Arma 3 Tools vs Crowbar

Arma 3 Tools is a free Windows suite for producing content for the Real Virtuality engine used by Arma 3. Terrain Builder lets creators construct virtual worlds, while Object Builder creates, edits, and configures 3D models. Addon Builder converts source data into engine-readable formats and packages it into one archive; it can also sign PBOs with a digital key for secure servers. Publisher sends complete mods to Steam Workshop. Game Updater is intended to simplify switching between Steam branches, and Tools Launcher checks parts of an installation, runs suite tools, and can detect and interact with Mikero’s tools and Poseidon Tools. Distributed through Steam, the suite supports terrain, model, addon, mod, and script-related workflows, with PBO and FSM formats listed. Installation requires a valid Steam account, internet connection, and at least 1.1 GB of free disk space. Use is free for non-commercial work; commercial use requires Bohemia Interactive permission and acceptance of the BI Tools EULA.

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.