The digital asset market offers several opportunities for UK-based 3D artists, game developers, and designers to access complimentary character models in a low poly style. These free sample packs, often provided as promotional tools to showcase an artist's work, can be valuable for testing in scenes, architectural visualisation, renders, and conceptual projects. The provided source material details multiple platforms and specific packs where these assets are available, outlining their technical specifications, licensing terms, and the processes required for download. This article examines the available free sample packs, their compatibility, and the steps UK consumers can take to acquire them, based solely on the information contained within the referenced sources.
Available Free Sample Packs and Their Content
Several distinct free packs of low poly people are available across different 3D asset marketplaces. Each pack varies in the number of characters included, the style of the models, and the specific file formats provided.
One prominent pack is the "Low Poly People Free Sample Pack" available on Sketchfab. This pack contains eight characters, which are described as a free sample from a larger "Character Mega-Pack." The models were created using 3ds Max and are compatible with the Unity Humanoid System. The source specifies that the pack includes rigs as .MAX and .FBX files, as well as T-Pose files in .MAX, .FBX, and .OBJ formats. A notable update mentioned is the addition of over 22 alternative textures. The models utilise a compatible and switchable palette texture, and their UV mapping can be modified using specific tools, though the source does not name the tools. The author notes that Sketchfab followers will be transitioning soon and directs users to follow on YouTube for updates.
Another resource is a pack labelled "Free Low Poly People" on Studio Ochi's website. This pack offers 20 free low poly people, described as 3D models in a faceted style suitable for use in 3D scenes, architectural visualisation, renders, and conceptual models. The models are also noted as being 3D printable solids in a low poly style. The file formats included are 3DS, FBX, SKP, OBJ, DAE, and a Blender native file. The models are unwrapped, and the page notes that multiple edges were cleaned and the file was updated on 31/05/20.
A third sample pack, found on CGTrader, consists of 10 low poly characters. These were made with 3ds Max and rigged with Biped and Skin. The source states that this pack was updated to include four more characters and many animations. The models are described as having a convenient and efficient low poly art style with different body shapes, faces, and outfit variations, each being unique and handmade. The specifications indicate that each model contains approximately 1,200 polygons on average, is scaled to real human proportions (1 unit = 1 centimeter), and uses a standard material with a diffuse colour texture suited for UNLIT shading. All models share a single colour palette texture, UV mapped with the help of a pX Poly Paint script. They have been tested for compatibility with Unity's Humanoid System. The rigging was done with the 3ds Max Biped system and modifier, and the skinning was performed using envelopes without editing vertex weights, preserving the symmetry modifier. The underlying mesh is noted as easy to edit. The source also mentions that clean model versions are included for users who wish to create their own rigs.
Additionally, Poly.pizza serves as a platform for exploring thousands of free, high-quality people and character assets, including animated and rigged women and men. These models are ready for use in Unity, Unreal, Godot, Blender, or VR/AR projects and are available in formats such as OBJ, FBX, and GLTF. The platform also offers paid picks for cheap low poly models.
Technical Specifications and Compatibility
The technical details provided in the source materials are crucial for UK consumers to determine which assets will suit their specific software and project requirements.
Compatibility with game engines and 3D software is a key feature highlighted in several sources. The Sketchfab and CGTrader packs are both explicitly tested for compatibility with Unity's Humanoid System, which is a significant advantage for game developers working within that ecosystem. The CGTrader pack specifications also detail polygon counts (approximately 1,200 per model), real-world scaling (1 unit = 1 cm), and the use of a single palette texture for efficient rendering. The UV mapping for the CGTrader models was accomplished using a pX Poly Paint script, and the models are unwrapped, allowing for texture modification.
File format variety is another common point. The Studio Ochi pack provides a wide array of formats, including 3DS, FBX, SKP, OBJ, DAE, and a native Blender file, making it accessible to users of various software. The Sketchfab pack offers .MAX, .FBX, and .OBJ files for both rigged and T-pose versions. The CGTrader pack, being a sample from a 3ds Max project, naturally includes .MAX files alongside other formats, though the specific formats for the sample are not listed in the provided text beyond the mention of rigs as .MAX and .FBX.
Rigging and animation are addressed in the CGTrader and Sketchfab packs. The CGTrader models are rigged with 3ds Max's Biped system, and the skinning is done via envelopes, which allows for easier mesh editing. The Sketchfab pack includes rigs, and the CGTrader pack update added "many animations," though the specific animations are not detailed. The Studio Ochi pack does not specify if its models are rigged, describing them as "3D Printable solids of people in lowpoly style," which may imply static models.
