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SPECIFICTION
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BSAOpt vs TrenchBroom

BSAOpt

github.com

TrenchBroom

trenchbroom.github.io

Side by side

FigureBSAOptTrenchBroom
Price fromFreeFree
Free planYesYes
Free trial——
Open source——
WindowsYesYes
macOS—Yes
Linux—Yes
Plans published11
Spec score · Game Modding Tools7.8 (#9)7.3 (#19)
PurposeBSAopt manages and recompresses BSA files, treating them like directories so files inside can be addressed easily.TrenchBroom is a level editor for brush-based game engines such as Quake, Quake 2, and Hexen 2.

Plans

BSAOpt

  • BSAoptFree

BSAOpt pricing →

TrenchBroom

  • TrenchBroomFree

TrenchBroom pricing →

In their own words

BSAOpt

BSAOpt is free, open-source Windows software for managing and recompressing BSA archives. It presents archive contents like directories, allowing files inside to be addressed directly, and can deduplicate files. Copy, Pack, Unpack, and Convert operations depend on the selected input and output. The listing says compression is roughly 5% better for files and 20% better for WAV files. Supported formats are BSA and ZIP, with archive extraction and mod packaging included. Version history lists Morrowind support, Fallout compatibility, and Xbox-type archives. Version 1.6.3 added recognition for XWM, FUZ, OGG, GID, and PEX files. Optional logs and a broken-header dialog can attempt recovery from corrupt BSAs. It is partially multi-threaded, supports 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Vista or later, and requires administrator execution when UAC is enabled. The listed version is 1.6.3, updated 14 January 2013.

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TrenchBroom

TrenchBroom is a free level editor for brush-based engines such as Quake, Quake 2, and Hexen 2. It provides a 3D workspace alongside up to three 2D views. Brush editing includes vertex changes, clipping, scaling, shearing, and constructive solid geometry operations for merging, subtracting, or hollowing shapes. A UV view handles textures and supports multiple material collections. The entity browser accepts drag-and-drop placement and definitions from FGD, ENT, and DEF files, while model display includes mdl, md2, md3, bsp, and dkm formats. An issue browser filters map problems, helps resolve them, and offers automatic quick fixes. TrenchBroom can call external compilers and launch game engines, but those compilation tools are separate. It supports several Quake, Valve, Hexen 2, and package formats. The 2026.2 requirements list Windows 10 1903+, Linux with glibc 2.33+, or macOS 13+, with OpenGL 2.1 and GLSL 1.2 hardware.

Visit trenchbroom.github.io