Game Development · head to head
Armory3D vs DragonBones
Armory3D
Game Development
Open-source 3D game engine integrated with Blender
- From
- Free
- Rated
- -
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Armory3D compiled binaries are sold to fund the project while the source code itself is free to build from scratch; DragonBones javaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator)
- They diverge on capability: Armory3D covers Blender integration, DragonBones covers Mesh deformation.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Armory3D and DragonBones actually diverge.
| Attribute | Armory3D | DragonBones |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | open-source |
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android | Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator |
| Founded | 2016 | 2014 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Game Development).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in Armory3D
- Blender integration
- 3D graphics rendering
- Physics engine (Bullet)
- Audio system
- Haxe scripting
- Particle effects
- Material system
- Blender
Only in DragonBones
- Mesh deformation
- IK system
- Texture atlas
- Animation blending
- Bone constraints
- FFD
- Multi-resolution
- Unity
Both cover
- Skeletal animation
- Local deployment
- Windows support
- Macos support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Armory3D
- 3D game developmentnot DragonBones
- Blender-based gamesnot DragonBones
- Web gamesnot DragonBones
DragonBones
- 2D skeletal animation for JavaScript and TypeScript game enginesnot Armory3D
- Cross-engine animation library for indie game developmentnot Armory3D
- Animation creation with LoongBones editornot Armory3D
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Armory3D
- Compiled binaries are sold to fund the project while the source code itself is free to build from scratch
DragonBones
- JavaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator)
Pricing, plan by plan
Armory3D
Free- FreeFree
- Full engine
- Blender integration
- 3D graphics
DragonBones
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the DragonBones review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Armory3D if
- You need blender integration.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android.
- You also want 3d graphics rendering.
Choose DragonBones if
- You need mesh deformation.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator.
- You also want ik system.
Questions people ask
- Is Armory3D or DragonBones better?
- Neither clearly leads. Armory3D starts at Free and DragonBones at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, Armory3D or DragonBones?
- Armory3D starts at Free and DragonBones at Free.
- Does Armory3D or DragonBones run on more platforms?
- Armory3D runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android. DragonBones runs on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator.
- Can I use Armory3D for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Armory3D best used for?
- Armory3D is most often used for 3d game development, blender-based games, web games. Of those, 3d game development and blender-based games are not what DragonBones is typically brought in for.
- What can Armory3D do that DragonBones cannot?
- Armory3D covers Blender integration, 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system. DragonBones covers Mesh deformation, IK system, Texture atlas, Animation blending. Both handle Skeletal animation, Local deployment, Windows support, Macos support.