Skip to main content

Outfits Models

Outfits are divided into 5 slots: HELMET, ARMOR, GAUNTLET, PANTS and BOOT. To optimize performance and enhance user experience, MCC loads mesh data and materials directly from disk rather than loading prefabs when switching outfits. The skin information is applied using data stored in the CharacterCustomizationObject.

Although this system might seem complex to set up, we’ve provided a dedicated tool that allows you to configure your created outfits with just a few clicks.

To create a new customization item, you will need basic skills in 3D modeling software and a good understanding of 3D model rigging.

  1. Open the MaleNude.max or FemaleNude.max file located in the SoftKitty/MasterCharacterCreator/ArtSource/3dsMax folder. You’ll notice the nude model is divided into 5 pieces corresponding to the outfit slots: Helmet, Armor, Gauntlet, Pants, and Boot. When creating your own model, ensure it replaces the nude model and seamlessly connects with the other parts. If your design leaves some bare skin exposed, such as half-finger gloves, you can directly cut those parts from the nude model and attach them to your design. Make sure the UV layout of the bare skin parts remains unchanged.

    The connecting parts of the outfit can either be perfectly aligned to the nude model or slightly overlap, as shown in the image. For instance, areas such as gloves or boots may cover parts of the arms or legs to create a smooth transition between the outfit pieces, ensuring there are no visible seams.

    There are a few examples in the 3dsMax source file that you can reference to better understand how the system works. These examples will demonstrate how the outfits connect and integrate seamlessly with the character model.

  1. After building your model, you'll need to create the textures as part of the standard 3D art process. The base color map should be grayscale, with brightness adjusted as high as possible for optimal results. Next, divide the color texture into three separate PNG files, each representing a customizable color area for the player. Each file should only contain the corresponding color area, leaving the rest transparent. This setup will allow players to customize colors individually.

    you'll need to create a normal map and a mask map. The mask texture is a compound texture where each channel serves a specific purpose:

    • the red channel represents metallic.
    • the green channel represents ambient occlusion (AO).
    • the blue channel represents emission.
    • the alpha channel represents smoothness.

    This setup ensures all necessary material properties are stored efficiently within a single texture.

  1. Now that we’ve finished the art process, it's time to start rigging. Skinning the outfit is simple. Add a Skin Wrap modifier to your model, and add the following to the list: Model_Body, Model_Feet, Model_Head, Model_Pants and Model_Hands. Next, click Convert To Skin. Once done, remove the Skin Wrap modifier from the stack.

    At this point, your model should be perfectly skinned. Drag the time slider to play the test animation and check if there are any weights that need to be adjusted or fixed.

  1. After completing the skinning, export your mesh along with the entire rig to an FBX file in your project folder. In the export panel, ensure that the Animation category and the following settings are checked.

  1. Create a new material for your model, then change the shader to SoftKitty/CharacterSkin. Import your textures and configure the material settings accordingly.

  1. Create a thumbnail for the new item using the Icon_template.psd file.

  1. Navigate to Project/SoftKitty/SubData - Character Customization, expand the Add new outfits section in the Inspector, and assign the FBX, material, and thumbnail texture to their respective slots. Set the Type to match the category of your model. Ensure the correct Gender of the character is selected, and then click the Add button to proceed.

  1. It's done! Your new outfit should now appear in the character creator.