We’ve all dreamed of making our own video games, but unless you’re great at programming, music, AND art, it’s simply out of reach.
Level Creators let the masses assemble their designs without a mountain of prerequisite knowledge. If you want to let your imagination run wild, here are some of the best games to do it with.
This list only contains games with built-in level editors. Titles like Doom, for example, have incredible fanmade content, but I’ve not included them as an external editor is required.
Make Your Very Own Ninja Playground
Key Information
Metanet Software Inc
Release Date
August 2016
N++is a challenging 2Dpuzzle platformerwhere yourprecision jumping skillsare put to the ultimate test.
You can jump up walls and must use momentum and physics to beat the more challenging stages. The most exciting part is that you canbuild your own levels from the ground up.
The best part about the stage editor is that your creations can resemble the official maps.N++is a simple game, and if you’ve seen it in the campaign, you can recreate it and morph hazards to your liking.
I spent a few hours making a level that could complete itself, and while it’s cool, I bet there are some ninjas out there who can create unforgettableN++maps.
8Trials Fusion
Mantis Or Nothing
Trials Fusion
TheTrialsgames are rather niche but boast aridiculously in-depth level editorwhere the sky is the limit.
If you’ve never played,Trials Fusionis avehicular platformerwhere you must rely on physics and throttle control to overcome obstacles. The official stages are well-designed, and completing a “Ninja” grade track is a badge of honor.
The stage editor is so robust you can recreate official maps andbuild incredible courses with absurd complexity. You can even upload your maps to Track Central for other plays to enjoy.
Sadly, theTrialsseries sits abandoned, and the future is uncertain. Track Central offers a beautiful collection of community-made work, but who knows how long it will be accessible?
7Timesplitters
TimeSplitters
TheTimesplittersgames are a trilogy of beloved first-person shooters where balance is thrown out of the window if it gets in the way of fun.
Timesplittersalso shipped with an impressive Map Maker. It’sprimitive by today’s standards but uses asimple grid and tile system that anybody can enjoy. You can create multi-level monstrosities and even control how the lights work.
Combine the editor with the robust custom game settings, andTimesplittersbecomes a platform for somefantastic original modes and scenarios.
The Level Editor became more advanced in later titles, and it’s a shamewe never got aTimesplitters 4to see what was next.
6Trackmania
Not Your Average Driving Sim
TrackMania
Trackmaniaachieves the difficult task ofappealing to both casual and hardcore racing fans. Courses can feature thrilling gravity-defying obstacles, but the game always rewards tight, precision driving. The title is also one of thebest racers on PS Plus.
As you may have guessed by the title, Trackmania also boasts asuperb Track editor. The Creator is easy to grasp for newcomers, and the architects among us can use it to make astonishing masterpieces.
You can evenadd custom signposts and bannersto your creations, which is a really nice touch for a racing game. JPEG files can be littered around your track for theming far beyond what you’d typically see in the title.
Trackmaniathrives on custom content, and there’s already a near-endless supply of community-made levels to draw inspiration from.
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5Geometry Dash
Beauty In Simplicity
Geometry Dash
Geometry Dashis a brilliant 2D action game with a booming community and, best of all, it can beplayed with a single button.
For the uninitiated,Geometry Dashplays similarly to a regular platformer, butyou’re always moving forward. You can only jump, but most levels use music for sound cues to help with timing.
The Level Creator is superb and easilyone of the most intuitive and accessibleon the list. There’s a handy grid system that helps place platforms accurately, and you can stop and test your maps whenever required.
It’s fun making stages for your favorite pieces of music, and there are plenty of smart obstacles you can use to spice up your creations.
Do A Kickflip!
Skate 3is a beloved Skateboarding game with alofty skill ceilingand fantastic tools to create the skate park of your dreams.
The park editor looks pretty simple at first. You can quickly place multiple ramps and objects, and it’s easy to assemble a serviceable map.
The best part about the park editor is thatyou can merge basic structuresto create entirely new ones. For example, you can place a ramp and then add a grind rail along the top edge to make it more defined.
You cancombine multiple parts to make unique designsyou can’t find in anybody else’s skate park, and some custom creations are awe-inspiring. If you think outside the box, you can spend hours in this surprisingly robust mode.
Valve Does It Again
Beating GLaDOS’s grueling Test Chambers is one of the most memorable parts ofPortal, and in the sequel, you’re able to make your own.
BothPortalgames are masterpieces, butPortal 2has an incredibleTest Chamber creator, which takes the experience to the next level. The best part is that thetools are instantly intuitiveand a joy to use.
LikeGeometry Dash,Portal 2uses a grid system for its map editor. You can push and pull individual tiles to shape the room, and there’s a drop-down menu for the hazards.
Considering some test chambers' complexity, it isadmirable how user-friendly Valve has made map creation. Test Chambers can be shared, and browsing community maps is effortless.
We may not have aPortal 3, but the rich custom content available inPortal 2makes it almost infinitely replayable.
2Halo Infinite
Master The Forge
Halo Infinite
Forge is a famous level editing tool from theHalofranchise, and it’s only gotten more advanced over time.
Forge inHalo Infiniteallows players tocreate the Halo map of their dreamsand even set up unique scenarios. Forge has always impressed me as it can be used to build wonderfully intricate designs, but it’s also accessible for newcomers.
You canbuild in real-time with friendsand see your buddies flying around putting things together.
Honestly, I only delved into Forge during theHalo 3days, during which I managed to make a decent Metal Gear Rex. While I’ve not used Forge in Infinite, some community creations with the tool are mindblowing.
1Super Mario Maker 2
The Industry Standard
Super Mario Maker 2
You probably saw this one coming a mile away, butSuper Mario Maker 2offersone of the best Level Creatorsin gaming. After all, it’s in the title!
Super Mario Maker 2gives players tools and tiles from every previous game and hands over the reigns. If you can imagine it, you can build it, and players can spend thousands of hours fine-tuning their creations.
The incentive to make a banging level is pure genius. Your creations areavailable for players across the globe to enjoy. You can showcase fun stages that are suitable for all ages.
On the other hand, you may assemble insane deathtraps that only the strongest Mario players will dare attempt. The only stipulation isyou must beat your level to upload it, so keep that in mind.
InSuper Mario Maker 2, you’re only limited by your own imagination, and the entire game is tailored to building and sharing your finest creations.
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