Scratch has revolutionized the way we introduce coding to the next generation, making it effortless to create animations, digital stories, and games.
As a first step into the world of computer programming, it’s no wonder that millions of users worldwide, from kids to adults, rely on Scratch every day to bring their ideas to life across various industries.
With its global reach, Scratch is available in over 70 languages, and the best part? It’s completely free.
However, like any platform, Scratch has its strengths and weaknesses. Some users find the color scheme limiting, while others miss the absence of 3D tools or struggle with the lack of credit given to creators when their projects are used.
If you’re finding that Scratch isn’t quite the right fit for you, don’t worry – there are plenty of alternative platforms to explore.
Whether you’re looking for more advanced features, a different interface, or simply a change of pace, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve curated a list of the 20 best Scratch alternatives, each offering a unique set of tools and features to help you unlock your creative potential.
20 of the Best Scratch Alternatives for Kids and Adults Alike
1. Godot Engine
Godot Engine is arguably the most popular game engine on the internet, and like Scratch, it’s free and open source.
The primary difference between Godot Engine and Scratch is that Godot Engine supports 3D game development. Scratch, on the other hand, is limited to 2D to keep the platform simple.
Despite having advanced options, using Godot Engine is easy due to its innovative design. The dedicated 2D engine and 3D renderer require minimal effort to operate.
Unlike Scratch, Godot Engine supports programming languages.
Godot Engine features an object-oriented API, which supports programming languages like C#, C++, and GDScript. It also supports visual scripting.
Furthermore, Godot Engine supports collaboration with VCS integration.
You can use Scratch online, but Godot Engine is only available as a desktop application.
However, Godot Engine supports all major desktop operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. Scratch only supports Windows and macOS on desktop; it doesn’t support Linux.
2. GDevelop
GDevelop is described as a “free and easy game-making app.” It’s similar to Scratch in that it’s a no-code platform; it doesn’t require using programming languages. GDevelop is also free and open source.
You’ll find hundreds of pre-built features on GDevelop to help you create games. You don’t always have to start from scratch.
The pre-built features include objects, visual effects, behaviors, levels, and interfaces.
GDevelop and Scratch are primarily 2D game development engines. However, GDevelop features some 3D objects.
While you can’t create complete 3D games with GDevelop, you can at least add 3D elements to your 2D games. It’s better than Scratch, which has zero support for 3D.
Like Scratch, GDevelop is available online. However, the online solution is more or less a demo; you can’t do much with it.
To use GDevelop, you should download the desktop app. The app is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
3. Code.org
If you need a Scratch alternative for educational purposes, Code.org is one of the best platforms to try.
Code.org is all about teaching kids computer science and how to program. The website has solutions for school students, educators, and home learners and features more learning courses than Scratch.
Scratch focuses on the basics of programming for kids. Code.org, on the other hand, features the basics of programming and some advanced programming levels.
Code.org features an easy-to-use code studio. Kids can create stories and animations based on famous cartoons, like the Bad Guys.
As a platform that focuses primarily on teaching kids, Code.org is only available online. Unlike Scratch, it features no desktop applications.
Nevertheless, the platform has the stats to prove its dependability. More than 67 million people use Code.org, including over two million teachers. In addition, the platform records over 208 million projects so far.
4. Snap!
Previously known as Build Your Own Blocks (BYOB), Snap! was built from Scratch. As a result, the platform is more like an extended version of Scratch.
In particular, the developers made Snap to include some essential features that Scratch lacked. It retains the free and open-source attributes of Scratch.
Unlike Scratch, Snap targets not only kids but also high school and college students. The platform provides a solution for serious computer science study, while Scratch focuses on just the basics.
Some of the added features available in Snap include first-class procedures, lists, objects, and continuations.
The Snap platform is easy to use as it employs a drag-and-drop visual interface.
The best way to use Snap is online, using Chrome or Firefox browsers. The platform doesn’t feature a curated desktop version. You can only download the offline pack from GitHub.
