Instead of Defold
Defold alternatives
Defold is a free, all-in-one engine for making cross-platform 2D and 3D games. Its toolchain combines an editor, runtime, Lua scripting, build and deployment workflows, with visual editors, debugging, profiling, particles, animation, and integrated 2D and 3D physics. Native extensions can use several languages, while multiplayer tools, mobile and console export, Live Update, and integrations such as Firebase Analytics, AdMob, in-app purchases, and PlayFab support shipping games across Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, HTML5, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. Source code for the engine, editor, and build tools is available, and community help is provided through its forum.
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Godot Engine
Free plan AndroidAPIExtension+5Open-source 2D, 3D, and XR projects — Godot is open source and adds GDScript alongside C# and C++, while Defold centers game logic on Lua.
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Construct 3
by Construct 3Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3Visual JavaScript and TypeScript game creation — Construct 3 provides visual scripting with JavaScript and TypeScript, whereas Defold has no visual scripting.
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GDevelop
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3Open-source visual development with free assets — GDevelop combines open-source visual scripting with free assets and once-daily free Android and desktop publishing.
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Cocos Creator
Free plan AndroidiPhoneMac+2TypeScript-based 2D and 3D interactive content — Cocos Creator offers visual scripting, TypeScript, an animation editor, plugins, and mini-game publishing beyond Defold's Lua workflow.
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jMonkeyEngine
by jMonkeyEngineFree plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2Open-source Java game development — jMonkeyEngine uses Java and is open source, while Defold uses Lua with source-available tooling.
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Stride
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+2 - 11
Cocos2d-x
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3 - 12
Irrlicht Engine
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3 - 13
Stencyl
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3 - 14
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Bevy
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3 - 18
Flax Engine
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3 - 19
Babylon.js
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3 - 20
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OGRE
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3 - 22
Evergine
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3 - 23
LayaAir
Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinux+3 - 24
GB Studio
Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1
Readers may still seek alternatives because Defold has no visual scripting and no free trial, even though its plan is free forever with no licensing, royalty, or runtime fees. Its editor also has stated operating-system requirements. When switching, weigh whether you prefer open-source licensing, visual workflows, different scripting languages, specific publishing targets, or freemium plans with paid tiers. Check how each option handles multiplayer, mobile and console export, and the platforms your project needs before choosing a replacement.