Build your First object for MSFS 2020 With Blender

Creating a simple building for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS2020) using Blender is a multi-step process that involves modeling, texturing, and exporting your creation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Requirements

• Blender: Download and install the latest version of Blender.
• MSFS2020 SDK: Install the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 SDK, which is necessary for exporting your models.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create the Building Model in Blender

• Open Blender: Launch the Blender application and start a new project.
• Add a Cube: Use the default cube as the base of your building. You can scale and shape it to your desired building design (e.g., using the S key to scale, G to move, and R to rotate).
• Edit Mode: Press Tab to enter Edit Mode. Here, you can use tools like Loop Cut (Ctrl + R), Extrude (E), and Bevel (Ctrl + B) to refine your shape.
• Add Details: Insert additional shapes for windows, doors, and roofs by adding more cubes or other primitives and resizing them accordingly.

2. UV Unwrapping and Texturing

• UV Unwrap: Select your building model, go to the UV Editing workspace, and unwrap the model for texturing. You can do this by selecting all faces (A) and using U > Unwrap.
• Create Textures: Use image editing software (like GIMP or Photoshop) to create textures for your building. Save these textures as PNG or JPG files.
• Apply Textures: In Blender, go to the Shader Editor, create a new material, and connect your texture image node to the Base Color input of the material.

3. Prepare for Export

• Apply Transforms: Make sure to apply all transformations (Ctrl + A) to the model to reset scale and rotation.
• Check Scale: Ensure the scale of your building fits the MSFS environment by setting the unit scale in Blender to meters.

4. Exporting the Model

• Export as glTF/GLB: Go to File > Export > glTF 2.0 (.glb/.gltf) and choose the destination. Ensure you check the options for including textures and animation if needed.
• Name the File: Name your file appropriately (e.g., MyBuilding.glb).

5. Importing into MSFS2020

• Add to a Scenery Project: Create a new project in the MSFS2020 SDK and add your exported model to the project.
• Place the Building: Use the SDK tools to place the building model in the simulator’s world. You can adjust its position, rotation, and scale in the SDK environment.
• Build the Project: Compile the project to include your building in the simulator.

6. Testing in MSFS2020

• Launch MSFS2020 and load your custom scenery to see the building in the environment. Check for visual fidelity and adjust as necessary.

Additional Resources

• YouTube Tutorials: Search for video tutorials on Blender modeling for MSFS2020.
• Community Forums: Join the MSFS2020 community forums for additional tips and help from other developers.

By following these steps, you should be able to create a simple building for MSFS2020 using Blender. Happy modeling!

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