Highpoly to lowpoly workflow weapons

SazySV

I haven’t modelled many weapons so wanted to start with some fairly straight forward. I’ve started modelling this ithica shotgun. (Approx 1500 tris)



I want to get an idea or a rule of thumb on making the high poly version and baking out the normal map within 3DS Max. I know this model isn’t perfect, I haven’t quite perfected it but wanted to post this up to get some information on the matter as I’m doing so.

When modelling a high poly version?
- Should I duplicate the mesh, and keep it as close to the original as possible but add more subdivisions?
- Add the smaller detailing, like: Ridges on the pump, fastenings, screws etc.
- Any pointers that I may have missed in this?

For baking the normals?

- I obviously need to UV map the lowpoly, then use render to texture?
- Does any have a link to a guide or an explanation on doing this in 3DS Max? (or equivalent)

I did see a tutorial a long while ago from "Millenia" or similar on a very similar shotgun, but with a different stock as I remember. I just want some basic pointers rather than having to sit through 50 minutes of video plus.

Thanks for your time!

sargentcrunch

n/a

EarthQuake

blockot first for main shapes, then high, then low, then temp uvs, then testbakes/tweaks, then final uvs, then bakes, then textures.

SazySV

That makes a lot of sense. Thanks for the tips. Does anyone have a guide or explanation on the actual process of taking the high poly mesh and baking this out for the low poly?

Pegbird

It depends on what you're making. If you are pretty new to the concept of baking, might I suggest doing a series of tests with much simpler objects, preferably ones that are just single meshes and do not require exploding/material ID'ing.

A dice with smooth edges and indented circles for the numbers is a good one, as it involves understanding how smoothing groups and UV layout affect the bake.

As for Millenia's tutorial, it's closer to 6 hours but I would try and make the time for it if you can, it answered a thousand questions for me when I was less confident with the process.

Bek

Millenia's tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL925958D31D8D30C7

And a (slightly) different workflow to the one Earthquake outlined: http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=128414

And finally another tutorial that takes you through the whole process:

http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118043

SazySV

Pegbird wrote: »

It depends on what you're making. If you are pretty new to the concept of baking, might I suggest doing a series of tests with much simpler objects, preferably ones that are just single meshes and do not require exploding/material ID'ing.

A dice with smooth edges and indented circles for the numbers is a good one, as it involves understanding how smoothing groups and UV layout affect the bake.

As for Millenia's tutorial, it's closer to 6 hours but I would try and make the time for it if you can, it answered a thousand questions for me when I was less confident with the process.

Thanks for the tips, I guess my best bet would be to watch already established content.

Bek wrote: »

Millenia's tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL925958D31D8D30C7

And a (slightly) different workflow to the one Earthquake outlined: http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=128414

And finally another tutorial that takes you through the whole process:

http://www.polycount.com/forum/showthread.php?t=118043

Seems to be a running trend, with that video. I'll set some time aside to watch it. Thanks for the links!