Recommended software
Below are the most popular applications and tools to use for playing and editing for ZDoom.
Source port
ZDoom
ZDoom 2.5.0 is the latest stable release of ZDoom. It allows all the usual features of ZDoom plus many new ones such as custom damage types, status bars and much more. Don't forget if you want to use the SVN features you'll have to download the latest SVN build of ZDoom. See version history for a succinct list of new major features added in each iteration of ZDoom, and which have been added to the latest SVN builds.
GZDoom
GZDoom is best for those who have a computer that can handle modern FPS games and are looking for visual enhancements in ZDoom. GZDoom includes a GL renderer which keeps up to standard with most modern Doom ports. It is mostly based on the ZDoom SVN code which means all of ZDoom's features are included. It also has a more frequent release schedule, meaning that the latest official version often contains code still in the development builds for ZDoom. And in addition, GZDoom SVN builds also exist.
Level editing
Doom Builder
Doom Builder is easily the most known Doom level editor today. It supports most of ZDoom's features already, but can be configured to include any new ZDoom feature. Its interface is very user friendly and easy to understand. DB's 3D level editor is the best of the few 3D Doom editing tools out there to date. It is a highly recommended tool for experts and newcomers.
The current version is Doom Builder 2, a total rewrite in C#. However, to use Doom Builder 2, the computer must meet some basic system requirements:
- 2.4 GHz CPU or faster. (Multi-core recommended)
- Windows XP, Vista or Seven
- Your operating system must be up to date
- Graphics card with Pixel Shader model 2.0
During installation the following additional components are loaded: .NET framework and SlimDX. The last version from the old codebase, Doom Builder 1.68, is still available, but no longer supported.
Lump management
SLADE3
SLADE3 is the successor to both SLumpEd and the level editor SLADE. It has a familiar "list" interface to previous lump editing tools. It supports most of the sound/image formats that ZDoom can use, and can convert formats to others with ease. It has a text recognition feature for text based jumps such as DECORATE and ACS, to help modders correct their code easily before compiling/testing. It and its predecessor SLumpEd are also currently the only lump managers that can deal with ZIP/PK3 formats.
XWE
XWE is the runner up Lump Manager. Despite the flaws, it is still used by modders because of its ease of use. It also has a few features SLumpEd currently lacks, such as batch sprite renaming.
Frontends/Launchers
ZDL
ZDL is the most popular ZDoom launcher currently used. It is a very small application which allows players to quickly set up source ports, IWADS, PWADS and other various settings in seconds. There are also "fan" versions of the tool to extend it's functionality, even for slight changes such as recognizing pk3 files.
Doom Connector
Doom Connector 3 is one of the many doom multiplayer connectors out there, but it is the only one that lets users create ZDoom and GZDoom specific "rooms". It also has rankings, chat rooms and a very simple interface.
