# RPG Maker MZ review, pricing and alternatives

Source: https://listme.name/software/rpg-maker-mz
Website: https://www.rpgmakerweb.com/products/rpg-maker-mz

Paid tool for making role-playing games on Windows and macOS

RPG Maker MZ is a paid game-making tool for role-playing games from the RPG Maker series. It includes a map editor and plugin support, runs on Windows and macOS, and is sold on the official store and on Steam with a free trial.

RPG Maker MZ is a role-playing game maker in the RPG Maker series. The product page describes a map editor, revamped plugin commands and support for Effekseer particle effects, so combat effects do not need sprite sheets.

Games made with it can be published as freeware or commercial titles with the bundled assets included, and the vendor says no additional commercial license is required. It is sold on the official store and on Steam, with Windows and macOS system requirements, and a free trial lets you test the software before buying. The product is built around map-based RPG production, so other genres need more work.

- Paid | Windows, macOS
- Price: Paid, sold on the official store and Steam; free trial available
- Checked: 2026-10-10

## Strengths

- Commercial titles need no extra license
- Map editor for RPG-style games
- Free trial before buying

## Limits

- Paid product; the free trial is the only no-cost option listed
- Built for map-based RPGs, so other genres need more work

## Rankings

- #12 of 12 in [best Game engines](https://listme.name/best/game-engines), score 74.5: Paid tool for map-based role-playing games, with commercial publishing that needs no extra license. It is narrow outside RPGs and is sold for Windows and macOS only.

## Alternatives

- [Godot Engine](https://listme.name/software/godot), score 94.0
- [Unity](https://listme.name/software/unity), score 92.5
- [Unreal Engine](https://listme.name/software/unreal-engine), score 91.5
- [Defold](https://listme.name/software/defold), score 89.5
- [GameMaker](https://listme.name/software/gamemaker), score 88.0
- [Cocos Creator](https://listme.name/software/cocos-creator), score 86.5
- [Bevy](https://listme.name/software/bevy), score 85.5
- [MonoGame](https://listme.name/software/monogame), score 84.5