If you want to make a 2D game, this is a good choice: the best free, no-code 2D game engine. Export to Steam, Android and more.
Ever since the release of Pong in the 1970s, gamers and developers alike have dreamt of realistic 3D visuals. And we live in an era that allows us to have better 3D graphics than ever before. But this did not mean the end of 2D games. On the contrary: a new appreciation for the boundaries and style of 2D has created a resurgence in 2D game development. That's why game creators are looking for a good 2D game engine they can use to make games easily, quickly and for multiple platforms. And GDevelop is exactly that.
The Free, No-Code 2D Game Engine
Whenever you want to make something, you hope there's a tool that will allow you to do that thing in the quickest, easiest way possible. Something that makes it accesible for anyone to do it. That is the philosophy behind GDevelop.
GDevelop is a free, no-code open-source 2D game engine. It is easy to use, there are many tutorials for you to follow, and there are even game templates to get you started.
In fact, there are over 170 game templates and examples that you can use for both personal and commercial applications.
Best Game Engines (Free)
If you're reading this page, then you're looking for a game engine. And you've read a lot about the big players for sure: Unity, GameMaker and so on. And they are good engines. Some would say, the best game engines that are free.
But if you want to know what is the best free game engine for YOU, just think about this: do you want to learn how to code? Because if you don't, GDevelop is a no-code game engine, and maybe, that makes it the best game engine that is free, for you.
"No-Code"? Do You Mean I Don't Need to Code?
Exactly. No-code literally means you do not need to write a single line of code to make a game. GDevelop uses an Events system that relies on simple programming logic. On the left-hand side, you have the conditions (the "if"), and on the right-hand side, you have the actions (the "then").
Check out how easy it is to add a damage system using Events.
Using this system, as well as many pre-built behaviors and extensions, you can make entire games without ever writing a line of code. And games can be as simple or as complex as you'd like.
In fact, in 2022, over 500 games of all kinds have been created with this 2D game engine during our own game jams alone. Here is a video showcasing some of the best games made during jams:
As you can see, you can make anything from a simple platforming game to something as complex as a real-time strategy game. All within GDevelop. All without writing a single line of code.
You can make games like Stardew Valley, Age of Empires, Super Mario Bros., Terraria and more!
What Do I Do With My Game?
Some people create games just for themselves, and that's totally fine. GDevelop allows you to do that easily and quickly. But if you want to share your game with the world, GDevelop has you covered, too.
You can use the cloud-based one-click build system to export your game to Android, Linux, Mac, Windows (this includes Steam), itch.io, Newgrounds, Poki, CrazyGames, and more.
You can also use gd.games, GDevelop's own game storefront. This will give you more granular access to user statistics, leaderboards and a host of other features.
Are you ready to try out this free, no-code 2D game engine? If so, just click the button below and start creating!
