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Game Development · head to head

RPG Maker MZ vs Stencyl

RPG Maker MZ logo

RPG Maker MZ

Game Development

The next generation RPG creation software

From
$99.99/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 MZ 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 MZ covers HTML5 rendering, 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 MZ and Stencyl actually diverge.

Attributes where RPG Maker MZ and Stencyl differ
AttributeRPG Maker MZStencyl
Starting price$99.99/one-timeFree
Free tierNoYes
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, SteamWindows, 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 MZ

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

Only in Stencyl

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

Both cover

  • GitHub
  • Local deployment
  • Web deployment
  • Mobile deployment
  • Windows support
  • Macos support

What people use each for

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

RPG Maker MZ

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

Stencyl

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

Where each one falls short

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

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"

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 MZ

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

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 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

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 MZ or Stencyl better?
Neither clearly leads. RPG Maker MZ starts at $99.99/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 MZ or Stencyl?
Stencyl has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $99.99/one-time for RPG Maker MZ and Free for Stencyl.
Does RPG Maker MZ or Stencyl run on more platforms?
RPG Maker MZ runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Web, Steam. 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 MZ starts at $99.99/one-time.
What is RPG Maker MZ best used for?
RPG Maker MZ is most often used for making 2d tile based role playing games without programming, building games from bundled tilesets, sprites, music and a character generator, event driven game logic through menu based scripting. Of those, making 2d tile based role playing games without programming and building games from bundled tilesets, sprites, music and a character generator are not what Stencyl is typically brought in for.
What can RPG Maker MZ do that Stencyl cannot?
RPG Maker MZ covers HTML5 rendering, Event system, Database editor, Pixel art support. Stencyl covers Visual block programming, Drag-and-drop interface, Physics engine, Sprite animation. Both handle GitHub, Local deployment, Web deployment, Mobile deployment.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
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 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
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
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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