3ds Max 2012 or alternative?>

Hey all,

I'm shouting out to the community to help me. After years of playing the game I want to start modding. I think I can bring some cool buildings to XXL.
However, Now that it is 2017, I am finding it near impossible to find the resources I need in order to start.

I have read most tutorials & I don't want to be directed to them again as it becomes mind boggling.

From what I believe, i need 3DS Max 2012 version (along with other things) - 2012 version currently not available on the student download site and all links to get this "elsewhere" are dodgy and/or dead. Is there SOME WAY I can not use this program AT ALL, or can I obtain it somewhere.

If I don't need it, and have missed that, is someone able to provide a list of software I need to obtain (again I read a tutorial on this that explains what I need, however being a 2014 tutorial, I need to make sure everything is still the same)

I even went to purchase 3DS Max 2012 online, however I only found '3DS Max Design 2012' which I am unsure if this is legit or works? Again, this was on a site that could be a dead end, costing $300AU for nothing and/or scam.

Anyway, if y'all want to help out, I'll try my best to deliver some awesome mods to XXL !!!

Please and thank you.