Software · head to head
DragonBones vs Armory3D
The short version
- Each has a real cost: DragonBones javaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator); Armory3D compiled binaries are sold to fund the project while the source code itself is free to build from scratch
- They diverge on capability: DragonBones covers Mesh deformation, Armory3D covers Blender integration.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which DragonBones and Armory3D actually diverge.
| Attribute | DragonBones | Armory3D |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | open-source | free |
| Platforms | Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator | Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android |
| Founded | 2014 | 2016 |
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 DragonBones
- Mesh deformation
- IK system
- Texture atlas
- Animation blending
- Bone constraints
- FFD
- Multi-resolution
- Unity
Only in Armory3D
- Blender integration
- 3D graphics rendering
- Physics engine (Bullet)
- Audio system
- Haxe scripting
- Particle effects
- Material system
- Blender
Both cover
- Skeletal animation
- Local deployment
- Windows support
- Macos support
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
DragonBones
- 2D skeletal animation for JavaScript and TypeScript game enginesnot Armory3D
- Cross-engine animation library for indie game developmentnot Armory3D
- Animation creation with LoongBones editornot Armory3D
Armory3D
- 3D game developmentnot DragonBones
- Blender-based gamesnot DragonBones
- Web gamesnot DragonBones
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
DragonBones
- JavaScript/TypeScript runtime limited to specific game engines (Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator)
Armory3D
- Compiled binaries are sold to fund the project while the source code itself is free to build from scratch
Pricing, plan by plan
DragonBones
FreeNo published plan breakdown. See the DragonBones review.
Armory3D
Free- FreeFree
- Full engine
- Blender integration
- 3D graphics
Which should you pick?
Choose DragonBones if
- You need mesh deformation.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator.
- You also want ik system.
Choose Armory3D if
- You need blender integration.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android.
- You also want 3d graphics rendering.
Questions people ask
- Is DragonBones or Armory3D better?
- Neither clearly leads. DragonBones starts at Free and Armory3D at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, DragonBones or Armory3D?
- DragonBones starts at Free and Armory3D at Free.
- Does DragonBones or Armory3D run on more platforms?
- DragonBones runs on Egret, PixiJS, Phaser, Hilo, Cocos Creator. Armory3D runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Html5, Android.
- Can I use DragonBones for free?
- Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
- What is DragonBones best used for?
- DragonBones is most often used for 2d skeletal animation for javascript and typescript game engines, cross-engine animation library for indie game development, animation creation with loongbones editor. Of those, 2d skeletal animation for javascript and typescript game engines and cross-engine animation library for indie game development are not what Armory3D is typically brought in for.
- What can DragonBones do that Armory3D cannot?
- DragonBones covers Mesh deformation, IK system, Texture atlas, Animation blending. Armory3D covers Blender integration, 3D graphics rendering, Physics engine (Bullet), Audio system. Both handle Skeletal animation, Local deployment, Windows support, Macos support.