Ever dreamed of holding a piece of Norrath in your hands? 3D printing makes it possible. This guide takes you through every step, from finding the perfect EverQuest model to painting your finished masterpiece. Whether you’re a 3D printing novice or a seasoned pro, get ready to bring your favorite EverQuest elements to life.
Finding Your Digital Treasures
The first step is locating the right model. Resources like Printables.com are excellent starting points. One prolific contributor, BenBreaksThings, has a growing collection of primarily weapons and structures. You might also find character models, monsters, and even architectural pieces scattered across various platforms.
Model Category
Potential Source(s)
Weapons, Structures
Printables.com (BenBreaksThings)
Characters, Monsters, etc.
Thingiverse, MyMiniFactory, Cults3D, Yeggi
A Word of Caution: While many models are shared freely, always verify licensing agreements. Respecting intellectual property is crucial for a healthy community. Daybreak Games, the company behind EverQuest, hasn’t officially released assets for 3D printing, so exercise caution and assume models are for personal use only unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Preparing Your Model for Print
Downloaded your STL file? Great! Now, let’s prepare it.
Inspection: Open the STL in a 3D modeling program like Blender (free) or Meshmixer (free). Check for errors like holes or disconnected parts. This step can prevent printing failures.
Scaling and Orientation: Adjust the model’s size and position on the print bed. Proper orientation minimizes the need for supports and ensures optimal printing quality.
Slicing: Import the STL into slicing software like Cura (free) or PrusaSlicer (free). This software generates G-code, the language your printer understands. Choosing the right slicer settings is crucial for print quality.
Recommended 3D Printing Settings (PLA Filament)
These settings offer a solid starting point for PLA, a common and beginner-friendly filament. Remember, these are suggestions, and you may need to adjust them based on your specific printer, filament, and model complexity. Newer research suggests ambient temperature and humidity can also influence print quality, so consider these factors.
Setting
Recommended Range
Notes
Layer Height
0.12mm – 0.16mm
Thinner layers = finer details, but longer print times.
Infill
10% – 20%
Lower infill saves material and time, but higher infill increases strength.
Print Speed
40-60mm/s
Slower speeds generally yield better quality.
Printing Temp
190°C – 210°C
Consult your filament manufacturer’s recommendations.
Bed Temp
60°C
Helps the first layer adhere and prevents warping.
Supports
Tree supports
Often a good balance between necessary support and ease of removal.
Support Density
10-20%
Sufficient support without being overly difficult to remove.
EverQuest models, especially older ones, can be low-poly. Experiment to find the optimal settings for these models.
Finishing Your Print: From Plastic to Masterpiece
Printing is just the beginning. Post-processing brings your creation to life.
Support Removal: Carefully remove any support structures.
Sanding and Cleaning: Smooth out rough edges or imperfections.
Priming: Apply primer for better paint adhesion.
Painting: Use acrylic paints to recreate in-game colors and textures. Techniques like dry brushing and washing can add realism.
Sealing: A protective finish adds durability and a professional touch.
Joining the Norrathian Artisan Guild
The EverQuest 3D printing community is a valuable resource. Connect with fellow enthusiasts on forums, subreddits, and social media groups to share tips, troubleshoot issues, and show off your creations.
Level Up Your Skills: Advanced Techniques
Ready to go further? Explore 3D modeling software like Blender to repair or even create your own models. Keep in mind the legal implications and respect intellectual property rights. Some community members may be exploring model extraction from the game itself, but proceed with extreme caution and understand the potential legal risks. This area is often complex and has not been explicitly addressed legally by the game developers.
This comprehensive guide provides a strong foundation for 3D printing your EverQuest dreams. Happy printing!
I am a writer specializing in health and lifestyle, committed to delivering well-researched, engaging, and insightful content. With a keen eye for trends and a deep understanding of health, presenting and exploring topics ranging from nutrition and mental health to sustainable living. This writing is solely intended to educate, inspire, and empower readers to live a healthier, more balanced life.
