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Game Development · head to head

RPG Maker MV vs Stencyl

RPG Maker MV logo

RPG Maker MV

Game Development

Create 2D RPGs with ease. The perfect tool for indie developers

From
$79.99/one-time
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Stencyl logo

Stencyl

Game Development

Create games with visual programming

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Stencyl has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: RPG Maker MV the free version is a 30 day trial only; Stencyl the free Starter tier can publish to the web only
  • They diverge on capability: RPG Maker MV covers Event-based system, Stencyl covers Visual block programming.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which RPG Maker MV and Stencyl actually diverge.

Attributes where RPG Maker MV and Stencyl differ
AttributeRPG Maker MVStencyl
Starting price$79.99/one-timeFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, WebWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Flash
Founded19452011

Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), 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 RPG Maker MV

  • Event-based system
  • Database editor
  • Sprite animations
  • JavaScript support
  • Plugin system
  • Built-in music library
  • NPC dialogue system
  • JavaScript

Only in Stencyl

  • Visual block programming
  • Drag-and-drop interface
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite animation
  • Sound and music
  • Actor system
  • Haxe support
  • Dropbox

Both cover

  • Tilemap editor
  • GitHub
  • Local deployment
  • Web deployment
  • Mobile deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support
  • Linux support
  • Ios support

What people use each for

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

RPG Maker MV

  • Making 2D role playing games and exporting to Windows, macOS, Android, iOS and HTML5not Stencyl
  • Beginner game development with bundled art, audio and a database driven editornot Stencyl
  • Side view battle system RPGs with mouse and touch inputnot Stencyl

Stencyl

  • Game development for independent creatorsnot RPG Maker MV
  • Cross-platform game publishing (iOS, Android, Web, Desktop)not RPG Maker MV
  • Indie game studio platformnot RPG Maker MV

Where each one falls short

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

RPG Maker MV

  • The free version is a 30 day trial only
  • The licence restricts bundled company materials to games created with the software and prohibits distributing them independently or combined with other programs
  • Distributed games must indicate in attached documentation that they were created using the software and carry the Gotcha Gotcha Games statement of rights
  • Extracting or modifying the bundled programs or assets out of a released game is prohibited
  • Installing and using the software on three or more user devices is prohibited

Stencyl

  • The free Starter tier can publish to the web only
  • Desktop publishing requires the Indie plan at $99 a year
  • iOS and Android publishing require the Studio plan at $199 a year
  • Licences are annual, so continuing to publish means continuing to pay

Pricing, plan by plan

RPG Maker MV

$79.99/one-time
  • Standard$79.99/one-time
    • Full editor access
    • Unlimited projects
    • Asset library

Stencyl

Free
  • Starter (Free)Free
    • Publish to Web only
    • Includes Stencyl branding splash screen
  • Indie$99/year
    • Publish to Web and Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux)
    • Early access to latest releases
    • No watermarks or forced Stencyl branding
  • Studio (Most Popular)$199/year
    • Publish to iOS, Android, Web and Desktop
    • Early access to latest releases
    • No watermarks or forced Stencyl branding

Which should you pick?

Choose RPG Maker MV if

  • You need event-based system.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web.
  • You also want database editor.
RPG Maker MV review

Choose Stencyl if

  • You need visual block programming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Flash.
  • You also want drag-and-drop interface.
Stencyl review

Questions people ask

Is RPG Maker MV or Stencyl better?
Neither clearly leads. RPG Maker MV starts at $79.99/one-time and Stencyl at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, RPG Maker MV or Stencyl?
Stencyl has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $79.99/one-time for RPG Maker MV and Free for Stencyl.
Does RPG Maker MV or Stencyl run on more platforms?
RPG Maker MV runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web. Stencyl runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Flash.
Can I use Stencyl for free?
Yes. Stencyl has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. RPG Maker MV starts at $79.99/one-time.
What is RPG Maker MV best used for?
RPG Maker MV is most often used for making 2d role playing games and exporting to windows, macos, android, ios and html5, beginner game development with bundled art, audio and a database driven editor, side view battle system rpgs with mouse and touch input. Of those, making 2d role playing games and exporting to windows, macos, android, ios and html5 and beginner game development with bundled art, audio and a database driven editor are not what Stencyl is typically brought in for.
What can RPG Maker MV do that Stencyl cannot?
RPG Maker MV covers Event-based system, Database editor, Sprite animations, JavaScript support. Stencyl covers Visual block programming, Drag-and-drop interface, Physics engine, Sprite animation. Both handle Tilemap editor, GitHub, Local deployment, Web deployment.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

RPG Maker MV: How much does RPG Maker MV cost?

RPG Maker MV 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
Stencyl: How much does Stencyl cost?

Stencyl offers a free Starter plan, Indie at $99/year, and Studio at $199/year. All platforms include annual subscriptions with no royalties or per-game fees.

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

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

Source
Stencyl: What platforms can I publish to with each Stencyl plan?

Starter publishes to Web only. Indie adds Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux). Studio includes all Indie platforms plus iOS and Android mobile.

Source
RPG Maker MV: What does an RPG Maker MV purchase include?

Your RPG Maker MV purchase includes the stand-alone version for Windows, a complimentary Steam key for Windows/Mac/Linux, and free bonus materials.

Source
Stencyl: Does Stencyl offer a money-back guarantee?

Yes, both Indie and Studio plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee from the date of purchase, provided you have not published any games.

Source
Stencyl: Can I use Stencyl after my subscription expires?

Yes, your games will continue to work after your subscription expires. However, you cannot publish new games or updates without an active subscription.

Source
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