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SPECIFICTION
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Ymir

liminalfield.github.io

Free plan WindowsLinux
Visit liminalfield.github.io
Spec score 7.2 #23 of 27 in Game Map Generators

What it is

Ymir is a node-based procedural terrain generator for Linux and Windows, with a graph workflow for constructing and exporting terrain. Nodes cover noise and shape generation, sculpting, filters, and thermal, hydraulic, and stream erosion. Erosion can use a mask and produce flow, wear, and deposition layers for later terrain work. Projects are stored as readable JSON in .ymir files, and node networks can be saved for reuse as .ymirsub subgraphs. Heightmaps export as 16-bit grayscale PNG, raw 16-bit R16, or 32-bit float EXR. The headless ymir-cli can build saved projects and export results; erosion runs on a GPU when available and otherwise falls back to the CPU. The editor requires a GPU with working Vulkan drivers on Linux, or Vulkan or DX12 drivers on Windows. Ymir is free software under GPL-3.0. Windows binaries are unsigned and prompt a first-run SmartScreen warning.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Ymir is a node-based procedural terrain generator written in Rust.Read 30 Sep 2026 · liminalfield.github.io
Platforms
Ymir runs on x86_64 Linux with Wayland or X11 and Windows 10 or later.Read 30 Sep 2026 · liminalfield.github.io
Support
The maker directs users whose Linux builds fail on missing system libraries to open an issue with the error, distribution and Vulkan driver details.Read 30 Sep 2026 · liminalfield.github.io
License
Ymir is free software under the GPL-3.0.Read 30 Sep 2026 · liminalfield.github.io
Command line
The headless ymir-cli can build saved projects and export results; erosion uses the GPU when available and otherwise falls back to the CPU.Read 30 Sep 2026 · liminalfield.github.io
Documentation status
The maker says a guided start-to-finish tutorial is coming and task-focused how-to guides will be added as workflows settle.Read 30 Sep 2026 · liminalfield.github.io
Erosion
Erosion nodes can read a mask and write flow, wear and deposition layers for later texturing or shaping.Read 30 Sep 2026 · liminalfield.github.io
Exports
Ymir exports heightmaps as 16-bit grayscale PNG, raw 16-bit R16 or 32-bit float EXR.Read 30 Sep 2026 · liminalfield.github.io
GPU requirement
The editor requires a GPU with working Vulkan drivers on Linux or Vulkan or DX12 drivers on Windows.Read 30 Sep 2026 · liminalfield.github.io
Integrity
Linux releases include a SHA256SUMS file covering every release asset.Read 30 Sep 2026 · liminalfield.github.io
Project files
Projects use readable JSON in .ymir files, and reusable node networks can be saved as .ymirsub subgraphs.Read 30 Sep 2026 · liminalfield.github.io
Terrain features
The node reference includes noise and shape generators, terrain sculpting and filters, and thermal, hydraulic and stream erosion nodes.Read 30 Sep 2026 · liminalfield.github.io
Windows signing
The distributed Windows binaries are unsigned and trigger a first-run SmartScreen warning.Read 30 Sep 2026 · liminalfield.github.io
Workflow
Its graph uses generators, modifiers, selectors, masks and export nodes, with one data type flowing along every edge.Read 30 Sep 2026 · liminalfield.github.io

Plans and prices

Ymir Free GPL-3.0 free software Read 30 Sep 2026 · liminalfield.github.io

Every Ymir plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Reusable networks can be saved as .ymirsub subgraphs.
  • Erosion writes flow, wear, and deposition layers.
  • Exports PNG, R16, and EXR heightmaps.
  • The CLI can build projects and export results.

Limits

  • The editor requires Vulkan or DX12 GPU drivers.
  • Unsigned Windows binaries trigger a SmartScreen warning.
  • Guided tutorials and workflow-specific how-to guides are still forthcoming.

Who it suits

Ymir suits people who want procedural terrain generation with node-based control and exportable heightmaps. It is available at no cost, but requires compatible GPU drivers for the editor.

Verdict

Ymir combines a broad set of terrain-generation and erosion nodes with a headless build and export option. Check GPU-driver requirements and the current state of its guidance before choosing it.

Where Specifiction places it

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