How to Extract Models from Fallout 4 into Blender: A Comprehensive Guide

Embrace the art of game asset acquisition and delve into the captivating world of Fallout 4. Unleash your inner artist and unlock the secrets of extracting intricate 3D models from this post-apocalyptic masterpiece. With the power of Blender, a versatile 3D modeling software, you can effortlessly transform digital assets into captivating works of art or invigorate your own creative projects.

First, venture into the depths of the Fallout 4 game files and select the model that sets your imagination ablaze. Equip yourself with the essential tools: NifSkope, for navigating and exporting the raw model data, and Blender, for refining and transforming your newfound asset. NifSkope grants you the ability to inspect the model’s structure, disentangle its components, and export them in a versatile format that Blender can embrace. Once the model graces Blender’s digital workspace, you possess the power to manipulate its vertices, edges, and faces, reshaping it according to your artistic vision.

Furthermore, Blender empowers you with an arsenal of tools to enhance your model’s aesthetics. Apply textures to bestow upon it a lifelike appearance, or rig it with bones to grant it the gift of animation. The possibilities are boundless, enabling you to create captivating scenes or integrate your model seamlessly into your own 3D masterpieces. Thus, embark on this extraordinary journey, where the boundaries between game assets and artistic creations blur, and witness the transformative power of model ripping in all its glory.

Locating Model Files within the Fallout 4 Game Directory

Fallout 4’s game files are organized into various folders, each containing specific types of data. Model files, which represent the 3D objects within the game, are stored in the following locations:

1. Fallout 4\Data\Meshes

This folder contains the majority of the game’s model files, including characters, weapons, vehicles, and environmental objects. The files are typically named according to the object they represent, followed by a .nif extension.

2. Fallout 4\Data\Textures

This folder contains the texture files used to define the appearance of the models. The textures are typically named according to the model they are associated with, followed by a .dds extension.

3. Fallout 4\Data\Textures\Actors

This folder contains the texture files specifically used for character models. The files are organized into subfolders based on the character type, such as “creatures,” “humans,” and “monsters.” Within each subfolder, the textures are further organized into categories, such as “facegen,” “head,” and “body.” The texture files typically have the following naming convention:

Exploring the Hierarchical Structure of NIF Models

NIF models, used in Fallout 4, have a complex hierarchical structure that defines the organization and relationship of various elements within the model. Understanding this structure is crucial for effectively ripping and manipulating these models in Blender.

Meshes

Meshes are the fundamental geometric components of a NIF model, representing the visible surfaces and shapes of objects. They consist of vertices, edges, and faces that define the shape and contour of the object. Each mesh is typically assigned a material that determines its appearance and properties.

Materials

Materials in NIF models control the visual characteristics of meshes, including color, texture, and reflectivity. They define how light interacts with the surface of the mesh, resulting in a wide range of visual effects. Materials can be shared among multiple meshes to create consistency and reduce resource usage.

Nodes

Nodes represent the organizational hierarchy within a NIF model. They serve as containers for various elements, including meshes, materials, bone weights, and animation data. Nodes can be nested within other nodes, creating a tree-like structure that defines the overall organization of the model.

Bone Weights

Bone weights indicate the influence of individual bones on vertices within a mesh. This data is essential for creating animations, allowing objects to deform and move realistically based on the underlying skeleton structure. Each vertex is assigned a set of bone weights, determining the degree to which each bone affects its position and movement.

Animation Data

Animation data in NIF models stores information about the movement and deformation of objects over time. It typically consists of keyframes that define the position, rotation, and scale of bones at specific points in the animation. This data allows animations to be played back, creating dynamic and visually engaging scenes.

Isolating the Target Model within the NIF File

Once you’ve opened the desired NIF file in NifSkope, it’s time to isolate the target model you want to export. Follow these steps to achieve this:

1. Exploring the NIF Hierarchy

The NIF file structure is displayed as a hierarchy of nodes in NifSkope’s left-hand navigation pane. Expand the nodes to reveal the various components, such as meshes, materials, textures, and animations.

2. Identifying the Root Node

The root node is typically named “Root” or “RootNode” and is the topmost node in the hierarchy. It represents the entire model or scene.

3. Navigating to the Model

Expand the root node to find the node representing the specific model you want to export. This node may have a name that corresponds to the model’s in-game name or its purpose, such as “PlayerCharacter” or “Weapon.”

4. Selecting the Model’s Node

Click on the node representing the target model to select it. The selected node will be highlighted in blue.

5. Additional Model Nodes

Some models may have child nodes that represent additional components, such as weapons or clothing. If necessary, expand these child nodes and repeat the selection process to isolate the specific component you want to export.

