Explaining the 3 different types of custom skins methods.
You're here because you want to use custom skins and have no idea what you're talking about. We don't want to waste our time and your time.
Pay attention. You're going to have to tell us exactly which method you're attempting to install. Use this wiki page to compare and find out which method you're using.
The hyperlinks link to how to install each type.
Installed just like Northstar mods. This is the best overall method.
Installed with skintools. This is bad. Stop using this.
Installed manually or as mod. These are the animated and moving skins.
Time to compare these common traits, so you can identify the type of skin you're trying to use.
You'll usually get these from the #skin-collection Discord channel or on Thunderstore.
This is the best overall method, most supported, recommended, and installed just like any other Northstar mod.
The tool used to make these goes by RePak, but you never actually use it.
A good modder will have context on their mod download/advertisement. Check for "installed as a mod", "mod", "thunderstore mod".
They should appear like the common Northstar mod.
author.modSkinName
paks, mods, or vpk folder inside
mod.json
Example:
They should appear like the common Northstar mod.
author.modSkinName
Reread the wiki page (It took me 1 hour to create and organize this one section).
Then think about it for 30 seconds.
Then ask us clarifying questions.
Installed with a "skintool".
The "skintool"s we are talking about are
Strykus's Fork skintool: https://github.com/Strykus/Titanfall2-SkinTool
zxcPandoras skintool: https://github.com/zxcPandora/Titanfall2-SkinTool
Images of skintools UI (there is no visual difference between the two)
You usually download a zip from #skin-collection in Discord
and they have 4096, 2048, 1024, 512 folders inside.
This is the worst skin method.
Use Advocate to convert 'DDS (skintool method)' to 'DDS (rpak method)'. Will improve quality. (Recommended)
If you wish to use the skintool regardless you are free to do so. (Not recommended)
Installed manually with a hex editor and vpks.
These should just be loose VTF, VMT and/or VPK files, most importantly there wouldnt be a mod.json file. In order to install one please follow the NoSkill guide.
OR
You might just be using a skin that using vtfs to make it cooler. These just install like a normal Northstar mod. They should basically be 'DDS (rpak method)' mixed with 'VTF (vpk method)'.
but with additional folders. Just install them any other mod.
Info about our customizability of skins along side the formats.
These are not the only ways to customize a skin. You can innovate as always. If you feel you made a discovery feel free to share it in the Discord server!
VTF is the first found custom gun skin method. VTF skins are usually in VPKs. Controlled by their VMT files.
Up to 4k skins
'Unlimited' view distance
Only color and normal textures
Works on low graphics
Animated skins (VMT options)
Moving skins (VMT options)
Transparent skins (VMT options)
DDS is the PBR supported custom skins. DDS skins are usually in RPAKs.
PBR or Properly shaded skins
Community made tools
High quantity, high-quality skins
Streamed DDS Skins
Limited view distance
No transparency
RePak RPAK DDS Skins
'Unlimited' view distance
Transparency
Static skins are skins that don't move in any way. Compatible with VTF and DDS format. Simple and at times, most elegant. DDS formats only skin style.
Only available with VTF format. Moving skins are skins that have a code group in their .vmt
that moves your vtf texture to your desired parameters. The code "Proxies"
Change "texturescrollrate" "-0.03"
to change speed of movement. Change "texturescrollangle" "180"
to change direction of movement.
Only available with VTF format. Animated skins are skins that create a moving affect or active scene by using multiple frames. You wont need multiple vtf's as VTFEdit creates one file with every frame inside. Mind that this increases size; which can have affects in recompiling. Note you can use Add-ons on your image editors to help with making animated skins. You need this code group in your models .vmt
to activate animation; found below.
Only available with VTF format. Transparency can be enabled in the the model's vmt. Example.
Only available with VTF format. The refract shader can be apply to give the model a "refracted" look. Documentation here: https://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Refract)