Crowbar vs Reloaded-II

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.

Reloaded-II is a free, modular framework for creating mods for x86 and x64 games. Mods can be written in .NET and C#, and native mods are also supported; the project says they can use libraries and NuGet packages while running in isolation. The loader includes dependency ordering, early hooks, hot reload, real-time console and file logging, and Visual Studio debugging and profiling support. Its launcher manages multiple games and per-game mod sets, with built-in configuration, automatic updates and a mod downloader that offers one-click downloads on supported websites. The automatic installer installs Reloaded-II and runtimes in one click; the documentation says this usually takes under 30 seconds. The project says it does not modify game files and can be removed by deleting its folder. Windows users are directed to the installer, while Linux users are directed to a setup guide. Listed platforms include Windows, Linux via Wine or Proton, and macOS via Wine. The FAQ advises against using Reloaded-II with multiplayer games because games with effective anti-cheat may ban users.