FromSoftware engines impose strict maximum face and vertex count limits per sub-mesh block. If your custom model is high-poly, use Blender’s Decimate Modifier or segment the model into multiple separate meshes before exporting. Unapplied object transforms or bone weight limit.
The magic of BBtools is its ability to act as a translator, unpacking the complex FLVER file and outputting a clean .smd file (and a .ascii file) that can be read by Blender.
Demystifying Souls Modding: Converting FLVER to SMD with BBTools
: The underlying skeleton system consisting of parented bone layouts utilized for active rigging and animations. Bbtools-flver To Sdm-
| Problem | Likely Cause | Solution | |---------|--------------|----------| | bbtools-flver: command not found | Wrong tool name or missing binary | Use the FLVER Editor + Python pipeline above | | SDM output has no bone weights | SMD export didn’t include skeleton | In Noesis, tick “Export skin weights” | | Normals are wrong in engine | FLVER uses tangent space normals, not model space | Recalculate normals or convert via custom script | | FLVER version unsupported (e.g., FLVER4) | Outdated tools | Use WitchyBND for Elden Ring FLVERs | | SDM file too large | Unoptimized vertex count | Run FLVER through a decimation tool (Blender with CATS plugin) |
: Spawning nodes utilized by the engine to map weapon hitboxes, status effect capsules, and particle effects.
Blender cannot natively read Valve SMD files. You must install a community-driven Source Engine import/export plugin to bridge the gap. FromSoftware engines impose strict maximum face and vertex
This metadata will help map to SDM.
: A free 3D creation suite used to edit or rig the newly exported models.
Locate the corresponding file via your weapon ID prefix (e.g., wp_a_0215.partsbnd.dcx ). The magic of BBtools is its ability to
The classic BBTools conversion process utilizes a straightforward command-line executable wrapper (often referred to in community tutorials as V3.exe ). Step 1: Unpacking Game Files Souls Modding Basics: Flver to SMD and troubleshooting
The most common use of this workflow is to "kitbash" — to combine parts of different armor sets. A typical workflow is:
The resulting SDM file can then be used for further analysis, such as mapping, variant calling, and genome assembly.