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Stacker World

Download Now

What is the Stacker World training project?

Stacker World is a narrative-driven 3ds Max tutorial that includes downloadable project files, 3D assets and free software. 


Check out the introduction trailer to discover the 3 Stacker Worlds we've had fun making, following the training steps in the videos below. We look forward to seeing your creations from the Stacker World project!

Stacker World Information

Tutorial level of difficulty?

 Basic knowledge of 3ds Max is required. 

  • You should know how to manipulate and make 3d models and add materials. If you wish to make your own assets you should have an understanding of how to collapse a group of 3d models to a single edit mesh as well as unwrapping UVW maps. 
  • You should also know the basics of rendering with either V-Ray, Corona, or Arnold. 

It will teach you..

  • How to install and use the StackUp and Catenary scripts.
  • StackUp 101 - The basics and how to make your own StackUp library. 
  • Setting up project structure files.
  • How to create a complex looking 3D scene using splines, fast.
  • How to optimise the scene using SiNi.
  • Adding detail using SiNi plugins. 
  • Live linking to Chaos Vantage, for scene review and walkarounds.
  • Rendering V-Ray and atmospherics. 

Technical requirements

  • PC or laptop with 3ds Max, (two monitors preferable).
  • Minimum of 32GB RAM (recommend 64GB+).
  • Professional 3D graphics card (recommend Nvidia 2080 or above).

 

  • Autodesk 3ds Max (we recommend 2020-2022).
  • SiNi Software v1.22.1 (Free 30-day trial*, SiNi SiClone beta**). 
  • Chaos VRay 5 (recommended), or Corona, Arnold.
  • Chaos Vantage. 
  • MAXScripts - StackUp*, Catenary*
  • IToo Software - Forest Pack. Used in Loopton forest project.

    *Included with the download, **SiClone.dlo beta on the upcoming release.

Download includes

  • Project files saved in V-Ray and Corona file formats.
  • Tutorial Videos.
  • Software (SiNi and MAXScripts).
  • 3ds Max Files (available in 2021 and 2018 formats only).
  • Textures (4K and 2K).
  • Chaos Vantage VRScene examples. (Quarresburg - day and night)

Download files overview

Project 3D scenes, models and software setup

All scenes have been created using Chaos VRay 5. However, we have purposely designed the tutorial to not focus on material shaders or texturing.


We provide the 3D asset files to allow you to retexture as you wish. Please note, each 3D asset is a single edit mesh. All models have textures applied, however, if you wish to create your own, using Substance, for example, you will need to create a single Unwrapped UVW map, for each model. 


Additionally to working in 3ds Max, we take advantage of Chaos Vantage, using the real-time software as a live reference monitor to explore the V-Ray scene linked from 3ds Max. 

Please note, this is a bonus only for V-Ray users and isn’t mandatory for the main tutorial. 


The latest SiNi plugins installer 1.22.1* is bundled with the download. Once installed you will need to log in or register an account on the SiNi website to activate the plugins. Two plugins are free, Forensic and Scatter and the remaining 12 can be used on a 30-day trial, activated from your user dashboard on the website. Please note. The download includes a beta of the upcoming SiClone, which has been used in the tutorial. Please follow the installation instructions provided.

Stacker World download - Issue 3 print bonus!

Find out more

Video Tutorial Chapters

SW01 - Setup

SW03 - Quarresburg Quarry

SW02 - StackUp 101

  • Download
  • Install project files and directories
  • Install MAXScripts
  • Install SiNi
  • Software/Hardware overview
  • Recommended workflow
  • Repath materials etc using Unite

SW02 - StackUp 101

SW03 - Quarresburg Quarry

SW02 - StackUp 101

  • What is StackUp?
  • Overview
  • Folder structure 
  • Making your own StackUps

SW03 - Quarresburg Quarry

SW03 - Quarresburg Quarry

SW04 - Making the bridges and handrails

  • Project intro and overview
  • Scene setup - review layers and splines
  • Add camera
  • Use SiNi Illumi to add HDRI light rig
  • Use SiNi Sculpt to generate a quad mesh. 
  • Merge Canopy
  • Add additional HDRI
  • Add atmosphere fog
  • Review the scene and next steps

SW04 - Making the bridges and handrails

SW04 - Making the bridges and handrails

SW04 - Making the bridges and handrails

  • Setup parametric bridge using SiClone 
  • Copy/paste SiClone into the main scene
  • Merge Bridge Landing prop
  • Apply SiClone Bridge to splines
  • Clone and modify SiClone to make options
  • Apply SiClone Handrail to splines
  • Review the scene and next steps

SW05 - StackUp buildings

SW04 - Making the bridges and handrails

SW06 - Adding props and detail

  • Generate StackerWorld buildings
  • Optimise scene with IgNite instancing
  • Add transform variation with Jumble
  • Replace repetition with IgNite
  • Use IgNite Workflow to create proxies
  • Review the scene and next steps

SW06 - Adding props and detail

SW04 - Making the bridges and handrails

SW06 - Adding props and detail

  • Merge in the 3D asset props
  • Generate StackUp to make the Needles
  • Add random transform to Needles
  • Paint 3D asset props using Disperse
  • Add additional paths with SiClone (texture follow path and Sculpt conform objects to surface. Planks. 
  • Add wires with Catenary. Add SiClone
  • Add the dusk lighting
  • Swap materials for dusk view using Unite
  • Review and wrap up. Discuss the alternative worlds Rafton and Loopton

Technical recording issues with some of the above videos

Video recording issues!

In our last-minute rush to release these videos for publication date, we notice there are some recording issues with the screen capture refresh rate. For anyone old enough to remember the TV series Max Headroom, Nigel appears to flicker the same. Not intentional.


We'll rerecord these at 60 fps when we get a chance. They're still watchable but please accept our apologies in the meantime. 

Render examples from the above training videos (Mostly rendered from Chaos Vantage - VRscenes included with download)

    Software used in the above video tutorials

    StackUp MAXScript

    SiNi Software Plugins

    SiNi Software Plugins

    StackUp is included with the download.

    SiNi Software Plugins

    SiNi Software Plugins

    SiNi Software Plugins

     Please register and install the latest installer. 30-day trials are available on all plugins. 

    Catenary MAXScript

    SiNi Software Plugins

    Catenary MAXScript

    Catenary is included with the download.

    V-Ray 5

    Chaos Vantage

    Catenary MAXScript

     The project has been created using V-Ray 5. It is not dependant on V-Ray so you can use Corona or Arnold if you prefer. 

    Chaos Vantage

    Chaos Vantage

    Chaos Vantage

     If you wish to explore the real-time model, please download and install Vantage from Chaos Group. 30-day trial available. 

    3ds Max 2021

    Chaos Vantage

    Chaos Vantage

     The project has been created using Autodesk 3ds Max version 2021. Alternatively, there is a 2018 version available. 30-day trial available. 

    Discover more tutorials

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