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Construct 3 vs LDtk

Construct 3 logo

Construct 3

Software

Create games without coding. Powered by the Scirra engine.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
LDtk logo

LDtk

Software

Modern 2D level editor from the creator of Dead Cells

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Construct 3 the free version caps projects at 50 events, or 25 when used without an account; LDtk no web, iOS, or Android build; it is an Electron desktop app for Windows/macOS/Linux only
  • They diverge on capability: Construct 3 covers Visual event system, LDtk covers Auto-layers.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Construct 3 and LDtk actually diverge.

Attributes where Construct 3 and LDtk differ
AttributeConstruct 3LDtk
Pricing modelfreemiumUnknown
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebWindows, macOS, Linux
Founded20072020

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 Construct 3

  • Visual event system
  • Drag-and-drop editor
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite editor
  • Particle effects
  • Sound effects
  • Web-based
  • HTML5 support

Only in LDtk

  • Auto-layers
  • IntGrid layers
  • Entity system
  • Enums
  • World map
  • Rule-based tiling
  • JSON export
  • Hot reloading

Both cover

  • Local deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

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

Construct 3

  • Building 2D browser games without writing codenot LDtk
  • Publishing HTML5 games to the web, desktop and mobile stores from one projectnot LDtk

LDtk

  • 2D platformer and top-down level buildingnot Construct 3
  • Placing customizable entities such as spawns, enemies, items, and triggersnot Construct 3
  • Auto-tiling and auto-rendering via a visual rule systemnot Construct 3
  • Multi-level 'worlds' with seamless level transitionsnot Construct 3
  • Native Aseprite (.aseprite) import with live reloadingnot Construct 3

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Construct 3

  • The free version caps projects at 50 events, or 25 when used without an account
  • Free projects are limited to 2 layers, 2 special effects, 1 timeline animation of up to 5 seconds and 1 web font
  • The free version can only publish to HTML5 and the Construct Arcade, so desktop, Android, iOS and Facebook Instant Games all need a paid plan
  • Licences are per seat and annual, at $129.99 for Personal, $168.99 for Startup Business and $468.99 for Business

LDtk

  • No web, iOS, or Android build; it is an Electron desktop app for Windows/macOS/Linux only
  • Native format is JSON; use with other formats such as Tiled TMX requires a separate importer or custom parsing
  • Engine integration depends on separate official importers/libraries per engine (Unity, Godot, MonoGame, Bevy, GameMaker, Haxe, Playdate)
  • dev-x.y.z branches on GitHub are explicitly flagged as potentially unstable and not for production

Pricing, plan by plan

Construct 3

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Web-based editor
    • HTML5 export
    • Asset library
  • Personal$99/year
    • All Free features
    • Offline editor
    • Advanced export

LDtk

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the LDtk review.

Which should you pick?

Choose Construct 3 if

  • You need visual event system.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want drag-and-drop editor.
Construct 3 review

Choose LDtk if

  • You need auto-layers.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want intgrid layers.
LDtk review

Questions people ask

Is Construct 3 or LDtk better?
Neither clearly leads. Construct 3 starts at Free and LDtk at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Construct 3 or LDtk?
Construct 3 starts at Free and LDtk at Free.
Does Construct 3 or LDtk run on more platforms?
Construct 3 runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. LDtk runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use Construct 3 for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Construct 3 best used for?
Construct 3 is most often used for building 2d browser games without writing code, publishing html5 games to the web, desktop and mobile stores from one project. Of those, building 2d browser games without writing code and publishing html5 games to the web, desktop and mobile stores from one project are not what LDtk is typically brought in for.
What can Construct 3 do that LDtk cannot?
Construct 3 covers Visual event system, Drag-and-drop editor, Physics engine, Sprite editor. LDtk covers Auto-layers, IntGrid layers, Entity system, Enums. Both handle Local deployment, Windows support, Macos support, Linux support.
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