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Game Development · head to head

Cocos2d-x vs SolveSpace

Cocos2d-x logo

Cocos2d-x

Game Development

Open-source, lightweight 2D game engine

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
S

SolveSpace

CAD

Open source parametric CAD with a constraint solver in a few megabytes

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

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.; SolveSpace the in-house geometry kernel fails on complex boolean operations and fillets, and the failure is sometimes silent bad geometry rather than an error message, so models must be checked before export or manufacture.
  • They diverge on capability: Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, SolveSpace covers Constraint solver.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 1 September 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Cocos2d-x and SolveSpace actually diverge.

Attributes where Cocos2d-x and SolveSpace differ
AttributeCocos2d-xSolveSpace
Pricing modelfreeOpen source, no licence fee
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, AndroidWindows, macOS, Linux
CategoryGame DevelopmentCAD
Founded2010Unknown

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

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 SolveSpace

  • Constraint solver
  • Solid modelling
  • Assemblies
  • Export formats
  • Cross-platform
  • Small footprint

What people use each for

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

Cocos2d-x

  • Mobile game developmentnot SolveSpace
  • 2D gamesnot SolveSpace
  • Lightweight gamesnot SolveSpace
  • Cross-platform gamesnot SolveSpace

SolveSpace

  • Designing 3D printed parts on a machine that cannot run mainstream CADnot Cocos2d-x
  • Teaching constraint-based parametric modelling without buying licences for a classroomnot Cocos2d-x
  • Checking that a mechanical linkage moves as intended before cutting metalnot Cocos2d-x
  • Producing dimensionally accurate STEP or STL output from a small open source toolchainnot 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.

SolveSpace

  • The in-house geometry kernel fails on complex boolean operations and fillets, and the failure is sometimes silent bad geometry rather than an error message, so models must be checked before export or manufacture.
  • There is no proper drawing and dimensioning workflow, so manufacturing documentation has to be produced in another application.
  • Development is volunteer-led and intermittent; long gaps between releases are normal and there is no support contract available at any price.
  • Assembly-level import of external CAD is very limited, so it does not fit a supply chain that exchanges native or assembly-level models with suppliers.
  • The interface follows its own conventions rather than mainstream CAD ones, so existing SolidWorks or Fusion users spend time unlearning habits for a tool with a lower ceiling.

Pricing, plan by plan

Cocos2d-x

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full engine source
    • MIT License
    • Community support

SolveSpace

Free
  • SolveSpaceFree
    • Full application under the GPL
    • No seat limit
    • Windows, macOS and Linux builds

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).
Cocos2d-x review

Choose SolveSpace if

  • You need constraint solver.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want solid modelling.
SolveSpace review

Questions people ask

Is Cocos2d-x or SolveSpace better?
Neither clearly leads. Cocos2d-x starts at Free and SolveSpace at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Cocos2d-x or SolveSpace?
Cocos2d-x starts at Free and SolveSpace at Free.
Does Cocos2d-x or SolveSpace run on more platforms?
Cocos2d-x runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android. SolveSpace runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
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 SolveSpace is typically brought in for.
What can Cocos2d-x do that SolveSpace cannot?
Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, Physics engine (Chipmunk), Particle effects, Animation system. SolveSpace covers Constraint solver, Solid modelling, Assemblies, Export formats.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

SolveSpace: Is it really free for commercial work?

Yes. It is released under the GPL with no licence fee and no seat limit. Support is community only.

SolveSpace: Can it replace Fusion 360 or SolidWorks?

No. It handles parts and simple assemblies well. Complex geometry, drawings and supply chain interoperability are outside its range.

SolveSpace: What hardware does it need?

Very little. It runs on old laptops and small Linux machines where mainstream CAD will not start.

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