Guide · Open source
How to use Godot: install, make a game and export it
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
Godot is a free, open-source game engine for building 2D and 3D games from one editor. This guide explains where to get it, what the engine includes, how games are exported to different platforms, and where to learn the rest. By the end you will know how to set up Godot and where to go next to start your first project.
Godotgodotengine/godot · ★ 119k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Get the engine. Download the official Godot editor and export templates from the Godot website, or build from source using the official docs.
- 2Open the editor. Launch Godot and create a new project for either a 2D or a 3D game.
- 3Learn the basics. Use the official documentation, the class reference inside the editor, and the official demo projects.
- 4Build a small game. Start with a small project so you can learn the editor and the common tools the engine provides.
- 5Export the game. Export your project to the platforms you want, such as Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, iOS or the web.
- 6Join the community. Use the community channels or the Contributors Chat when you get stuck or want to help the project.
What Godot is and what it includes
Godot Engine is a cross-platform game engine for making 2D and 3D games from a unified interface. It provides a set of common tools so you can focus on making your game instead of building basic systems from scratch.
The project is MIT-licensed. The source says there are no royalties on the games you make with it, and that the games are yours.
- Create 2D and 3D games in one editor
- Use common built-in tools instead of building basics yourself
- Read or modify the engine code, since it is open source
Install Godot: download the binaries or build from source
The simplest route is to download official binaries for the Godot editor and the export templates from the Godot website. The README lists no separate prerequisites for this route.
If you want to build the engine yourself, the README points to the official docs, which cover compilation for every supported platform. It also shows the command to clone the repository.
- Download: official editor and export templates are on the Godot website download page
- Build from source: follow the official compilation docs for your platform
git clone https://github.com/godotengine/godotBuild your first 2D or 3D project
Open the Godot editor and create a project. The official class reference is also available from inside the editor, so you can look up nodes and classes while you work.
The README does not walk through a first project in detail. For step-by-step lessons, use the official documentation and the official demo projects, or the community tutorials it links to.
- Read the official docs on Read the Docs
- Open the class reference from the editor
- Study the official demo projects on GitHub
Export your game to Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, the web or consoles
Godot can export games with one click to a number of platforms. The README lists Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, web-based platforms, and consoles. Console support is described on the Godot consoles page, so check there for which consoles apply to you.
This is useful if you want to ship one project to several platforms without rebuilding it for each one.
- Desktop: Linux, macOS, Windows
- Mobile: Android, iOS
- Web-based platforms
- Consoles (see the official consoles page)
Get help and contribute to the project
The main community channels are listed on the Godot homepage. To talk with core engine developers, the README points to the Godot Contributors Chat.
To contribute code or report bugs, read the CONTRIBUTING.md guide in the repository. Godot is supported by the Godot Foundation, a not-for-profit.
- Community channels: listed on godotengine.org/community
- Contributors chat: chat.godotengine.org
- Contributing guide: CONTRIBUTING.md in the repository
What people use it for
- Making an indie 2D platformer or puzzle game without paying royalties
- Learning 3D game development as a hobbyist
- Shipping one project to desktop, mobile and web builds
- Modifying the engine itself because the code is open source
Frequently asked questions
Is Godot free to use?
Yes. The source says Godot is completely free and open source under the MIT license, with no royalties. The games you make with it belong to you.
How do I install Godot?
The README points to official binaries for the editor and export templates on the Godot website. You can also build from source by following the official compilation docs. The README lists no prerequisites for the download route.
What platforms can I export Godot games to?
According to the README, games can be exported to Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, web-based platforms, and consoles. Check the official consoles page for details on console support.
Is Godot good for beginners?
It can be, but the README points mainly to external docs and tutorials rather than a detailed beginner guide. Beginners should plan to use the official docs, demo projects and community tutorials.
Where can I find Godot tutorials and documentation?
The official documentation is hosted on Read the Docs, and the class reference is available inside the editor. The README also links to community text and video tutorials and to official demo projects on GitHub.
How does Godot compare to Unity, Defold, Bevy or Flax Engine?
Godot is MIT-licensed and open source, and it covers 2D and 3D games. Unity, Defold, Bevy and Flax Engine are comparable projects. If your team already uses a specific commercial engine's pipeline or assets, switching costs can be significant.
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Our verdict
Godot suits indie developers, hobbyists and anyone who wants a free, open-source engine for 2D or 3D games that can be exported to many platforms. It is less suited to people who only want to play games, to teams tied to a commercial engine's pipeline, or to beginners who need detailed step-by-step guidance.
Install options & downloads