Manage Your Moves

This series is currently in the process of being updated. While most of the information is still relevant I’m going through and updating the content as well as the images to ensure they are still accurate and current.

This is part 5 of the 5 part series Making A New You.

So you’ve gone on your shopping spree and you’re itching to go show off. You look awesome, but you’re still using Second Life’s default animations. You’ve put so much work into your avatar, don’t cheapen it by skipping an Animation Overrider (AO).

Walk, Don’t Waddle

Due to their lack of fluidity, Second Life’s default animations leave something to be desired. The walk has the elegance of a penguin and the other animations aren’t any better. This is where the animation overrider comes in. It replaces the default animations so you can move like the sophisticated creature you are. Different animations give your character different personalities. You can sashay like a model or saunter like a criminal. You can be confident, sassy, curious, humble, anything! Many AOs even alter your basic standing animations. Your choice of animation overrider sets the mood for everything you do.

Manipulating Movement

There are two different ways to go about setting up your animations. Purchasing a complete prepackaged AO is the best choice if you want an easy way to ensure all your animations have the same personality. A complete animation overrider will come with a HUD so you can control various aspects of your movement. Some allow you to toggle a sit in place instead of stand, some have dances included, and some offer other gestures such as hugs or blowing kisses. I prefer prepackaged AOs because it saves me time and they look great.

Creating your own AO is another alternative. This sounds overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The process involves acquiring individual animations and putting them into an AO. Some viewers (like Firestorm) have an AO section built into viewer. If you don’t have access to a built in AO right now you can find empty HUDs to put animations in. Customizing your own AO allows you to micromanage exactly what you want (and don’t want) your avatar to do. It also ensures you don’t pay for extra animations that you don’t like to use.

Purchasing an Animation Overrider (AO) or Animations 

Most animation stores will sell both prepackaged AOs and individual animations. Keep an eye out for free animations too. They are usually lower quality but they can get you started. I highly recommend purchasing animations in game and not on the marketplace. You want to be able to preview the animation with your avatar before making your purchase. Here are some places to check out:

1. VISTA ANIMATIONS
   • The most well known and well supported animation creators in game.
   • Successful AO seller for over a decade.
   • They support both bento (face and hand movements) and non bento animations
   • Huge number of prepackaged AOs to fit any personality or style.
   • Their newest AOs are actually done with mocap, so things like couples dances and other fluid motions come across very well.
2. Tuty’s
   • Quality animations for masculine and feminine avatars.
   • Bento and non bento animations.
   • Wide variety to choose from.
3. Voir Animations
   • Bento and non bento animations.
   • Animations for a variety of styles, though a smaller selection.

Get Started Right Now!

Can’t shop around just yet? That’s alright, in just a few clicks you can have a free HUD and inexpensive basic AOs!

1. Free HUD
   • ZHAO has been a free AO HUD for over a decade.
   • No animations included, you purchase your own and put them in.
2. 1L$ Basic Male AO
   • VISTA ANIMATIONS offers this customizable starter AO for men.
   • You can add your own animations.
   • Includes:
     • 1 walk
     • 4 stands
3. 1L$ Basic Female AO
   • VISTA ANIMATIONS offers this customizable starter AO for women.
   • You can add your own animations.
   • Includes:
     • 1 walk
     • 4 stands
     • 1 chair sit and 1 ground sit
     • 1 run
     • 2 personalities “goodgirl” and “dangerous”

Congratulations on your Regeneration, welcome to the new you! Go ahead and do a little dance, you’ve earned it (and maybe even bought it)! You’re now ready to go explore the vast world of Second Life. Remember, your avatar doesn’t have to stay the same forever. You can always buy new parts, clothes, or animations to freshen it up so your avatar is as unique and ever changing as you are. Feel free to check back if you ever need a refresher, and please tell your friends if you found this guide helpful.

Please show off in the comments, I want to see the new you!