Thought we can use a list of the most accessible 3D software and resources for our modding and custom content needs. If anyone knows any more resources feel free to share here. I will start with this short list.
3D Software:
Blender 3D- for everyone.
http://www.blender.org/
Blender training course http://gryllus.net/Blender/3D.html
Sketchup Make- for everyone
http://www.sketchup.com/download/all
Sculptris- for everyone
http://pixologic.com/sculptris/
If you are a student, teacher or mentor, this is an opportunity to use Maya free of charge for 3 years. Who knows what will happen in that time the way CG software is being "freed" nowadays.
http://www.autodesk.com/education/free-software/maya
I believe there's more but can't think of them right now.
Texture Resources: I chose the texture sites that have more architecture content as we will be using these types of textures for buildings.
http://www.cgtextures.com/
http://www.swtexture.com/
http://blender-archi.tuxfamily.org/Textures
http://architextur.es/
http://www.lughertexture.com/
maxTextures
Texturelib
Nobiax on deviantart (textures including normal and specular maps, some 3d models)
AGF81 on deviantart (textures, some normal and specular maps) Thanks Avanya. Decided to add your list in the first post for better exposure.
Tools:
ShaderMap 4 Now available free for non commercial use.
https://shadermap.com/home/
Autodesk FBX Converter. This can convert various 3D formats to ASCII and Binary FBX. Also convert from either type of FBX file to the other.
http://www.autodesk.com/products/fbx/overview
Cities Skylines Tools. This is a Sketchup plugin that exports your model straight to the import folder from Sketchup. No more needing to export to another 3D program. It also comes with customizable grid options for both ground and height.
http://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/cities-skylines-tools
OBJ Exporter for those using Sketchup Make
http://sketchucation.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=33448
Cleanup, another good Sketchup tool
https://extensions.sketchup.com/en/content/cleanup%C2%B3 Thanks Darf!
GIMP is a free alternative to Photoshop
http://www.gimp.org/
Krita is a cool digital paint program also
https://krita.org/
NVidia Texture Tools for Photo Shop for normal maps, texture compression, mip map generation and cube map formatting.
https://developer.nvidia.com/nvidia-texture-tools-adobe-photoshop Thanks Darf!
Thought I would also include Unity since it's the engine of this game. I don't know how it would be useful or if it would give any advantage as I never got into it yet. But I imagine it would shed some light into why some things in the game are the way they are.
http://unity3d.com/get-unity
Unity Tutorials http://unity3d.com/learn/tutorials Thanks OwiHH!
Hope some of you find these useful