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Game Development · head to head

Stencyl vs Ultimaker Cura

Stencyl logo

Stencyl

Game Development

Create games with visual programming

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Ultimaker Cura logo

Ultimaker Cura

CAD

Powerful 3D printing slicer

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Stencyl the free Starter tier can publish to the web only; Ultimaker Cura support varies by community contribution
  • They diverge on capability: Stencyl covers Visual block programming, Ultimaker Cura covers Universal printer support.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Stencyl and Ultimaker Cura actually diverge.

Attributes where Stencyl and Ultimaker Cura differ
AttributeStencylUltimaker Cura
Pricing modelsubscriptionUnknown
PlatformsWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, FlashWindows, macOS, Linux
CategoryGame DevelopmentCAD

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated), founded (2011).

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 Stencyl

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

Only in Ultimaker Cura

  • Universal printer support
  • Custom profiles
  • Plugin marketplace
  • Cloud integration
  • Tree supports
  • Arachne engine
  • Ultimaker printers
  • Most FDM printers

Both cover

  • Windows support
  • Linux support

What people use each for

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

Stencyl

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

Ultimaker Cura

  • 3D print slicingnot Stencyl
  • Professional printingnot Stencyl

Where each one falls short

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

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

Ultimaker Cura

  • Support varies by community contribution
  • No commercial technical support

Pricing, plan by plan

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

Ultimaker Cura

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Ultimaker Cura review.

Which should you pick?

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

Choose Ultimaker Cura if

  • You need universal printer support.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux.
  • You also want custom profiles.
Ultimaker Cura review

Questions people ask

Is Stencyl or Ultimaker Cura better?
Neither clearly leads. Stencyl starts at Free and Ultimaker Cura at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Stencyl or Ultimaker Cura?
Stencyl starts at Free and Ultimaker Cura at Free.
Does Stencyl or Ultimaker Cura run on more platforms?
Stencyl runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Flash. Ultimaker Cura runs on Windows, macOS, Linux.
Can I use Stencyl for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Stencyl best used for?
Stencyl is most often used for game development for independent creators, cross-platform game publishing (ios, android, web, desktop), indie game studio platform. Of those, game development for independent creators and cross-platform game publishing (ios, android, web, desktop) are not what Ultimaker Cura is typically brought in for.
What can Stencyl do that Ultimaker Cura cannot?
Stencyl covers Visual block programming, Drag-and-drop interface, Physics engine, Sprite animation. Ultimaker Cura covers Universal printer support, Custom profiles, Plugin marketplace, Cloud integration. Both handle Windows support, Linux support.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
Ultimaker Cura: Is Ultimaker Cura free?

Yes. Ultimaker Cura is completely free and open-source under the LGPL license. There are no premium versions, subscriptions, or hidden fees. All features are available to everyone.

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
Ultimaker Cura: How many printers does Cura support?

Ultimaker Cura supports over 400 different 3D printer models with out-of-the-box configuration. Users can add custom printers and profiles.

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
Ultimaker Cura: What file formats does Cura import?

Ultimaker Cura converts STL, OBJ, 3MF, and other 3D file formats into G-code instructions that 3D printers can execute.

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
Ultimaker Cura: What features are available?

Cura offers 400+ configurable print settings, material profiles, intent profiles for specific applications, plugin support via the Ultimaker Marketplace, and active community development on GitHub.

Source
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