6. Inspecting the Model

Once the model’s node is selected, you can inspect its properties in the right-hand pane to ensure you have selected the correct node. The properties will include information about the model’s mesh, materials, and animations.

7. Selecting the Mesh Data

To export the model’s geometry, you need to select the mesh data associated with the selected node. Expand the “NiTriShape” node under the model’s node to reveal the mesh data. Select the “NiTriShape” node, and the mesh data will be highlighted in the 3D preview window.

8. Verifying the Mesh Selection

To confirm that you have selected the correct mesh, check the “NiTriShape” properties in the right-hand pane. These properties will include information about the mesh’s geometry, such as the number of vertices, faces, and UV maps.

9. Grouping Selected Nodes

If you want to export multiple models or components together, you can group the corresponding nodes in NifSkope. Select the target nodes while holding down the “Ctrl” key, right-click on one of the selected nodes, and choose “Group” from the context menu. The selected nodes will be grouped into a single node, making it easier to export them together.

Adjusting the Model’s Coordinates and Orientation

Once you have imported the model into Blender, you may need to adjust its coordinates and orientation to position it correctly within your scene. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do so:

1. Select the Model

Begin by selecting the model in the 3D viewport. You can do this by clicking on it with the left mouse button.

2. Check the Model’s Current Position

Locate the “Transform” panel in the “Properties” sidebar (usually on the right-hand side of the Blender interface). Under “Location,” you can view the model’s current coordinates on the X, Y, and Z axes.

3. Adjust the Coordinates Manually

If you need to move the model to a specific location, you can manually enter the desired coordinates into the “Location” fields. Simply click on the X, Y, or Z field and type in the new value.

4. Use the Gizmo Tool

Alternatively, you can use the “Gizmo” tool to interactively adjust the model’s position. With the model selected, press “G” on your keyboard to activate the “Move” mode. You can then use the X, Y, and Z axes handles to move the model around in the viewport.

5. Rotate the Model

To rotate the model, press “R” on your keyboard to activate the “Rotate” mode. You can then use the X, Y, and Z axes handles to rotate the model around its center point.

6. Scale the Model

If you need to adjust the size of the model, press “S” on your keyboard to activate the “Scale” mode. You can then use the X, Y, and Z axes handles to scale the model up or down. Alternatively, you can enter a specific scale factor into the “Scale” fields in the “Transform” panel.

7. Reset the Transformation

If you want to reset the model’s transformation and return it to its original position, orientation, and scale, press “Ctrl+A” on your keyboard. This will apply the current transformation as the model’s default state.

8. Freeze the Transformation

Once you are satisfied with the model’s position, orientation, and scale, you can freeze the transformation to prevent it from being accidentally altered later. To do this, right-click on the model in the “Outliner” (usually on the left-hand side of the Blender interface) and select “Make Local.”

9. Apply the Transformation

If you want to permanently apply the transformation to the model’s object data, press “Ctrl+A” on your keyboard and select “Apply” from the menu. This will update the model’s mesh data with the current transformation.

10. Advanced Matrix Editing (Optional)

For advanced users, the model’s transformation can also be edited directly using the matrix in the “Transform” panel. This allows you to access and manipulate individual elements of the transformation matrix for fine-tuning or custom transformations.

Adjustment	Keyboard Shortcut	Description
Move	G	Translate the model along the X, Y, or Z axis.
Rotate	R	Rotate the model around the X, Y, or Z axis.
Scale	S	Scale the model uniformly or along individual axes.
Reset Transformation	Ctrl+A	Return the model to its original position, orientation, and scale.
Freeze Transformation	Right-click > Make Local	Prevent the model’s transformation from being accidentally altered.
Apply Transformation	Ctrl+A > Apply	Permanently apply the transformation to the model’s object data.

Exporting the Final Model for Use in External Applications

Once you have successfully rigged and animated your model, you’re ready to export it for use in external applications such as game engines or 3D printing software. blender offers several export options to choose from, depending on your specific needs.

Select the Export Format:

In the File menu, navigate to "Export" and select the appropriate format for your application. Some common formats include:
- glTF: For web-based and real-time applications
- FBX: For interoperability between different 3D software
- OBJ: For compatibility with a wide range of applications
Configure Export Settings:

The export settings vary depending on the chosen format. However, some general options include:
- Triangulate: Convert all polygons to triangles, making them compatible with most applications
- Apply Modifiers: Include the effects of modifiers applied to the model
- Export Normals: Preserve surface normals for proper shading
- Export UVs: Export the UV coordinates for texture mapping
Select the Output Destination:

Specify the location where you want to save the exported file. You can choose a local folder, cloud storage, or directly import it into another application.
Optimize for Export:

Blender provides several tools to optimize the model for export.
- Mesh: Merge vertices, remove duplicate faces, and decimate to reduce file size
- Materials: Simplify materials to reduce the number of textures and shaders
- Animations: Export only the necessary frames of animation to save space
Generate LODs (Level of Detail):

