Hello homies. I figured it was time I actually learn how to use the HEK considering I have a few project ideas which I have rather over-thought and actually seem doable. The only thing standing in the way of completion is, of course, actually doing and making the maps. However, in order to do that, I need to learn how to use the tools. I have a good understanding of how tags work and can do basic modifications but I'm pushing myself to learn more gritty functions like animation, 3D modelling, shaders, and scripting. Rather than make a bajillion threads to ask new questions I'd like to keep them here that way I can reference answers easily. I feel as if directly asking the community is the best way to answer my questions rather than hunt down through innumerable tutorials which may only partially answer my questions.

I will try to be as specific as possible.

1) I am trying my hand at third-person animating using a correctly scaled boneset I downloaded off one of CE3's tutorials. Considering I have a good understanding of how the human body moves and functions I have a clear vision of what animations I am trying to achieve. However, I am animating with 3DS Max 2010 Student Edition, and according to MEGASEAN blitzkrieg is incompatible with this version. I am wondering what would be the best and most effective way to export custom animations and get them in-game. I was directed to a tool called "Bluestreak" but there are many versions of said tool meant for different purposes and I'm not sure which one is specifically meant for animations.

2) When animating and using autokey, if I want to actually move the whole biped's body (say, forward to make a lunge or something) I select all and then move the model horizontally in the direction I want it to go while having both feet anchored. However, when I do this, it moves the model's animation ENTIRELY rather than having the model stay in one position and then move forward between keys. (this might be hard to understand) what am I doing wrong?

This is all I can think of off the top of my head but I ASSURE YOU that I will load this thread with a bunch of questions as I encounter problems on my endeavor to finally learn how to friggen make maps.

Edited by xnx on Aug 2, 2014 at 09:24 PM

Hey xnx,

Ahhh, isn't fun venturing into the depths of the completely non-intuitive world of Halo modding?

I thought so.

Anyways, to answer question #1, you actually don't use Bluestreak or Blitzkrieg for exporting animations. CAD's handy animation exporter is what you really want. Here's the link: http://hce.halomaps.org/index.cfm?fid=3627

Be wary that only the compact version of the script works. I cant say the full interface version has ever functioned for me and I lack the MAXscript now-how to make it work. In any case, the compact edition can basically do anything you need it to do.

I cant help with #2, not my niche :P

And by the way, if you haven't already, check out TheGhost's tutorial index. It provides the entry point to all kind of mod subjects.
Edited by BTone on Aug 3, 2014 at 12:41 AM

Do you have xfire? I have a nice animation tutorial which may/or may not help you out.

I'll gurantee nobody on hmaps has seen it before.

I was a little disappointed with this tut, you never showed how to correctly link the left wrist to the weapon.

But it helped.

I was referencing your video. :D