CS2 Skin Making Tutorial Series - Workshop Item Editor

Jul 22, 2024

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!

Full transcript