For efficient rendering at different distances, you can generate LODs by duplicating the model and reducing the polygon count for each level.
Create a UV Atlas:

Unwrap the model’s UVs into a single atlas to optimize texture usage and reduce draw calls.
Assign Textures:

Assign the appropriate textures to the model before exporting. You can use both internal Blender textures or import external image files.
Export and Review:

Click on the "Export" button to generate the exported file. Once the export is complete, review the file in the chosen application to ensure everything is as expected.
Trouble with Exporting:

If you encounter any issues during export, check the following:
- Ensure the model is fully triangulated
- Verify that all necessary modifiers are applied
- Check for any errors in the UV unwrapping
- Consider simplifying the model or reducing the texture resolution
Additional Resources:

Blender Manual: https://docs.blender.org/manual/en/latest/
glTF Exporter: https://github.com/KhronosGroup/glTF-Blender-IO
FBX Exporter: https://github.com/mrdoob/three.js/tree/master/examples/js/exporters/obj

Preserving the Integrity of the Original Model

When ripping models from Fallout 4, it is crucial to preserve the integrity of the original model to ensure its accuracy in Blender. The following measures can help maintain the model’s original quality:

Choosing the Right Tools

Using the appropriate tools, such as NifSkope, can significantly improve the accuracy of the ripped model. NifSkope is a specialized tool specifically designed for working with Bethesda Softworks’ game files, including those in Fallout 4. It allows users to extract and manipulate models, textures, and other assets without compromising their integrity.

Preserving Model Hierarchy

The model’s hierarchy, or the way in which its objects are arranged and interconnected, should be preserved during the ripping process. This hierarchy defines the relationships between different parts of the model, such as joints, bones, and animations, and is essential for maintaining the model’s functionality and appearance in Blender.

Maintaining Materials and Textures

The materials and textures associated with the model should also be ripped and imported into Blender. These elements provide the model with its surface properties, such as color, texture, and shading. Failing to import the materials and textures will result in a bland and unrealistic-looking model in Blender.

Handling Animations Correctly

If the model contains animations, it is important to handle them correctly during the ripping process. Animations are defined by keyframes, which specify the position, rotation, and scale of the model’s objects over time. Preserving these keyframes will ensure that the animations play correctly in Blender.

Optimizing for Blender

Once the model is ripped, it may require some optimization to work correctly in Blender. This may involve adjusting the model’s scale, orientation, or other properties to match Blender’s coordinate system and conventions. Additionally, it may be necessary to clean up the model’s geometry or materials to improve its performance.

Additional Considerations

Here are some additional considerations to keep in mind when preserving the integrity of the original model:

1. Understanding the Model’s File Format

Fallout 4 models are typically stored in the NIF (NetImmerse File) format, a proprietary format used by Bethesda Softworks. It is important to understand the structure and contents of the NIF file format to ensure that the model is ripped correctly.

2. Using High-Quality Source Assets

The quality of the ripped model will be limited by the quality of the source assets. If the original model in Fallout 4 is low-resolution or has missing or damaged textures, the ripped model will likely inherit these issues.

3. Verifying the Ripped Model

After the model is ripped, it is advisable to import it into Blender and carefully inspect it to ensure that it has been preserved accurately. This involves checking the model’s geometry, materials, textures, and animations to confirm their integrity.

4. Troubleshooting Potential Issues

Ripping models from Fallout 4 can sometimes encounter issues, such as missing textures or broken animations. It is important to troubleshoot these issues and resolve them to maintain the integrity of the ripped model.

5. Maintaining Original File Structures

When ripping multiple models or assets from Fallout 4, it is important to maintain their original file structures. This includes preserving the directory structure and file naming conventions to facilitate easy organization and management.

6. Documenting the Ripping Process

Documenting the ripping process, including the tools used, settings employed, and any modifications made, can be helpful for future reference. This documentation can be used to troubleshoot issues or reproduce the ripping process in the future.

7. Respecting Copyright and Permissions

It is important to respect the copyright and permissions associated with the original Fallout 4 models. Ripped models should only be used for personal, non-commercial purposes unless explicit permission is granted by Bethesda Softworks.

8. Seeking Support and Assistance

If you encounter difficulties or have questions during the model ripping process, there are numerous online forums and communities where you can seek support and assistance from other users.

9. Patience and Practice

Ripping models from Fallout 4 can be a time-consuming and challenging process. It requires patience, attention to detail, and a willingness to experiment with different techniques. Practice and persistence are key to achieving successful and accurate results.

10. Continuous Learning and Improvement

The field of 3D modeling and asset extraction is constantly evolving. It is beneficial to stay informed about the latest tools and techniques to enhance your skills and improve the quality of your ripped models.

