CIV5MAP File

What are CIV5MAP files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a CIV5MAP 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 CIV5MAP files.

What is a CIV5MAP file?

A .CIV5MAP file is a Civilization 5 Map file.

A Civilization 5 Map file stores a predefined or custom map for Sid Meier's Civilization V, used to define the terrain layout, resources, features, and other map settings before a game begins. It is produced by Civilization V's map generation routines or the WorldBuilder tool, and is consumed by the game when selecting a playable map. The format enables players to save and share full map designs including size, terrain types (such as grass, desert, tundra), and positions of forests, resources, improvements, and special features.

Files of this type are binary in structure and vary slightly across different version revisions (known in community documentation as Pre-B, B, and C). Key elements include a header specifying map dimensions (width, height), number of players, and miscellaneous settings, followed by arrays or layers for each tile, detailing terrain type, resource placement, feature or wonder presence, improvement or route data, and ownership where applicable. Additional sections may carry mod-specific data.

Internally the file may be recognized by characteristic byte signatures and embedded keywords. For example, strings like TERRAIN_GRASS, RESOURCE_IRON, FEATURE_JUNGLE, IMPROVEMENT_FARM, BUILDING_BARRACKS, TECH_MILITARY_SCIENCE appear in the data, along with fixed offsets and header flags that distinguish version and scenario-data inclusion.

How to open CIV5MAP files

Important: Different programs may use files with the CIV5MAP file extension for different purposes, so unless you are sure which format your CIV5MAP 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 CIV5MAP opener which you will find listed below.

Last updated: August 31, 2026

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of CIV5MAP files. Remember, different programs may use CIV5MAP 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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