CS2 Skin Making Tutorial Series - Workshop Item Editor
Introduction
- Today’s video covers how to use the Workshop Item Editor in Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) to load skin files and configure settings.
- This tool is an updated version of the Workshop Workbench from Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CSGO).
Installing the Workshop Item Editor
- Navigate to Steam Library > Counter-Strike 2 > Manage > Properties > DLC.
- Check the box next to “Workshop Tools.”
- Click “Play” and select “Counter-Strike 2 Workshop Tools.”
- Launch the Workshop Item Tools from the new dialogue.
Overview of the Workshop Item Editor
Left Panel (Outliner)
- Contains folders for skin entries.
- Focus on the Paint Kit folder for skin additions.
- Right-click on a style folder to create a new paint kit.
- Naming restrictions: no spaces, capital letters, or special characters.
Settings Overview
Basic Settings
- Name: Changeable until saved.
- Finish: Defines skin style (e.g., Gunsmith).
- Save As: Must save in a specific folder to avoid errors.
Adding and Inspecting Textures
- Copy TGA files (albedo, normal, roughness maps) into the folder.
- Set weapon model (e.g., AK-47 to Nova for the Nova Relic skin).
- Inspect skin: Adjust texture scale, weapon size, and offsets.
- For custom baked textures, set texture scale to 1 and limit offsets to 0.
Gunsmith Style Explained
Metallic and Non-Metallic Parts
- Combination of Patina (metallic) and Custom Paint Job (non-metallic).
- Patina Tint: Affects metallic color; adjust to white for original color.
Material Mask
- Allows overriding default patina parts using a custom image.
- White = Patina; Black = Non-metallic.
- Create and load a custom material mask as a TGA file.
Roughness and Normal Maps
- Use these textures for precise detailing (e.g., rough wood vs. shiny metal).
- Load corresponding maps into the editor.
Wear Levels
- Factory New (0) to Battle-Scarred (1).
- Adjust wear levels for inspection and in submission settings.
Colors and Wear Effects
- Base Metal: Appears when scratched (e.g., dark gray).
- Patina Wear: Changes color with wear level.
- Grime: Dust or rust effects.
Convar Tool
- Detect and correct colors outside allowed ranges.
- Albedo: Ensure colors are within the acceptable range (180-250 for metallic, 55-220 for non-metallic).
Skin Preview
- Preview skins in-game from the editor.
- Available map options for preview, more might be added in the future.
Conclusion
- Workshop Item Editor is an improvement over CSGO’s Workbench.
- Future videos will cover skin submission tips to make entries stand out on the workshop.
Final Note
- Improvements are hoped for in the editor for a better experience.
Stay tuned for the final video in the series!