How to build with an open mind?

I watched few YT videos, I saw those beautiful builds (scenarios, habitats...) in workshop. But somehow I cannot build like that, too. It's not that I cannot actually build, but I think it's mostly degeneration from playing other sim games - especially The Sims, Cities Skylines etc. I am used to (from these games) that I have to use the thing for a purpose it was made to, otherwise it won't work. So if I see, for example , a basic plank and I decide I want to use it - but then I click on it and it say (for example) "fence support", I wouldn't use it - because it's a fence support.
Do you guys have any tips how to leave this mind setting go? :D
 
I watched few YT videos, I saw those beautiful builds (scenarios, habitats...) in workshop. But somehow I cannot build like that, too. It's not that I cannot actually build, but I think it's mostly degeneration from playing other sim games - especially The Sims, Cities Skylines etc. I am used to (from these games) that I have to use the thing for a purpose it was made to, otherwise it won't work. So if I see, for example , a basic plank and I decide I want to use it - but then I click on it and it say (for example) "fence support", I wouldn't use it - because it's a fence support.
Do you guys have any tips how to leave this mind setting go? :D

You've already started the process by asking. Now just...do it. Let it go, that's it, it's a choice you are making there's no trick to changing your mindset...just do it. If you struggle, go watch Phrozen and take a cue from Elsa.
 
I think I have suffered from the same problem as yourself. I tried something the other day which seemed to work for me: I went through all the pieces available (this is franchise but works for all modes I guess) and picked out any that looked vaguely interesting for the build project I was tackling and dumped a copy of each on the ground. Once I had the basic structure up that I was happy with I then played with that subset of pieces to see how I could use them to tart up the building, add trims, frame windows, hide ugly details, make custom fences, etc.

I think this helped me to try and use the pieces I'd selected in more innovative ways because I restricted myself to that subset rather than endlessly scrolling through the construction menu and never really committing to anything interesting! Hope that makes sense? Maybe this might work for you.
 
Most of the YouTubers were Planet Coaster players before Planet Zoo, which is why they picked up the controls and such so quickly. It just takes practice and time - when I started in Zoo I was terrible, now I'm less terrible. I still can't measure up to the likes of, say, Silvarret or DeLadesigner, or god-damned Mike Sheets and his impossible mastery of the absurd pathing system, but I'm less terrible than I was.

The main thing I still can't get the hang of is those nice sloping paths all the YouTubers make using the terrain stamp. I get how it works - and I can use it - but it never comes out looking as smooth (and yes, I know there is a terrain smoothing tool).

Of course, these people are playing this game all day every day as part of their job. Average players like me don't have time to sit there and build an entire Buddhist temple out of individual pieces; that would be ridiculous.
 
I'm completely daunted by the Youtube content creators, with their skills and attention to detail. They make the most beautiful stuff.

However, this is a GAME, and it's only been out for a month!! My suggestion is to just have fun with it at the moment. Build a zoo as you go along, grow some animals, make mistakes and start again if you want to. Over time, you'll become familiar with the mechanics, what the game asks of you and most importantly what YOU want to do with the game.

I know exactly what you mean about all the bits and pieces, but I think if you're inspired to build something, you'll start needing a particular object or shape in your build, and you'll start seeing those pieces in terms of what they can do for you and your idea, rather than what on earth they might be useful for.

I would LOVE to have the patience and will to make incredibly complex buildings and habitats, but I have a zoo to build goddammit, and I don't have time at the moment! So I have lot of habitats with melty sandcastle caves, with the odd bit of rock stuck on the side, and countless floating vendor stands stuck on the sides of pathways. And that's fine! It's one of my first zoos, I'm finding things out and I can come back to intricate building at a later time. :)

Have a laff and let inspiration come to you. :)
 
My suggestion for trying to build more open minded is to try building a simple scenery item using only objects in the catalog that you would not normally use for your intended purpose.

For example, try building a gazebo using wall trims or make an archway using fountain pieces.
 
I spent a whole day building an elephant habitat. It was to small and I am not happy with the plants (Not enough), but at least this little boy made it all alright :)
I hope he learns something there.

great (2).jpg


Makin it bigger may take me at least an half day again. Maybe an other day.
 
I’m not a great builder and do quite struggle with it but maybe here’s a little tip for you. First off start with a strong idea. Mostly shape, colour and texture are important factors. Then you can use the search engine to search for any of these things (ex. Brick, copper, metal, ...) or even by theme filter. Then just pull out some different stuff and start trying things out on small areas so you get a general idea of how it will look until you are happy. And don’t be afraid to turn stuff upside down, sink it into he ground. Sometimes by doing various stuff inspiration can strike. And other tips I’ve heard a couple of youtubers mention is: just keep adding stuff until it’s starts to make sense and look for reference pictures.
 
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