Arma 3 Tools vs OpenMW-CS

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.

OpenMW-CS is a free editor for making or changing mods and creating original games. Its editing tools cover files, world and mechanics data, characters, and assets, with record filters and a cell view. The editor supports plugin and script editing, mod packaging, and ESM, ESP, .omwgame, and .omwaddon formats. The project says OpenMW can run original games made with OpenMW-CS; those games do not require Morrowind. Playing Morrowind does require a legally owned copy, because OpenMW does not include its content or assets. Official releases are listed for Windows, macOS, and Linux, alongside distribution channels including Windows Chocolatey, Linux distribution repositories, and Flathub. The manual is intended as both an introduction and a reference, including for people familiar with Morrowind modding, but cautions that OpenMW-CS remains in development and the manual does not cover its shortcomings. Mods requiring MWSE, MGE XE, or MCP are incompatible because those tools modify the original Morrowind executable. The source code is released under the GNU General Public License version 3.