Free tools for node-based PBR 3D models include Blender (built-in node editor), Substance 3D Painter (free tier), and GIMP with PBR plugins like Material Maker.
- Blender: Combines node workflows for PBR materials with modeling and UV editing—all free and all-in-one. - Substance 3D Painter: Free version focuses on node-based texture painting for PBR assets. - GIMP: Use plugins to add node support for creating PBR texture maps (albedo, metallic).
For beginners, start with Blender—it covers every step (modeling to export) and has plenty of online tutorials to learn node PBR easily.