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- Jul 5, 2010
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This tutorial is not one of the 'How to make a...' terraining tutorials. This one is about few rules that are not written, but are followed by every good terrainer. If you observe some of the best terrains on the site, I am sure you will find every single rule that is in this tutorial being used.
1. DO NOT USE WC3 MODELS
Try not to use Blizzard-made models. They are simply... bad. Low poly count, not too good textures, wrap is also not so good... This is applied for the big models even more. If you really have to use a Blizzard-made model, use a small one. In my opinion, the fiery shafts in Dungeon are made way better than the trees of Ashenvale, or any WC3 tree. I know that you can't compare a shaft to a tree, but they are modeled way better. Also, when you use Bliizard-made models, try not to use them as Blizzard intended to. For instance, use fiery shaft as a window of a demonic tower, or use a lantern or torch to make eyes of a monster, or whatever you can think off.
2. USE MULTIPLE DOODADS TO MAKE A SINGLE OBJECT
Every single terrainer, good or bad, novice or pro, need to know that when you make a building with 20 doodads instead of placing single building model, it looks way better. Use as many doodads as you can, but never spam with doodads. For instance, place 3 shorter pillars on top of each other, instead of placing one high pillar. By doing this, you will also not lose any resolution to stretching doodads. For another instance, you can place a normal WC3 building, and then put some barrels, crates and grass around it. When placing a tree or a rock, you should make it big, and put many small doodads around it.
3. USE LIGHTING
Although this requires some practice, lighting makes your terrain epic. Lighting effects are used to make all those beautiful sunsets, sunrises, moonlights, lens flares... The best way to make lighting effects is the GLOW model. Another way that should be used in combination with the first one is fog. Read some tutorials from this site, they are very helpful.
4. MAKE MANY DETAILS
What does really make any terrain epic? Definitely the number of small details, the ones that will never draw too much attention, but will always look great and flawless if someone looks directly at them. This includes light coming out from doors and windows, reflections in water, clouds, moon, sun, general sky, grass and bushes around the trees, and many more.
This is mostly everything I can think of. I will update if I think of anything else.
1. DO NOT USE WC3 MODELS
Try not to use Blizzard-made models. They are simply... bad. Low poly count, not too good textures, wrap is also not so good... This is applied for the big models even more. If you really have to use a Blizzard-made model, use a small one. In my opinion, the fiery shafts in Dungeon are made way better than the trees of Ashenvale, or any WC3 tree. I know that you can't compare a shaft to a tree, but they are modeled way better. Also, when you use Bliizard-made models, try not to use them as Blizzard intended to. For instance, use fiery shaft as a window of a demonic tower, or use a lantern or torch to make eyes of a monster, or whatever you can think off.
2. USE MULTIPLE DOODADS TO MAKE A SINGLE OBJECT
Every single terrainer, good or bad, novice or pro, need to know that when you make a building with 20 doodads instead of placing single building model, it looks way better. Use as many doodads as you can, but never spam with doodads. For instance, place 3 shorter pillars on top of each other, instead of placing one high pillar. By doing this, you will also not lose any resolution to stretching doodads. For another instance, you can place a normal WC3 building, and then put some barrels, crates and grass around it. When placing a tree or a rock, you should make it big, and put many small doodads around it.
3. USE LIGHTING
Although this requires some practice, lighting makes your terrain epic. Lighting effects are used to make all those beautiful sunsets, sunrises, moonlights, lens flares... The best way to make lighting effects is the GLOW model. Another way that should be used in combination with the first one is fog. Read some tutorials from this site, they are very helpful.
4. MAKE MANY DETAILS
What does really make any terrain epic? Definitely the number of small details, the ones that will never draw too much attention, but will always look great and flawless if someone looks directly at them. This includes light coming out from doors and windows, reflections in water, clouds, moon, sun, general sky, grass and bushes around the trees, and many more.
This is mostly everything I can think of. I will update if I think of anything else.
