Scratch Modeling Tools

[BlinkBoy]

Here's a list of generic modelling tools:

AutoDesk's 3ds max

Download
Pros:

• Step-learning curve is easier than most professional 3d packages.
• Very good low poly modelling, unwrapping and animation tools.
• Best tool for Wc3, Sc2 and Heroes of the Storm modelling.
• Easy to extend through plugins.
• Can be obtained on 30 day trial or 3 years license for students (both college and high school) and later you must update to a newer version and gain a new license for the newer version.

Cons:

• Commercial License costs about 3000$. (You can obtain a FREE student license for modding, though).
• Tought start and game modeling should be learned after some time learning the tool.
• Very generic, thus some features will work for certain games, others won't. You must know what are the capabilities you can use.
• Not the best for beginners.
• No Mac or Linux support. You can however, run it on Boot Camp for MAC OS X, or WINE for Linux. 3ds max is designed to run on Boot camp but on WINE you may get some issues.

AutoDesk's Maya

Download
Pros:

• Easy to grasp for the very basics
• Extremely good Animation tools.
• Not the best tool for game modelling until recently.
• Easy to extend through plugins.
• Can be obtained on 30 day trial or 3 years license for students (both college and high school) and later you must update to a newer version and gain a new license for the newer version.
• On par with 3ds max (which is better, is debatable)

Cons:

• Commercial License costs about 3000$. (You can obtain a FREE student license for modding, though).
• Tought start and game modeling should be learned after some time learning the tool.
• Very generic, thus some features will work for certain games, others won't. You must know what are the capabilities you can use.
• Not the best for beginners.
• Fewer plugins for 3dsmax. No Sc2 or Wc3 plugins available

Blender:

Download
Pros:

• Free!
• Has very advanced modelling, unwrapping and animation tools.
• Multi purpose tool.
• Does have some Sc2 modelling support.
• Easy to extend with plugins.

Cons:

• No good plugin for wc3 modelling.
• Not easy to learn and a bit messy interface.

Milkshape:

Download
Pros:

• Cheap Paid 30$ licence
• Has decent modelling and animation tools.
• does have a wc3 export plugin

Cons:

• Not worth the price (better get GMAX or an student license for 3ds max)
• exported models from wc3 plugin have some model breaking bugs (selection issues).

Wc3 Plugins:

• For 3dsmax
  • NeoDex Wc3 Modelling Toolset Advanced plugin for wc3 modelling with multiple tools. Includes, importing and exporting. Works with newer advanced systems (IK and Bipeds), possesses tools to bake cloth animations for wc3.
  • Wc3 Art Tools Original tools used by Blizzard. Only works with 3ds max 4.2 and 5. Has an inner previewer
• For Maya
  • N/A
• For Blender
  • N/A
• For Milkshape
  • Guesst's Wc3 Plugin can handle animations and geometry. Good if combined with simple editing tools.

Sc2 Plugins:

• For 3ds max
  • Sc2 Art Tools Blizzard's own modelling tools. Only work with 3ds max 2011.
  • M3 Plugins for 3dsmax Alternative to Sc2 Art Tools. Works on most versions.
• For Blender
  • Blender M3 Addon Very good plugin, with support for animations and many Sc2 assets.