CarnivoresIO is a professional-grade Blender extension (4.2+) designed to bridge the gap between modern 3D workflows and the legacy engine of the Carnivores game series. Whether you're a veteran modder or a newcomer, CarnivoresIO provides the most advanced, high-performance tools for creating, animating, and exporting models for the Hunt.
Important
✅ Verified Version: Blender 4.x-5.x (all versions from 4.2 to 5.0+).
❌ Blender 3.x or earlier: Older versions are not officially supported due to the new Extensions architecture.
- Download
carnivores_io-2.x.x.zipfrom the Releases page. - In Blender, go to Edit > Preferences > Get Extensions.
- Drag and drop the
.zipfile into the Blender window, or use the menu to install from disk.
This method ensures the addon updates itself without you having to lift a finger.
- Navigate to Preferences > File Paths > Extensions.
- Click the [ + ] icon to add a new Remote Repository.
- Name it "Carnivores Dev" and paste this URL:
https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Tibbee/CarnivoresIO/refs/heads/main/public_repo/index.json
Tip
Pro-Tip: Under the Extensions tab in Preferences, ensure "Check for updates on startup" is enabled. This allows the addon to sync with the Dev Channel automatically every time you launch Blender!
🚀 High-Performance I/O
- Format Support: Full support for
.3df(Static),.car(Animated), and.3dn(Mobile/HD). - Batch Export: Export entire environment packs at once using the Multi-Export feature.
- Auto-Materials: One-click setup for textures and custom world shaders.
- Handedness Handling: Automatically fix mirroring with the Flip Handedness toggle to match the game engine's left-handed system.
🦴 Pro Rigging & Animation
- MST Reconstruction: Advanced algorithm that infers a functional bone hierarchy from raw vertex groups—no manual rigging required!
- Weight Smoothing: Laplacian smoothing for organic-looking joints and professional deformations.
- Fast Actions: Automatically converts vertex animations into modern Shape Key Actions and NLA strips.
- KPS Control: Manage game-specific Keys Per Second directly in Blender.
🔊 Real-Time NLA Sound System
- Synchronized Audio: Link
.wavfiles to animations. Hear your dinosaur's roar in real-time as you scrub the timeline or play animations in Blender. - Solo Preview: Rapidly iterate on timing with the "Play Preview" loop mode.
- Self-Healing: Robust device management that automatically recovers from audio driver crashes.
🚩 Face Flag Power Tools
- Visualizer: See your engine flags (Transparency, Double-Sided, etc.) directly in the viewport with automated color coding.
- Smart Selection: Select or modify faces using complex bitmask logic (e.g., "Select all transparent faces that are NOT mortal").
- Bulk Modification: Apply, clear, or toggle flags across hundreds of faces simultaneously.
🛡️ Professional Stability & Validation
- Engine Safeguards: Built-in checks for vertex/face limits (1024/2048) and UV range validation.
- Self-Healing: Automatically repairs common legacy file errors during import.
Where to find the tools:
- Import/Export:
File > Import/Export > Carnivores Engine (.3df, .car, .3dn). - Toolbox: Press [ N ] in the 3D Viewport and look for the "Carnivores" tab.
Core Workflow:
- Import: Load your
.caror.3df. Use Flip Handedness to match the game's orientation. - Rigging: For
.carmodels, click "Reconstruct Rig" in the sidebar to instantly generate a poseable skeleton. - Animation: Use the Animation Panel to link
.wavfiles to actions and sync your KPS. - Flags: Use the 3DF Face Flags panel and click "Visualize Flags" to see properties directly on the mesh.
- If you encounter issues, go to
Preferences > Extensions > CarnivoresIOand enable Debug Mode. - Open the System Console (
Window > Toggle System Consoleon Windows) to view detailed logs and NumPy-level execution timings.
Licensed under GNU GPL v3.
Copyright © 2024-2025 Tibor Harsányi.