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Eldiron 3D Progress

· 2 min read
Markus Moenig
Markus Moenig
Eldiron maintainer

It’s been a while since the last update, so I wanted to share where things are at — and it’s big!

I’ve been deep in building out the 3D editing layer of Eldiron, and I can honestly say I’m more excited about it now than when I started. The original goal was “basic 3D support,” but the system that’s emerging is far more powerful — without sacrificing any of Eldiron’s 2D strengths.

That said: it needs a bit more time. But it’s worth it.

🚧 What I’m currently building​

✅ 3D Editing — Fully Integrated​

3D editing is coming directly inside the main editor, not as a separate mode or tool.
You’ll be able to edit 2D and 3D geometry using the same workflow, with support for:

  • Arbitrary 3D surfaces (floors, roofs, sloped walls, anything)
  • Local profile editing in 2D projection space
  • Cutouts, windows, recesses, and surface extrusions — fully procedural per surface

⚙️ Action System​

A new Actions panel will allow you to apply operations (like Extrude, Apply Tile, Cutout, Inset, Align, etc.) to whatever is currently selected.

It’s modular and future-proof — every editing capability becomes an Action you can apply to sectors, surfaces, linedefs, vertices, or profile geometry.

🎨 Visual Shader Editor​

A node-based shader system is in the works, allowing you to build fully programmable materials — usable on both 2D and 3D surfaces. Its like the visual behavior system just for shaders.

🎬 The Vision​

"The goal isn’t to become a general-purpose modeling tool like Blender, but to keep the clarity and immediacy of classic level editors while adding procedural surface editing, profile-driven geometry, and UV-based cutouts — all directly inside Eldiron’s mapping workflow."

This means fast, focused world building — but with enough depth to create detailed structures, recesses, trims, and layered surfaces without leaving the editor.

⏳ Timeline​

A first usable version of 3D editing + Actions system should land in the next few weeks.

Thanks a lot for your patience — this is a big step forward, and I want it to land right.

— Markus