Redump ^new^ Guide
Redump is a community-driven project focused on creating precise, 1:1 backups (dumps) of optical media games (CD, DVD, Blu-ray) for preservation and emulation purposes. Unlike standard ISO rips, Redump ensures the entire disc structure—including audio tracks, pregaps, and subchannel data—is perfectly captured. 1. What is Redump?
Redump is a non-profit organization that aims to create a comprehensive database of accurate, verified dumps of video game data. The project was founded in 2006 by a group of enthusiasts who recognized the need for a reliable source of game data. The name "Redump" is derived from the phrase "reliable dump," reflecting the project's focus on creating trustworthy and accurate dumps of game data. redump
Redump vs. The World: Scene Rips vs. Redump
This commitment to verification means Redump prioritizes accuracy over speed. As of 2025, the project has cataloged and verified nearly 150,000 disc images across 40+ systems, from the Sega CD and PlayStation to obscure platforms like the PC-FX and FM Towns. For each entry, the database holds not just the image but a detailed log file of the dumping process, photos of the disc and its ring codes, and the exact offsets of the data. This is archival at the level of paleography—treating each disc as a unique artifact with its own material flaws and manufacturing signatures. Redump is a community-driven project focused on creating
REDUMP (Software Tool)
: A specific technical tool used for migrating or dumping data from Redmine, an open-source project management system [4, 12]. Parent/Clone (P/C): Redump groups games by region
Redump.org
is a massive digital preservation project and community dedicated to creating a comprehensive, high-fidelity database of video games released on optical media. Unlike casual ROM-sharing sites, Redump focuses on archival accuracy, providing "blueprints" of original discs to ensure that software history is perfectly preserved. 1. Core Mission and Standards
The Redump project is a vital initiative that ensures the integrity and preservation of video game data. By creating a comprehensive database of accurate, verified dumps, Redump provides a valuable resource for the gaming community. As the project continues to grow and evolve, it serves as a model for data preservation and highlights the importance of community-driven initiatives in safeguarding our digital heritage. Whether you're a gamer, developer, or simply a enthusiast, Redump's mission is an important one – and we encourage you to support their efforts.
- Parent/Clone (P/C): Redump groups games by region. For example, Crash Bandicoot might have a "Parent" entry (the US release) and "Clone" entries (the EU and JP releases). You only strictly need the Parent to play, but archivists collect all Clones.
- The Datfiles: These are
.datfiles used by ROM managers. They contain the mathematical fingerprints of every disc.
Their primary mission is to ensure that a "dump" (a digital copy) of a disc is accurate. Because optical discs can have read errors or small manufacturing variations, Redump requires multiple users to submit identical results for the same disc before it is marked as "verified." This rigorous process eliminates the risk of bad sectors or "dirty" data polluting the historical record. The Philosophy of "Bit-Perfect" Archiving