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PK3 File

What are PK3 files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a PK3 file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your PK3 files.

What is a PK3 file?

Files that contain the .pk3 file extension are most commonly associated with the Quake III gaming application, although other software games have also been known to use the PK3 file format.

The PK3 files that are used by the gaming software contain compressed game data files. These files store a variety of game details that are used by the game engine, such as the terrain maps, textures, audio clips and other data that is used by the computer in the play of the associated computer game.

The PK3 files on a user's computer can be manually modified in order to customize the content of the game.

Other popular gaming software that uses the PK3 file format include Star Wars Jedi Knight II and Soldier of Fortune II.

How to open PK3 files

Important: Different programs may use files with the PK3 file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your PK3 file is, you may need to try a few different programs.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested ten different PK3 openers which you will find listed below.

Last updated: July 31, 2023

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of PK3 files. Remember, different programs may use PK3 files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

PowerArchiverPowerArchiverVerified
IZArcIZArcUser submitted
SkulltagSkulltagUser submitted
ZandronumZandronumUser submitted
ZipItFastZipItFastUser submitted
ZipNAllZipNAllUser submitted
Dragon UnPACKerDragon UnPACKerUser submitted
ZipZag ArchiverZipZag ArchiverUser submitted
IZArc Command Line Add-OnIZArc Command Line Add-OnUser submitted
QuickZipQuickZipUser submitted

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about PK3 file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.