General Data Extraction Tools for VNs

[Shikuromi]

Mods feel free to move this to a more general forum since this can apply to all VNs and not just Otome VNs.

Disclaimer: This is mostly for ripping audio and movie files, I have not delved into checking scripts or other assets. Requires some knowledge of CMD, Python, and Hex.

A collection of tools that I have gathered over time. Some may be outdated or already implented into VGMToolBox.
Thread will be updated periodically whenever I come across new tools. Feel free to discuss and help contribute!

Last Updated: 2026/04/07

General PS1 PS2 PC Switch DS 3DS Saturn Dreamcast Xbox 360

• • VGMToolbox | The go to for extracting console audio/video files; I mainly use it for extracting PSP and PSVita files which contain CPK and PMF/USM files. Video Demultiplexer and CRI CPK Archive Extractor will be the most commonly used tools.
  • NovaExtractor | My last resort for extracting video/audio files when all else fails or can't be bothered to learn hex
  • PS-HuneX_Tools | For Playstation files that are in .hed/.nam/.mrg format. Requires Python to use. More documentation can be found here
  • PkgToolBox | To analyze pkg files typically found in PSP, PS3-5
  • FuckGalEngine / CNGALTools / GalgameReverse | Various unpackaging tools for specific VN engines
  • KrkrDump | Used to extract files from newer versions of the Kirikiri engine
  • CDmage | General file viewer for CD image files
  • vgmhcs64 | Has most audio rips of console games
  • Fuwanovel Data Extraction Thread | Outdated, but still a useful and active thread for extracting VNs in general
  • Fuwanovel Script Extraction Thread | ^ Ditto, but for extracting scripts!
  • foobar2000 | For the ability to listen to almost any sound file. I reccomend also downloading the vgmstream plugin as well.
• • jpsxdec | Useful for checking file structure, I use it to extract audio files
  • PSMplay; also requires WNASPI32 to be downloaded and put into folder | I mainly use this to extract videos because in my opinion it does a better job than jpsxdec, but feel free to compare for yourself
• • AFS Packer | For games in AFS files (e.g. Sugar Sugar Rune)
  • PSS Demux | To extract PSS files to video and audio format (Also on VGMToolBox, though I like using this tool because it converts audio to .wav)
  • SFD2MPG | Converts SFD files to MPG video format (Also on VGMToolBox)
  • Extracting PSS from BIN via Hex [Guide]
• • GARbro | The go to for extracting PC game files like .xp3. Note: do not use morkt version which is outdated, instead use the crskycode fork which is still being updated with decryptions.
  • QuickBMS | Usually for specific games. Rarely use it, but can come in handy.
  • 7-Zip Plug-in | Used to extract .asar files via 7-zip
  • Light.vnTools | For extracting VNs using the Light.vn engine
  • jpexs | File viewer for VNs using Flash engine
  • Swivel | For converting flash videos (.swf) to video
  • RAD | Converting .bk2 to .avi
  • DirectorCastRipper | For converting .cxt files to .swf -> Use Swivel afterwards to convert to video! (Only VN so far that used this from my experience is Oukyuu Yasoukyoku)
  • NexasPackEdit | Used for Nexas Engine
  • Galge Unpacking | List of what unpackers to use for some galges. There are also useful resources to download under the 解包方法 column (excluding GARbro links).
• Requires dumping RomFS via emulator or NXDumpTool if physically ripping
  
  Asset Studio | Latest fork of Asset Studio; most audio/video files will be found in the StreamingAssets folder of switch games
• SDATxtract | For extracting some DS sound data without needing to convert
  tinke | DS file viewer
• Requires dumping RomFS via emulator
  
  Mobiclip | For converting .moflex files. Use the following command: ⁨⁨⁨⁨⁨⁨
  

  MobiConverter.exe -d "input.moflex" "output.avi"

• ACPK2AVI | CPK to AVI converter; guide is documented in the zip file
• GDRom Explorer | File viewer and extractor for Dreamcast
• XISO | For extracting Xbox 360 ISOs

Unfortunately hex is way outside of my expertise, but if a game contains .bin files, the more likely you will need to check via hex editing... I only know simple methods for the ps2 thanks to guides, but psp and psv are a whole different beast. If anyone is tech savvy enough to teach the basics I gladly appriciate it.

 

[blackflag]

Pinned! this is so helpful!

 

[Beannie]

This is amazing, thank you @Shikuromi! If someone was able to extracts scripts of games that are not on jiten, please consider donating them via the request section that site! It would be cool if more (joseimuke) VN entries were there /\

 

[Kyouri]

Thanks for sharing! Had never heard of garbro either, I had always just used 7zip :o

 

[Shikuromi]

Thanks for sharing! Had never heard of garbro either, I had always just used 7zip :o

I should clarify it, but its used to extract data files from the game like .xp3 after unzipping with winrar/7zip

 

[shinichiel]

These are mostly for the older platforms. Super useful though. I'd like to learn more on using cmd since some tools are only available in that interface and it's still confusing.

 

[Beannie]

These are mostly for the older platforms. Super useful though. I'd like to learn more on using cmd since some tools are only available in that interface and it's still confusing.

Oh ye, everytime I see you I have to do magic with cmd, I get sweaty haha.

 

[Tachibanachan]

These are mostly for the older platforms. Super useful though. I'd like to learn more on using cmd since some tools are only available in that interface and it's still confusing.

When I am troubled by using cmd, I will consult AI, and it usually answers me patiently :)

 

[RyuukiRyuu]

Mods feel free to move this to a more general forum since this can apply to all VNs and not just Otome VNs.

