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Importing .RIP Files (NinjaRipper) into Blender

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    Rodney Zamora
    Twitter

Importing custom file formats into Blender, such as .rip files commonly associated with 3D model ripping, can be a useful workflow for game asset analysis, modding, or personal projects. These .rip files are not native to Blender and typically originate from tools designed to capture 3D model data from running applications, most notably NinjaRipper.

This guide provides an overview of what .rip files are in this context, the tools that generate them, and how you might approach importing them into modern versions of Blender (e.g., Blender 3.x, 4.x and newer).

Understanding .RIP Files and NinjaRipper

When discussing .rip files in the context of Blender and 3D models, we're typically referring to files generated by tools like NinjaRipper. NinjaRipper is a program used to extract/rip 3D models, textures, and shaders directly from running games or other 3D applications, usually those using DirectX. The output often includes .rip files for model geometry and DDS files for textures.

Importing .RIP Files into Modern Blender: The Challenge

Importing these .rip files into Blender requires a specialized addon or script that can parse the format. In the past, addons were developed for older versions of Blender (like 2.7x and 2.8x) to work with older versions of NinjaRipper (e.g., 1.x).

However, as of mid-2024, many of the previously popular Blender addons for .rip file importing are outdated or no longer maintained. For example:

  • The addon by xpawelsky (often found as RipImport) is no longer available at its original GitHub link.
  • The addon by kree-nickm and its fork by derivator were designed for NinjaRipper 1.7.1 and Blender 2.8/2.9. They are not guaranteed to work with current NinjaRipper 2.x versions or modern Blender releases (3.x, 4.x and above). Their shader import functionalities were also noted as incomplete.

This means that if you are using a recent version of NinjaRipper (e.g., version 2.x) and a modern version of Blender, these older addons are unlikely to work correctly, if at all.

Finding a Working Importer: What To Do

Since specific, universally recommended addons are hard to verify without ongoing community testing:

  1. Search Community Hubs: The best places to find up-to-date importers are active 3D modeling and game modding communities. Look for discussions and releases on:

    • GitHub: Search for "NinjaRipper Blender", "RIP importer Blender", filtering by recent activity.
    • Blender Artists Community: The forums here often have threads on import/export tools.
    • XeNTaX Forums: A community focused on game graphics research, which often discusses ripping tools and importers.
    • Relevant Discord Servers or Subreddits: Communities dedicated to game modding or specific games might have pinned resources or knowledgeable members.

  2. Check Addon Compatibility: When you find a potential addon, carefully check its documentation (if any) for:

    • Supported Blender Version: Ensure it's compatible with your Blender installation.
    • Supported NinjaRipper Version: This is crucial. An addon for NinjaRipper 1.x will likely not work with rips from NinjaRipper 2.x.
    • Last Updated Date: More recently updated addons are more likely to be compatible with current software.

Common Issues When Importing .RIP Files

Even with a working importer, you might encounter several issues:

  • Incorrect Scale or Orientation: Models may import at a vastly different scale or with an unusual orientation. You'll often need to manually scale and rotate the model.
  • UV Mapping Problems: UV maps might be flipped, distorted, or missing. Manual UV unwrapping or editing might be necessary.
  • Texture Assignment: While some importers attempt to link textures, you often need to manually re-assign textures to materials. Ensure you know where NinjaRipper saved the corresponding DDS texture files.
  • Broken or Triangulated Geometry: Ripped models are often triangulated and may contain broken or non-manifold geometry that requires cleanup.
  • Shader and Material Complexity: Game shaders can be complex and may not translate directly to Blender's material system. Importers might create basic materials, but expect to rebuild or significantly tweak them.
  • No Armature/Rig: .rip files typically contain static geometry. You won't get the original character rigs.

Importing .rip files can be a technical process requiring patience and problem-solving. Always be mindful of the terms of service of the games you are ripping from and respect intellectual property rights.

Q: How do I import NinjaRipper files into Blender?

A: Importing NinjaRipper .rip files into modern Blender (3.x, 4.x+) requires a specialized addon. The specific addon will depend on the version of NinjaRipper you used (e.g., 1.x vs 2.x) and your Blender version. You'll need to search for a compatible addon on platforms like GitHub, Blender Artists, or XeNTaX forums. Once installed, the addon will typically provide an import option in Blender's File > Import menu.

Q: Are there Blender addons for .rip files?

A: Yes, addons have been developed for this purpose. However, many older addons are outdated. It's important to find one that is actively maintained or confirmed to work with your specific Blender and NinjaRipper versions. Always check the addon's documentation for compatibility.

Q: What are common problems when importing .rip files?

A: Common issues include incorrect model scale or orientation, flipped or missing UV maps, problems with texture assignments (textures often need to be manually linked), triangulated or broken geometry requiring cleanup, and very basic materials that need to be rebuilt in Blender. Also, character rigs are not typically included in .rip files.

Q: Can Blender open .RIP files directly?

A: No, Blender does not have native support for .rip files from tools like NinjaRipper. You need a third-party addon or script to parse and import the data. The suggestions in the original post summary about using image editors like Photoshop or Paint for these 3D model .rip files are incorrect.