ARE File

What are ARE files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening an ARE 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 ARE files.

What is an ARE file?

An .ARE file is an Infinity Engine Area file.

Infinity Engine Area files define the layout and interactive content within a game environment built using BioWare's Infinity Engine. They describe what exists in an area - things such as where creatures appear, what containers hold, where entrances and exits are, how doors behave, and how the area tracks player exploration. They do not, however, store the graphical tiles or art used to draw the area.

These files are created and updated by the Infinity Engine itself when designing or saving area layouts for games like Baldur's Gate, Icewind Dale, Planescape: Torment and their Enhanced Editions. They are used by the game engine during play to know which objects to place, which actions are possible in each location, and what state the area is in (for instance which door is open or which region has been explored).

The format exists in multiple versions - for example Version 1.0 used by earlier Infinity Engine games, and Version 9.1 used in later titles. Each file begins with a fixed header that includes a signature ("AREA") and version string (such as "V1.0" or "V9.1"), followed by structured sections for actors, regions, spawn points, entrances, containers, items, and more (variables, explored cell bitmask, doors, animations, etc.).

How to open ARE files

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

While we have not verified the app ourselves yet, our users have suggested a single ARE opener which you will find listed below.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

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

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