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Hammer++
What it is
Hammer++ is a free Windows modification of Valve’s Hammer editor for making maps in the Source engine. Its maker describes it as a more stable, updated version with fixes and improvements. The editor can simulate Source lighting with adjustable quality and speed, 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 placement of objects on floors or ceilings. It can recover from crashes by showing a detailed error and autosaving open VMF files. Saved VMFs retain precise vertex data alongside less precise data for compilers and compatibility with other Hammer versions. The download page lists build 8871, updated April 14, 2026, and says HLMV++ is bundled but optional to install. The maker directs users to its official Discord for discussion and notes that Hammer++ is not affiliated with Valve. Some compatibility limits apply: the old Source 2013 Multiplayer version is unsupported, while CS:GO support is frozen at build 8864.
For and against
For
- Free modification of the Hammer editor.
- Previews Source lighting and visual effects.
- Includes multiple mapping tools.
- Autosaves open VMF files after a crash.
- Saves precise and compiler-compatible VMF data.
Against
- Runs on Windows only.
- Source 2013 Multiplayer is unsupported.
- CS:GO support is frozen at build 8864.
- Antivirus software may flag downloads.
The verdict
Hammer++ offers mapping tools, visual previews and crash recovery at no listed cost. Check its version limits before choosing it for Source 2013 Multiplayer or CS:GO work.
Who it suits
Hammer++ suits Windows users creating maps for supported Source-engine versions who want editor-based lighting previews and mapping tools. Its stated compatibility limits matter to users working with Source 2013 Multiplayer or CS:GO.
Plans and prices
Hammer++
Source-engine level editing · branch-specific builds · Windows download
Read 15 Oct 2026 · ficool2.github.io
On the record
- Antivirus issue
- The maker says downloads are sometimes marked as malware by antivirus software and advises allowing them or adding an exception.ficool2.github.io · read 28 Sep 2026
- Branch compatibility
- Separate downloads exist for different Source branches, and the site warns that choosing the wrong branch prevents startup.ficool2.github.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Bundled companion
- HLMV++, a model viewer, is bundled with downloads but is optional to install.ficool2.github.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Compatibility limits
- The page says the old Source 2013 Multiplayer version is unsupported and CS:GO support is frozen on build 8864.ficool2.github.io · read 28 Sep 2026
- Compile workflow
- Compilation runs in a separate command window so the editor no longer freezes during compiling.ficool2.github.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Crash recovery
- If Hammer++ crashes, it displays a detailed error message and autosaves open VMF files.ficool2.github.io · read 28 Sep 2026
- Current build
- The download page lists build 8872, last updated October 1, 2026.ficool2.github.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Download status
- The download page lists build 8871, last updated April 14, 2026.ficool2.github.io · read 28 Sep 2026
- Editing tools
- It adds a 3D gizmo, adjustable pivot, polygon and sprinkle tools, real-time vertex editing, three-point clipping, brush merging and surface movement tools.ficool2.github.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- File compatibility
- Hammer++ saves precise vertex data in VMF files while also saving imprecise data for compilers and compatibility with other Hammer versions.ficool2.github.io · read 28 Sep 2026
- GPU requirements
- VRAD++ GPU acceleration requires at least an Nvidia RTX 2000-series, AMD RX 6000-series or Radeon 680M+, or Intel Arc A-series GPU with Vulkan 1.3 drivers.ficool2.github.io · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent complaint: camera controls
- A Mapcore reviewer reported that arrow keys could not rotate the 3D camera as in vanilla Hammer.mapcore.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent complaint: missing asset filters
- A Mapcore reviewer missed a used-assets-only filter and model usage counts in the model browser.mapcore.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent complaint: texture scaling
- A Mapcore user found that stretching brushes also stretched their textures, requiring frequent face-edit adjustments until texture lock was discovered.mapcore.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent Linux experience
- A Reddit Linux guide reports Hammer++ can run through Proton, with working lighting, compilation, custom assets, logic and 3D view, but buggy and laggy 2D and texture-browser interfaces.reddit.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent popularity claim
- A Steam Community overview described Hammer++ as making Source level creation significantly faster and demonstrated model, skybox, particle, fog, rope, gizmo and lighting features.steamcommunity.com · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent praise: lighting
- Mapcore users repeatedly praised the lighting preview as useful for making lighting changes without compiling and liked the skybox preview.mapcore.org · read 15 Oct 2026
- Independent praise: modern manipulation
- Mapcore reviewers highlighted the 3D gizmo for translating, rotating and resizing objects and welcomed the broader quality-of-life improvements.mapcore.org · read 15 Oct 2026
