ESP File Extension

What is ESP file?

ESP files are used by Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas computer games.

What data is stored in ESP files?

ESP files are used for storing mods for the original game. Which include for example:

• custom dialog lines,
• custom and/or new items,
• custom gameplay configs,
• new engine settings,
• additional locations.

Files with ESP extension contain extension data for the base games Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas. Mods are created by fans as a means of expanding or customizing gameplay, updating original designs or adding additional elements enriching user experience, for example adding references to earlier versions.

Can I edit ESP files?

Bethesda Softworks, Fallout series developer, made available for public a tool called G.E.C.K. (The Garden of Eden Creation Kit). By using this program users can edit ESP game files and alter its contents. Such customized ESP files are then loaded into the game by ESM files. This override mechanism allows custom settings to be loaded in place of those from vanilla ESM files.

Programs which support ESP file extension

Programs that can handle ESP files are as follows. Files with ESP extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 11/25/2023

How to open file with ESP extension?

Being unable to open files with ESP extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Fallout 3 Plugin Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install Fallout software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening ESP files is that no program that can handle ESP files is installed on user’s system. The solution to this problem is very simple. Download Fallout and install it on your device. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support ESP files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download Fallout installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Interplay Entertainment Corporation website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Update Fallout to the latest version

If the problems with opening ESP files still occur even after installing Fallout, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Fallout is available. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Fallout cannot handle files with ESP may be that the software is outdated. The latest version of Fallout should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Fallout to ESP files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate ESP files with latest version of Fallout you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the ESP file
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Fallout is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open ESP files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with ESP extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with ESP extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the ESP for errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper ESP file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the ESP file for viruses or malware

Should it happed that the ESP is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the scanner detected that the ESP file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the ESP file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with ESP extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Fallout

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with ESP extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Fallout 3 Plugin Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle ESP files.

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