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QuArK
What it is
QuArK is a free editor for maps and, to a limited extent, models used with Quake-based or similar game engines. It can import, export, and convert sounds, textures, and other assets, and modify .pak and .pk3 files. Compiled BSP maps can be imported so their entities can be inspected and changed. Documented output formats include Classic Quake, QuArK etp, Valve 220, and Brush Primitives. Map-building tools include duplicators and shape builders for structures such as stairs and arches; changing an original duplicator’s texture updates its copies. The SourceForge project page lists 3D preview through software, OpenGL, Direct3D, and 3Dfx Glide rendering. Python plugins extend the editor, with more than 60 bundled in the installer. QuArK Explorer gathers assets into a single .QRK file and links files from earlier projects into later ones. The FAQ described 31 supported games when written, while the project page lists 41 games and five generic engines. Windows binaries are available, and the Linux guide describes running QuArK through Wine. It is distributed under GNU GPL v2.
For and against
For
- Free under GNU GPL v2
- Edits maps and many game assets
- Imports compiled BSP files
- Supports Python plugins
- Provides multiple 3D preview renderers
Against
- Model editing is limited
- Linux use requires running through Wine
- Floating-point coordinates can trouble some build tools
- Game support counts differ by listed source
The verdict
QuArK provides a broad, free toolkit for Quake-engine mapping and asset work. Its legacy focus, limited model editing, and Linux setup requirements may shape suitability.
Who it suits
QuArK suits people creating total conversions or editing resources for games built on Quake-like engines. It is also useful for users working with legacy map and asset formats.
Plans and prices
QuArK
GNU GPL v2 · Windows binaries available
Read 8 Oct 2026 · sourceforge.net
On the record
- Asset tools
- It can import, export, and convert sounds, textures, and other game assets, and modify .pak and .pk3 files.quark.sourceforge.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Compiled maps
- QuArK can import compiled BSP files to inspect and change their entities.quark.sourceforge.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Distribution contents
- The documented Windows installer includes QuArK binaries, a bundled Python micro-distribution, and the Infobase; source and help archives are also listed as distribution files.quark.sourceforge.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The FAQ describes QuArK as useful to people creating total conversions or editing resources for their games.quark.sourceforge.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Known map-format limitation
- The maker warns that floating-point coordinates in QuArK maps can cause problems with build tools that cannot read them.quark.sourceforge.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Linux setup
- The maker’s Linux guide describes running QuArK through Wine, a compatibility layer for Windows binaries.quark.sourceforge.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Map editing
- The FAQ describes duplicators and shape builders for making structures such as stairs and arches, with texture changes to an original duplicator item updating its copies.quark.sourceforge.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Map formats
- Documented output map formats include Classic Quake, QuArK etp, Valve 220, and Brush Primitives.quark.sourceforge.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Project organization
- QuArK Explorer can collect game assets into a single .QRK file and link files from past projects into future projects.quark.sourceforge.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- QuArK edits maps and, to a limited extent, models for games using engines based on or similar to the Quake engine.quark.sourceforge.io · read 8 Oct 2026
- Python plugins
- The SourceForge project page says QuArK is extendable with Python plugins and that over 60 are bundled with the installer.sourceforge.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Rendering
- The SourceForge project page lists 3D preview using software, OpenGL, Direct3D, and 3Dfx Glide rendering.sourceforge.net · read 8 Oct 2026
- Supported games
- The maker’s FAQ says QuArK had expanded to 31 games at the time that page was written; the SourceForge project page lists support for 41 games and 5 generic game engines.sourceforge.net · read 8 Oct 2026
