What is a .ZTMP file?
A .ZTMP file is a type of file used by Steam, which is a platform for playing, discussing, and creating games. Specifically, these files are used by a tool called the Half-Life Dedicated Server Update Tool (HLDS). HLDS is a program that helps set up servers for multiplayer games. When people play games together online, they often need to download updates or new content like game maps or sounds. The .ZTMP file contains this kind of game data, but it's squished down (compressed) to make downloading faster.
When someone wants to play a game and needs a new piece of game content, HLDS checks if it has a .ZTMP file for that content. If it does, it sends this compressed file to the player's computer. The player's game then opens up the .ZTMP file, takes out the content, and uses it in the game. This process helps players get the new stuff they need for their games quickly.
To open a .ZTMP file, you would typically use the Valve Steam HLDS Update Tool. This tool knows how to handle these files properly, making sure the game gets the content it needs.
Here's a bit more about how it works: When HLDS needs to send game content to a player, it first squishes the content into a .ZTMP file if it hasn't already. This makes the file smaller and faster to send over the internet. If a game map that was originally a .BSP file needs to be compressed, HLDS will create a new file that ends in ".bsp.ztmp". This new file is the compressed version of the original game map.
However, if a game's content gets updated, the old .ZTMP file won't have the new content. In that case, the old .ZTMP file should be deleted. The next time someone needs that game content, HLDS will make a new .ZTMP file with the updated content.
Also, if someone managing a game server doesn't want to use these compressed files, they can change the server's settings to stop making .ZTMP files altogether. This might be done if they prefer to manage game updates in a different way.
Verification
Our goal is to help people find the most up-to-date information about file extensions for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. We researched over 10,000 file extensions and their respective programs that open those files. If you want to suggest edits or updates about .ZTMP file formats, example files, or programs that are compatible. Please contact us.