GtkRadiant vs Hammer++

GtkRadiant is a free, open-source level editor and toolchain for games powered by id Tech engines. It includes map compilers, data authoring tools, and Q3Map2, with tools for 3D levels, terrain, and entity placement. The GtkRadiant 1.6 page lists support for games including Quake III Arena, QuakeLive, Urban Terror, Wolfenstein: Enemy Territory, Quake2, Quake2: Remastered, Quetoo, Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Star Trek Voyager: Elite Force, and Jedi Academy. Support for a game can depend on an active developer to test and address issues; some titles may require an older version or third-party fork. GtkRadiant reads and writes assets in a game's directory, and the project recommends installing the game first. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. Linux distribution is through Flathub as a Flatpak; the Mac version requires XQuartz, MacPorts, and other dependencies. Volunteers maintain the GPL-licensed project, which is provided as-is without warranty or support. Listed help options include forums, IRC, tutorial sites, and a GitHub issue tracker.

Hammer++ is a free Windows modification of Valve’s Hammer editor for creating maps in the Source engine. It aims to improve stability and keep the editor current through fixes and changes. It can simulate Source lighting inside the editor, with adjustable quality and speed and dynamic updates, and preview particles, fog, skyboxes, rope physics, render effects, and material proxies. Mapping tools include a 3D gizmo, polygon and sprinkle tools, multiple cordons, brush merging, and object placement on floors or ceilings. If the editor crashes, it shows a detailed error message and autosaves open VMF files. Saved VMFs retain precise vertex data while also storing less precise data for compilers and compatibility with other Hammer versions. Downloads bundle HLMV++, which can be installed optionally. The download page lists build 8871, last updated April 14, 2026. The maker directs users to its official Discord for discussion and says the project is not affiliated with Valve. It also notes antivirus software sometimes flags downloads and advises allowing them or adding an exception. The old Source 2013 Multiplayer version is unsupported, and CS:GO support is frozen on build 8864.