Converting Models to Different Formats

Once you have ripped a model from Fallout 4, you may need to convert it to a different format in order to use it in other software or for other purposes. There are a number of different file formats that models can be exported to, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common file formats for 3D models are:

OBJ

OBJ is a simple and widely supported file format that is used by many 3D modeling programs. OBJ files are text-based, which makes them easy to edit, but they can also be large in size. OBJ files do not support textures or animations, so they are best suited for simple models that will not be animated or textured.

FBX

FBX is a binary file format that is used by many game engines and 3D modeling programs. FBX files are more compact than OBJ files and they support textures and animations. However, FBX files can be more difficult to edit than OBJ files.

DAE

DAE is a XML-based file format that is used by many 3D modeling programs. DAE files are highly portable and they support textures and animations. However, DAE files can be large in size and they can be difficult to edit.

PLY

PLY is a binary file format that is used by many 3D scanning programs. PLY files are very compact and they support textures and animations. However, PLY files can be difficult to edit.

STL

STL is a binary file format that is used by many 3D printing programs. STL files are very compact and they are easy to edit. However, STL files do not support textures or animations.

The best file format for you will depend on your specific needs. If you need a simple file format that is easy to edit, then OBJ is a good option. If you need a more compact file format that supports textures and animations, then FBX is a good option. If you need a highly portable file format that is supported by many 3D modeling programs, then DAE is a good option. If you need a very compact file format that is easy to edit, then PLY is a good option. If you need a file format that is specifically designed for 3D printing, then STL is a good option.

Here is a table summarizing the key features of each file format:

File Format	Text-Based	Binary	Supports Textures	Supports Animations
OBJ	Yes	No	No	No
FBX	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
DAE	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
PLY	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
STL	No	Yes	No	No

To convert a model to a different format, you can use a 3D modeling program such as Blender. Blender supports a wide range of file formats, so you can easily convert your model to the format that you need.

Once you have converted your model to the desired format, you can then use it in other software or for other purposes. For example, you can import your model into a game engine to create a character or object. You can also export your model to a 3D printing program to create a physical copy of the model.

Experimenting with Unique and Innovative Techniques

43. Advanced Mesh Editing and Sculpting

Blender’s robust mesh editing and sculpting tools provide endless possibilities for customizing and enhancing your imported meshes. Experiment with the following techniques to refine and personalize your models.

Loop and Edge Selection: Select and manipulate specific loops or edges of your mesh, allowing for precise control over local geometry.

Multiresolution Modifier: Subdivide and simplify your mesh dynamically, enabling non-destructive editing and detailed sculpting at different levels of detail.

Proportional Editing: Influence the surrounding area around your brush strokes, creating smoother transitions and organic deformations.

Vertex Painting: Assign colors, weights, or textures to individual vertices, providing detailed control over shading, weights, and textures.

Boolean Operations: Combine, subtract, or intersect multiple meshes to create complex shapes and structures.

Dynamic Topology: Utilize a feature that automatically adjusts the mesh topology during sculpting, ensuring smoothness and detail.

Retopology: Create a new mesh with a cleaner topology, optimizing it for animation, rendering, or game development.

Shape Keys: Store and interpolate different mesh shapes, enabling dynamic facial expressions or character poses.

Custom Brushes: Design and import custom sculpting brushes to achieve specific effects, such as wrinkles, scars, or stylized details.

Weight Painting: Assign weights to vertices to control how they deform when your mesh is rigged and animated.

Tool	Description
Vertex Groups	Organize vertices into groups for efficient rigging and animation control.
Skin Modifier	Attach your mesh to a skeleton and define how it deforms.
Pose Mode	Animate and pose your character using a virtual armature.
Shape Keys	Store and interpolate different poses or expressions for dynamic animation.

Remember, experimenting with these techniques requires patience, practice, and a keen eye for detail. Embrace the creative freedom and transform your imported meshes into exceptional 3D models.

How to Rip Models from Fallout 4 into Blender

Ripping models from Fallout 4 into Blender is a relatively simple process that can be completed in a few steps. First, you will need to download and install the NifSkope program. Once NifSkope is installed, open the program and click on the “File” menu. Select “Open” and navigate to the Fallout 4 data folder. The data folder is typically located at “C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Fallout 4\Data”.

Once you have opened the Fallout 4 data folder in NifSkope, you will need to find the model that you want to rip. The models are typically located in the “Meshes” folder. Once you have found the model that you want to rip, right-click on it and select “Export”. In the “Export” dialog box, select the “Blender (.blend)” file format and click on the “Export” button.

The model will now be exported to a .blend file. You can now open the .blend file in Blender and begin working with the model.