NetRadiant

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, plus support for about 30 other games, with compatibility varying by game. The project is driven by Xonotic and also receives support from Unvanquished; a community of gamers, mappers, modders, and game developers maintains it. NetRadiant began as a fork of Id Software’s GtkRadiant project. Listed downloads include 64-bit Linux, macOS, and FreeBSD builds, plus 32-bit and 64-bit Windows builds. They include daemonmap for Unvanquished navmesh generation and q3map2 patches for Smokin’ Guns. The builds support released Xonotic files without requiring an extra mapping support package. Linux use requires a working GTK2 and OpenGL environment. On Windows, Mesa3D rendering is optional; the download page describes it as a software-rendering workaround for some older Intel chips on Windows 10. A 2022 project post described macOS support as new and still rough, with possible multi-screen configuration problems. The download page lists version 1.5.0-20220628.

NetRadiant is a free brush-based editor with strong stated compatibility for Xonotic and Unvanquished, and varying support for other games. Check the platform requirements and the macOS support caveat before choosing a build.

NetRadiant suits game mappers and modders building 3D levels for Xonotic, Unvanquished, or other supported games. Linux users need a working GTK2 and OpenGL environment.

Overview

NetRadiant is an open-source editor for building 3D game levels with brushes. It is the clearest fit for mappers working on Xonotic or Unvanquished; choose it for those projects, but check support carefully for other games.

Key features

The brush-based workflow focuses on shaping game levels, not broader game development. NetRadiant’s strongest compatibility is with Xonotic and Unvanquished, while support for about 30 other games varies. That breadth may cover a secondary project, but it is not a reason to assume every title will work equally well.

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

Pricing

NetRadiant is free and open source. The NetRadiant plan costs nothing and includes the 3D game level editor. There is no paid tier or free trial; the decision rests on game compatibility and platform setup rather than feature gates or subscription terms.

Platforms

Builds are available for Linux 64-bit, Windows 32-bit and 64-bit, and macOS 64-bit, with a FreeBSD 64-bit build also listed. Linux users need a working GTK2 and OpenGL environment, which makes the setup less straightforward if either dependency is missing. Windows users can enable optional Mesa3D rendering; a software-rendering workaround is described for some older Intel chips on Windows 10.

macOS support was described as new and rough in a 2022 project post, including possible multi-screen configuration problems. That caveat makes macOS a riskier choice than the listed Windows and Linux builds. The download page lists version 1.5.0-20220628 and says builds are produced from time to time by illwieckz to provide up-to-date releases.

Who it's for

NetRadiant suits 3D mappers targeting Xonotic or Unvanquished, especially those who want a free, brush-based editor with related tools included. It is a weaker fit when a project depends on consistent support for another game, or when a Linux machine lacks GTK2 and OpenGL. macOS users should be prepared for rough edges, particularly with multi-screen setups.

Pros and cons

• Pro: First-class compatibility with Xonotic and Unvanquished gives mappers for those games a clear target for the editor.
• Pro: Included daemonmap and Smokin’ Guns q3map2 patches add game-specific tools without requiring separate downloads.
• Pro: Xonotic’s released files work without an extra mapping support package.
• Con: Support varies across the roughly 30 other games, so compatibility should be confirmed for the intended title.
• Con: Linux builds require both GTK2 and OpenGL, adding setup dependencies.
• Con: macOS support has reported rough edges, including potential multi-screen problems.

Alternatives

For a broader list of software in this category, browse Game Level Editors.

Choose Tilemap Editor instead when you want a free editor on Android, iOS, or the web. Phaser is a free, open-source framework with WebGL and Canvas rendering and JavaScript and TypeScript development, rather than a brush-based level editor. For another free editor on Linux, macOS, or Windows, consider Remere's Map Editor.

2D Tiler is a free web option with no recurring subscriptions or arbitrary limits. GridCraft offers a free web editor, alongside Linux, macOS, Windows, and API platforms. GtkRadiant is a free GPL-licensed option provided as-is without warranty or support. Windows users working with Valve’s Hammer editor for the Source engine can consider the free modification Hammer++. QuArK is another free, GPL v2 option with Windows binaries and Linux support.

Verdict

Choose NetRadiant if you are mapping for Xonotic or Unvanquished and want a free editor built around brushes, with useful game-specific tools included. Look elsewhere if your game’s support is uncertain, Linux dependencies are a barrier, or you need a less rough macOS experience.