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Resource Compiler

resourcecompiler.exe is a command-line tool used to process and compile game assets.
The generated output usually retains the same extension as the source file, but with a _c suffix to indicate it is the compiled version. These compiled assets are copied into the game directory for use at runtime.

info

resourcecompiler.exe is located in the game/bin/win64 folder.

Usage​

To use resourcecompiler.exe, run it from a console with the -i option followed by the absolute path to the source file(s).

warning

Source asset files must be located inside the content directory. If they are not, compilation will fail.

Example:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\game\bin\win64\resourcecompiler.exe" -i "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Counter-Strike Global Offensive\content\csgo_addons\test\materials\dev\dev_texture_checkers.vmat"

rc1

Wildcards and recursive compilation​

resourcecompiler.exe supports wildcards. To compile all .vmat files inside an addon, use:

-i "C:\path\to\addon\materials\*.vmat" -r

Always include -r when using wildcards to ensure recursive directory scanning.

rc2

Command-line options​

Below is the list of documented options:

Usage: resourcecompiler <input resource file(s)>

Options:
  -i <files>          Source file(s) or resource project file list.
                      Wildcards are accepted.
                      The -i option can be omitted if file names are given directly.
  -filelist <file>    Specify a text file containing a list of files to compile.
  -r                  If wildcards are specified, recursively searches subdirectories.
                      (Consider using contentbuilder for large builds.)
  -nop4               Disables automatic Perforce checkout/add.
  -game <path>        Path to a gameinfo.gi file (which mod to build for).
                      If omitted, it is derived from the input file path.
  -v                  Verbose mode.
  -f                  Force compile all encountered resources.
  -fshallow           Force compile top-level resources; children and associates only if needed.
  -fshallow2          Force compile top-level resources and their children; associates only if needed.
  -pc                 Compile resources for Windows PC (default).
  -novpk              Generate loose files instead of a VPK.
  -vpkincr            Incrementally update a VPK; existing files remain unless overwritten.
  -pauseiferror       Pause for keypress before quitting if errors occur.
  -pause              Pause for keypress before quitting.
  -changelist <name>  Use named changelist for Perforce operations.
  -skiptype <exts>    Skip recompilation for specified extensions (comma-separated).
                      Example: -skiptype vmat,vtex

  -crc <file>         Diagnostic: report CRC of the specified file and exit.
info

resourcecompiler.exe also supports asset-specific options not documented here.
For example, compiling .vmap files may require additional arguments.