VGSources / Best Game Asset Extractors / Crowbar
What it is
Crowbar is a free Windows modding tool for decompiling, compiling and viewing GoldSource and Source models, as well as working with game packages. It decompiles MDL and related files into QC, SMD and related formats. Compiling requires the game’s authoring tools or SDK and Crowbar’s studiomdl.exe; viewing models likewise requires the authoring tools or SDK and Crowbar’s hlmv.exe. For packages, 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 files. It can pack folders into Valve VPK and Garry’s Mod GMA files. Crowbar can also download Workshop items and publish items for supported games. Game setups can point it to a game folder and its model and package tools. 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. The group provides a 7Z download to unzip with 7-Zip, plus guides, tutorials, discussions and a Discord for help.
Good, and not so good
- Decompiles MDL files into QC, SMD and related files.
- Unpacks and packs supported game packages.
- Can download and publish Workshop items.
- Game setups connect to model and package tools.
- Model compiling requires game authoring tools or an SDK.
- Model viewing also requires game authoring tools or an SDK.
- Windows setup requires .NET Framework 4.
- The download is a 7Z archive to unzip.
Who it suits
It suits modders working with GoldSource or Source models, packages and Workshop items. Model compiling and viewing require the relevant game tools or SDK as well as Crowbar’s own executables.
Crowbar brings model and package workflows together for GoldSource and Source modding. Check the required game tools and runtime before relying on its compiling or viewing features.
Plans
- CrowbarNo paid plans stated; donations are optionalFree
As steamcommunity.com lists them, read 7 Oct 2026.