   
2. Figuro[figuro.itch.io]
   3D Modeling Tool for Game Development
   
3. PaintCube[paintcube.co]
   Web-based 3D Painting Software
   
4. SumoPaint[sumo.app]
   
5. Font Identification / Reverse Search[www.myfonts.com]
   
6. Resize Image[resizeimage.net]
   
7. Pimp My Gun[pimpmygun.doctornoob.com] / Gunstruction[gunstruction.net]
   Custom weapon making

1. LibThree[libthree.itch.io]
   Standalone application that allows you to import various 3d file formats and visualize them
   
2. Quixel Legacy dDo for Photoshop? Free[gamebanana.com] ^Link[support.quixel.se] ^Info[quixel.se]
   Creates textured models and tileable materials. It’s a tool that was designed to work extensively with Photoshop (Might be able to use with GIMP via Photoshop Plugin for GIMP)

1. Mod io[mod.io] ^Steam Comparison[apps.mod.io] ^Info[apps.mod.io]
   "Make it easy for you to support mods on all platforms and stores your game is released"
   
2. Fider[getfider.com]
   Collects and prioritizes feedback so that you can focus on building the right product
   
3. GameSaveManager

Nothing to see here

>>>

• Cerakote[www.cerakote.com]
  Weapon paint finish designs
  
• Templ[www.templ.net]
  Ancient weaponry
  
• Weapon Camouflage from Call of Duty[callofduty.fandom.com]
  
• Games with Weapon Customization[www.giantbomb.com]
  
• Innovative Weapon Designs Study Suggestions [www.gamasutra.com] ^Search[www.gamasutra.com]
  
• Gun Customization Games

• Location / Design Ideas List[worldofleveldesign.com]
  
• Tactical[www.deviantart.com]
  
• Dyson's Maps Archive[dysonlogos.blog]
  
• Level Design Inspiration[leveldesigninspirationmachine.tumblr.com]

1. ArtStation[www.artstation.com] ^Insurgency[www.artstation.com]
   Concept art, and more
   
2. Dribbble[dribbble.com]
   Modern graphics design
   
3. Pinterest[www.pinterest.com]
   Multi-subject. ^Gun Design[www.pinterest.com] ^Gun Paint Job[www.pinterest.com]
   
4. Indulgy[indulgy.com]
   Similar to Pinterest
   
5. Tumblr ^Weapon Design[www.tumblr.com] ^CS:GO[www.tumblr.com]

Can be used as educational reference. Only the finest.

1. Active Self Protection
   Evidence based scenarios to analyze and learn for self defense
   (Dead serious: Can save you & your loved one's life. Don't take it for granted. I'm inspired to make a skin dedicated to his channel)
   
2. Garand Thumb
   Gun reviews with quick clips of shooting with some humor
   
3. T.Rex Arms
   Training and reviews. Very objective and critical
   
4. Warrior Poet Society
   Pursues and discusses the philosophy of self defense
   
5. Hickok45
   "Grandfather" of gun testing/reviewing
   
6. Sootch00
   Quality footages of "Makes you want to buy" gun reviews
   
7. IraqVeteran8888
   More loose, variable, and scientifically experimental gun related reviews with shooting
   
8. Forgotten Weapons
   Reviews on rare and unusual weapons.

^More[gunbelts.com]
Other gun video sites: ^Site1[www.full30.com] ^Site2[guntube.org] ^Site3[gunstreamer.com]

Open Movies[cloud.blender.org]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhWc3b3KhnY

"NEVER APOLOGIZE" Game Making Manifesto

[torfi.itch.io]

Source Engine Demos

Yanal Sosak: "Blender is What I do for a Living"[blendermarket.com]

GIMP Creation on Reddit:

Originally posted by u/Eclectix on Reddit:

Fed up with the stigma that you must pay for expensive subscription-based software to get professional results. I made this image using an old version of GIMP, 7 years ago!

Verdict: It doesn't matter what tool you use as long as it works for you / the task. Whether you decide to optimize workflow or stay with the original program, it doesn't matter. Another extreme example via MSPaint