FileInfo
extension

RARC File - What is a .rarc file and how do I open it?

Learn about .RARC files and view a list of programs that open them.

Languages

EN

Overview

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.

Popularity3.5/5

2 votes

Quick AppOpen with
VerifiedVerified by FileInfo.com The FileInfo.com team has independently researched the Wii and GameCube Resource Archive file format and Mac, Windows, and Linux apps listed on this page. Our goal is 100% accuracy and we only publish information about file types that we have verified. If you would like to suggest any additions or updates to this page, please let us know .

Document Icon

Breadcrumbs

DeveloperNintendo
Popularity3.5 | 2 Votes

Previous / Next

‹ .RAR.RAS ›

In-Depth

.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.

Open over 400 file formats with File Viewer Plus . Free Download

Programs that open RARC files

Sort

Pricing

Program Name

Platform

Reset

X

Windows

Wiimms SZS Tools

Free

ARCTool

Free

Wexos's Toolbox

Free

Mac

Wiimms SZS Tools

Free

Linux

Wiimms SZS Tools

Free

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.

Related