When we consider customizing and otherwise enhancing our game there are a few choices available to us as to how we might like to do this:

Creating Custom Content

Custom scenery starts out in a 3-D modelling application such as SketchUp (download link provided below) or Blender. After having created the required shapes the artist then applies his own textures to them.

The completed models are then exported in ASE format. With the use of the Importer, custom objects for RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 are made from our ASE's, enhanced with texture styling & flagging, installed in our Program Files folder, and available for our enjoyment in RCT3. Objects created in this way that have nearly all the same characteristics as scenery items that come with the game. Custom content is nearly always imported into RCT3 without the collision detection issues that come with in-game objects.

To kick up the customization of our parks one can create branded CSO's or billboards onto which can be put the gamer's own images.

If you'd like a little information on the history and development of the Importer see our article here:

  The Importer

Visit this webpage for a review of SketchUp's release history and information about SketchUp plugins along with links to SketchUp Make downloads.

  SketchUp

ReTextures, Temporary

ReTextures are another way of getting custom effects in RollerCoaster Tycoon 3. The head on approach to RCT3 retexturing would be to modify the installed OVL file containing the texture.

This is a long and complicated process that is known by only a few community members and relies heavily on your version and installation of RCT3 being exactly the same as the individual who developed such retextures.

The usual way to get retextures into the game is temporarily with TexMod. Detailed information about TexMod can be found here in our article: TexMod Customized Add-Ins

ReTextures, Permanent

Loundlim has come up with a way to permanently apply your own textures to existing custom scenery. This method does not require making adjustments to any installed OVL file but relies on the set we want to change being a CSO and its having been created with a Shared Textures folder by the original CS Artist.

If you're already familiar with the Importer, once you've gotten used to the process it's really quite straight forward to follow the video. The link to Loundlim's tutorial is below.