OpenMW-CS vs UAssetGUI
OpenMW-CS
openmw.orgUAssetGUI
github.comSide by side
| Figure | OpenMW-CS | UAssetGUI |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Modding Tools | 8.5 (#3) | 7.8 (#12) |
| Compatibility limit | Mods that require MWSE, MGE XE, or MCP are incompatible with OpenMW because those tools modify the original Morrowind executable. | The v1.0.0.0-alpha.8 release notes say Unreal Engine 5 .pak support did not include IO store or Zen assets. |
| Intended users | The user manual is intended as both an introduction and a reference for the application, including for people familiar with Morrowind modding. | The repository describes the tool as for low-level, hands-on examination and modification of Unreal Engine game assets. |
| License | The source code is released under GNU GPL version 3; shipped fonts, shaders and other assets can have separate licenses. | The project is distributed under the MIT License, which permits use, copying, modification, distribution, sublicensing, and sale subject to its stated conditions. |
| Purpose | OpenMW-CS is an editor that allows users to edit or create mods or original games. | UAssetGUI is a tool for low-level examination and modification of Unreal Engine game assets by hand. |
| Support | The FAQ directs users with problems using compatible mods to Discord, IRC, or the forums for help. | The project invites bug reports through its issues page and says reports for assets that fail binary equality need sample assets, game name, Unreal Engine version, and mappings file if needed. |
Plans
In their own words
OpenMW-CS
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.
UAssetGUI
UAssetGUI is a desktop tool for examining and modifying Unreal Engine game assets by hand. It supports .uasset, .umap, .usmap, .utoc and .ucas files, as well as JSON. Windows is supported directly; Linux setup runs the Windows executable through Wine. Command-line arguments can export and import UAssetAPI JSON without opening the graphical interface, and custom C# scripts can extend the program. Portable mode, available in v1.1.0 or later, keeps configuration and saved mappings in a Data folder beside the executable. The v1.1.0 release added opening and saving .utoc and .ucas containers through built-in retoc integration. Pre-built binaries and an experimental build are available from the repository’s Releases page. Release notes report support for Unreal Engine 5.6 and 5.7, while earlier notes identify limits for some Unreal Engine asset support. UAssetGUI is free under the MIT License, which provides the software without warranty. The maintainer announced retirement from UAssetGUI development, though future contributors or releases might follow.