For those who don’t know the tool: World Creator is a GPU-based terrain generator from BiteTheBytes used for games, VFX and previs. It exports heightfields and meshes to DCC and engine pipelines, then mostly stays out of the way.
Small release, real work
According to the official release notes, World Creator 2026.1 is a maintenance-focused update aimed at fixing long-standing usability issues rather than expanding the feature set. The developer describes the release as a refinement pass, addressing input handling, viewport behaviour, export reliability and overall application stability. No new terrain generation systems, simulation models or rendering features are introduced. This release is about making existing tools behave more predictably, especially during extended interactive sessions.
Tablet and pen support improved
A core update in 2026.1 is improved support for graphics tablets and pen displays. Stylus input now reportedly provides smoother, more predictable feedback during sculpting and editing operations. The release notes do not list specific hardware or benchmark figures. Improvements are based solely on the vendor’s claims and are Not independently verified at press time.
Viewport and navigation behaviour
This maintenance update also adjusts viewport focus and camera navigation. Terrain now centres more reliably in the viewport, reducing navigation offsets on large landscapes. These changes target everyday interaction more than output quality.
New Smooth filter
A dedicated Smooth filter has been introduced to remove high-frequency noise from heightfields and meshes. The notes describe it as complementary to existing erosion and sediment filters. Technical details such as algorithm type or whether it uses GPU acceleration are not disclosed and remain Not independently verified at press time.
Stability and workflow fixes
The build includes numerous bug fixes addressing crashes, export issues, image border artefacts, EXR import edge cases and sculpt layer errors. While not headline features, these fixes support more reliable production use.
Pricing and licensing structure
World Creator offers both rental (subscription) and perpetual licences with multiple tiers:
Rental (annual)
- Indie: ~USD 99/year, entry level with limitations and revenue cap.
- Professional: ~USD 199/year, full feature access with no revenue cap.
- Studio: ~USD 249/year, additional support and studio-focused terms.
- Enterprise: ~USD 1,289.88/year, priority support and advanced commercial terms.
Perpetual (one-time)
- Indie: ~USD 149 one-time purchase.
- Professional: ~USD 249.
- Studio: ~USD 499.
- Enterprise: ~USD 1,669.
These price ranges are based on official licence listings. Perpetual licences include 12 months of updates and support, after which optional maintenance plans can be renewed at additional cost. Prices do not include VAT and may vary by region.
Integration and availability
World Creator 2026.1 is available for Windows 10+. Integration plugins exist for Blender, Cinema 4D, Godot, Houdini, Unity and Unreal Engine. Export formats include OBJ, FBX, glTF and texture maps.
What is not changed
This release does not introduce new procedural systems, biome layers, simulation features or expanded export formats. Feature enhancements are refinements rather than additions. As always, studios should test updates on representative scenes before deploying in active production: verification beats release notes.
