Hammer++
Hammer++: A Windows desktop editor for Source maps, with dynamic previews and reusable geometry. Ranked #13 of 28 in Game Level Editors by our editors (7.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for source map makers seeking enhanced 3D previews.
At a glance
- Editor score7.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forSource map makers seeking enhanced 3D previews
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Level dimensions3d
- Facts checked23 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Dynamic lighting previews update in the 3D view.
- Reusable instances can be created from selected map geometry.
- Manipulate objects in 3D and edit brush vertices in real time.
Where it doesn't
- Windows is the only listed platform.
- Separate downloads target different Source engine branches.
- Support is community-based, not a listed direct channel.
Our verdict on Hammer++
Hammer++ is a free modification of Valve’s Hammer editor for making levels in games built on the Source engine. It is aimed at map makers who want updated editing tools and richer previews within a desktop workflow. Its feature set covers geometry, object placement, and visual effects, making it a focused choice for Source projects rather than a general-purpose level editor.
Previewing is a notable strength. The editor shows dynamic lighting updates and can preview 2D and 3D skyboxes, particles, fog, ropes, and render effects in the 3D view. Map construction tools include convex polygon drawing, real-time brush-vertex editing, geometry clipping, and reusable instances created from selected map geometry. A 3D gizmo supports object translation, rotation, and scaling. These capabilities suit creators who want to inspect scenes and refine geometry directly in the editor.
Hammer++ is free, and the vendor provides separate downloads for different Source engine branches, advising users to choose the build for their target game. It is listed for Windows desktop use, so creators on other platforms should look elsewhere. Autosaving open VMFs and showing error details after a crash are useful workflow protections, though support is community-based. Choose Hammer++ if your work targets a supported Source branch and enhanced in-editor previews matter; consider another editor if you need cross-platform availability or a different engine ecosystem.
Your product? Our editors can test Hammer++ in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Hammer++ pricing
Hammer++ fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Level dimensions | 3d |
| Tilemap tools | No |
| Terrain tools | Yes |
| Entity placement | Yes |
| Prefab or template tools | Yes |
| Visual scripting | No |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Support | Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | ficool2.github.io |
| Facts checked | 23 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Hammer++
- GridCraftA capable collaborative map editor with broad exports, but paid plans start at 19.99.9.4
- TiledA flexible 2D editor with deep tile, object, terrain and export support.9.2
- LDtkA capable free editor for structured 2D levels across major engines and desktop platforms.9.0
See all Hammer++ alternatives →
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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used Hammer++ for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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