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Pokemon Let's Go & Sword Shield : Model Importing

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KillzXGaming edited this page Jan 16, 2020 · 12 revisions

This guide will be a quick and simple import guide. This tutorial can be applied to:

  • Pokemon
  • Maps
  • Custom NPCs/trainers
  • Custom objects

This should work on most models in the game.

Limitations

  • Bones should still be fairly similar to the original if you want to animate it properly. Custom animations are currently not possible AFAIK.
  • Materials should be kept the same. Adding new ones might be possible with manual .json edits, but I suggest waiting for more research.

Requirements

  • Switch Toolbox
  • A 3D program that can edit models and export DAE/FBX (blender, 3ds max, maya, noesis, etc)

Importing

First get a model you want to replace. The models are in .gfbmdl. Most of them are stored in .gfpak archives which can be opened in the tool.

If you are editing a Pokemon you can use the Pokemon loader if you have the game dumped. (Requires romfs to be selected)

Make sure to hide vertex colors if you are not dealing with maps.

Now right click your gfbmdl and export as a .dae.

The settings you can uncheck textures as they are not needed.

Import to your 3D program.

Now you can do whatever you want. If you have a custom model you can put it over that. You can do custom rigging, bones and models. Keep in mind you will be limited to the original materials currently (Only Pokemon can have additional files like shaders/textures added atm).

Once done File - Export and use a .fbx.

Blender requires these settings.

Now in the tool right click and replace your model.

These settings are fine. You can check "Match Original Attributes" if you have the same mesh names and want to keep it as close to the original, but custom ones should be ok.

Materials you can select under the dropdown. These can be later assigned after imported if needed. Adding new materials is not quite fully finished yet. An improved UI with adding materials, and shaders will be added soon.

Select Ok and your model is imported!

To change the material after import you can select the mesh and change the dropdown.

Now lastly save the file. You can use File - Save/Save As. Alternatively you can use the shortcut CTRL + S.

Advanced Edits

If you want to edit more, the format is fully editable as a .json file. You can export the model as .json like you can with .dae.

Then you can edit anything freely.

Materials can also be separately exported/replaced as .json too.

Keep in mind the index for things like shaders and textures index the string list in gfbmdl and there are many parts unknown. Editing "Switches" may or may not work due to shaders.

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