How to Rip 3D Models from PS4 Games: A Fast-Track Guide to Extracting Game Assets

Ripping 3D models from PS4 games is a process often explored by digital artists, hobbyists, and game modders interested in learning about character design, environment assets, or simply for personal projects. It’s important to note, however, that extracting proprietary assets from commercial games raises legal and ethical considerations—these models are typically the intellectual property of the game developers. With that in mind, here’s a practical, step-by-step understanding of what goes into ripping 3D models from PS4 games.

Step 1: Prepare Your PS4 Console and Legal Considerations

To access the game files on your PS4, you’ll need a console that’s running a compatible firmware version (commonly 5.05, 6.72, or 9.00) because jailbreaking is required to access the file system. Please keep in mind that jailbreaking your console might violate Sony’s terms of service and potentially your local copyright laws, so proceed cautiously and at your own risk.

Step 2: Extract Game Files

Once your PS4 is jailbroken, you can use a tool like FTP payloads (like PS4 FTP or PS4-Xplorer) to transfer the game’s files to your PC. This involves accessing the game’s package (PKG) files and extracting them to reveal archives that might hold model data—often in proprietary or encrypted formats.

Step 3: Locate and Decrypt 3D Model Files

Most PS4 games use proprietary file formats for their assets (e.g., .GTF, .DAT, .PCK, or custom). You’ll need to identify which files contain the 3D models. Communities like Xentax and ZenHax often provide file structure guides and sometimes even user-created tools (called extractors) for specific games and formats. Some files may require decryption or conversion, a process that can involve hex editing or special scripts.

Step 4: Convert Proprietary Mesh Formats

After extracting the model files, you will generally need to use custom tools or scripts that convert the models into standard formats like .OBJ or .FBX, which can be imported into 3D software such as Blender or Maya. Look for community-made converters tailored to the specific game whose assets you want to extract.

Step 5: Import and Refine in 3D Software

Once you have the models in a common format, import them into your chosen 3D application. You’ll likely need to clean up the mesh, reapply or modify textures, and sometimes fix bone rigs or animation data. This step lets you prepare and even redesign the models for your project or study.

Designer’s Perspective:

When analyzing assets extracted from games, I always consider how the original environment or character models contribute to the overall experience—lighting, scale, detailing, and underlying structure matter immensely. For those aiming to conceptualize or redesign spaces based on in-game inspiration, resources such as 3D floor planner platforms can serve as legitimate alternatives—these tools offer the ability to visualize, customize, and iterate on designs, all within a legal and professionally-supported environment.

Tips 1:

Always check community guidelines and respect the intellectual property rights of game developers. If you’re pursuing 3D modeling as a creative outlet or for educational purposes, consider using openly-available assets or professional design platforms, which ensure a smooth and legal workflow.

FAQ

Q: Is it legal to rip 3D models from PS4 games?

A: Ripping 3D models from commercial games often infringes on copyright law and breaches end-user license agreements. It is generally only permitted for personal, non-commercial use, and you should always check the specific legal situation in your jurisdiction.

Q: What tools are commonly used to extract PS4 game files?

A: Tools such as PS4 FTP payload, PS4-Xplorer, and various community-made extractors targeting specific games or file formats are popular in this workflow.

Q: What are the challenges with proprietary file formats?

A: Proprietary formats are designed to be unreadable by standard software. Successfully extracting content often relies on community-created scripts or tools, reverse engineering knowledge, and sometimes manual analysis.

Q: Can I import ripped models directly into programs like Blender?

A: Typically, extracted models require conversion to a compatible format like .OBJ or .FBX before they can be imported. Cleanup and retargeting work afterward is usually necessary.

Q: Are there legal alternatives to using ripped game models for design inspiration?

A: Yes, platforms with licensed or original 3D assets—such as 3D visualization tools and floor planners—provide legal ways to explore, design, and iterate on environment or character models for both professional and hobbyist projects.