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Game Development · head to head

Quixel Mixer vs RPG Maker MZ

Quixel Mixer logo

Quixel Mixer

Game Development

Free 3D texturing and material creation

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
RPG Maker MZ logo

RPG Maker MZ

Game Development

The next generation RPG creation software

From
$99.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Quixel Mixer has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Quixel Mixer discontinued as of February 19, 2026 with no future updates or support; RPG Maker MZ the free version is a 30 day trial only
  • They diverge on capability: Quixel Mixer covers Material blending, RPG Maker MZ covers HTML5 rendering.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Quixel Mixer and RPG Maker MZ actually diverge.

Attributes where Quixel Mixer and RPG Maker MZ differ
AttributeQuixel MixerRPG Maker MZ
Starting priceFree$99.99/one-time
Pricing modelfreesubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, macOSWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam
Founded20111945

Identical on both: 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 Quixel Mixer

  • Material blending
  • Megascans integration
  • Smart materials
  • Procedural tools
  • 3D painting
  • UDIM support
  • Real-time preview
  • Export presets

Only in RPG Maker MZ

  • HTML5 rendering
  • Event system
  • Database editor
  • Pixel art support
  • JavaScript plugins
  • Voice acting support
  • Touch controls
  • Cross-platform

Both cover

  • Local deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support

What people use each for

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

Quixel Mixer

  • Game texturesnot RPG Maker MZ
  • Environment artnot RPG Maker MZ
  • Photorealistic materialsnot RPG Maker MZ
  • Film VFXnot RPG Maker MZ

RPG Maker MZ

  • Making 2D tile based role playing games without programmingnot Quixel Mixer
  • Building games from bundled tilesets, sprites, music and a character generatornot Quixel Mixer
  • Event driven game logic through menu based scriptingnot Quixel Mixer

Where each one falls short

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

Quixel Mixer

  • Discontinued as of February 19, 2026 with no future updates or support
  • No built-in baker functionality unlike Substance 3D Painter
  • Limited customization compared to industry-standard Substance Painter
  • Megascans asset library now requires paid subscription instead of free access

RPG Maker MZ

  • The free version is a 30 day trial only
  • The software cannot be launched or used unless network authentication completes
  • Installation is limited to two user devices, and installing on three or more is prohibited
  • Company support is not offered to any user who has not completed user registration
  • The licence restricts bundled assets to games produced with RPG Maker MZ and prohibits distributing individual assets
  • Distributed games must state in attached documentation that they were made with the software and must display the notice "(c)Gotcha Gotcha Games Inc./YOJI OJIMA 2020"

Pricing, plan by plan

Quixel Mixer

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full feature set
    • Megascans integration
    • Commercial use

RPG Maker MZ

$99.99/one-time
  • Standard$99.99/one-time
    • Modern HTML5 engine
    • Enhanced graphics
    • JavaScript plugins

Which should you pick?

Choose Quixel Mixer if

  • You need material blending.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS.
  • You also want megascans integration.
Quixel Mixer review

Choose RPG Maker MZ if

  • You need html5 rendering.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam.
  • You also want event system.
RPG Maker MZ review

Questions people ask

Is Quixel Mixer or RPG Maker MZ better?
Neither clearly leads. Quixel Mixer starts at Free and RPG Maker MZ at $99.99/one-time, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Quixel Mixer or RPG Maker MZ?
Quixel Mixer has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Quixel Mixer and $99.99/one-time for RPG Maker MZ.
Does Quixel Mixer or RPG Maker MZ run on more platforms?
Quixel Mixer runs on Windows, macOS. RPG Maker MZ runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam.
Can I use Quixel Mixer for free?
Yes. Quixel Mixer has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. RPG Maker MZ starts at $99.99/one-time.
What is Quixel Mixer best used for?
Quixel Mixer is most often used for game textures, environment art, photorealistic materials, film vfx. Of those, game textures and environment art are not what RPG Maker MZ is typically brought in for.
What can Quixel Mixer do that RPG Maker MZ cannot?
Quixel Mixer covers Material blending, Megascans integration, Smart materials, Procedural tools. RPG Maker MZ covers HTML5 rendering, Event system, Database editor, Pixel art support. Both handle Local deployment, Windows support, Macos support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Quixel Mixer: Is Quixel Mixer still available?

Quixel Mixer was discontinued on February 19, 2026. The final version 2023.1 is available for free download from the Epic Games launcher. It runs offline indefinitely but will receive no future updates or support.

Source
RPG Maker MZ: How much does RPG Maker MZ cost?

RPG Maker MZ pricing is not listed on the product overview page. The software can be purchased through the Official Store or Steam platform, both of which would display current pricing.

Source
Quixel Mixer: Can Quixel Mixer work offline?

Yes, version 2023.1 enables Quixel Mixer to run completely offline. Users can download and use the software offline indefinitely, though without future updates.

Source
RPG Maker MZ: Does RPG Maker MZ offer a free trial?

Yes, RPG Maker MZ offers a free trial download option available on the product page.

Source
Quixel Mixer: What is the current status of Megascans free access?

Quixel Megascans is no longer free for Unreal Engine users. Starting in 2025, Megascans assets are sold individually or included in Fab subscription tiers. The free-for-Unreal era ended at the close of 2024.

Source
Quixel Mixer: How does Quixel Mixer compare to Substance Painter?

Quixel Mixer excels for simplicity, photorealism, and Unreal Engine integration, but lacks a built-in baker unlike Substance 3D Painter. Substance Painter offers more customization and is an industry standard, while Mixer focused on streamlined PBR material creation.

Source
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