Windows
Compatible applications
Quick Facts
Basic information about this file format
Extension
.SCX
File Type
StarCraft Map File (Expansion)
Category
Data
Best first step
Use compatible software
Quick Summary
A practical overview of the .scx file format
The SCX file extension is primarily associated with StarCraft: Brood War, a classic real-time strategy game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. These files represent custom maps or scenarios created specifically for the game's expansion pack. An SCX file contains all the necessary data to define a…
File extension
.SCX
File type
StarCraft Map File (Expansion)
Category
Data
Recommended action
Open with a trusted compatible app
How to open a .scx file
Start with a trusted app that supports this format
- Check the file extension carefully and confirm that the file name really ends with .scx.
- 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- Update the application if the file was created by a newer version of the software.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 .scx file?
File extension details and usage information
The SCX file extension is primarily associated with StarCraft: Brood War, a classic real-time strategy game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. These files represent custom maps or scenarios created specifically for the game's expansion pack. An SCX file contains all the necessary data to define a playable level, including terrain layout, unit placements, player starting positions, and complex scripting known as 'triggers' which control game logic and events. Unlike the standard .scm files used in the original StarCraft, .scx files support expansion-specific features such as new units, tilesets, and hero characters. These files are essentially archives that store various data strings, sound files for custom dialogue, and metadata about the map's objectives. Players often use the built-in StarEdit tool or advanced third-party editors like SCMDraft 2 to create and modify these files, allowing for a vast array of user-generated content ranging from competitive melee maps to intricate role-playing scenarios and tower defense games. The format remains relevant today due to the release of StarCraft: Remastered, which maintains full compatibility with these legacy map files.
Software Compatibility
Programs that may open or work with .scx files
macOS
Compatible applications
Linux
Compatible applications
Mobile
Mobile applications
No specific software is listed for this platform yet. Try checking the file source, identifying the original application, or using a trusted universal file viewer when appropriate.
Can .scx files be converted?
Options for saving or exporting this file to another format
In many cases, a .scx 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 .scx file.
Why can't I open a .scx file?
Common reasons this file type may not open correctly
Wrong software
The file may require a specific program that supports the .scx 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 .scx files
To open a .scx file, use software that supports this file format.
- StarCraft: Remastered
- SCMDraft 2
- StarEdit
- Blizzard Battle.net Desktop App
- StarCraft (via Wine)
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 .scx 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.