why are there no alternatives to 3ds max 8 for h2v?

As such, I will not cover how to use them as I can't get them to function myself. MESA(Maya) and WallWorm(3ds) model tools are viable if you know how to get them working and they don't break ♥♥♥♥ when outputting SMDs, but in my experience they always cause problems. Functionally it shouldn't matter as we aren't doing anything special beyond using it for good weight painting. Google for the student version if you can get it, or alternatively use Maya LT. Bonus points if you have a drawing tablet, as that will help you later. The Maya version you get is irrelevant but newer is better. There's a new export plugin for newer versions of 3dsmax. Maya used to have exporters provided directly with the SDK by Valve, but they haven't kept up with newer versions so this becomes harder to accomplish, hence why we need to do this hacky routine going through 3ds max to use maya. (MESA for Maya or WallWorm Model Tools for 3ds Max) However in my experience MESA and Wallworm tend to have problems, so I can't recommend them. Sidenote: you don't technically need 3dsMax 2010/2011/2012 if you have an alternative way to export meshes that works.

You will need the 2010 - 2012 version of it however, as Wunderboy's exporter needs it to work. I can't provide links for 3ds Max as it's a commercial product, but if you look in the right places you can get it.

GmadExtractor (Or some other form of gmod addon extraction).

vtfedit (needed if you intend to import textures to source).

Adobe Photoshop(Optional but needed if you want color changing models).In order to follow this guide, you will need the following materials.

Why are there no alternatives to 3ds max 8 for h2v?