Godot vs Unity: which engine to use and why

It is not a secret that game development today has become much more accessible, and literally anyone with enough money or time can create a game. There are tons of tools for such an endeavor: freeware, shareware, and paid. Learning them all and testing them in practice will take time. A lot of time. Thankfully, there is an alternative: you can invest in outsourcing game development as a shortcut.

Experienced developers understand the challenge—working with leading tools and the best game engines, such as Unreal, CryEngine, GameMaker, Godot, and Unity, requires skill and focus. These platforms are packed with technology that can deliver visually stunning and technically accomplished games. However, searching through every engine to find the right fit can be overwhelming and time-intensive.

That’s why we’re hitting pause to zero in on a matchup that’s been making waves: Godot vs Unity. Whether you're making an indie gem or gearing up for the next big 3D adventure, understanding the inner workings of these two is a total game-changer. Stick around while we break things down so you can choose the best game engine for your vision – because a good choice could be the difference between a sleeper hit and a rage quit.

Most modern game engines were developed for years before embracing their final form. Each version was polished through multiple iterations and hundreds of video games. Some were significantly improved, and others were rewritten from scratch, thus receiving another brand name. It is also essential to remember that most game engines use various pieces of additional software to achieve specific functionality (e.g., compatibility with multiple platforms, realistic physics, UI, rendering, audio, etc.).

Down below, you will find a list of big names in game development. They have contracts with various studios and subcontractors that make games. Some have proprietary game engines but also use licensed engines for different projects. Developing your engine is difficult, so most studios prefer to pay license fees.

With the rising popularity of C#, more game engines have become compatible with .NET. The mono runtime environment that is part of .NET 5 is an excellent choice for game development as it allows for the running of C# code on multiple platforms. This includes Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile operating systems (Android and iOS) and consoles (PS, Xbox, and Nintendo). Such flexibility of .NET explains why developers love to use game engines that have it. As you have already guessed, the two engines we will compare today come with .NET. So, without further ado, let's jump to the Godot vs Unity standoff.

The title appeared out of nowhere and took the market by storm. It looks like an impossible task for a 2D sidescroller. Still, developers knew how to draw everyone’s attention — with a unique art style and hand-drawn animation just like in cartoons from the golden epoch. Playing Cuphead is like diving into an XX-century cartoon where you are no longer just a mere viewer but the main hero. However, thanks to stunning visuals, the game is as pleasant to watch as to play. Unity may not be the best engine for 2D games, but in the right hands, it does the job.

An indie adventure game developed by people who contributed to well-known titles like BioShock 2 and The Walking Dead. The action occurs in the USA, in Wyoming, where every day promises to bring fires. You play as Henry, who is a fire lookout, as the name of the game hints. Together with Henry, you will be surveying the land, looking for clues, and trying to understand the nature of the mysterious happenings in the area. Despite being on a very tight budget, the guys from Campo Santo did a fantastic job with Unity and created a game that can compete with AAA titles. This applies to the plot, pleasing visual style, and the very approach to presenting the story.

If you remember Starfox from Super Nintendo and would like a similar flying experience, you should try Ex-Zodiac. The game captures that original vibe well but looks better than any other game from the 90s, thanks to the Godot game engine. Ex-Zodiac allows you to fight your war through twelve levels, with secret routes and formidable bosses. Originally started as a Kickstarter project, the game got 250% more funding than it needed.

Malice and Greed is a dark tactical RPG and a monster collecting game. Its combat system has a lot of depth and many different skills you can choose from. Multiple damage types include Physical, Fire, Ice, Arcane, Lightning, and Gun. This, combined with the rotating team and the typical randomized roguelike upgrades, offers a ton of gameplay variety.

Bitgun is a roguelike shooter that involves killing zombies. Lots and lots of zombies. And also some living things with guns from time to time. It also has some pieces of destructible environment like walls and all-time classic exploding barrels. The shooting takes place in different zones, from tight underground labs to open desert areas.

Ruins of Mitriom is a prime example of what the indie game development scene can achieve with the Godot game engine. Essentially, this title is all about exploration and adventures. You can play the game in co-op mode with up to four people. You can choose multiple characters, each with unique abilities (that can be enhanced through a rather sophisticated upgrade system). The best part here is that Ruins of Mitriom is free to play, so you can download it from Steam.

In Lumencraft, it is just you and your trusted partner, a drill. As a player, you just want to have some quality time drilling rare minerals and anything else valuable. It would be so easy if no pesky alien creatures kept attacking you. Luckily, you have the resources and skills to build a well-fortified base to protect your way of life. You can access various weapons besides the drill, including dynamite and flamethrower. All game mechanics — drilling, shooting, and building — are equally satisfying, especially when everything happens in beautiful scenery made with a Godot engine.