arcdEx vs Crowbar
arcdEx
github.com
Crowbar
steamcommunity.comSide by side
| Figure | arcdEx | Crowbar |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Asset Extractors | 8.5 (#1) | 7.8 (#8) |
| Distribution | The README shows running the tool as a Java JAR with `java -jar arcdEx.full.jar`. | The group links to a 7Z download and says to unzip it with 7-Zip. |
| Purpose | arcdEx is a tool to work with .arcd files generated by the Defold game engine. | Crowbar is a modding tool for decompiling, compiling, and viewing GoldSource and Source models. |
| Support | The original README says feature requests and bug reports are intentionally disabled and that patches are welcome. | The group directs users to its guides, tutorials, discussions, and Dead4Mods Discord for help with using the tool and discussing its development. |
Plans
In their own words
arcdEx
arcdEx is a free Linux tool for listing and extracting files from .arcd archives made by the Defold game engine. It handles compressed files and can decrypt files only when they use Defold's default encryption key. The tool can inspect .texturec resources and extract their contained textures, as well as inspect compiled .luac files and extract Lua source code. To work with an archive, provide the .arcd file; arcdEx guesses paths to the associated .arci index and .dmanifest manifest files. The repository says this version supports manifest version 5, while the README also lists versions 1 through 4. Multiple .arcd files from a Defold web game must be combined before use. The README distinguishes desktop applications, which contain compiled Lua bytecode, from web projects through Defold 1.3.4, which contain Lua source code. It supports command-line and batch extraction, and runs as a Java JAR. The project is licensed under AGPL v3, and its author is credited as Christian Weiske. Archive repacking is not supported.
Crowbar
Crowbar is a free modding tool for working with GoldSource and Source models and game packages. It can decompile MDL and related files into QC, SMD, and other related files, and can compile models when the game’s authoring tools or SDK and Crowbar’s studiomdl.exe are available. Viewing models likewise requires the game tools or SDK and Crowbar’s hlmv.exe. For archives, Crowbar can unpack, view, and search Valve VPK, Garry’s Mod GMA, Bloodlines VPK, Tactical Intervention FPX, and Fairy Tale Busters APK files. It can pack folders into VPK and GMA packages and supports batch extraction. Workshop functions allow downloading and publishing items for supported games. Game setups can link a game folder to its compiler, viewer, and package tools. On Windows, file associations and drag-and-drop can open VPK, QC, MDL, and folder inputs. The requirements page lists.NET Framework 4 and Windows XP or later, or Linux or Mac OS with a way to run a.NET Framework program. Crowbar is listed at free; donations are optional.