Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you buy something we get a small commission at no extra cost to you(learn more)

Building 3D models can be a time-consuming process.

To jumpstart the creation process we’ve compiled a list of free blender models and character rigs. These are all free but for the models found in Sketchfab and Turbosquid, you will be required to log-in first before downloading anything.

AnimProps is a website where 2D and 3D artists can create an account for free to share, sell or purchase artwork. A big resource for animation rigs. Kit Rig is a free rig for Maya. Available from the website animprops.com. Built By Colossus Rigs are free and paid Maya rigs available for download.

Animation Mentor License Agreement. Last Updated on March 5, 2014. PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING AGREEMENT CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THE RIG AND MATERIAL. This is a legally binding agreement between you (“you” or “Licensee”) and Animation Mentor, Inc. (“Animation Mentor,” or “we”).
All rigs are created by their respected artist. Animation Methods is not affiliated with rig creators. Follow the links to their download page and user agreements.
Rigged 3D models ready to view, buy, and download for free.
Oct 9, 2014 - Hey, hey! At last, the first of the new characters I'm designing for Animation Mentor has been officially announced! Her name is Aia and she.

While most of these assets are made by and for Blender, the models can also be used in other 3D applications too. These can be exported as FBX or OBJ formats which can still be used even if you don’t work in Blender.

Also before downloading anything be sure to check the licenses on each model. Not all of them allow commercial use which can lead to copyright issues. In general if you’re using models for personal use you’re probably good but it’s always smart to double check!

Free Models

Aia Rig Animation Mentor Download Full

Lumberjack Darius

League of Legends’ Darius is given a makeover as a lumberjack reminiscent of Logan in his time in the Canadian forests.

This model comes with a low poly mesh count with a single 2k texture set. And just like the original Darius in League of Legends, he sports a massive axe.

A default T-pose is not provided but you can learn a lot on how to create an appealing character despite the model and texture constraints.

Because the model is a contest entry you can find the author’s work in progress in this thread. Zbrush was used for creating the high poly design, Blender for retopology, UV unwrapping, and rigging. Then lastly 3D Coat and Photoshop for painting.

Vivi Ornitier

You may remember Vivi as the small charming magician from Final Fantasy IX who also happens to be a playable character.

Apart from his emissive texture, the model also comes with different textures for every major part such as its coat, legs, and hands, all while providing high detail definition of every aspect.

Reptile Mage

This reptile mage is also a caster type. Unlike Vivi, this model is built on a low poly count mesh with a hand-painted texture.

In more ways than one, the design is reminiscent of a Pokemon that mated with an Argonian Mage in Elder Scrolls.

Its head is larger in proportion to the rest of its body adding an adorable appeal. It sports a number of magical items including a pair of boots, a staff, and a cape.

Lowpoly McCree

McCree is a stylized low-poly model taken from McCree, the Damage hero in Overwatch.

The model is neither skinned nor weighted with a pose in an almost neutral state.

However its limbs can be adjusted to create a T-pose. The character also sports several props such as a gun, a wad of cash, and a cigarette.

Knight Artorias

Inspired by the Dark Souls boss Astorias the Abysswalker, this model comes with a complete PBR texture from the base color to roughness maps.

The model stays true to its inspiration with ornamental metal armor and a cloth mask that extends into a cape. All of this is complemented with a massive sword for fighting baddies.

Alice

Based on Lost Saga’s Alice who’s also based on the fictional character of the same name in Alice in Wonderland, don’t let her sweet looks fool you.

She’s loaded with heavy artillery, specifically a Gatling gun with a bow.

With its action pose intact this is 3D print-ready. However you may need to perform retopology as the mesh is dense by default.

Wolf with Animation

A quadruped model that is both weighted and animated, this wolf is a 16-frame quadruped with a variety of animation cycles that loop seamlessly.

If you want to use the model without the animation you can simply reset to bind pose or disable the skinning entirely.

You may also turn off the wolf’s mane since it is skinned separately.

You can also do it the other way around. If you already have a quadruped model you can bind it to the existing joint chain and use the quadruped cycle.

Drunk Troll Tavern

This stylized environment piece easily blends in a mobile game platform because of its low poly count.

While the interior is not modeled, the exterior makes up for it. It presents a proper silhouette that can clearly be viewed from various distances and vantage points.

The entrance has a parked carriage and a signboard that shows several written announcements. There is a bar on the top floor that features beer barrels and bottles of liquor with stables below at the rear end of the tavern that add a nice overall touch.

Also the tavern shows a mix of materials and fixtures including metal details, cloth banners, windows, ropes, bottles, and aging wood.

With a little bit of texturing you can make use of an environment that can act as a venue to numerous stories.

Baba Yaga’s Hut

Baba Yaga’s Hut is set up as a location that’s VR and film friendly.

This stylized piece is well-dressed with various focal points starting with a witch and a boiling cauldron. Not far behind is a hostage trapped in a cage.

On the river we see several rescuers including a priest holding a cross and knight preparing for an attack.

The scene is surrounded by a cloudy mist, adding to its mysterious ambiance. Despite not being a part of the action the interior is also populated with several items such as potions, candles, and a broomstick.

There’s also the nice touch of another witch apprentice and an accomplice bat flying around.

Barrels

One of the staples of environment prop designs are barrels.

A scene looks more organic with a pile of barrels in a corner giving the sense of a recent occupancy. With this free download you’ll have several barrel types ranging from a standard storage barrel to a beer barrel.

The models come with PBR textures that are ready for Unity and Unreal Engine. The author also conveniently provides several exchange formats such as FBX and OBJ extensions.

Hologram Console

This model comes with the complete PBR textures which is a nice benefit.

What makes this model unique is its emissive texture which is a must for any futuristic or post-apocalyptic setting.

After the proper set-up you’ll see the screen lighting up the whole scene. You can take this further and animate the texture like the model in the Advance Tiling for Environment demonstration.

This model can also serve as a good base for a modular asset that can populate a space ship command center or docking control bay.

Runestones

To be upfront, this model does not have a well-organized hierarchy. You may need to clean up certain aspects if you want to modify the asset.

But needless to say the scenery looks good based on the Blizzard style of glowing features and details.

With a night scene the model shows off its magic with its emissive texture. Also through this model you’ll get a glimpse on how to create basic but appealing foliage.

Goblin Warrior

This goblin warrior is close to a AAA character with such attention to detail.

The author made several interesting design choices to add to the menacing nature of the goblin: nails instead of thread line the side sole of its footwear, and a