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Solar2D
Solar2D · Sheridan, Wyoming, USA
What it is
Solar2D is an open-source, Lua-based 2D game engine for making games and apps from one codebase. Its listed targets are iOS, tvOS, Android, Android TV, macOS, Windows, Linux, and HTML5. The engine supports mobile export and multiplayer tools. Its Simulator displays code changes immediately, and deployed apps can receive code and asset updates over a local network. Plugins add capabilities such as advertising, analytics, and media through a free directory and third-party stores. Solar2D Native can call C, C++, Objective-C, and Java libraries or APIs. Source code and resources use the MIT license. The maker says there are no engine fees, charges, or royalties for indie developers or large publishers. Solar2D says it does not track app users or gather anonymized data. Documentation, forums, and Discord provide learning and support.
For and against
For
- Open-source MIT-licensed engine
- Targets mobile, desktop, TV, and HTML5
- Lua scripting language
- Immediate Simulator iteration
- No engine fees, charges, or royalties
Against
- Projects must use Lua
- Plugins may come from third-party stores
- Support is community-based through forums and Discord
The verdict
Solar2D offers a free, open-source Lua workflow with broad export targets and local iteration. Its plugin and community-supported model should be weighed against project requirements.
Who it suits
It suits developers building Lua projects for mobile, desktop, connected-TV, or HTML5 targets. Teams needing open-source code, native-library access, or multiplayer tools may find its scope relevant.
Plans and prices
Free
No engine fees or royalties
Read 24 Sep 2026 · solar2d.com
Solar2D
No fees, charges, or royalties for using the engine
Read 9 Oct 2026 · solar2d.com
On the record
- Community support
- The maker points users to its forums and Discord community for support and discussion.solar2d.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Company address
- The Solar2D site identifies Solar2D LLC and lists its address as 30 N Gould St Ste R, Sheridan, Wyoming 82801.solar2d.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Cost
- The maker says the engine has no fees, charges, or royalties for indie developers or large publishers.solar2d.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Documentation
- The documentation site provides getting-started material, guides, tutorials, an API reference, and plugin documentation.docs.coronalabs.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The source code and resources are available under the MIT license.solar2d.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Live iteration
- Its Simulator shows code changes immediately, and deployed apps can receive code and asset updates over the local network.solar2d.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Mobile export
- Yessolar2d.com · read 24 Sep 2026
- Multiplayer tools
- Yessolar2d.com · read 24 Sep 2026
- Native libraries
- Solar2D Native can call C, C++, Objective-C, and Java libraries or APIs.solar2d.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Organization
- The project page says Solar2D is maintained by its community, with Vlad Shcherban as principal developer.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Plugins
- Plugins can add features such as in-app advertising, analytics, and media, and are available through its free directory and third-party stores.solar2d.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- 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.solar2d.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Product
- Solar2D is a Lua-based 2D game engine focused on ease of iteration and use.solar2d.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Scripting languages
- Luasolar2d.com · read 24 Sep 2026
- Source code model
- open_sourcesolar2d.com · read 24 Sep 2026
- Supported targets
- The site lists iOS, tvOS, Android, Android TV, macOS, Windows, Linux, and HTML5 as targets.solar2d.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Target platforms
- iOS,tvOS,Android,Android TV,macOS,Windows,Linux,HTML5solar2d.com · read 24 Sep 2026
- Use cases
- The site describes developing games and apps for mobile, desktop, and connected TV devices from one codebase.solar2d.com · read 9 Oct 2026
