Hammer++ vs QuArK

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.

QuArK is a free editor for maps and, to a limited extent, models used with Quake-based or similar game engines. It imports, exports and converts sounds, textures and other assets, and can modify .pak and .pk3 files. Compiled BSP maps can be opened so their entities can be inspected and changed. Map-building features include duplicators and shape builders for structures such as stairs and arches; edits to an original duplicator’s texture update its copies. Documented output formats include Classic Quake, QuArK etp, Valve 220 and Brush Primitives. The project lists 3D preview through software, OpenGL, Direct3D and 3Dfx Glide, plus Python plugin support with more than 60 plugins bundled in the installer. QuArK Explorer gathers assets into a .QRK file and links files from earlier projects. Support listings mention 31 games in the FAQ and 41 games plus five generic engines on SourceForge. Windows binaries are available, while the Linux guide uses Wine.