Resources & Tools

This page lists recommended tools, software, and utilities that are commonly used when working with the SubwaySim 2 Modding SDK.

These tools are not mandatory, but they greatly improve workflow, productivity, and overall modding quality.

Visual Studio Code is the recommended editor for editing Lua scripts and configuration files.

It offers:

• Syntax highlighting
• Code completion
• Error detection
• Extension support

Download:

• https://code.visualstudio.com/download

For installing Lua support in VS Code, follow this guide:

• Install Visual Studio Code for Lua Script Editing

To properly edit Lua files, we strongly recommend installing the Lua extension by sumneko.

Features include:

• Lua syntax highlighting
• Autocompletion
• Diagnostics and error checking

Installation instructions are included in the VS Code setup guide linked above.

Blender is the primary tool for:

• Vehicle modeling
• Rigging and skinning
• Animation creation
• Exporting FBX files for Unreal Engine

Blender is free and open source.

Download:

• https://www.blender.org/download/

While not required, certain Blender add-ons can greatly improve workflow:

• FBX export helpers
• Rigging and weight tools
• Mesh cleanup utilities

These are optional and depend on personal workflow preferences.

Photoshop is widely used for:

• Texture creation
• Decals
• UI and HUD elements
• Material masks

Download:

• https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html

Note: Photoshop requires a paid subscription.

Paint.NET is a lightweight and free alternative for:

• Simple texture editing
• Decals
• Image adjustments

Download:

• https://www.getpaint.net/

Audacity is recommended for:

• Editing audio files
• Creating announcements
• Sound effect processing
• Preparing audio for MetaSounds

It is free and open source.

Download:

• https://www.audacityteam.org/download/

GitHub is used to:

• Download the Modding SDK
• Track SDK updates
• Manage version control for mods
• Collaborate with other modders

Website:

• https://github.com/

Optional desktop client:

• https://desktop.github.com/

Unreal Engine is required to:

• Open the Modding SDK
• Build maps and vehicles
• Package mods into .pak files

Download via Epic Games Launcher:

• https://www.unrealengine.com/download

Make sure to use the exact Unreal Engine version required by the SDK.