Licensing and Usage Rights
Understanding the licensing terms is essential for any user, particularly for commercial projects. The provided sources offer varying levels of detail on usage rights.
The Studio Ochi pack is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs. This means users can share the models (with attribution to the creator), but they cannot use them for commercial purposes or create derivative works. This is a critical restriction for any artist considering these models for client work or products intended for sale.
The Sketchfab source does not explicitly state a license for the free sample pack in the provided text, though it mentions the models are a sample from a larger "Character Mega-Pack." Users would need to check the specific download page or terms on Sketchfab for the definitive license.
The CGTrader pack description does not include specific licensing information in the provided chunks. It is common for free samples on marketplaces to have a standard license, but this must be verified on the product page. The source notes that the models are "original designs and creations by the author based on its own knowledge and research," which implies copyright ownership, but the permissions for use are not stated.
For the Poly.pizza platform, while the description mentions free assets ready for use in various projects, the specific license for each asset would need to be checked individually on the platform, as licenses can vary from one creator to another.
Access and Download Processes
The methods for obtaining these free samples differ across platforms. Some require a direct download, while others may involve following a creator or checking out additional content.
For the Sketchfab pack, the source text indicates that the models are available for download directly from the Sketchfab page. However, the author mentions that "Sketchfab followers will be gone soon, follow me on YouTube," suggesting a transition in how the creator distributes content. This is a user-created note and not an official platform policy, so it should be treated as an advisory from the creator.
The Studio Ochi pack is available for download directly from the product page on their website. The page displays a price of "0,00 €" and a "FREE NOW!" button, indicating a straightforward, no-cost download process. The source also mentions "You may also like…" sections with sale items, which is typical for e-commerce sites but does not affect the free sample download.
The CGTrader pack requires a specific action to access the download. The source text includes a "Step 1. 👉Follow us!👈" and "Step 2. Check out our compilations:" before "Step 3. Download." This suggests a process that may involve following the creator on CGTrader and potentially viewing their other work before the download link is activated. This is a common promotional tactic on asset marketplaces to increase creator visibility. The source also provides a direct URL to the premium "Mega Pack" as a potential upsell.
The Poly.pizza platform functions as a search and discovery engine for free assets. Users would browse the site, select an asset, and typically be redirected to the original source or download page for that specific asset, where the creator's terms would apply.
Considerations for UK-Based Users
UK-based 3D artists and hobbyists should consider several practical aspects when utilising these free samples. While the sources do not specify geographic restrictions, the platforms themselves are global. However, download speeds and support may vary. The primary consideration is the licensing, especially the Creative Commons Non-Commercial license on the Studio Ochi pack, which is not suitable for commercial work. For projects intended for sale, users must seek assets with a commercial license, which may require purchasing the full pack (e.g., the 100-character Mega Pack mentioned on CGTrader).
The technical compatibility is also vital. Users should verify that the provided file formats (e.g., .MAX for 3ds Max, .BLEND for Blender) are compatible with their software. The mention of Unity Humanoid System compatibility is beneficial for game developers using that engine. For users without 3ds Max, the FBX and OBJ formats are widely supported, but rigging and animations may not transfer perfectly to other software.
The quality and style of the low poly models are described as "faceted," "handmade," and having a "convenient and efficient" style. Artists should preview the models (if available on the product pages) to ensure they match the aesthetic of their project. The ability to modify UVs, as mentioned for the Sketchfab pack, offers flexibility for custom texturing.
Conclusion
The provided source material outlines several legitimate opportunities for obtaining free low poly people 3D models for use in various projects. The key resources identified are the Sketchfab "Low Poly People Free Sample Pack," the Studio Ochi "Free Low Poly People" pack, the CGTrader "Low Poly characters" sample pack, and the Poly.pizza asset platform. Each offers different quantities of characters, varying file formats, and distinct licensing terms. The Studio Ochi pack is clearly licensed for non-commercial use only, while the licensing for the others must be confirmed on their respective download pages. Access processes range from direct downloads to platforms that encourage following creators. UK consumers are advised to carefully review the specific license for any asset before use, particularly for commercial projects, and to ensure the technical specifications align with their software and project needs. The information is current as of the update dates mentioned in the sources, and users should always check the original pages for the most current terms and availability.