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What are game assets?

One of the most important aspects of creating a game is the art or assets that are used to bring the game world to life. Whether you're creating a 2D side-scrolling platformer or a top-down RPG, having high-quality, visually appealing assets can greatly enhance the player's experience. That's why the use of 2D game asset resources sites can be a valuable for game developers.

Why use pre-made game assets?

By using pre-made 2D game assets, developers can build a prototype early with simple assets that can be iteratively refine as the game mechanic and game engine is refined, this save time and ensures the game is developed in an agile manner. These assets can include icons, character sprites, background environments, UI elements, and more. By using these resources, game developers can focus on other important aspects of game development, such as programming, level design, and gameplay mechanics.

Additionally, using 2D game asset resources can also provide a cost-effective solution for developers who may not have the budget to hire an artist to create custom assets. With a wide range of free game asset resources available online, game developers can find assets that fit their specific needs and style, and quickly integrate them into their game.

This top 10 list of free game assets sites has been updated since 2013, with the inclusion of newer sites such as Gamefresco, itch.io, and freepik. The criteria for evaluating game asset quality and consistency have also been incorporated as these are crucial factors to consider if you're striving for high-quality visuals in your games.

1. Unity Asset Store

Game asset quality: Average ( offer rating to filter quality)

Game asset visual consistency: Large variation, consistent within a package

The Unity Asset Store is the largest commercial game assets site, it also offering a vast array of free game assets for game developers. Despite the name, it's not necessary to use the Unity engine to access the assets offered on the Unity Asset Store. You can simply download a free copy of Unity and download assets through the online Unity Asset Store. Simply filter the game assets will be imported into Unity, and the files will be saved in your Unity project folder.

Many people may not be aware that Unity is a great 2D game engine, used by professional game developers to create a wide variety of successful 2D games. One such example is Rovio's smash hit "Bad Piggies." The integrated Asset Store offers a large range of 2D game assets, designed to make full use of Unity's powerful 2D physics engine. Whether you're a seasoned game developer or just starting out, the Unity Asset Store is a valuable resource for finding game assets you need to bring your game vision to life.

Free game asset from unity

2. Gamefresco

Game asset quality: High quality (digital painting quality)

Game asset visual consistency: Consistent in user collections

Gamefresco is a new platform for game asset collection and sharing, it offers a fresh approach to discovering, collecting, and sharing free game assets from artists worldwide. You can curate your own collection of game assets from various artists and bring your game vision to life before even starting the development process, this give you a quick early feel for you games and tests out different game ideas.

With Gamefresco, you can streamline your game development and access 2D game assets promptly to quickly prototype your games. It's a time-saving solution that enables you to bring your game ideas to fruition in a fun, efficient, and fast manner. Gamefresco provides a new way of sharing collections of high-quality, free game assets, including characters, backgrounds, environments, icons, and more.

For artists, Gamefresco is the ultimate platform to showcase their work and build a profile to exhibit their game worlds. It provides greater exposure for their profiles, increasing their chances of being discovered by game developers and players.

Free game asset from Gamefresco

3. Super Game Asset

Game asset quality: High quality (digital painting quality)

Game asset visual consistency: Consistent for RPG and isometric games

Super game asset is a top-notch 2D game asset store, specifically catering to RPG and isometric game developers. The store also boasts a wide selection of high-quality free game assets, including some of the best RPG game icons available online, 2D sprites, character animation sprites, and stunning hand-painted RPG game maps in isometric view.

One of the standout features of Super game asset is the visual consistency of its assets. Whether you're looking for icons, sprites, or maps, the assets available on the site are all visually consistent, making it easy to create a cohesive game world.

Super game asset is a must-visit destination for RPG and isometric game developers looking to enhance their games with top-notch 2D game assets. With its selection of high-quality assets and visually consistent offerings, Super game asset is the best place to purchase 2D game assets for RPG and isometric games.

Free game asset from Super Game Asset

4. Itch.io

Game asset quality: Average quality (pixel art)

Game asset visual consistency: Consistent for pixel art games

itch.io is a game developer's paradise, offering a platform for game developers to upload, customize and control their content. It is a one-stop marketplace for all your game-related needs, where you can find games to play, free game assets of different genres and styles, and even sell your own game designs.

When it comes to using the 2D game assets available on itch.io, it is important to note that usage rights vary depending on the model and designer. Before downloading any files, be sure to check the license and usage rights on each product page. This will ensure that you are using the assets within the bounds of the specified rights and avoid any potential legal issues.

