In this post, we’ll walk you through how to animate 3D models for your games using free tools, where to find rigged characters, and how to bring it all together with Rosebud, the AI-powered game creator.
Yes, even if you’ve never opened Blender in your life, you can still get your characters moving. Let’s break it down
What does it mean to animate a 3D model?
Animation in 3D games usually refers to giving life to characters—walking, running, jumping, dancing, you name it.
To do this, your model needs two things:
- A skeleton (aka rig) – Think of it like invisible bones that define how the model moves.
- Animations – These are sequences that tell the skeleton how to move over time.
Some 3D models come pre-rigged and even pre-animated, but if not, you can still animate them using tools like Mixamo.
How to animate 3D models with Mixamo (Free & Easy)
If you’re new to animation, Mixamo by Adobe is a game-changer. It’s free, browser-based, and insanely simple:
- Go to Mixamo.com
- Upload your 3D model – It supports .FBX and .OBJ formats.
- Auto-rig your character – If it’s not rigged yet, Mixamo guides you through placing markers on knees, elbows, etc.
- Choose animations – Browse their huge library (walks, dances, idle poses, etc.) and apply them instantly.
Once you’re done, just download the animated model and upload it into Rosebud AI Game Creator. It’s plug-and-play—Rosie, our AI, handles the rest.
Where to find animated 3D models (no rigging required)
If you don’t want to bother with Mixamo, or just want a shortcut, try these free resources:
Quaternius
- A treasure trove of free, CC0-licensed 3D model packs.
- Many models come pre-rigged and animated.
- Perfect for platformers, RPGs, and even FPS games.
- Formats: glTF, FBX, OBJ, Blend.
Just download a pack, upload it to Rosebud, and you’re ready to start building scenes with animated characters.
Kenney
- Known for their clean, game-ready art.
- Some character packs include simple rigs and basic animations.
- Great for stylized or low-poly games.
File formats that just work
When you’re working with 3D assets and animation, file formats matter. Here’s a quick rundown:
Pro tip: Whenever possible, go with GLB/glTF for Rosebud projects. They load faster, render correctly, and support baked animations.
Animations in Rosebud AI Game Creator
Once your animated model is ready, importing it into Rosebud is seamless:
- Rosie will automatically detect the animation files.
- You can trigger animations during gameplay (walk cycle when pressing arrows, idle when standing still, etc.).
- You can also combine multiple animations or control them with game logic—all without needing to code from scratch.
Need to test the model in-game? Just hit “Publish” and see it in action, right in your browser.
What if my model looks… wrong?
Sometimes, especially with .FBX or .OBJ formats, things don’t look quite right. Common issues include:
- Missing textures – Make sure they’re packed in the same folder, or use GLB format to avoid this.
- T-poses or A-poses – These are default idle positions before animation kicks in. Just assign the right animation!
- Lighting issues – Try adding an HDRI or using Rosebud’s ambient light settings to fix weird shadows.
Final thoughts: It’s all about motion
Animating 3D models can sound intimidating at first, but with the right tools, it’s almost effortless.
Whether you’re remixing a sci-fi shooter, building a cozy RPG, or crafting a creepy horror experience, having animated characters makes a world of difference.
And with Rosebud’s AI handling the heavy lifting, you can focus on what matters—your creativity.
Jump into Rosebud and upload your first animated model today.
Remix a game, try out different animation styles, or create something totally wild.
Got questions or want feedback? Join our community Discord and show off what you’re working on—we’d love to see it.