Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

Solar2D

solar2d.com

Free plan WebWindowsmacOSLinuxiOSAndroid
Visit solar2d.com
Spec score 8.6 #25 of 92 in Game Engine Software

What it is

Solar2D is a free, open-source 2D game engine that uses Lua. It is intended for making games and apps for mobile, desktop, and connected TV devices from one codebase. Listed targets include iOS, tvOS, Android, Android TV, macOS, Windows, Linux, and HTML5. Its Simulator displays code changes immediately, and deployed apps can receive code and asset updates over a local network. Plugins from a free directory and third-party stores can add capabilities such as advertising, analytics, and media. Solar2D Native can call libraries or APIs written in C, C++, Objective-C, and Java. The project’s source and resources use the MIT license, and the maker says there are no engine fees, charges, or royalties. The maker also says Solar2D does not track app users or collect anonymized data; games make only the network requests their developers specify. Documentation includes guides, tutorials, an API reference, and plugin material. Community support and discussion are available through forums and Discord. Solar2D is listed for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and web as well as its other targets.

Spec sheet

Product
Solar2D is a Lua-based 2D game engine focused on ease of iteration and use.Read 9 Oct 2026 · solar2d.com
Free plan
YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · solar2d.com
Privacy
The maker says Solar2D does not track app users or gather anonymized data, and that built games make only the network requests their developers specify.Read 9 Oct 2026 · solar2d.com
License
The source code and resources are available under the MIT license.Read 9 Oct 2026 · solar2d.com
Headquarters
Sheridan, Wyoming, United StatesRead 28 Sep 2026 · solar2d.com
Community support
The maker points users to its forums and Discord community for support and discussion.Read 9 Oct 2026 · solar2d.com
Company address
The Solar2D site identifies Solar2D LLC and lists its address as 30 N Gould St Ste R, Sheridan, Wyoming 82801.Read 9 Oct 2026 · solar2d.com
Cost
The maker says the engine has no fees, charges, or royalties for indie developers or large publishers.Read 9 Oct 2026 · solar2d.com
Documentation
The documentation site provides getting-started material, guides, tutorials, an API reference, and plugin documentation.Read 9 Oct 2026 · docs.coronalabs.com
Live iteration
Its Simulator shows code changes immediately, and deployed apps can receive code and asset updates over the local network.Read 9 Oct 2026 · solar2d.com
Mobile export
YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · solar2d.com
Multiplayer tools
YesRead 24 Sep 2026 · solar2d.com
Native libraries
Solar2D Native can call C, C++, Objective-C, and Java libraries or APIs.Read 9 Oct 2026 · solar2d.com
Organization
The project page says Solar2D is maintained by its community, with Vlad Shcherban as principal developer.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plugins
Plugins can add features such as in-app advertising, analytics, and media, and are available through its free directory and third-party stores.Read 9 Oct 2026 · solar2d.com
Scripting languages
LuaRead 24 Sep 2026 · solar2d.com
Source code model
open_sourceRead 24 Sep 2026 · solar2d.com
Supported targets
The site lists iOS, tvOS, Android, Android TV, macOS, Windows, Linux, and HTML5 as targets.Read 9 Oct 2026 · solar2d.com
Target platforms
iOS,tvOS,Android,Android TV,macOS,Windows,Linux,HTML5Read 24 Sep 2026 · solar2d.com
Use cases
The site describes developing games and apps for mobile, desktop, and connected TV devices from one codebase.Read 9 Oct 2026 · solar2d.com

Plans and prices

Free Free No engine fees or royalties Read 24 Sep 2026 · solar2d.com
Solar2D Free No fees, charges, or royalties for using the engine Read 9 Oct 2026 · solar2d.com

Every Solar2D plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Targets mobile, desktop, TV, and HTML5
  • Simulator displays code changes immediately
  • Native code can call four language families
  • MIT-licensed source and resources
  • No engine fees, charges, or royalties

Limits

  • Lua is the listed scripting language
  • No free trial is listed

Who it suits

Solar2D suits developers building Lua-based 2D games or apps for multiple listed device types from one codebase. It may also suit teams that want an MIT-licensed engine with no engine fees or royalties.

Verdict

Solar2D offers a broad target list, live iteration, and native-library access without engine fees or royalties. Developers should confirm that Lua and the available community support fit their project.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to Solar2DAll alternatives →