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What is a RARC file? A RARC file is an asset archive used by a Nintendo Wii or GameCube video game. It contains 3D models, images, and other resources used to show game characters, objects, and levels. Game modders sometimes extract, modify, and repackage RARC files' contents to modify a game's gameplay.

More Information Several Wii and GameCube games store game assets and associated metadata in compressed RARC archives. Most notably, Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 both use RARC files. In some cases, Wii and GameCube games instead store their assets in slightly-modified RARC files. For example, Super Mario Sunshine stores assets in RARC files that are compressed using Yaz0 compression. These RARC files use the .SZS extension, to denote that they are not standard RARC files. NOTE: RARC files also commonly use the .ARC extension.

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DeveloperNintendo
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.RARC File Extension

Wii and GameCube Resource Archive

DeveloperNintendo
Popularity
3.5  |  2 Votes
 

What is a RARC file?

A RARC file is an asset archive used by a Nintendo Wii or GameCube video game. It contains 3D models, images, and other resources used to show game characters, objects, and levels. Game modders sometimes extract, modify, and repackage RARC files' contents to modify a game's gameplay.

More Information

Several Wii and GameCube games store game assets and associated metadata in compressed RARC archives. Most notably, Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Galaxy 2 both use RARC files.

In some cases, Wii and GameCube games instead store their assets in slightly-modified RARC files. For example, Super Mario Sunshine stores assets in RARC files that are compressed using Yaz0 compression. These RARC files use the .SZS extension, to denote that they are not standard RARC files.

NOTE: RARC files also commonly use the .ARC extension.

How to open a RARC file

You can open a RARC file with Wiimms SZS Tools, ARCTool, or Wexos's Toolbox. These programs allow you to extract assets from, add assets to, and repackage RARC files.

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Programs that open RARC files

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Wiimms SZS Tools

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Wiimms SZS Tools

Free

Linux

Wiimms SZS Tools

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Category: Game Files

Updated: June 26, 2023

FAQ

What is a RARC file?
A RARC file is an asset archive used by a Nintendo Wii or GameCube video game. It contains 3D models, images, and other resources used to show game characters, objects, and levels. Game modders sometimes extract, modify, and repackage RARC files' contents to modify a game's gameplay.
How do I open a .rarc file?
You can open a RARC file with Wiimms SZS Tools, ARCTool, or Wexos's Toolbox. These programs allow you to extract assets from, add assets to, and repackage RARC files.