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Crowbar
What it is
Crowbar is a free Windows tool for modding games built on the GoldSource and Source engines. It can decompile, compile and view GoldSource and Source models, and unpack, inspect and search several package formats: Valve VPK, Garry’s Mod GMA, Bloodlines VPK, Tactical Intervention FPX and Fairy Tale Busters APK. It can also package folders as Valve VPK or Garry’s Mod GMA files. Model decompilation can produce QC, SMD, VTA and VRD files, including meshes, animations and procedural bones. Compile and decompile jobs can cover a chosen folder and its subfolders. Crowbar can download Workshop items and publish them for several games; version 0.74 added publishing support for seven named games, including Codename CURE and Wilson Chronicles. The latest release shown is version 0.74, dated February 2023. Windows XP or later and .NET Framework 4 are required. Compiling and viewing models also require the relevant game authoring tools or SDK and their respective executables. The maker provides guides and community support through Discord and Steam discussions.
For and against
For
- Handles several game package formats.
- Packs folders as VPK and GMA files.
- Batch processing covers folders and subfolders.
- Can download and publish Workshop items.
Against
- Windows only; requires .NET Framework 4.
- Model compiling and viewing require game tools or SDKs.
- Latest release shown dates to February 2023.
The verdict
Crowbar brings model, package and Workshop tasks together for GoldSource and Source modding. Check the required game tools and Windows requirements before relying on its model workflows.
Who it suits
Crowbar suits Windows users who mod GoldSource or Source games and need tools for models, game packages or Workshop content. Model compiling and viewing require the relevant game authoring tools or SDK.
Plans and prices
Crowbar
No paid tiers stated; donations are optional
Read 4 Oct 2026 · steamcommunity.com
On the record
- Batch processing
- Decompile and compile workflows support processing files in a selected folder and its subfolders.steamcommunity.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Build architecture
- The maker says public releases are built as Release x86 using Visual Basic in Visual Studio Community.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Decompile outputs
- The decompiler can recreate QC, reference and level of detail mesh SMD, physics mesh SMD, vertex animation VTA, bone animation SMD, and procedural bones VRD files.steamcommunity.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Game tool dependencies
- Model compiling requires the game's authoring tools or SDK and its own studiomdl.exe; model viewing requires authoring tools or an SDK and hlmv.exe.steamcommunity.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Model workflows
- It can decompile, compile, and view GoldSource and Source models.steamcommunity.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Package files
- It can unpack, view, and search Valve VPK, Garry's Mod GMA, Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines VPK, Tactical Intervention FPX, and Fairy Tale Busters APK packages.steamcommunity.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Packaging
- It can pack folders into Valve VPK and Garry's Mod GMA package files.steamcommunity.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Crowbar is a tool for modding GoldSource and Source Engine games.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Source availability
- The Steam group links to source code, and the maker says source code has been available since version 0.19.steamcommunity.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker points users to its guides, tutorials, articles, reference materials, Discord modding channel, and Steam discussions for help.steamcommunity.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Version
- The release page identifies Crowbar 0.74 as the latest release shown there, dated February 2023.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Windows requirements
- The requirements page states Windows XP or later and .NET Framework 4 are required.steamcommunity.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Workshop
- It can download items from Workshop and publish items to the Workshop for several games.steamcommunity.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Workshop integration
- Crowbar 0.74 added Steam Workshop publishing support for Codename CURE, Entropy: Zero 2, FIREFIGHT RELOADED, Hunt Down The Freeman, JBMod, Military Conflict: Vietnam, and Wilson Chronicles.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
