GridRunner is a free browser-based 3D wireframe terrain visualizer that generates infinite procedural landscapes viewed through a simulated CRT monitor. It uses real-time WebGL rendering with simplex noise and fractal Brownian motion. No signup or download required — part of a collection of free creative tools at arcade.pirillo.com.
Yes — completely free with no hidden limits, no account required, and no watermarks. You can export 4K wallpapers and customize every visual parameter at no cost.
Open the page and the terrain starts generating automatically with randomized settings. Open the settings panel (hamburger icon, top left) to adjust terrain speed, amplitude, noise detail, color palette, and CRT effects. Click the canvas or tap the dice button to randomize. Export your favorite view as a 4K wallpaper. You can also export/import settings as JSON to save and restore configurations.
No. Everything runs locally in your browser using JavaScript and WebGL. There are no servers, no uploads, and no tracking beyond basic anonymous page analytics.
Procedural terrain generation uses mathematical noise functions — like simplex noise and fractal Brownian motion — to create realistic-looking landscapes algorithmically. Instead of hand-crafting terrain, the computer generates infinite, non-repeating landscapes from a set of parameters. GridRunner uses up to 8 octaves of fractal noise for terrain with both broad rolling hills and fine surface detail.
Any modern browser with WebGL support — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. A dedicated GPU improves performance but is not required. Works on both desktop and mobile. For more retro fun, check out Pirillo95 or Paper Jam.
Most terrain visualizers require downloading software or creating accounts. GridRunner runs instantly in your browser with real-time controls, custom color palettes, authentic CRT post-processing, and 4K wallpaper export — all completely free with zero friction.