GhoztMan 219 Posted March 15, 2010 This nifty tutorial allows you to re-skin the units in StarCraft II. By that I mean being able to change the color of any unit to your color of choice. Gold zealots running you down? Try rainbow ones! Tools needed: -Copy of SC2 Client -MPQ Editor: http://www.zezula.ne...q/download.html -Photoshop with the Nvidia plugin for reading .dds files (found http://developer.nvidia.com/object/photosh...ds_plugins.html) You can use other image editing software if you can find one that will open .dds files but for the purposes of this tutorial I will be using photoshop Start by making a backup of the SC2 data file ‘StarCraft II/Mods/Liberty.SC2Mod/Base.SC2Assets’ (should be about 2.4 GB) Now using the MPQ editor you need to open the file you just backed up, it doesn’t have the right file extension but it is in fact a .mpq archive disguised by blizzard, so you’ll need to select ‘all files’ in the open dialog. ---- Within the MPQ open the folder named ‘Textures’ and it opens a list of all the textures used in the game. For this example I am using the zealot. So find the Zealot in the list and extract the file called zealot_diffuse. If you want to edit a different unit just extract the XXXX_Diffuse file of that unit. ---- Now open up the extracted .dds file in Photoshop and in the dialog box make sure ‘Load using default sizes’ is checked and ‘Load MIP Maps’ is unchecked ----- Edit the skin however you like, for this I have made the zealot a silvery colour to match the stalker. ---- When you’re done editing, save the file and it should bring up the .dds settings dialog box. You’ll need to save as ‘DXT 5 with interpolated alpha’ and because we didn’t load MIP maps you’ll need to have‘generate MIP maps’ checked. ---- Now we need to import the new texture back into the MPQ. Go back to the MPQ editor (or re-open it if you closed it) and go to ‘Operations> Add Files’ and add the texture you just created. It will ask to overwrite,just click yes and it will replace the original texture with you edited version. ---- Here’s a pic of the edited zealot in game: ---- Please note: I did not make this tutorial. I take no credit whatsoever for this tutorial. I am simply the messenger. Source Share this post Link to post
XGhozt 410 Posted March 15, 2010 This is actually pretty cool. It's amazing how easy it is though.. If you mod things like this can you still play multiplayer? Share this post Link to post
Speedskater 167 Posted March 15, 2010 It would be amazing if you could O_O I mean think about the personalization? they mentioned icons and avatars available. Maybe this could be like armor customization for halo 3, man I hope they allow this. no selected colors like red or blue, you could do so much thats awesome Share this post Link to post
GhoztMan 219 Posted March 16, 2010 I'm not sure as to whether it will be legit in the multiplayer for StarCraft II when it comes out, but for now, it WILL work online, but unless the person your playing with has the same changes, only you will see it. Which is still pretty kick-ass in my opinion. :) I was really amazed at how easy it is as well, if they do allow this then StarCraft II could gain another star in my opinion (which would make it 14/10 stars now..). :P EDIT: I just remembered reading this interview about the modding aspects of StarCraft II, and if they uphold the things said in the interview, then I have no doubt mods will be released that allow you to view other peoples changes without having to have them yourself. Also, for those of you who do not wish to purchase/do not have Photoshop, you can download GIMP (google is your friend) and the .dds plugin here. Just thought to add for those cheapskates out there. :P Share this post Link to post
GhoztMan 219 Posted March 16, 2010 I just finished this beautiful rendition of the Protoss Mothership; I feel the color changes and photo filters I applied to the diffusion really capture the purity of it... I couldn't help but share. ^^ Share this post Link to post
Magical_Trever 60 Posted March 16, 2010 Is the model editor like Werkraft Drei's? Share this post Link to post
Union1 33 Posted March 16, 2010 stop giving blizzard great ideas for free, give them a teaser and then force 'em to give u free keys :) Share this post Link to post
GhoztMan 219 Posted March 17, 2010 Yeah, I'll take 5 beta keys for that sentence. :P Share this post Link to post
Speedskater 167 Posted March 18, 2010 I already got a beta key. anyone wonder why we haven't heard from bounder that much anymore? because I sent him to blizzard HQ wearing a blood elf outfit and a note saying do whatever you want. Share this post Link to post
Union1 33 Posted March 18, 2010 o.o can i borrow the elf and send him as a undercover second elf? Share this post Link to post
Dragen 0 Posted March 18, 2010 Damn that toss mothership looks sweet gotta try this on my beta ^^ Share this post Link to post
GhoztMan 219 Posted March 18, 2010 Yeah, Protoss is really easy to make it awesome, since it already does look it pretty much. Blues, Greens, Whites, and metallic colors work perfectly for them. Share this post Link to post
Speedskater 167 Posted March 19, 2010 when I get a better graphics card I'll do this which will hopefully be soon Share this post Link to post
GhoztMan 219 Posted March 19, 2010 Post your creations!!! We should have a contest for the best edited SC2 model. :D Share this post Link to post
JoshJayK 16,648 Posted March 19, 2010 Sounds fun. Shall we make it an official contest? Share this post Link to post
Speedskater 167 Posted March 19, 2010 a contest you say ;o I see no problem with it Share this post Link to post
GhoztMan 219 Posted March 19, 2010 I think we should. It'd be a very interesting new concept.. I think it should be official. R2K, if you would do the honors? ^^ Share this post Link to post
GhoztMan 53 Posted March 19, 2010 Oh yeah, and a word of warning: Never, never leave the .MPQ editor open with the SC2 MPQ while playing the game... All I can say is this.. Share this post Link to post
GhoztMan 53 Posted March 19, 2010 Heh heh heh... I couldn't resist. ^^ I call 'er... the U.S.S Sissy. <3 Share this post Link to post
JoshJayK 16,648 Posted March 20, 2010 If I did this in lieu of a SOTW, who would be up for it? Share this post Link to post
JoshJayK 16,648 Posted March 20, 2010 Haha lets see if a few more people would want to. Share this post Link to post