Solarus review
A focused Lua engine for desktop 2D action-adventure development.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Solarus is a free, open-source 2D game engine aimed at creators making action-RPG and action-adventure games. Its C++ engine handles graphics and collisions, while Lua defines game logic through the Solarus API. Solarus Editor provides graphical tools for maps, sprites and scripts, giving solo developers and small teams a focused desktop workflow on Windows, macOS and Linux.
The engine’s standout depth is its built-in game-play tooling. Projects can include multiple heroes, maps and cameras through the multiplayer support, while the Gamepad API handles multiple controllers. An Audio API adds spatialization, and completed projects can be packaged as .solarus files for launching through Solarus Launcher. This combination keeps core 2D adventure systems within one engine and pairs graphical editing with code-driven Lua logic.
Solarus is distributed through an open-source model with a free plan, rather than a set of paid tiers. The published desktop targets are Windows, macOS and Linux; Android is described as a work in progress, so teams planning established mobile deployment may want another engine. Support is centered on community resources and documentation. Choose Solarus when Lua, desktop delivery and built-in adventure-oriented systems match the project. Consider alternatives if you need visual scripting, a broader 3D scope or a mature mobile export path.
Solarus pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Graphical editor covers maps, sprites and Lua scripts
- Built-in multiplayer, gamepad and spatialized audio APIs
- Free, open-source engine for Windows, macOS and Linux
- Where it doesn't
- Focused on 2D games rather than broad game genres
- Lua is the scripting language; visual scripting is not provided
- Android support is still documented as a work in progress
Solarus fact sheet, pricing and score →
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