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Missing Textures (Gray Textures)

If you see gray textures or checker patterns in your decompiled map, this is usually because materials are embedded in the BSP file rather than existing in the base game.

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Cause

This commonly occurs with:
  • Workshop maps
  • Maps using CS:GO’s autocombine prop feature
  • Custom maps with embedded content

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Solution

  1. Extract embedded files during decompilation: 
    bspsrc map.bsp --unpack_embedded
  2. Move extracted files to your game directory:
    • Copy extracted materials/ folder to [game]/materials/
    • Copy extracted models/ folder to [game]/models/
  3. Smart extraction (default behavior): 
    bspsrc map.bsp --unpack_embedded
    This automatically skips VBSP-generated files that are only needed by the engine.
  4. Full extraction (extract everything): 
    bspsrc map.bsp --unpack_embedded --no_smart_unpack

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Missing Models (Error Models)

Similar to textures, missing models appear as red ERROR placeholders.

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Solution

Follow the same process as missing textures: 
bspsrc map.bsp --unpack_embedded
Then move the extracted models/ folder to your game’s models directory.

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Decompilation Fails or Crashes

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BSP File Not Found

Error: Could not find bsp file Solution: Verify the file path is correct and the file exists: 
# Use absolute paths if needed
bspsrc /full/path/to/map.bsp

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Wrong Game Detection

Issue: BSPSource detects the wrong game for your map. Solution: Override game detection using the --appid flag: 
bspsrc map.bsp --appid 730  # Force CS:GO (730)
To list all available App IDs: 
bspsrc --appids

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Missing .nmo File (No More Room in Hell)

Warning: Missing .nmo file! If the bsp is for the objective game mode, its objectives will be missing. Solution: Ensure the .nmo file is in the same directory as the BSP file. This file contains objective data for No More Room in Hell maps.

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Decompiled Map Issues

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Brush Errors in Hammer

Issue: Brushes appear incorrect or cause errors when loading in Hammer. Solution: Try different brush modes: 
# Default: brushes and planes (recommended)
bspsrc map.bsp --brushmode BRUSHPLANES

# Original faces only
bspsrc map.bsp --brushmode ORIGFACE

# Original + split faces
bspsrc map.bsp --brushmode ORIGFACE_PLUS

# Split faces only
bspsrc map.bsp --brushmode SPLITFACE

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Thin Brush Issues

Issue: Flat faces create brushes that are too thin. Solution: Adjust brush thickness (default is 1 unit): 
bspsrc map.bsp --thickness 2.0

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Instance Entity Rotation Issues

Issue: Instance entity brushes appear rotated incorrectly in Hammer. Solution: Enable rotation fix (enabled by default): 
bspsrc map.bsp  # Rotation fix is enabled by default
To disable if causing issues: 
bspsrc map.bsp --no_rotfix

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Performance Issues

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Slow Decompilation

Issue: Decompilation takes too long. Solution: Skip protection checking if decompiling unprotected maps: 
bspsrc map.bsp --no_prot
Solution: Disable lump file loading if not needed: 
bspsrc map.bsp --no_lumpfiles

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Large Output Files

Issue: VMF file is too large or has too many entities. Solution: Selectively disable entity types: 
# Disable prop_static entities
bspsrc map.bsp --no_sprp

# Disable overlays
bspsrc map.bsp --no_overlays

# Disable all point entities
bspsrc map.bsp --no_point_ents

# Disable all brush entities
bspsrc map.bsp --no_brush_ents

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Command Line Issues

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Recursive Decompilation Not Working

Issue: Only decompiling one file instead of all BSPs in a directory. Solution: Use the --recursive flag: 
bspsrc ./maps/ --recursive --output ./decompiled/

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Output Path Issues

Issue: VMF files going to wrong location. Solution: Explicitly specify output path: 
# Single file - output is the VMF file path
bspsrc map.bsp --output ./output/map.vmf

# Multiple files - output is the directory
bspsrc map1.bsp map2.bsp --output ./output/

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VMF Format Issues

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Hammer Version Compatibility

Issue: VMF doesn’t open correctly in Hammer. Solution: Force a specific VMF format: 
# Auto-detect (default)
bspsrc map.bsp --format AUTO

# Source 2004 to 2009
bspsrc map.bsp --format OLD

# Source 2010 and later
bspsrc map.bsp --format NEW

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Debug Mode

If you’re experiencing issues, enable debug mode for detailed output: 
bspsrc map.bsp --debug
This will:
  • Increase verbosity to maximum
  • Add additional data to the VMF file
  • Show all configuration values
  • Display detailed BSP information

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Getting Help

If you encounter issues not covered here:
  1. Enable debug mode and review the output
  2. Check the GitHub Issues page
  3. Open a new issue with:
    • BSPSource version
    • Game and map name
    • Full command used
    • Debug output or error messages

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