BZN File

What are BZN files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a BZN 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 BZN files.

What is a BZN file?

A .BZN file is a Star Trek: Armada Map file.

Star Trek: Armada Map files store complete map definitions for the computer strategy game Star Trek: Armada by Activision. These files are created and saved by the game's built-in Map Editor when designing single-player missions or custom multiplayer maps. They define all of the map's structure, including terrain background, placement of environmental objects, starting positions for players, the tech tree in use, and any script or rule files for mission logic.

These map definitions are consumed by the game engine during game setup. When a player selects a map - standard or custom - the game loads the corresponding map file, along with its used tech tree and rule files, to generate the playable scenario. The Map Editor tool writes these files; once saved, they may be placed in the game's addon or bzn folder so the game can read them.

Internally the format combines plain-text tags and definitions. It includes version information, map object definitions, player starting positions (e.g. named points like Camera_1, Camera_2), background filename references to bitmap or sod files, references to tech tree (.TT) and object definition (.ODF) files, mission scripts where applicable, and environmental settings such as lighting, nebulae, and special map features.

As an identifiable signature, files begin with an ASCII header like version[1]= … saveGameDesc= … at offset zero; they also contain keywords such as SAVEGAMEDESC, CAMERA_1, TECH1.TT, NEBULA, DIRECTIONAL LIGHT among others.

How to open BZN files

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

We have not yet verified any programs for Windows that work with this specific file format. If you know one, please use the 'Suggest a program' link below. Thanks!

Last updated: August 25, 2026

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