5. Construct 3
Scratch is a free and open-source game development platform. If you need a paid and proprietary alternative, Construct 3 should interest you.
Construct 3 has different pricing plans for individuals, businesses, and educational organizations. Despite this clear-cut difference, Scratch and Construct 3 have much in common.
Both platforms target computer programming beginners and are best for 2D projects. In addition, neither of the two platforms requires actual programming.
You can build games with Construct 3 by adding pre-built objects and blocks. There are hundreds of these pre-built objects available.
However, while you don’t necessarily need to program, Construct 3 allows optional JavaScript programming.
Hence, you can combine blocks with JavaScript codes to create the best 2D games. You can write an entire game in JavaScript if you want.
Construct 3 is only available online and on Windows desktop. It doesn’t support macOS, which Scratch supports.
However, after loading the website on your browser, you can use it without an internet connection.
6. GameMaker
GameMaker is another paid and proprietary Scratch alternative. The platform is described as “the ultimate 2D game development environment.”
As a premium platform, GameMaker does feature more advanced game development options than Scratch. Forager, Undertale, and Hyper Light Drifter are some popular games created using GameMaker.
You can create a game in less than 30 minutes with GameMaker via the step-by-step Start Fire Jump Tutorial.
The website features many tutorials and webinars that make it as much of a learning platform as Scratch. You can build 2D games using codes, visual objects, or both.
While Scratch is available online and for Windows and macOS computers, GameMaker is only available online and for Windows.
GameMaker does feature a free account, but you can’t do much with it. To make the most of the platform, you must subscribe to the Creator, Indie, or Enterprise plans.
7. Enigma
Enigma (short for Extensible Non-Interpreted Game Maker Augmentation) is an exclusive game development platform based on the GameMaker environment.
It’s more or less a faster and more uncomplicated version of GameMaker.
Compared to Scratch, Enigma lets you build games with programming languages. It supports both high-level and low-level programming languages.
The primary language is C++, although the platform also supports GameMaker GML. As a result, you can switch projects between Enigma and GameMaker.
However, Enigma automatically parses and translates GML codes into C++.
Furthermore, Enigma features a similar drag and drop interface to what you get on GameMaker.
Like Scratch, you won’t pay to use Enigma. Also, the platform is open-source. However, Enigma supports more desktop platforms than Scratch.
You can download and install Enigma on Windows, Linux, macOS, and BSD. As mentioned before, Scratch only supports macOS and Windows.
8. Urho3D
If you need a lightweight Scratch alternative, Urho3D is one of the best options. As the description suggests, it’s also ideal if you need an alternative for 3D animation.
Urho3D is free and open-source. The platform draws inspiration from Horde3D and OGRE, two widely-used 3D rendering engines.
Support for 3D development gives Urho3D a significant edge over Scratch for advanced programmers. Nevertheless, the platform is still highly reliable for creating 2D animations and games.
Urho3D has many helpful features and a framework you’ll find easy to use. However, it’s not much of a learning platform compared to Scratch.
You can use Urho3D on Windows, Linux, and macOS computers. Like Scratch, you can also use Urho3D via your browser.
Urho3D is still open for improvements, which you can contribute by joining the GitHub community.
9. Programming Hub
Programming Hub is a platform for programming learners and one of the best Scratch alternatives for learning. It features over 5,000 code examples, pre-built as programs, and over 20 courses.
The platform implements Kolb’s learning technique and features bite-sized courses that take no time to complete.
While Scratch is popular among desktop users, Programming Hub targets mobile users. As a result, the platform only features mobile applications for Android and iOS. It doesn’t have a desktop app, and you can’t use it online.
Nevertheless, most internet users use mobile devices. As a result, Programming Hub is widely used as the app records over five million downloads on Android alone.
Programming Hub features many programming languages, including HTML, Javascript, C, C++, C#, Swift, Python, R, Java, and CSS. You can also learn AI development.
With these, you can either learn how to program using code or no-code.
