Properties of ESP Files and How to Open a File with .esp Extension

ESP files exist as 3 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: Elder Scrolls or Fallout 4 Plug-in

ESP plugin files are complementary to .ESM master files. They will not load without a corresponding ESM file. Additionally, ESP files override ESM files. The ESP game data is always loaded after the ESM data. Therefore, you can use ESP files to override default game properties with custom ones.

ESP files store game plugins in the Bethesda Softworks Creation Kit. This is a tool to create and modify Elder Scrolls games. ESP files can contain new quests, items, characters. They also modify existing game data.

You can open an ESP file using the Bethesda Creation Kit or another tool supporting ESP files. Some programs opening ESP files are: Bethesda Creation Kit, Elder Scrolls Construction Set.

The ESP format works with ESM and BSA formats. It stands for Elder Scrolls Plugin. An example is Knights.esp for The Elder Scrolls IV: Knights of the Nine. These formats are used since The Elder Scrolls development.

To view or edit ESP files you need to know the format. It determines data storage. Often, the format matches the file extension or signature. If not, errors occur when opening or editing. First, determine the file format.

The .esp extension is commonly used in Elder Scrolls and Fallout games. It was developed by Bethesda Softworks. Files modifying settings and data use .esp. It is also used for plugins. The .esp extension is a data file.

To launch a .esp file, double-click it. If set up correctly, the right application opens it. You may need to download or purchase it. Or associate .esp files with an application.

There are 2 .ESP types – Elder Scrolls or Fallout plugins. In Windows, .ESP files open with:
– Elder Scrolls games
– Fallout games
– Elder Scrolls/Fallout modding tools

Up-to-date systems and drivers make computers more secure. They also may fix issues with .ESP files. Outdated drivers/software can stop using devices handling .ESP files.

In summary, .ESP files are Elder Scrolls or Fallout plugins. We explained what they are and how to open, view or convert them. We hope you find our site informative. There are 10 .ESP file associations.

General Information

Title	ESP File Extension
Extension	.esp
Full Form	Elder Scrolls Plugin
File Type	Game Data File
Developer	Bethesda Softworks
MIME Type	application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function	Game content modification
Additional Functions	Add, modify elements
Features	Customizable, Extendable

File Characteristics

Quality	Varies
Supports Layers	Game-specific
Supports Transparency	N/A
Editable	Yes

Use Cases

Game Modding	Yes
Custom Quests	Yes
New Items	Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks	Injected code
Best Practices	Verified source, Antivirus scan

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release	TES III: Morrowind
Latest Version	Varies by game

Associated Types

Similar Extensions

.esm, .esl, .ba2, .bsa

Software Compatibility

Software	Usage Policy	OS Compatibility
The Elder Scrolls Construction Set	Free	Windows
Fallout 4 Creation Kit	Free with game	Windows
TES5Edit	Free	Windows

Type 2: Fallout 3 Plugin File

The ESP file extension belongs to the Game Files category. This Fallout 3 Plugin File format was developed by Bethesda Softworks for the Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas games. ESP files contain plugi...

General Information

Title	ESP File Extension
Extension	.esp
Full Form	Elder Scrolls Plugin File
File Type	Game Plugin File
Developer	Bethesda Softworks
MIME Type	application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function	Modify game
Additional Functions	Add content
Features	Modifiable, Extendable

File Characteristics

Quality	Varies with content
Supports Layers	N/A
Supports Transparency	N/A
Editable	Yes

Use Cases

Game Modding	Yes
Custom Content	Yes
Gameplay Tweaks	Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks	Malicious code
Best Practices	Verify source, Scan for malware

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release	2008
Latest Update	Varies with game

Associated Types

Similar Extensions

.esm, .bsa, .nif, .dds

Software Compatibility

Software	Usage Policy	OS Compatibility
Fallout 3	Paid	Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
Fallout: New Vegas	Paid	Windows, PlayStation, Xbox
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim	Paid	Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo
Creation Kit	Free with game purchase	Windows

Type 3: SpecManager Dataset

ACD/Labs replaced SpecManager with Spectrus. Spectrus saves datasets as .SPECTRUS files. It can load ESP files. You can open an ESP file with Spectrus on Windows. This allows viewing and analyzing dat...

General Information

Title	ESP File Extension
Extension	.esp
Full Form	Spec Manager Dataset File
File Type	Data File
Developer	Petrosys
MIME Type	application/octet-stream

File Function

Primary Function	Store geological data
Additional Functions	Data analysis, Visualization
Features	Structured data, Proprietary format

File Characteristics

Quality	High precision
Supports Layers	Yes
Supports Transparency	No
Editable	Yes

Use Cases

Geological Mapping	Yes
Resource Exploration	Yes
Data Management	Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks	Data tampering
Best Practices	Access control, Backups

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release	Unknown
Latest Version	Based on software updates

Associated Types

Similar Extensions

.dat, .db, .xml

Software Compatibility

Software	Usage Policy	OS Compatibility
Petrosys	Commercial	Windows, Linux
SpecManager	Commercial	Windows, Linux