Free game asset from itch.io

itch.io is a valuable resource for game developers looking for pixel art assets to use in their games. With its user-friendly platform and wide range of assets available, developers can easily find what they need to bring their game vision to life.

5. Freepik

Game asset quality: High quality (digital painting quality)

Game asset visual consistency: Very consistent designs

FreePik is an online platform that offers a wealth of resources for graphic designers, what many people may not know is it also including a large collection of high quality free game assets.

In the free game asset section, you'll find a wide range of 2D icons and background environments, and UI elements. 2D game assets can be easily downloaded and imported into your game engine of choice. Whether you're working on a 2D side-scrolling platformer or a top-down RPG, you're sure to find assets that fit your specific needs and style.

Another great aspect of FreePik is that all of the 2D game assets are designed by professional graphic designers, so you can be confident that they are of high quality and visually appealing. This can help to save you time and effort that would otherwise be spent creating these assets from scratch. Overall, FreePik is a valuable resource for game developers looking to make 2D side scrollers, RPGs, adventure based game that use a side view of the game world.

Free game asset from freepik

6. GameDev Market

Game asset quality: Good quality

Game asset visual consistency: Large variation, consistent within a package

If you're a game developer who has struggled with the complexities of game asset licensing, then GameDev Market is here to help. This marketplace offers high-quality and affordable and free game assets, handcrafted by talented creators from around the world, with a focus on simple licensing for game developers of all experience levels, budgets, and engine choices.

One of the best things about GameDev Market is its commitment to making 2D game asset licensing as straightforward and stress-free as possible. The platform is created by game developers based in the UK, and they understand the challenges faced by fellow game developers. That's why they have made it their mission to provide a solution that eliminates confusion and frustration when it comes to licensing game assets.

Free game asset from Gamedev Market

7. Open Game Art

Game asset quality: Average quality

Game asset visual consistency: Large variation, consistent within a package

OpenGameArt.org is the definitive destination for open source game assets. It is one of the largest online communities for licensed free game assets, all submitted under GNU or Creative Commons licenses. You will find mostly game sprites and icons, making it a great starting point for game developers who are just starting out or in need of prototyping assets.

While OpenGameArt.org offers a wealth of resources, it's important to note that not all of the visual styles are consistent. This means that you may need to spend some time finding and matching assets to achieve the desired look for your game.

OpenGameArt.org is a valuable resource for game developers looking for free, open-source 2D game assets. With its large community of contributors you could also discuss and request certain game assets within the community.

Free game asset from Open Game Art

8. Kenny Game Assets

Game asset quality: Good quality

Game asset visual consistency: Very consistent

Kenny Game Assets is a fantastic resource for game developers looking to prototype their games. The site boasts an extensive collection of over 20,000 free game assets, including user interface assets, common 2D platform game assets, and sprites. One of the standout features of Kenny's assets is that they are vector graphics, making them resolution independent and usable on very large screens.

With most 2D game assets available for free download, Kenny's site provides an affordable option for game developers on a budget. For those who want to access the entire collection of 20,000 assets, a small $9 donation will allow you to download the complete pack. With a vast selection of assets and a user-friendly platform, Kenny Game Assets is a great resource for game developers at any level.

Free game asset from Kenny game asset

9. Craftpix.net

Game asset quality: Good quality

Game asset visual consistency: Large variation, consistent within a package

Craftpix.net is a one-stop-shop for game developers looking for a wide variety of 2D and 3D game assets. This site also offers a large collection of 2D game assets at a great price, including characters, icons, backgrounds, tilesets, interfaces, and full-fledged game kits.

One of the great things about Craftpix.net is that it covers a wide range of genres, so no matter what type of game you're working on, you'll be able to find assets that fit your specific needs. In addition to its premium assets, Craftpix.net also offers a section with free game assets that are of equal quality to the premium sets. Be sure to check out the free game asset section on the site.

Free game assets from Craftpix.net

10. Game-Icons.net

Game asset quality: Average quality

Game asset visual consistency: Very consistent

Game-Icons.net is a leading site for free game icons, offering a comprehensive collection of over 4000 monochromatic icons. Despite the limited color palette of black and white, these icons are highly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of games. Whether you're searching for icons for actions, health, potions, character skills, weapons, or items, Game-Icons.net is a great source for all your needs.

One of the standout features of Game-Icons.net is that all of the icons are in vector format, making them scalable and you could color them easily in photoshop or within the game engine. This is particularly useful for game developers who require icons in different sizes and resolutions for different devices and platforms.

Free game asset from Game-icons

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