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DarkRadiant
What it is
DarkRadiant is a free, open-source level editor for creating missions and maps for Doom 3 and The Dark Mod. Its listed game support also includes The Dark Mod 2.0, Quake 4, Quake 3, and XreaL. Editing tools include a media browser, inspectors for surfaces, patches, and lights, plus layers, grouping, and selection sets. For models and materials, it provides a particle editor with real-time preview, model scaling, model and skin browsers, and UV editing. The editor imports classic Quake and idTech map formats and exports maps to Doom 3, Quake 4, and Quake 3 formats. Specialized plugins for The Dark Mod cover Stim/Response, objectives, difficulty, and conversations, alongside AI and Readable tools. A Python script interface is available, and preferences allow work with other Doom 3 modifications through the fs_game setting. DarkRadiant runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS, though its FAQ says macOS is not fully tested. It does not install game resources, so users must point it to a supported game before editing.
For and against
For
- Free and open source
- Includes editors for The Dark Mod mission elements
- Imports and exports several Quake and idTech map formats
- Python script interface
Against
- Requires game resources not supplied by the editor
- macOS compiles but is not fully tested
The verdict
DarkRadiant combines map editing with specialized tools for The Dark Mod. Before choosing it, account for the separate game-resource requirement and the stated macOS testing limitation.
Who it suits
DarkRadiant suits people creating levels or fan missions for The Dark Mod and supported games. It is also for users prepared to provide their own supported game resources.
Plans and prices
DarkRadiant
Open-source level editor · requires game resources, which are not installed by the editor
Read 4 Oct 2026 · darkradiant.net
On the record
- Current release
- The download page lists version 3.9.0, dated 2024-03-31, with Windows installer and portable downloads and Linux distribution options.darkradiant.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Editing tools
- Feature highlights include a media browser, surface, patch and light inspectors, layers, grouping, and selection sets.darkradiant.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Game resource requirement
- DarkRadiant requires game resources and does not install them; users must point it to a supported game before editing maps.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The FAQ says users can work with other Doom 3 modifications by specifying the fs_game setting in preferences.darkradiant.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The project's stated goal is to provide the fan-mission community with an editor for creating The Dark Mod missions.darkradiant.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- macOS availability
- The FAQ says DarkRadiant compiles on macOS but is not fully tested on that platform.darkradiant.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Map formats
- DarkRadiant imports classic Quake/idTech map formats and exports maps to Doom 3, Quake 4, and Quake 3 formats.darkradiant.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Materials and models
- The editor includes a particle editor with real-time preview, model scaling, model and skin browsers, and a UV editing tool.darkradiant.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Other game support
- The maker lists game support for The Dark Mod 2.0, Doom 3, Quake 4, Quake 3, and XreaL.darkradiant.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- DarkRadiant is an open-source level editor for Doom 3 and The Dark Mod.darkradiant.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Scripting
- DarkRadiant provides a Python script interface.darkradiant.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security and compliance
- The maker pages reviewed provide no security or compliance claims.darkradiant.net · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to The Dark Mod forums for discussion and its bugtracker for reporting issues.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- The Dark Mod tools
- Specialised plugins for The Dark Mod include Stim/Response, Objectives, Difficulty, and Conversation editors, plus AI and Readable tools.darkradiant.net · read 4 Oct 2026
