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Solarus

by Solarus

Free plan AndroidLinuxMacWindows

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Solarus's own site

What Solarus is

Solarus is free, open-source software for creating 2D Action-RPG, Action-Adventure, and other games. The engine is written in C++ with SDL2 and provides a Lua API for scripting. Solarus Editor is a desktop application with map, sprite, and script editors, while Solarus Launcher lets players browse, download, update, and play games made with the engine. Built-in features focus on 2D action role-playing games inspired by classic titles such as The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Secret of Mana, and Soleil. Multiplayer tools are listed. Projects target Windows, Linux, and macOS, with an Android port in progress. Solarus does not handle 3D graphics. Source code uses GPL v3, and project resources use Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0. Commercial games are allowed under stated requirements. The engine, editor, and launcher collect no data or telemetry; saves and settings remain local.

Who it suits

Solarus suits developers making 2D games with C++-based engine technology and Lua scripting, especially Action-RPG or Action-Adventure projects. It also suits teams wanting open-source software and local data storage.

What it does well

  • Free and open-source engine
  • Includes map, sprite, and script editors
  • Provides Lua scripting through an API
  • Supports Windows, Linux, and macOS targets
  • Includes multiplayer tools

What to know first

  • Does not handle 3D graphics
  • Android port is still in progress
  • Uses GPL v3 for source code

Plans

PlanBilled and limitsPrice
SolarusFree and open-source software · No paid plans stated · Engine does not handle 3D graphicsFree

As solarus-games.org lists them, read 11 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

Solarus combines a free open-source engine, desktop editor, and game launcher for 2D projects. Its strongest fit is classic-style action games; 3D development is outside its scope.

Facts from Solarus's own pages

Commercial use
Commercial games are allowed, and game data can use a license different from GPL, subject to the stated requirements for the engine and reused assets or scripts. · solarus-games.org, 11 Oct 2026
Design focus
Solarus includes built-in features for 2D Action-RPG games inspired by classics such as The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Secret of Mana, and Soleil. · solarus-games.org, 11 Oct 2026
Editor
Solarus Editor is a desktop app with map, sprite, and script editors for creating games. · solarus-games.org, 11 Oct 2026
Founded
2021 · solarus-games.org, 19 Oct 2026
Free plan
Yes · solarus-games.org, 24 Sept 2026
Headquarters
France · solarus-games.org, 19 Oct 2026
Launcher
Solarus Launcher lets players browse, download, update, and play Solarus-made games. · solarus-games.org, 11 Oct 2026
Licenses
Solarus source code is licensed under GPL v3, while project resources are licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0. · solarus-games.org, 11 Oct 2026
Local data
Game saves and application settings are stored locally, and crash logs or dumps are not sent automatically. · solarus-games.org, 11 Oct 2026
Multiplayer tools
Yes · solarus-games.org, 24 Sept 2026
Notable limit
The engine does not handle 3D graphics. · solarus-games.org, 11 Oct 2026
Organization
Solarus Labs is a French nonprofit association created in March 2021 to develop the engine, promote it, and educate about video game creation with free software. · solarus-games.org, 11 Oct 2026
Platforms
The maker lists Windows, MacOS, Linux, Raspberry Pi, OpenBSD, OpenSUSE, Android, and Nintendo Switch; its download page offers Editor and Launcher packages for Linux, macOS, and Windows. · solarus-games.org, 11 Oct 2026
Privacy
The engine, launcher, and editor collect no data and implement no analytics or telemetry; launcher network access is limited to checking for updates. · solarus-games.org, 11 Oct 2026
Scripting languages
Lua · solarus-games.org, 24 Sept 2026
Source code model
open_source · solarus-games.org, 24 Sept 2026
Support
The FAQ directs users seeking a quicker answer to the project forums or Discord chat. · solarus-games.org, 11 Oct 2026
Target platforms
Windows,Linux,macOS; Android port in progress · solarus-games.org, 24 Sept 2026
Technology
The engine is written in C++, uses SDL2, and provides a Lua API for game scripting. · solarus-games.org, 11 Oct 2026
Visual scripting
No · solarus-games.org, 24 Sept 2026
What it does
Solarus is a free, open-source 2D game engine for creating Action-RPG and Action-Adventure games, as well as other kinds of games. · solarus-games.org, 11 Oct 2026

Where Solarus stands on Freedom251

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