The short version: Kenney, OpenGameArt, itch.io, the Unity Asset Store and Fab are where to get free game assets in 2026. Kenney is the safest start because every asset on its asset pages is CC0, so you can use it in a commercial game with no credit required.
Free assets are how most solo developers and game jam teams get a playable build on screen fast. Sprites, tilesets, 3D models, UI packs and sound effects are all out there for free. The part that matters more than the art style is the licence, because a game you plan to release needs every asset to be cleared for that use.
Five places to find game assets
In no particular order:
- Kenney: best for consistent 2D and 3D asset packs that are all public domain.
- OpenGameArt: best for a huge community library of sprites, music and sound effects.
- itch.io: best for indie asset packs from individual artists, with a free filter.
- Unity Asset Store: best for free packs that drop straight into a Unity project.
- Fab: best for Unreal Engine and general 3D assets, with a rotating limited-time free selection.
Game asset sources side by side
| Source | Best for | Licence note |
|---|---|---|
| Kenney | Consistent packs | CC0, commercial use, credit optional |
| OpenGameArt | Community art and audio | Licence varies by asset |
| itch.io | Indie artists' packs | Each creator sets their own terms |
| Unity Asset Store | Unity projects | Check the asset's licence on its page |
| Fab | Unreal and 3D | Limited-time free items have an end date |
Licences can differ between assets on the same site, so check each one before it goes in your build.
Kenney, OpenGameArt and itch.io in more detail
Kenney is the gold standard for worry-free assets. Its support page answers the big question directly: all game assets on its asset pages are public domain licensed under CC0, and you're free to use them, even in commercial projects. Attribution isn't required, though if you'd like to give credit you can mention Kenney. The packs share a consistent style, so a prototype built from them looks like one game rather than a patchwork.
OpenGameArt is bigger and more varied, and its FAQ is honest about the trade-off. Can a commercial, closed-source developer use the art? Yes, even in commercial projects, but you need to follow the terms of the licence each piece is released under. That ranges from public domain to licences that need credit or share-alike terms, and some artists list more than one licence on a single asset.
itch.io has a game assets section you can filter to free, full of packs from individual artists, from icon sets to tilesets. The Unity Asset Store has a top free assets page with packs you can browse and download free, and Fab, Epic's store, runs a Limited-Time Free selection that's free until a stated date and time.
The licence check before you ship
Here's where game devs get caught. On a site like OpenGameArt or itch.io, the licence belongs to each asset, not to the site. OpenGameArt's FAQ also covers what happens when an artist lists multiple licences, and whether an artist can change their licence requirements after you've used the asset, which tells you how often it comes up. The safe habit is to record the licence for every asset at the moment you download it.
Fab's limited-time free items need a different kind of attention. The free window has an end date, so if a pack looks useful, act while it's in the free selection rather than bookmarking it for later. For anything outside Kenney's CC0 packs, keep a simple credits file in your project with the asset name, creator, source page and licence.
Style is the other thing to plan for. Free assets from five different artists rarely look like one game, because line weight, palette and perspective all differ. If you're mixing sources, pick one pack as your anchor and only add assets that sit comfortably beside it. A tilesheet and character set from the same creator will always look more polished than a best-of mix, and players notice a clash long before they notice a missing feature.
Sound deserves the same care. OpenGameArt covers music and sound effects as well as art, and the same licence rules apply, so a free jump sound needs its licence recorded just like a sprite. Keep audio credits in the same file, and you'll have everything ready when it's time to write the credits screen.
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Building your game with free assets
- Decide your art style first, so mixed packs don't clash.
- Start with CC0 packs like Kenney's for the core art.
- Fill gaps from OpenGameArt or itch.io, reading each licence.
- Record the creator, source page and licence in a credits file.
- Replace any asset whose licence doesn't fit a commercial release.
- Credit artists in your game's credits screen, even when it's optional.
Game jams, prototypes and first releases
Free assets are ideal for game jams, prototypes, learning a new engine and even a first commercial release. If you're making a game for Roblox, my guide on making a Roblox game is a good next step. When you're ready to show it off, here's my pick of game recording software for trailers and devlogs.
My advice: Kenney first, everything else with a credits file open beside you. Clean licences now save a takedown later.
Run a free game asset site that belongs on this list? See how to get it featured.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get free game assets?
Kenney, OpenGameArt, itch.io, the Unity Asset Store and Fab all offer free game assets, from sprites and tilesets to 3D models and sound.
Can I use Kenney assets in a commercial game?
Yes. Kenney says all game assets on its asset pages are public domain licensed under CC0, and you're free to use them even in commercial projects.
Do I need to credit Kenney?
No. Kenney says attribution isn't required, but you can credit Kenney if you choose to.
Can I use OpenGameArt assets commercially?
Yes, even in commercial projects, according to its FAQ, as long as you follow the terms of the licence each piece is released under.
What is Fab's limited-time free?
Fab, Epic's store, runs a Limited-Time Free selection of assets that's free until a stated date and time.
