Software · head to head
Cocos2d-x vs DragonBones
The short version
- Each has a real cost: Cocos2d-x cocos2d-x is MIT licensed with no commercial tier, and the vendor's own site directs users toward its newer engine, Cocos Creator, as the actively developed product, leaving Cocos2d-x without a first-party paid support or upgrade path.; DragonBones javaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator)
- They diverge on capability: Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, DragonBones covers Skeletal animation.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which Cocos2d-x and DragonBones actually diverge.
| Attribute | Cocos2d-x | DragonBones |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | free | open-source |
| Platforms | Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android | Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator |
| Founded | 2010 | 2014 |
Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), 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 Cocos2d-x
- 2D rendering
- Physics engine (Chipmunk)
- Particle effects
- Animation system
- Audio engine
- Touch input handling
- Tilemap support
- Sprite batching
Only in DragonBones
- Skeletal animation
- Mesh deformation
- IK system
- Texture atlas
- Animation blending
- Bone constraints
- FFD
- Multi-resolution
Both cover
- Local deployment
- Windows support
- Macos support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
Cocos2d-x
- Mobile game developmentnot DragonBones
- 2D gamesnot DragonBones
- Lightweight gamesnot DragonBones
- Cross-platform gamesnot DragonBones
DragonBones
- 2D skeletal animation for JavaScript and TypeScript game enginesnot Cocos2d-x
- Cross-engine animation library for indie game developmentnot Cocos2d-x
- Animation creation with LoongBones editornot Cocos2d-x
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
Cocos2d-x
- Cocos2d-x is MIT licensed with no commercial tier, and the vendor's own site directs users toward its newer engine, Cocos Creator, as the actively developed product, leaving Cocos2d-x without a first-party paid support or upgrade path.
DragonBones
- JavaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator)
Pricing, plan by plan
Cocos2d-x
Free- FreeFree
- Full engine source
- MIT License
- Community support
DragonBones
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the DragonBones review.
Which should you pick?
Choose Cocos2d-x if
- You need 2d rendering.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android.
- You also want physics engine (chipmunk).
Choose DragonBones if
- You need skeletal animation.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator.
- You also want mesh deformation.
Questions people ask
- Is Cocos2d-x or DragonBones better?
- Neither clearly leads. Cocos2d-x 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, Cocos2d-x or DragonBones?
- Cocos2d-x starts at Free and DragonBones at Free.
- Does Cocos2d-x or DragonBones run on more platforms?
- Cocos2d-x runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android. DragonBones runs on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator.
- Can I use Cocos2d-x for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is Cocos2d-x best used for?
- Cocos2d-x is most often used for mobile game development, 2d games, lightweight games, cross-platform games. Of those, mobile game development and 2d games are not what DragonBones is typically brought in for.
- What can Cocos2d-x do that DragonBones cannot?
- Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, Physics engine (Chipmunk), Particle effects, Animation system. DragonBones covers Skeletal animation, Mesh deformation, IK system, Texture atlas. Both handle Local deployment, Windows support, Macos support.