Shadow Of The Tomb Raider Unable To Open Bigfile.000

The error "unable to open bigfile.000" in Shadow of the Tomb Raider typically points to a missing, corrupted, or inaccessible game archive file. Here’s a concise review of the issue and solutions:

Main causes:

Antivirus or Windows Defender quarantined or blocked bigfile.000.
Corrupted game files after download/installation.
The file is set to read-only or has incorrect permissions.
Installation path contains special characters or is on an external drive with issues.

Standard fixes (ranked by effectiveness):

Verify game files – In Steam: right-click game → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity. This redownloads missing/corrupt files.
Disable real-time antivirus temporarily, then re-verify. Add the game folder to exclusions afterward.
Run as administrator – Right-click SOTTR.exe → Properties → Compatibility → Run as admin.
Check file permissions – Navigate to the game folder, right-click bigfile.000 → Properties → Security → ensure your user has Full Control.
Reinstall – If nothing works, full reinstall (after backing up saves).

User review summary of this error:
Frustrating but solvable. Most players fix it with a Steam verify. A few report that Windows updates or driver rollbacks helped. Rare cases involve defective RAM or HDD sectors.

Verdict: Not a game-breaking bug; usually a local PC issue. If you’re still stuck after verifying files, check Windows Event Viewer for disk errors or try installing on a different drive.

A Warning About Mods and Cracked Copies

Modding: Popular mods like "Tomb Raider New Game+" or "Photo Mode Unlock" often require patching bigfile.000. If you installed a mod, you must restore the original bigfile.000 before updating the game or verifying files. Always back up your vanilla bigfile.000 before modding.
Pirated/Cracked Versions: If you are running an unofficial copy of the game, this error is extremely common. Crack groups sometimes improperly unpack the bigfile archives. There is no reliable fix for cracked versions except purchasing the game legally on Steam or Epic, where the files are guaranteed authentic.

Fix 2: Verify Game File Integrity

If the file is missing or corrupted, your game launcher can fix it. This will not delete your saves.

For Steam:

Right-click Shadow of the Tomb Raider in your Library.
Select Properties → Installed Files.
Click Verify integrity of game files.
Wait for the process to complete. Steam will detect that bigfile.000 is wrong and re-download it (approx. 15-20 GB).

For Epic Games Store:

Click your Library.
Click the three dots next to Shadow of the Tomb Raider.
Select Verify.

Solution 4: Check for "Read Only" Attributes

Sometimes, files get marked as "Read Only" during installation, preventing the game from opening them correctly.

Navigate to the game’s installation folder on your PC.
Right-click the folder itself and select Properties.
Under the "General" tab, look at the Attributes section at the bottom.
If the box for Read-only is checked (solid black or checked), click it to uncheck it.
Click Apply and select "Apply changes to this folder, sub

Fixing the "Unable to Open Bigfile.000" Error in Shadow of the Tomb Raider

Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the final installment of the Tomb Raider reboot trilogy, has received widespread critical acclaim for its engaging storyline, improved gameplay, and stunning visuals. However, some players have been encountering a frustrating error that prevents them from enjoying the game: the "Unable to Open Bigfile.000" error.

In this post, we'll explore the causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to help you get past this issue and back into the game.

What Causes the "Unable to Open Bigfile.000" Error? shadow of the tomb raider unable to open bigfile.000

The "Unable to Open Bigfile.000" error typically occurs when the game is unable to access or read the game's data files, specifically the bigfile.000 file. This file contains essential game data, and without it, the game cannot proceed.

The error can be caused by various factors, including:

Corrupted game files
Insufficient disk space
Outdated graphics drivers
Conflicting software or mods
Incorrect game installation

Solutions to Fix the "Unable to Open Bigfile.000" Error

Don't worry; we've got you covered. Try these solutions to fix the error:

3. Verify the Integrity of Game Files

Sometimes the file is genuinely corrupted. If you downloaded the game overnight and your internet hiccuped, bigfile.000 might be broken.

On Steam: Right-click the game > Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files.
On Epic Games: Click the three dots on the game tile > Manage > Verify.

Steam will scan every byte of bigfile.000 and re-download only the corrupted pieces. This takes 5–10 minutes but is very effective. The error "unable to open bigfile

Final Resort: The Clean Install

If none of the above works, the nuclear option is a complete reinstall. Before you uninstall, back up your save files located in: C:\Users\[YourName]\Documents\Shadow of the Tomb Raider\[RandomNumbers]\save1

Delete the local files and let the launcher redownload the game fresh. This ensures a clean, uncorrupted bigfile.000 is created.

Summary: The "Unable to open bigfile.000" error is almost always a security conflict rather than a broken game. Check your antivirus quarantine first—it usually saves you a 40GB redownload. Happy raiding

Step-by-Step Fixes (From Least to Most Invasive)

Follow these solutions in order. Do not skip the verification steps.

The 3-Step Fix (Try These First)

Before you re-download the game, try these solutions in order. Most users solve the problem at Step 1.

5. Move Game to a Different Drive (Or Check Disk Errors)

If the file is on a failing or overfull drive, reading errors occur. Standard fixes (ranked by effectiveness):

Free up at least 20–30 GB of free space on the game drive.
Run Check Disk:
- Open Command Prompt as Admin → chkdsk D: /f (replace D: with your drive letter).
Try moving the game to a different drive via Steam/Epic (Properties → Move install folder).