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Head-to-head · Game Modding Tools

StarCraft II Editor vs DarkRadiant

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score StarCraft II Editor #1 in Game Modding Tools 9.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 4 features Visit StarCraft II
DarkRadiant #8 in Game Modding Tools 8.2/10 Open source ✓ 1 of 4 features Visit DarkRadiant

StarCraft II Editor leads on 0 checks, DarkRadiant on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreStarCraft II Editor · 9.4/10
  • Free planonly StarCraft II Editor
  • Most featuresStarCraft II Editor · 2 of 4

StarCraft II Editor scores higher on our rubric for game modding tools: 9.4 against 8.2 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.

StarCraft II Editor is the better fit for comprehensive StarCraft II map and mod creation. DarkRadiant is the better fit for dark Mod level and gameplay authoring.

  • StarCraft II Editor fits best

    Comprehensive StarCraft II map and mod creation

  • DarkRadiant fits best

    Dark Mod level and gameplay authoring

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Side by side

Feature StarCraft II Editor 9.4/10 Visit ↗ DarkRadiant 8.2/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.2
Ranking #1 in Game Modding Tools #8 in Game Modding Tools
Best for Comprehensive StarCraft II map and mod creation Dark Mod level and gameplay authoring
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free Open source
Free plan ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows, macOS Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Community Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business
Features StarCraft II Editor 2/4 · DarkRadiant 1/4
Archive extraction Not checked yet ✓ (best)
Mod packaging ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Plugin editing Not checked yet Not checked yet
Script editing ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Specs
Supported formats .SC2Map, .SC2Layout, Galaxy script, XML data MAP, PK4, ASE, LWO, OBJ, PFB, PROC
Supported platforms Windows, macOS Windows, Linux, macOS
Our review
Pros
  • Covers terrain, data, scripting, UI, AI, and cutscene creation
  • Supports Galaxy scripting, debugging, functions, and script testing
  • Publishes eligible custom maps and mods through Arcade and Battle.net
  • Specialized editors for objectives, AI, conversation, and Stim/Response
  • Combines 2D/3D mapping with lighting, media, models, and prefab tools
  • Open-source and available on Windows, Linux, and macOS
Cons
  • Full game ownership is required for map testing and Battle.net publishing
  • Free Starter Edition access provides only many, not all, editor functions
  • Focused on StarCraft II content rather than general-purpose game modding
  • Its focus is limited to Doom 3-based games and The Dark Mod
  • The feature set may be more than needed for simple map edits
  • Gameplay authoring is centered on The Dark Mod's systems
Our verdict

StarCraft II Editor is Blizzard Entertainment’s integrated creation environment for custom StarCraft II maps, mods, and Arcade content. It suits creators who want control across gameplay systems, world design, interface, artificial…

Read the review →

DarkRadiant is an open-source level editor for The Dark Mod and Doom 3-based games. It is aimed at game mappers and fan-mission creators who need to build and edit maps while also authoring gameplay. The editor provides 2D and 3D map…

Read the review →
  1. StarCraft II EditorGame Modding Tools 9.4Free plan
  2. DarkRadiantGame Modding Tools 8.2Open source

Strengths and trade-offs

  • StarCraft II Editor — where it wins

    • Covers terrain, data, scripting, UI, AI, and cutscene creation
    • Supports Galaxy scripting, debugging, functions, and script testing
    • Publishes eligible custom maps and mods through Arcade and Battle.net

    Where it doesn't

    • Full game ownership is required for map testing and Battle.net publishing
    • Free Starter Edition access provides only many, not all, editor functions
    • Focused on StarCraft II content rather than general-purpose game modding

  • DarkRadiant — where it wins

    • Specialized editors for objectives, AI, conversation, and Stim/Response
    • Combines 2D/3D mapping with lighting, media, models, and prefab tools
    • Open-source and available on Windows, Linux, and macOS

    Where it doesn't

    • Its focus is limited to Doom 3-based games and The Dark Mod
    • The feature set may be more than needed for simple map edits
    • Gameplay authoring is centered on The Dark Mod's systems

More comparisons

All game modding tools comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update