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Game Development · head to head

Armory3D vs MonoGame

Armory3D logo

Armory3D

Game Development

Open-source 3D game engine integrated with Blender

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
MonoGame logo

MonoGame

Game Development

Create games using C# and MonoGame

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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; MonoGame console targets for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch require platform authorisation rather than being openly available
  • They diverge on capability: Armory3D covers Blender integration, MonoGame covers C# language support.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Armory3D and MonoGame actually diverge.

Attributes where Armory3D and MonoGame differ
AttributeArmory3DMonoGame
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Html5, AndroidWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox
Founded20162009

Identical on both: starting price (Free), pricing model (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
  • Skeletal animation
  • Material system

Only in MonoGame

  • C# language support
  • Graphics rendering
  • Audio engine
  • Physics integration
  • Content pipeline
  • Input handling
  • Sprite system
  • 2D and 3D support

Both cover

  • Open-source
  • Local deployment
  • Mobile deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Armory3D

  • 3D game developmentnot MonoGame
  • Blender-based gamesnot MonoGame
  • Web gamesnot MonoGame

MonoGame

  • Cross-platform game development in C# and .NETnot Armory3D
  • Shipping to Windows, macOS and Linux from one codebasenot Armory3D
  • Mobile releases on Android, iOS and iPadOSnot Armory3D
  • Commercial indie titles with no royalty or runtime feenot 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

MonoGame

  • Console targets for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch require platform authorisation rather than being openly available
  • A code-first framework in C# with no bundled editor or visual scene tooling

Pricing, plan by plan

Armory3D

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full engine
    • Blender integration
    • 3D graphics

MonoGame

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full framework
    • C# support
    • Cross-platform

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.
Armory3D review

Choose MonoGame if

  • You need c# language support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox.
  • You also want graphics rendering.
MonoGame review

Questions people ask

Is Armory3D or MonoGame better?
Neither clearly leads. Armory3D starts at Free and MonoGame at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Armory3D or MonoGame?
Armory3D starts at Free and MonoGame at Free.
Does Armory3D or MonoGame run on more platforms?
Armory3D runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android. MonoGame runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Playstation, Xbox.
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 MonoGame is typically brought in for.
What can Armory3D do that MonoGame cannot?
Armory3D covers Blender integration, 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system. MonoGame covers C# language support, Graphics rendering, Audio engine, Physics integration. Both handle Open-source, Local deployment, Mobile deployment, Windows support.
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