So I have tried, multiple times, to get Nifskope and the various tools around it to work with Blender (2.49b), and have failed miserably every time despite following instructions to the letter and ensuring that the correct version of the various tools were installed.

So I have to ask: What tools are people using to create or update meshes, textures and/ or maps (normal, diffuse etc) in Skyrim? What is the current state of freeware model editing tools?

Blender or 3DS Max if you can afford it.

Keep in mind, nothing officially works for Skyrim yet, so everything is all hack n paste at best.

i use 3DS Max + nifskope

you can 3DS Max legitimately for free using a valid edu student email through Autodesk's educational promo (license good for 3 years i believe)

nifskope is always free and is absolutely essential if you want to do any mesh work for skyrim.


it might actually be worth it to enroll in a continuing education program if they offer per-class based registration. you can use your edu email to get any of autodesk's student programs for free and you get an introductory class as well. not bad, even if the tuition cost is $1000 (totally worth it IMO)

Looking at the http://niftools.sourceforge.net/wiki/3ds_Max the 3ds Max plugin is listed as "inactive" and the latest files up for download are dated 2009 and 2010, well before Skyrim was released.

Is there and updated version around somewhere else?

the plugin can produce useable nifs for skyrim, but it cannot export collision properly

3dsmax + zbrush

Btw this is old new ..... Now collisions can be done finely in conjunction with a tool in niftools forum...

So what about importing Skyrim nifs? Like if you wanted to make a mash-up of some vanilla armor pieces.

I haven't tried this since Oblivion and it may not look perfect but I was able to "mix" vanilla armor pieces in Nifskope. But that was a while ago and Nifskope changed a bit so I couldn't give you any hints/tips until I get back into modeling.