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Software · head to head

CryEngine vs FreeCAD

CryEngine logo

CryEngine

Software

Build worlds, break limits. Professional game development engine.

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
FreeCAD logo

FreeCAD

Software

Open-source parametric 3D CAD modeler

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: CryEngine a royalty of 5% of Gross Receipts is payable to Crytek on every game built with CRYENGINE; FreeCAD no vendor support or professional services available; community-driven support only
  • They diverge on capability: CryEngine covers Advanced graphics, FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which CryEngine and FreeCAD actually diverge.

Attributes where CryEngine and FreeCAD differ
AttributeCryEngineFreeCAD
Pricing modelfreeopen-source
PlatformsWindows, Playstation, Xbox, LinuxWindows, macOS, Linux
Founded19992002

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 CryEngine

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

Only in FreeCAD

  • Parametric modeling
  • Part design
  • Assembly
  • Drafting
  • FEM simulation
  • Path/CAM
  • Architecture
  • BIM

Both cover

  • Windows support

What people use each for

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

CryEngine

  • Building photorealistic first person and open world games with real time global illuminationnot FreeCAD
  • Developing with full engine source code accessnot FreeCAD
  • Sandbox based level design with what you see is what you get exportnot FreeCAD

FreeCAD

  • Mechanical engineering designnot CryEngine
  • Architectural modellingnot CryEngine
  • Product design and prototypingnot CryEngine
  • CAM/CNC path generationnot CryEngine

Where each one falls short

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

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

FreeCAD

  • No vendor support or professional services available; community-driven support only
  • Requires users to self-host and maintain the software; no cloud version available

Pricing, plan by plan

CryEngine

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full engine access
    • Source code
    • Asset library

FreeCAD

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the FreeCAD review.

Which should you pick?

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

Choose FreeCAD if

  • You need parametric modeling.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want part design.
FreeCAD review

Questions people ask

Is CryEngine or FreeCAD better?
Neither clearly leads. CryEngine starts at Free and FreeCAD at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, CryEngine or FreeCAD?
CryEngine starts at Free and FreeCAD at Free.
Does CryEngine or FreeCAD run on more platforms?
CryEngine runs on Windows, Playstation, Xbox, Linux. FreeCAD runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use CryEngine for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is CryEngine best used for?
CryEngine is most often used for building photorealistic first person and open world games with real time global illumination, developing with full engine source code access, sandbox based level design with what you see is what you get export. Of those, building photorealistic first person and open world games with real time global illumination and developing with full engine source code access are not what FreeCAD is typically brought in for.
What can CryEngine do that FreeCAD cannot?
CryEngine covers Advanced graphics, Physics engine, AI system, Animation tools. FreeCAD covers Parametric modeling, Part design, Assembly, Drafting. Both handle Windows support.
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