In 3D model generation, Retro Diffusion ranks #6 and Thrixel ranks #9. No independent quality tests found. Ranked on game-dev fit: commercial use allowed; Godot, Unity, Unreal integrations; API and official MCP server.
Commercial use: Retro Diffusion: commercial use allowed terms. Thrixel: not stated by vendor.
Free plan: Retro Diffusion: free trial or credits only (Free starting balance for new accounts) pricing. Thrixel: free plan (250 Cubes a month; Detailer, Sculptor, Texture and Rig limited to 4 runs each a month) pricing.
API and MCP: both: public API, official MCP server.
Engine integrations stated by the vendor: Retro Diffusion: Godot, Unity, Unreal. Thrixel: Unity, Unreal, Roblox.
Generating editable, multi-part 3D props from a coding agent
What it does
Pixel-art-specific image models for sprites, tiles, tilesets and animations, plus low-poly 3D model generation with export for Godot, Unity and Unreal. Also sells an Aseprite extension.
Text- or image-to-3D models built from separate named parts, with editing, detailing, retexturing, triangle reduction and rigging. Made to be driven by coding agents (Claude Code, Codex, Cursor) through its MCP server and Build World skill.
Verdict
For pixel-art devs who want pay-per-image pricing with no subscription; the site says all output is yours for commercial use.
For agent-driven 3D asset generation with part-level editing and an official MCP server; its terms page was not readable to us, so commercial use is not stated.
Tasks●
Concept art & 2D assets, 3D model generation
3D model generation
Engines●
Godot, Unity, Unreal
Unity, Unreal, Roblox
Free plan●
Free trial or credits only Free starting balance for new accounts
Free plan 250 Cubes a month; Detailer, Sculptor, Texture and Rig limited to 4 runs each a month
Pricing
Pay per generation from a prepaid balance: images from US$0.03 (RD Fast), US$0.06, US$0.18 (RD Pro); animations from US$0.07 per clip. New accounts get a free starting balance. source
Free: 250 Cubes a month. Paid plans from US$20/month; Pro US$30/month (US$300/year), Studio US$99/month (US$990/year), Ultra US$200/month (US$2,000/year); Enterprise not priced. Top-up packs from US$10 for 400 Cubes. Figures from Thrixel's own public plan data (its pricing page returned 403 to us). source
Rows marked ● differ between the two tools. Licence badges: green = commercial use allowed (including any free plan or trial), amber = paid plans only, restricted, or allowed but with no free plan, red = not allowed, grey = not stated by vendor or not applicable. Read the vendor's current terms before you ship.
