Warframe offers deep customization, allowing players to modify their characters with unique skins. While the game provides various skins, creating custom designs adds a personal touch. This guide will walk you through the process of making custom skins using Warframe’s Tennogen program and third-party tools.
What Is Tennogen?
Tennogen is Warframe’s official program that allows players to design and submit custom skins for approval. Once accepted, these skins become available in the game’s marketplace, with creators earning a share of the revenue.
Tools You Need
To create a custom Warframe skin, you’ll need the following tools:
- Warframe Tennogen Toolkit – Official templates provided by Digital Extremes.
- Blender or Maya – 3D modeling software for adjusting designs.
- Adobe Photoshop or Substance Painter – Texture editing software to create detailed skin designs.
- Steam Workshop Account – Required for submitting Tennogen designs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Custom Skins
If you want to make a Warframe skin, follow these steps:
1. Download the Tennogen Templates
Visit Warframe’s Tennogen website and download the official mesh and texture templates for the Warframe, weapon, or cosmetic item you want to customize.
2. Edit the 3D Model
- Open Blender or Maya and import the Tennogen model.
- Modify the skin by adjusting details or adding unique elements.
- Ensure the design follows Warframe’s artistic guidelines to increase the chances of approval.
3. Create Textures and Materials
- Use Adobe Photoshop or Substance Painter to create high-quality textures.
- Apply normal maps and roughness maps for realistic shading and depth.
- Test the design under different lighting conditions to ensure consistency.
4. Preview Your Skin in Warframe’s Tennogen Viewer
Before submission, use Warframe’s preview tools to see how your custom skin looks in-game. Adjust colors and textures as needed.
5. Submit to Steam Workshop
- Prepare high-resolution images showcasing your skin.
- Write a detailed description, including inspiration and unique design choices.
- Submit your work through the Steam Workshop Tennogen page.
What Happens After Submission?
Digital Extremes reviews submissions based on quality, theme consistency, and community demand. If accepted, the skin is added to Warframe’s market, and the creator earns a share of the revenue.
Alternative Methods: Non-Tennogen Customization
If you want to create personal custom skins without going through Tennogen, you can use third-party mods and texture injectors. However, these are not officially supported and may violate Warframe’s Terms of Service.
Common Issues and Fixes
Here are some common problems players face and how to fix them:
- Textures Not Displaying Correctly – Double-check UV mapping and texture resolutions.
- Submission Rejected? – Follow community feedback and Warframe’s art guidelines to improve your design.
- File Errors During Upload? – Ensure your textures and models are in the correct format.
- Blender Model Not Importing Properly? – Check for incorrect scaling or missing textures in the import settings.
- Steam Workshop Submission Issues? – Verify that your files meet the size and format requirements before uploading.
Final Thoughts
Creating custom skins in Warframe is a rewarding process, whether through Tennogen for official use or personal mods for experimentation. With the right tools and creativity, you can make unique skins that stand out in the game. Have you tried making a custom skin? Share your experience or tips in the comments!