3D modeling isn't necessarily the easiest field to break into. Not only will you need a relatively high-powered PC (those polygons don't come cheap), but you'll also need modeling software and knowledge of several different systems just to get started.
For many, starting with pre-built models is the way to go: it's tough to build something complicated from scratch, but if you break something down and learn how all of the moving parts work together, learning tends to come a bit more easily.
The only real problem with that strategy is that pre-built 3D models can be ludicrously expensive. Granted, creating highly-detailed, well-lit models takes a lot of time and effort, but the higher-end 3D models are typically far out of the price range of the average consumer.
That's what makes Video CoPilot's latest deal so great: not only is the studio offering up a slew of high-res, 4K-textured models for free, but the models are based on something that people will actually care about: Star Wars!
In celebration of May the 4th (otherwise known as Star Wars Day), Video CoPilot has released its library of high-end Star Wars models, all for absolutely no charge. It's a pretty robust collection, too: everything from droids to scenery to fighters to a few famous lightsabers are up for grabs.
The full list of available models is as follows:
• X-Wing
• Tie Fighter
• Luke's Lightsaber
• Obi-Wan's Lightsaber
• Darth Vader's Lightsaber
• R2-D2
• BB-8
• Tatooine Water Vaporator
• Imperial Corridor Pieces
Again, you can download all of these for free, but you'll need a few things before you can go in and tinker with them. All of the models use Element 3D V2 ... which isn't exactly cheap. At $200, it's not a bad price (especially given what other, similar programs go for) — and the addition of nine fully-detailed, compatible models does help justify the price tag a bit.
If anything, the models are worth taking a look at just to see all of the tiny little details. The TIE Fighter and X-Wing in particular are spectacularly detailed — they almost look like they could have been used in The Force Awakens.
As it stands, it looks like these models will be free for the time being — but there's always a chance a price tag could pop up. If you're looking to download the models, simply head on over to Video CoPilot's official site.