However, Programming Hub isn’t totally free. You will pay for some courses and programs, and their prices range from $0.99 to $400.00.
10. MonoGame
With MonoGame, you get an all-in-one framework for building games that will work across different platforms.
MonoGame comes with a Microsoft Public License, while Scratch comes with an MIT License. However, both platforms are free and open source.
However, MonoGame takes an edge over Scratch with support for 3D. In addition, MonoGame works with codes, not just objects. It supports mainly C#, in addition to other .NET languages.
MonoGame, as a cross-platform game development tool, lets you build games for iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, Windows, PS4, PSVita, and Xbox One.
MonoGame supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. Like Scratch, the tool is available online via browsers as well.
MonoGame boasts of an active community of game developers with thousands of games created so far.
Some popular games made using MonoGame include TowerFall Ascension, Transistor, and Mercenary Kings.
11. Clickteam Fusion
Clickteam Fusion is a game development and visual programming tool by ClickTeam. It’s not free and open source like Scratch, but it’s a dependable premium tool.
Clickteam Fusion is popular among many creatives and game developers. It’s ideal for creating 2D games and also animations and applications.
You don’t need to be a programming maestro to use the tool. Like Scratch, it’s a simple platform that will help any beginner learn.
It may not feature as many learning courses as Scratch, but Clickteam Fusion covers all the programming basics you need to know. You can cover it all in a few hours and start creating.
The advantage of using Clickteam Fusion is that you can publish your games on multiple platforms, including Windows, iOS, Android, and Mac.
Furthermore, the tool features a hardware accelerator you can leverage to make faster games.
12. Ct.js
Ct.js is described as a “2D game editor.” If you need a simple platform, Ct.js is one of the best Scratch alternatives to consider.
The platform has everything you need to learn how to program, with comprehensive documentation, a modular library, and visual tools.
A significant difference between Ct.js and Scratch is that with Ct.js, you work with codes. Nevertheless, the code editor is intuitive with editable examples and demo codes.
Notably, the editor highlights any errors you make while coding. The code editor also features framed and skeletal animations, a music and sound manager, and you can use custom JavaScript codes.
Ct.js is one of the best Scratch alternatives in terms of compatibility. The tool works on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Downloading is free, and the app is open-source.
13. Pocket Code
Here’s another Scratch alternative you can use if you want a mobile solution. Pocket Code is a mobile game development app and one of many in Catrobat’s app catalog.
With Pocket Code, you can learn how to program by building your own game. Aside from games, you can also create animations, music videos, and other interactive art.
Pocket Code lets you build using visual objects and programming codes. With this, it has an advantage over Scratch, which only supports no-code development.
However, Pocket Code supports the same block style as Scratch. Hence, using Pocket Code is like using Scratch on mobile. You can download Pocket Code on Android, iOS, and Huawei mobile devices.
Pocket Code is a free platform, but it’s not open-source like Scratch since it’s mobile-only. Nevertheless, you can contribute to its development by contacting the developers.
14. EduBlocks
From the description, it’s clear that EduBlocks focuses on learning. Sponsored by Arm, it’s an ideal Scratch alternative for teachers who want to teach students how to program.
Like Scratch, EduBlocks lets users code using blocks. However, the tool automatically converts blocks to text-based programming languages like HTML and Python.
It features a drag-and-drop interface, which makes it simple for anyone to use. In addition, you get guides and step-by-step video tutorials to complete any project.
EduBlocks has a built-in classroom tool to help teachers facilitate classes and assignments. Furthermore, there’s a built-in comprehensive Python 3 curriculum so teachers can start teaching on the go.
EduBlocks is free, and the best way to use the platform is online. On a desktop, you can only use it on Linux; it doesn’t have a Windows app like Scratch.
15. Coderbyte
Coderbyte is an ideal Scratch alternative if you need a challenging coding platform. While you can create games and animations with Coderbyte, the platform primarily aims to improve your coding skills.
With Coderbyte, you get daily coding challenges from different developer communities. Some employers publish challenges as interviews for prospective employees.
