C3 File

What are C3 files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a C3 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 C3 files.

What is a C3 file?

A .C3 file is a 3D Model file.

3D Model files in this format store three-dimensional meshes, textures, skeletal animations and particle or physics data used by games built with the "C3 Game Engine" (also known as Conquer III). These are authored by artists in 3ds Max using a dedicated export plugin, which supports multiple versions (e.g. 3ds Max 9 through 2012). The models may include vertex meshes, skin or physique deformation, skeleton articulation, motion parts, physics or particle components.

The export plugin provides exporter options such as "C3 Effect PhysAnim Exporter" for models including lighting effects and physics animation, "C3 Skin Anim Exporter" for models with skin/physique and animation, and "C3 Skin Skeleton Exporter" for skeleton-only data. After export the file is used by the game engine's asset loader, which reads its various sections and parts to render static or animated objects in real-time.

Files of this type begin with an ASCII magic header exactly 16 bytes long: "MAXFILE C3 00001", stored at the start of the file. The file is then organized as a sequence of parts, each with a 4-byte part type code, a 32-bit little-endian length field (not counting the header of that part), and the data for that part. Typical part types include SHAP (shape geometry), SMOT (shape motion), PHY4 (physics), MOTI (motion/animation), PTCL / PTC3 / PTCX (particles), OMNI (omnidirectional lighting), etc.

How to open C3 files

Important: Different programs may use files with the C3 file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your C3 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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