Freedom251 › Game Engine Software
Flare Engine
What Flare Engine is
Flare Engine is a free, open-source engine for single-player 2D action RPGs, with gameplay likened to the Diablo series. The core engine uses C++ and SDL2, and the source code is released under GNU GPL v3, with later versions permitted. Its modding API can alter existing games or create new ones. Most game data uses simple INI-style configuration files and open formats such as PNG and OGG. Map creation supports Tiled through Flare Tiled Tools. Version 1.15 adds procedural map generation, randomized items with level, quality, and bonus attributes, controller rumble, gamepad support in initial launch menus, and external input devices on Android. Builds are listed for Windows, Linux, Intel 64-bit macOS, and Android. Version 1.14 can run in a browser, while version 1.15 exceeds itch.io’s web file-size limit. Several languages are available, though translations may be incomplete. The project notes that bugs or crashes may remain.
Who it suits
Flare suits developers and players interested in moddable, single-player 2D action RPGs on desktop or Android platforms.
What it does well
- Free under the GNU GPL v3 license
- Modding API supports existing or new games
- Supports Tiled map creation tools
- Available for Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android
- Version 1.15 adds procedural generation
What to know first
- No multiplayer tools are listed
- Some translations are incomplete
- Bugs or crashes may remain
- Latest version cannot fit itch.io web limit
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Flare | Free/Libre Action Roleplaying Engine · GPL3 | Free |
As flarerpg.org lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
Flare provides a free engine and game foundation for single-player 2D action RPG projects. Its open formats, modding API, and platform builds are useful, while incomplete translations and possible bugs should be considered.
Facts from Flare Engine's own pages
- Android download
- The release page offers an Android APK for the engine and links to installation instructions. · flarerpg.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Browser play
- Version 1.14 can be played in a browser; version 1.15 exceeds itch.io’s file size limit for web games. · flarerpg.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Community and support
- The site directs bug reports to GitHub issue trackers and lists GitHub Discussions, OpenGameArt forums, Reddit, IRC, and Discord community channels; it notes IRC is often inactive. · flarerpg.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Controller support
- Version 1.15 adds game controller rumble, supports gamepad use in initial launch menus, and enables external input devices on Android. · flarerpg.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Development status
- The site says engine version 1.0 and Flare game 1.0 are feature and content complete, while noting some bugs or crashes may remain. · flarerpg.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Downloads
- The download page lists builds for Windows, Linux, Intel 64-bit Mac OS, and Android. · flarerpg.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Engine
- The core engine is written in C++ with SDL2. · flarerpg.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · flarerpg.org, 24 Sept 2026
- Game data
- Most game data uses simple INI-style configuration files, and the project prefers open formats such as PNG and OGG. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Game focus
- Flare is designed for single-player 2D action RPGs. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Known project status
- The project says the engine version 1.0 is feature complete, while noting that bugs or crashes may remain. · flarerpg.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Languages
- Flare is available in several languages, though the site says many translations are incomplete. · flarerpg.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Latest release
- The download page lists version 1.15 as the latest release. · flarerpg.org, 12 Oct 2026
- License
- The source code is released under GNU GPL v3, and later versions are permitted. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Linux download
- The release page offers an x86_64 AppImage containing the engine and game. · flarerpg.org, 11 Oct 2026
- macOS download
- The release page offers an Intel 64-bit disk image containing the engine and game. · flarerpg.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Map editor
- For creating maps, Flare supports Tiled with Flare Tiled Tools. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Modding
- Its modding API can modify existing games or create entirely new games. · flarerpg.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Multiplayer tools
- No · flarerpg.org, 24 Sept 2026
- Procedural generation
- Version 1.15 adds procedural generation of maps and items. · flarerpg.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Flare is an open-source 2D action RPG engine whose gameplay can be likened to games in the Diablo series. · flarerpg.org, 12 Oct 2026
- Scripting languages
- C++ · flarerpg.org, 24 Sept 2026
- Security
- The site does not state security certifications or compliance information on the pages reviewed. · flarerpg.org, 11 Oct 2026
- Source code model
- open_source · flarerpg.org, 24 Sept 2026
Where Flare Engine stands on Freedom251
- Game Engine Software#61 of 92