While Scratch doesn’t let you work with other programming languages, Coderbyte supports more than 30.
Coderbyte is a web-only platform. Unlike Scratch, it has no desktop apps.
Furthermore, unlike Scratch, Coderbyte isn’t 100 percent free. Some challenges are free, but you need a subscription to access all of the platform’s features.
The subscription costs $199 per month, but you can pay $99 if you pay annually. Note that pricing changes from time to time.
16. Alice
You can choose this platform if you need a Scratch alternative for 3D development.
Developed by Carnegie Mellon University, Alice lets you create games, animations, and videos. However, it’s more of a learning platform.
Alice is prevalent in middle school and university classrooms. As a 3D platform, it’s not as simple as Scratch, which makes it not as popular for younger kids.
Unlike Scratch, Alice supports all major desktop platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
In addition, you can download both current and previous versions of the tool. Alice 2, Alice 3 Netbeans Plugin, and Alice 3 are the three different available versions.
All are similar, but the older versions are simpler. In particular, Alice 3 is best for middle and high school students, not elementary school students.
17. GameSalad
GameSalad is a game development platform for regular gamers. It’s similar to Scratch as it’s a no-code platform.
With GameSalad, you can build interactive games by dragging and dropping building blocks and objects.
It features intuitive visual editors and a behavior-based logic system. In addition, you can publish to different app stores.
GameSalad and Scratch are inseparable in terms of compatibility. Both platforms are available online and support Windows and Mac desktop devices.
You can’t use GameSalad for free. Pricing starts at $17 per month, but you pay less when you pay annually.
While GameSalad targets regular games, the platform also has upscale solutions for developers and educational users.
The education version features complete lessons, step-by-step tutorials, and class activities to teach computer science at any level.
18. MicroStudio
MicroStudio lets you create, learn, and play. It’s a 2D development platform, just like Scratch.
Like Scratch, MicroStudio has a native programming language known as MicroScript. There’s extensive documentation available to help you get started.
The language resembles Lua but is more straightforward and more interactive. You can also integrate other programming languages, including Lua, Python, and JavaScript.
MicroStudio lets you invite your friends to collaborate on projects. You can export your projects to HTML5, Windows, Linux, and macOS.
MicroStudio works online and you can access all your projects from any web browser.
You can also download and use the desktop app on Windows, Linux, macOS, and Raspberry Pi. As a result, MicroStudio supports more desktop platforms than Scratch.
19. Flax Engine
Flax Engine is described as the “most agile game engine.” The platform primarily focuses on game development via C++ and C# programming.
As a result, Flax Engine is not a no-code tool like Scratch. You get to write scripts.
Nevertheless, Flax Engine is one of the best Scratch alternatives for collaboration. Up to 50 developers can work on a project.
However, unlike Scratch, you can’t use Flax Engine online. You must download and install the desktop app, which is available for Windows and Linux.
Flax Engine is free but only for personal use. If you publish your games, you have to pay a 4% royalty fee per quarter when your game earns up to $25,000.
20. EarSketch
Scratch and most alternatives on this list let you learn coding by building games. Perhaps you need something different and innovative. If so, you should consider EarSketch.
EarSketch teaches you how to code by making beats and music. You can learn JavaScript and Python and, ultimately, produce high-quality music.
More than 600,000 students in over 100 countries use EarSketch. While Scratch targets kids, EarSketch is more prevalent among high-school learners.
Nevertheless, you can still customize the lessons to work for elementary and middle school learners.
EarSketch is a free platform, but it’s only available online and doesn’t feature desktop applications like Scratch.
As a music learning platform, you’ll need quality headphones or speakers to use EarSketch.
Bottom Line
Scratch is a well-grounded platform, especially for kids and programming beginners. However, it’s not perfect, which is why there are alternatives.
The platforms above are the best Scratch alternatives for creating games and animations. The majority of them are free, while a few are premium. However, they are all workable, especially when creating 2D games and animations.
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