NetRadiant

Overview

NetRadiant is a free, open-source editor for building 3D game levels with brushes. It is most compelling for mappers working on Xonotic or Unvanquished, where compatibility is strongest. Its broad but uneven support for other games and platform-specific setup make the target game an important part of the decision.

Key features

The brush workflow is focused on shaping game levels, rather than covering general game-content creation. NetRadiant supports about 30 games beyond Xonotic and Unvanquished, but support varies by title; that breadth is useful only if the tools work for the game you intend to map.

Builds include daemonmap for generating Unvanquished navmeshes and Smokin’ Guns q3map2 patches. Xonotic mappers can use released game files without an additional mapping support package. The project began as a fork of Id Software’s GtkRadiant and is maintained by a community of gamers, mappers, modders and developers, with development driven by Xonotic and support from Unvanquished.

Pricing

The NetRadiant plan costs nothing and includes the free, open-source 3D level editor. There is no paid tier or trial to weigh against it, so the practical trade-off is compatibility and setup rather than access to higher plans or renewal terms.

Platforms

Builds are available for Linux 64-bit, Windows 32-bit and 64-bit, and macOS 64-bit; a FreeBSD 64-bit build is also listed. Linux requires a working GTK2 and OpenGL environment, which adds setup requirements for users without them. Windows users can enable optional Mesa3D rendering, including a software-rendering workaround for some older Intel chips on Windows 10. A 2022 project post described macOS support as new and rough, with possible multi-screen configuration problems.

The download page lists version 1.5.0-20220628. Builds are produced from time to time by illwieckz to provide up-to-date releases, so the cadence is not a fixed release schedule.

Who it's for

NetRadiant suits mappers whose target is Xonotic or Unvanquished and who want a free brush-based editor with relevant game-specific support. It is a less certain fit for other supported games because support levels differ, and Linux users should be comfortable meeting the GTK2 and OpenGL requirements. macOS users should account for the rough edges described for that platform.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Free and open source, with no paid tier gating the editor.
• Pros: First-class compatibility with Xonotic and Unvanquished, plus included Unvanquished navmesh tooling and Smokin’ Guns patches.
• Pros: Xonotic released files work without an extra mapping support package.
• Cons: Support for about 30 other games varies, making compatibility less predictable outside its two primary games.
• Cons: Linux use depends on a working GTK2 and OpenGL environment.
• Cons: macOS support was described as rough, including possible multi-screen problems.

Alternatives

Game Level Editors is a useful starting point if you want to compare level-editing options more broadly.

• GridCraft is a freemium alternative with a free web editor plan that includes all 19 tools and every export format.
• Remere's Map Editor is a free, GPLv2 editor for Linux, macOS and Windows if its project and license fit your needs.
• Sprite Fusion is worth considering for sprite-focused work; its free Web Edition permits personal and commercial use and unlimited projects.
• DarkRadiant is another free, open-source level editor, but it requires game resources that the editor does not install.
• Dune II - The Maker Map Editor is a free, open-source remake option.
• GtkRadiant is the free, GPL-licensed project from which NetRadiant historically forked; it is provided as-is without warranty or support.
• LDtk is a free, open-source alternative for readers considering another level editor.
• Mapster32 is included with EDuke32 for creating Duke Nukem 3D maps.

Verdict

Choose NetRadiant if you are mapping for Xonotic or Unvanquished and want a free brush-based editor with particularly strong support for those games. Its cost-free access and targeted tools are persuasive; look elsewhere if your game’s support is uncertain or your platform requirements and compatibility caveats are a poor fit.