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Armory3D vs ZBrush

Armory3D logo

Armory3D

Software

Open-source 3D game engine integrated with Blender

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
ZBrush logo

ZBrush

Software

Industry standard for digital sculpting

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Armory3D has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • 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; ZBrush subscription model required; no perpetual licence option available
  • They diverge on capability: Armory3D covers Blender integration, ZBrush covers Digital sculpting.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Armory3D and ZBrush actually diverge.

Attributes where Armory3D and ZBrush differ
AttributeArmory3DZBrush
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelfreesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Html5, AndroidWindows, macOS, iPadOS
Founded20161986

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).

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 ZBrush

  • Digital sculpting
  • Dynamesh
  • ZRemesher
  • PolyPaint
  • Live Boolean
  • Sculptris Pro
  • UV Master
  • High polygon handling

Both cover

  • Blender
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Armory3D

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

ZBrush

  • Digital character and creature sculptingnot Armory3D
  • High-polygon organic form designnot Armory3D
  • Texture painting and PolyPaint worknot Armory3D
  • Game asset creation and 3D modellingnot 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

ZBrush

  • Subscription model required; no perpetual licence option available
  • iPad version requires separate subscription to ZBrush for iPad

Pricing, plan by plan

Armory3D

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

ZBrush

On request

No published plan breakdown. See the ZBrush 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.
Armory3D review

Choose ZBrush if

  • You need digital sculpting.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, iPadOS.
  • You also want dynamesh.
ZBrush review

Questions people ask

Is Armory3D or ZBrush better?
Neither clearly leads. Armory3D starts at Free and ZBrush at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Armory3D or ZBrush?
Armory3D has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Armory3D and On request for ZBrush.
Does Armory3D or ZBrush run on more platforms?
Armory3D runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android. ZBrush runs on Windows, macOS, iPadOS.
Can I use Armory3D for free?
Yes. Armory3D has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. ZBrush starts at On request.
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 ZBrush is typically brought in for.
What can Armory3D do that ZBrush cannot?
Armory3D covers Blender integration, 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system. ZBrush covers Digital sculpting, Dynamesh, ZRemesher, PolyPaint. Both handle Blender, Windows support.
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