Hammer++ vs NetRadiant

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.

NetRadiant is a free, open-source 3D game level editor that uses brushes to build levels. It has first-class compatibility with Xonotic and Unvanquished and supports about 30 other games, with support varying by game. The project is driven by Xonotic, receives support from Unvanquished, and is maintained by a community of gamers, mappers, modders and game developers. It originated as a fork of Id Software’s GtkRadiant project. Listed downloads include Linux 64-bit, Windows 32-bit and 64-bit, macOS 64-bit and FreeBSD 64-bit builds. The builds include daemonmap for Unvanquished navmesh generation and q3map2 patches for Smokin’ Guns. Released Xonotic files work without an extra mapping support package. Linux use requires a working GTK2 and OpenGL environment. Windows builds offer optional Mesa3D rendering, described as a workaround for some older Intel chips on Windows 10. A 2022 project post described macOS support as new and potentially rough, including possible multi-screen configuration problems. The download page lists version 1.5.0-20220628.