SARC File – What is .sarc file and how to open it?
SARC File Extension
Sead ARChived Resource File – file format by Nintendo
SARC (Sead ARChived Resource File) is a file extension created by Nintendo for Wii and Wii U games. It is an archive file format used to store various game resources, such as textures, models, sounds, and scripts.
Definition and Usage of SARC Files
A SARC file (Sead ARChived Resource File) is a proprietary archive format developed by Nintendo primarily for use in its video games. The SARC file format is specifically designed to store various resources used by Nintendo games, such as textures, models, sounds, and other assets. SARC files are typically organized into a hierarchical structure, allowing for efficient organization and retrieval of resources.
Functionality and Implementation
SARC files employ a custom compression algorithm to reduce the size of the archived resources. This compression helps optimize game performance and reduce storage requirements. The format also supports encryption to protect sensitive resources from unauthorized access. SARC files are typically embedded within game executables or packaged separately as asset bundles. When the game needs to access a resource, it extracts the necessary files from the SARC archive. The extraction process is handled by Nintendo’s proprietary SARC library, which is included in the game’s software.
Opening SARC Files with Dedicated Tools:
Opening SARC files requires specialized software designed to extract and unpack the archive contents. One popular option is the SARC Extractor by Luigi Auriemma. This tool allows users to extract individual files or the entire archive with ease. Additionally, the X-Ways Forensics tool includes the ability to open and browse SARC files, providing forensic analysis capabilities.
Alternative Methods for Limited Extraction:
In some cases, limited extraction of SARC files may be possible using general-purpose archive tools. For instance, 7-Zip can be utilized to extract certain types of files from SARC archives, such as textures, models, and audio files. However, it’s important to note that 7-Zip may not support the full range of file formats found within SARC archives.
SARC File Structure
SARC files are a compressed archive format used by Nintendo in various games and applications. The format consists of a header followed by a series of compressed files. The header contains information about the SARC file, including the number of files, the total size of the compressed data, and the compression method used. The compressed files are stored in a proprietary format that is specific to Nintendo.
Extraction and Modification
SARC files can be extracted using various tools, including SARCTool, a command-line tool developed by Nintendo. The extracted files can then be modified or replaced with new files, allowing users to customize or modify the contents of the original SARC file. Once the modifications are complete, the SARC file can be rebuilt using the same SARCTool, creating a new modified SARC file that can be used within the original game or application.