Disclaimer: This is mostly for ripping audio and movie files, I have not delved into checking scripts or other assets. Requires some knowledge of CMD, Python, and Hex.

A collection of tools that I have gathered over time. Some may be outdated or already implented into VGMToolBox.
Thread will be updated periodically whenever I come across new tools. Feel free to discuss and help contribute!

Last Updated: 2026/03/15

General PS1 PS2 PC Switch DS 3DS Saturn Dreamcast Xbox 360

• • VGMToolbox | The go to for extracting console audio/video files; I mainly use it for extracting PSP and PSVita files which contain CPK and PMF/USM files. Video Demultiplexer and CRI CPK Archive Extractor will be the most commonly used tools.
  • NovaExtractor | My last resort for extracting video/audio files when all else fails or can't be bothered to learn hex
  • PS-HuneX_Tools | For Playstation files that are in .hed/.nam/.mrg format. Requires Python to use. More documentation can be found here
  • PkgToolBox | To analyze pkg files typically found in PSP, PS3-5
  • FuckGalEngine / CNGALTools / GalgameReverse | Various unpackaging tools for specific VN engines
  • KrkrDump | Used to extract files from newer versions of the Kirikiri engine
  • CDmage | General file viewer for CD image files
  • vgmhcs64 | Has most audio rips of console games
  • Fuwanovel Data Extraction Thread | Outdated, but still a useful and active thread for extracting VNs in general
  • foobar2000 | For the ability to listen to almost any sound file. I reccomend also downloading the vgmstream plugin as well.
• • jpsxdec | Useful for checking file structure, I use it to extract audio files
  • PSMplay; also requires WNASPI32 to be downloaded and put into folder | I mainly use this to extract videos because in my opinion it does a better job than jpsxdec, but feel free to compare for yourself
• • AFS Packer | For games in AFS files (e.g. Sugar Sugar Rune)
  • PSS Demux | To extract PSS files to video and audio format (Also on VGMToolBox, though I like using this tool because it converts audio to .wav)
  • SFD2MPG | Converts SFD files to MPG video format (Also on VGMToolBox)
  • Extracting PSS from BIN via Hex [Guide]
• • GARbro | The go to for extracting PC game files like .xp3. Note: do not use morkt version which is outdated, instead use the crskycode fork which is still being updated with decryptions.
  • QuickBMS | Usually for specific games. Rarely use it, but can come in handy.
  • 7-Zip Plug-in | Used to extract .asar files via 7-zip
  • Light.vnTools | For extracting VNs using the Light.vn engine
  • jpexs | File viewer for VNs using Flash engine
  • Swivel | For converting flash videos (.swf) to video
  • RAD | Converting .bk2 to .avi
  • DirectorCastRipper | For converting .cxt files to .swf -> Use Swivel afterwards to convert to video! (Only VN so far that used this from my experience is Oukyuu Yasoukyoku)
• Requires dumping RomFS via emulator or NXDumpTool if physically ripping
  
  Asset Studio | Latest fork of Asset Studio; most audio/video files will be found in the StreamingAssets folder of switch games
• SDATxtract | For extracting some DS sound data without needing to convert
  tinke | DS file viewer
• Requires dumping RomFS via emulator
  
  Mobiclip | For converting .moflex files. Use the following command: ⁨⁨⁨⁨⁨⁨
• ACPK2AVI | CPK to AVI converter; guide is documented in the zip file
• GDRom Explorer | File viewer and extractor for Dreamcast
• XISO | For extracting Xbox 360 ISOs

Unfortunately hex is way outside of my expertise, but if a game contains .bin files, the more likely you will need to check via hex editing... I only know simple methods for the ps2 thanks to guides, but psp and psv are a whole different beast. If anyone is tech savvy enough to teach the basics I gladly appriciate it.

Thank you for your resources!

 

[sumprrson]

Wow this seems really useful, it's needed to make translation patches for games right? I wish I knew how to do that

 

[BLFan]

@Shikuromi You can share the program Light.vnTools the github link does not exist

 

[Karosere]

@Shikuromi You can share the program Light.vnTools the github link does not exist

It's under the PC section. Gitlab page is linked and the program is in the Releases section.

 

[BLFan]

?..

 

[Shikuromi]

View attachment 95941
View attachment 95942
?..

I have the gitlab linked, not github in the PC tab? Not sure where you found that one since it was archived. Was it via the CNGALTools link? Here is the release

 

[BLFan]

I have the gitlab linked, not github in the PC tab? Not sure where you found that one since it was archived. Was it via the CNGALTools link? Here is the release

I was finally able to download it, thanks

 

[puinnai]

This is so helpful! Thanks for your effort

 

[oxoxo]

Thanks

 

[疏疏.]

Thank you so much! I never expected there to be tools for so many different platforms. AI is super advanced these days, and we can always ask it for help, but it would be absolutely perfect if folks who have the full tutorial sets for these tools could share them around.

 

[Violetta19]

Thank you very much for such a useful guide.

 

[Kyouri]

Idk if mentioned yet but I used https://iwanplays.itch.io/rpaex and it worked really well with renpy game I tried it on~ it's one of the drag file onto script types, I love those so I don't have to mess with command line stuff lol

 

[Bamirie]

Thanks.

 

[fae344]

Thx for sharing! Super useful.

 

[Meringue]

Thank you so much for this! I used to patch things ages ago but forgot most of my tools by now lol;;

 

[Lukeo]

More online extraction tools.
https://extract.me/
https://grviewer.com/tab/rpa-extractor-online
https://hexed.it/
https://sqliteonline.com/

Without the use of any app.

 

[lilillll]

I found a Chinese website that posts some useful extraction tools:
https://www.flamecho.top/p/trans-guide