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Game Development · head to head

Cocos2d-x vs CryEngine

Cocos2d-x logo

Cocos2d-x

Game Development

Open-source, lightweight 2D game engine

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
CryEngine logo

CryEngine

Game Development

Build worlds, break limits. Professional game development engine.

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.; CryEngine a royalty of 5% of Gross Receipts is payable to Crytek on every game built with CRYENGINE
  • They diverge on capability: Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, CryEngine covers Advanced graphics.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where Cocos2d-x and CryEngine differ
AttributeCocos2d-xCryEngine
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, AndroidWindows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux
Founded20101999

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 Cocos2d-x

  • 2D rendering
  • Physics engine (Chipmunk)
  • Particle effects
  • Animation system
  • Audio engine
  • Touch input handling
  • Tilemap support
  • Sprite batching

Only in CryEngine

  • Advanced graphics
  • Physics engine
  • AI system
  • Animation tools
  • Flow Graph visual scripting
  • C++ and Lua support
  • Entity component system
  • Sandbox editor

Both cover

  • Visual Studio
  • Local deployment
  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

Cocos2d-x

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

CryEngine

  • Game engine for indie and professional game developmentnot Cocos2d-x
  • Real-time 3D rendering and visualizationnot Cocos2d-x
  • VR and immersive experience creationnot Cocos2d-x
  • Environmental and industrial simulationnot 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.

CryEngine

  • A royalty of 5% of Gross Receipts is payable to Crytek on every game built with CRYENGINE
  • Royalties are waived only on the first USD 5,000.00 of Gross Receipts per year per game
  • Royalties are calculated at source on gross receipts before any publisher or platform deductions, so a developer receiving 70% of USD 100,000 still owes USD 4,750
  • Military projects, gambling, simulation, science, architecture and serious games are excluded from the standard licence and are not covered as Games
  • The licence forbids combining CRYENGINE with code from other game engine providers
  • Supported platforms are limited to those Crytek announces at its sole discretion, listed in the agreement as Windows, Linux, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
  • Support is only provided against payment of a separate Support Fee that Crytek may change at its sole discretion
  • Crytek may modify the licence agreement at any time, with the only remedy for disagreement being to stop using CRYENGINE

Pricing, plan by plan

Cocos2d-x

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

CryEngine

Free
  • Free CRYENGINEFree
    • Free download and use in development
    • 5% royalty on revenue after shipping
    • First $5,000 annual revenue per project royalty-free

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 CryEngine if

  • You need advanced graphics.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux.
  • You also want physics engine.
CryEngine review

Questions people ask

Is Cocos2d-x or CryEngine better?
Neither clearly leads. Cocos2d-x starts at Free and CryEngine at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Cocos2d-x or CryEngine?
Cocos2d-x starts at Free and CryEngine at Free.
Does Cocos2d-x or CryEngine run on more platforms?
Cocos2d-x runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android. CryEngine runs on Windows, Playstation, Xbox, 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 CryEngine is typically brought in for.
What can Cocos2d-x do that CryEngine cannot?
Cocos2d-x covers 2D rendering, Physics engine (Chipmunk), Particle effects, Animation system. CryEngine covers Advanced graphics, Physics engine, AI system, Animation tools. Both handle Visual Studio, Local deployment, Windows support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

CryEngine: Does CRYENGINE have a free version?

Yes, CRYENGINE is free to download and use for development. When you ship a project, a 5% royalty applies to revenue, but the first $5,000 annual revenue per project is royalty-free.

Source
CryEngine: How much does CRYENGINE cost after launch?

CRYENGINE charges 5% royalty on revenue after your project ships. The first $5,000 in annual revenue per project is royalty-free; royalties apply only to revenue above that threshold.

Source
CryEngine: What does CRYENGINE free tier include?

Free CRYENGINE access includes full source code, all engine features, and access to all supported platforms. No payment required for development; only per-revenue royalties apply after shipping.

Source
CryEngine: Does CRYENGINE offer custom enterprise licensing?

Yes, CRYENGINE offers custom-tailored enterprise licensing built around individual needs. Specific pricing is not disclosed and requires contacting the vendor.

Source
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