Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.HPS
File Type
HPL Script File
Category
Programming
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .hps file format
The HPS file extension is primarily associated with the HPL Engine, a proprietary game engine developed by Frictional Games. These files contain scripts written in a C-like programming language used to control game logic, trigger events, manage entity interactions, and handle level-specific behavio…
File extension
.HPS
File type
HPL Script File
Category
Programming
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .hps file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .hps.
- Use software that supports this file type. If one app does not work, try another compatible program for the same platform.
- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.
- Scan files from unknown sources before opening them, especially documents, archives, scripts, installers, and executable files.
What is a .hps file?
File extension details and usage information
The HPS file extension is primarily associated with the HPL Engine, a proprietary game engine developed by Frictional Games. These files contain scripts written in a C-like programming language used to control game logic, trigger events, manage entity interactions, and handle level-specific behaviors within titles such as Penumbra: Overture, Penumbra: Black Plague, and Amnesia: The Dark Descent. The scripts allow developers to define complex sequences, such as opening doors, spawning enemies, or playing specific sound effects when a player enters a trigger volume. Because they are plain text files, they can be edited with any standard text editor, though they are specifically compiled or interpreted by the HPL engine during the game's runtime. Modders frequently use these files to create custom stories and levels for the aforementioned games, making them a cornerstone of the Frictional Games modding community.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .hps files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
Can .hps files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .hps file can be converted by opening it in compatible software and using an option such as Save As, Export, or Convert. The available output formats depend on the file type and the application used.
- Use the original software that created the file when possible.
- Check whether the application supports exporting to common formats.
- Be careful with online converters when working with private, business, or sensitive files.
- If conversion fails, the file may be corrupted, incomplete, encrypted, or not actually a .hps file.
Why can't I open a .hps file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .hps format.
Incorrect extension
The file extension may have been renamed manually, even though the actual file format is different.
Corrupted file
The file may be incomplete, damaged during download, or transferred incorrectly.
Outdated app
Your software may need to be updated before it can open newer versions of this file format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about .hps files
To open a .hps file, use software that supports this file format.
- Notepad++
- Visual Studio Code
- HPL Engine Editor
- TextEdit
- Sublime Text
Open the file in compatible software and look for options such as Save As, Export, or Convert. If no export option is available, the file may require a specialized converter or the original application that created it.
- Verify that the file extension is correct.
- Install or update compatible software.
- Try another application that supports this format.
- Check whether the file is corrupted, incomplete, or encrypted.
A file extension alone does not guarantee whether a file is safe or unsafe. Only open files from trusted sources, scan unknown files before opening them, and be especially careful with executable, script, archive, and document files.
File safety tips
Use caution with unknown files
Only open files from trusted sources. Before opening a .hps file, scan it with antivirus software, verify that the file extension is expected, and avoid running unknown executable, installer, macro-enabled document, or script files.