VFS File Extension

What is VFS file?

File with .VFS extension is a game data archive for UFO, a computer game series developed by Altar Interactive, later renamed Altar Games. VFS files are used for storing various data used by the game engine to generate game world. The first entry in the series, UFO: Aftermatch, was released in 2003 as a sequel to X-COM game, developed by different studio with many gameplay elements changed and new features added. The game was released for Microsoft Windows.

VFS file contain various resources used by the game, including:

• Graphics and models,
• Music tracks and audio effects,
• Maps and locations,
• Numerical data,
• Textures.

Data is VFS files is compressed using a lossless compression method to save disk space. Various tools for extracting VSF archive contents are available.

VFS files and UFO games

During the period between 2003 and 2007 three UFO games were released:

• UFO: Aftermatch,
• UFO: Aftershock,
• UFO: Afterlight.

Each entry in the series used VFS game data format.

Modifying VFS files

Various mods (tools and resources that allows users to modify game contents and change one or more aspects of the game) to enrich the experience or change the gameplay completely. Installing mods to the game requires no specific technical knowledge, usually it is sufficient to extract VFS files using given modding tool to the game’s main folder. The main VFS files in named gamedata.vfs. Modded VFS packages typically use the following naming convention: mod_packagename.vfs. More detailed description of VFS data structure and modding guides can be found on many UFO fansites as well as on the developer’s official game forum.

Programs which support VFS file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open VFS files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. Files with VFS 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: 03/28/2022

How to open file with VFS extension?

Being unable to open files with VFS extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with VFS extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with VFS files.

Step 1. Get the Dragon UnPACKer

Problems with opening and working with VFS files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with VFS files being present on your machine. The most obvious solution is to download and install Dragon UnPACKer or one to the listed programs: UFO: Aftershock, UFO: Aftermath, UFO: Afterlight. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading Dragon UnPACKer installed is by going to developer’s website (Alexandre Devilliers) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Dragon UnPACKer

You still cannot access VFS files although Dragon UnPACKer is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why VFS files are not compatible with Dragon UnPACKer. The most recent version of Dragon UnPACKer is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open VFS files to Dragon UnPACKer

If you have the latest version of Dragon UnPACKer installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage VFS on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the VFS with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Dragon UnPACKer is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open VFS files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected VFS file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select Dragon UnPACKer and click Change for all...
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with VFS extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the VFS for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the VFS file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Check the VFS file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the VFS file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the VFS file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic VFS file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with VFS extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the UFO Game Archive Format file again.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Dragon UnPACKer

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

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with UFO Game Archive Format file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with VFS files affecting older versions of given software.

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