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Using Workshop Materials That Replace Original TF2 Materials

By Pte Jack

Ok, so you've downloaded a material fix from the workshop. SFM has reported "All Files Downloaded".

You start SFM, load the broken item, give it an override materials, send it to the element viewer, clicked on materials and expanded the material you want to paint....

and find that it's STILL BROKEN.

The problem is, that your workshop folder does not have a high enough priority to replace the original materials...

There are multiple methods to fix the situation, each has it's own pros and cons.

Award

Created by

Pte Jack
Online

Category: Characters, Crafting, Modding or Configuration, Secrets, Walkthroughs, Weapons, Workshop

Posted

Updated

2 Sep, 2015 @ 9:35am

6 Sep, 2015 @ 10:25pm

6,721	Unique Visitors
149	Current Favorites

Guide Index

Overview

Cover

Method 1 - Give the Workshop Folder a Higher Priority

Method 2 - Replace The Original Material Files with the Workshop Files

Method 3 - Create a Fixed Materials Mod Folder

Comments

Cover

Method 1 - Give the Workshop Folder a Higher Priority

https://youtu.be/2yxoqME7Q_I

Pros:

Fixes the take priority over the TF materials
Workshop Updates will automatically be applied
If a validation or an upgade to SFM iis required, the files will not be erased

Cons:

All workshop files have priority and if an original TF item is replaced by a workshop item, the original TF item won't be visible for use unless the Priorities are change. In other words, workshop and original items that have the same path and naming conventions can not be ued in the same SFM session.
May be deleted if the author removes the file from the workshop or the workshop server goes down

Method 2 - Replace The Original Material Files with the Workshop Files

https://youtu.be/lQ2F3MqEhro

Pros:

Materials will work
Setting priorities to different folders is not required.

Cons:

Workshop updates will not be automatically applied
Validations and SFM Updates will erase the fix files because they won't match the CRC check performed by the validation process. The original material files will be reacquired causing the material to be broken again.

Method 3 - Create a Fixed Materials Mod Folder

https://youtu.be/SrnX03_BL3c

This is my prefered method. It creates a folder that is strictly for fixed materials, nothing else. Any material fix I do personally or download from other sources goes here. I give the folder a higher than TF priority and it maintains the integrity of my game cache files and because there are no custom models or other files in here, it does not overright any models that happen to use TF2 specific paths and filenames that I download from other sources.

Pros:

Cache file maintains integrity
Fixed materials are not overwritten during a validation or update
Can be turned on or off as required via the sdk
Fixed materials are always available
Protects workshop fixes in the event they become unavailable in the workshop. (Deleted by author or server down)

Cons:

Does not auto-update if the workshop file is changed

54 Comments

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Snooter 4 Aug, 2024 @ 9:40pm

all these years later, and you still helped me out a ton. this was the only thing that fixed my issues. thank you :)

Sir donks alot (rip my grandpa) 29 May, 2024 @ 4:49pm

Doesn't work.

Reverb//Doggo 27 Jul, 2023 @ 7:40am

i love you. thanks.

Manacing grug 11 May, 2023 @ 12:51pm

NO HOMO, BUT I LOVE YOU MAN, YOU SAVED MY LIFE

Cosmo 1 Mar, 2023 @ 9:00am

One of the only times a steam guide has actually been the solution I need, kudos <3

$MSTR 13 Mar, 2022 @ 9:52pm

I did everything method 3 had, made the file paths exactly like you did but the problem of the color being black and not changing is still there?

Usnutt 7 Jan, 2021 @ 3:19am

after relaunching sfm the models got fixed but now the buildings on 5cp_gorge look like covered in jarate

Critkey 4 Jul, 2020 @ 5:32pm

Thanks for the video, my lady killer sfm is now fixed

Pte Jack [author] 30 Jun, 2020 @ 9:37am

In order to launch the SDK (been this way since they changed the Library), is to launch SFM from the Steam Client Software Library and not from any kind of shortcut. When launched from there, you'll get the pop up box asking what you want to launch, SFM or the SDK. Select Launch SDK.

Chillylily 29 Jun, 2020 @ 8:07pm

I know this is an awfully old thread, but I need to ask: I can't seem to find the version of the SDK launcher you're using! The only one I could find was this ugly green and had no options for changing file priority. I would really appreciate any input!

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