Where can I find free (or cheap) 3d models of creatures?

Question

3D

We are developing a game with friends and faced the problem of a shortage of 3D models (we are programmers). We need models of different creatures with animations of walking, attacking and dying. Maybe there is some kind of "github" where 3d-modelers share their work? Or is there a cheap exchange/service?

Answer 1

www.daz3d.com/shop

Answer 2

As a rule, no. In principle, there is no single service where good modelers come and put rigged and animated models. There are free places in all kinds of stores, for example, UE4, but they have their own format and their own requirements. You can rummage on polycount, on the forums there is a section with free distribution of models, but specific - from artists to artists, that is, they first of all give the source of the work - geometry and uncompressed textures. It's easier to find artists. Or drag ready-made resources from games.

Answer 3

What sites would you recommend with ready-made sets of animated models for 3D games?

Answer 4

There are various online resources where you can purchase models, but I would single out two of them. The oldest and newest, so to speak:
Unity Asset Store - https://www.assetstore.unity3d.com/
TurboSquid - www.Turbosquid.com
The first, the oldest, in addition to the archaic interface, has a large number of models. Unlike specialized resources, it does not focus exclusively on "game" models (designed and specifically designed for games). That is, on TS (TurboSquid) you can also purchase models for visualization, and we are not talking only about interiors. These are high poly models, "medium tonnage" models and low poly models. They can be used in screensavers (static and animated), on presentation materials, etc.
The site has a wide range of prices and the model can be purchased for both $1 and $1,000. Very different levels of quality. The range of models is as rich as the price range. From highly detailed characters with many maps (diffuse, normal, height, specular, etc.) to primitive models designed for use in games for mobile applications. There are also free models, that is, free ones. Their minus is that the assembly of such models will look like a hodgepodge, because. not every 3D Artist posts their models for free. As a rule, this is done for advertising and in very limited quantities. And their quality often leaves much to be desired.
UAS (Unity Asset Store), unlike the one mentioned above, is a clearly specialized site focused on the Unity3D engine of the same name. This means that all models are ready to be imported into the engine, and that all models are 100% playable, ready to be integrated. The engine is different for each engine, so they can be used in any existing engines. The price range is from 3-5 dollars to 100-200 dollars.
The difference from TS is that in most cases the store offers a pack of models, not just one model. Packs are divided by meaning, and cost around 50-70 dollars on average. With just one pack, you can create an entire gaming location. For example, a dungeon in a fantasy setting, or, for example, a post-apocalyptic level with a bunch of houses, broken cars and lanterns.
The advantages are obvious, for a small price you get a set of models made in the same style, which are perfectly combined with each other. Minus, if not strange, in the cheapness of these packs. A lot of developers make games from them, and sometimes the games look like twin brothers. For example, the well-known online store Steam, in particular the Early Access section, is bursting with such games.