As a graphic designer, I know how important it is to have access to high-quality assets when creating a game. However, investing in assets can be costly, especially for indie game developers. That's why free 2D game assets are a lifesaver. In this article, I will be reviewing some of the best free 2D game asset resources available online.
Before we dive into the specifics, let me give you a brief overview of what 2D game assets are. 2D game assets are pre-made graphics that can be used to create video games. These assets include characters, backgrounds, objects, sound effects, and music. By using pre-made assets, game developers can save time and money, and focus on the core mechanics of the game.
Top 1: Kenney
Kenney is a popular resource for game developers, offering over 40,000 free game assets. The assets are organized into various categories, including 2D, 3D, and UI. The 2D assets include characters, backgrounds, tilesets, and icons. One of the best things about Kenney is that the assets are available under a Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license, which means that they can be used for both personal and commercial projects, without any attribution required.
Characters
Kenney offers a wide variety of 2D character sprites, including animals, robots, and humans. The characters are available in different styles, from pixel art to vector graphics. The sprites are also available in different animations, including idle, walking, jumping, and attacking. The characters are easy to customize, and can be used in any 2D game genre, from platformers to RPGs.
Backgrounds
The backgrounds offered by Kenney are perfect for any 2D game. The backgrounds are available in various themes, including nature, city, and space. The backgrounds are easy to customize, and can be used as a single image or as a tileset. The tilesets are especially useful for creating large game levels, as they can be easily repeated.
Tilesets
Kenney offers a vast collection of tilesets that can be used to create a variety of game levels. The tilesets are available in different themes, including dungeon, forest, and desert. The tilesets are also available in different sizes, from 8x8 to 64x64. The tiles can be easily combined to create complex game levels, and can be used in any 2D game genre.
Top 2: OpenGameArt
OpenGameArt is a community-driven resource for game developers, offering over 100,000 free game assets. The assets are organized into various categories, including 2D, 3D, and sound. The 2D assets include characters, backgrounds, objects, and icons. The assets are available under various licenses, including Creative Commons and Public Domain.
Characters
OpenGameArt offers a wide variety of 2D character sprites, including animals, humans, and monsters. The characters are available in different styles, from pixel art to vector graphics. The sprites are also available in different animations, including idle, walking, jumping, and attacking. The characters are easy to customize, and can be used in any 2D game genre, from platformers to RPGs.
Backgrounds
The backgrounds offered by OpenGameArt are perfect for any 2D game. The backgrounds are available in various themes, including nature, city, and space. The backgrounds are easy to customize, and can be used as a single image or as a tileset. The tilesets are especially useful for creating large game levels, as they can be easily repeated.
Objects
OpenGameArt offers a vast collection of objects that can be used to decorate game levels. The objects are available in different themes, including furniture, weapons, and vehicles. The objects are easy to customize, and can be used in any 2D game genre. The objects are especially useful for creating interactive game levels, as they can be easily manipulated by the player.
Top 3: itch.io
itch.io is a platform for indie game developers, offering over 15,000 free game assets. The assets are organized into various categories, including 2D, 3D, and sound. The 2D assets include characters, backgrounds, tilesets, and icons. The assets are available under various licenses, including Creative Commons and Public Domain.
Characters
itch.io offers a variety of 2D character sprites, including animals, humans, and monsters. The characters are available in different styles, from pixel art to vector graphics. The sprites are also available in different animations, including idle, walking, jumping, and attacking. The characters are easy to customize, and can be used in any 2D game genre, from platformers to RPGs.
Backgrounds
The backgrounds offered by itch.io are perfect for any 2D game. The backgrounds are available in various themes, including nature, city, and space. The backgrounds are easy to customize, and can be used as a single image or as a tileset. The tilesets are especially useful for creating large game levels, as they can be easily repeated.
Tilesets
itch.io offers a vast collection of tilesets that can be used to create a variety of game levels. The tilesets are available in different themes, including dungeon, forest, and desert. The tilesets are also available in different sizes, from 8x8 to 64x64. The tiles can be easily combined to create complex game levels, and can be used in any 2D game genre.
Top 4: CraftPix
CraftPix is a premium game asset resource that offers free assets every month. The assets are organized into various categories, including 2D, 3D, and sound. The 2D assets include characters, backgrounds, objects, and icons. The assets are available under a Commercial License, which means that they can be used for both personal and commercial projects.
Characters
CraftPix offers a variety of 2D character sprites, including animals, humans, and monsters. The characters are available in different styles, from pixel art to vector graphics. The sprites are also available in different animations, including idle, walking, jumping, and attacking. The characters are easy to customize, and can be used in any 2D game genre, from platformers to RPGs.
Backgrounds
The backgrounds offered by CraftPix are perfect for any 2D game. The backgrounds are available in various themes, including nature, city, and space. The backgrounds are easy to customize, and can be used as a single image or as a tileset. The tilesets are especially useful for creating large game levels, as they can be easily repeated.
Objects
CraftPix offers a vast collection of objects that can be used to decorate game levels. The objects are available in different themes, including furniture, weapons, and vehicles. The objects are easy to customize, and can be used in any 2D game genre. The objects are especially useful for creating interactive game levels, as they can be easily manipulated by the player.
Top 5: Game Art 2D
Game Art 2D is a premium game asset resource that offers free assets every month. The assets are organized into various categories, including 2D, 3D, and sound. The 2D assets include characters, backgrounds, objects, and icons. The assets are available under a Commercial License, which means that they can be used for both personal and commercial projects.
Characters
Game Art 2D offers a variety of 2D character sprites, including animals, humans, and monsters. The characters are available in different styles, from pixel art to vector graphics. The sprites are also available in different animations, including idle, walking, jumping, and attacking. The characters are easy to customize, and can be used in any 2D game genre, from platformers to RPGs.
Backgrounds
The backgrounds offered by Game Art 2D are perfect for any 2D game. The backgrounds are available in various themes, including nature, city, and space. The backgrounds are easy to customize, and can be used as a single image or as a tileset. The tilesets are especially useful for creating large game levels, as they can be easily repeated.
Icons
Game Art 2D offers a vast collection of icons that can be used to create GUI elements for games. The icons are available in different themes, including health, weapons, and currency. The icons are easy to customize, and can be used in any 2D game genre. The icons are especially useful for creating mobile games, as they can be easily scaled.
Conclusion
Free 2D game assets are an essential resource for indie game developers. By using pre-made assets, game developers can save time and money, and focus on the core mechanics of the game. In this article, I have