Best AI 3D model generators for indie game devs
Need props, characters or environments for your game without modelling every one by hand? These are the AI 3D tools in the ToolDrop directory. Meshy (free tier, Pro from $20/mo) and Tripo AI (free tier) turn text prompts or images into 3D models. Meshy outputs textured, print-ready models, and Tripo AI offers an API. Kaedim (from $15/mo) converts 2D images into production-ready 3D models for games. Thrixel generates structured assets with labelled parts and works from coding agents like Claude Code, Codex and Cursor as well as the browser, though its pricing isn't published. Ludo.ai (free credits to start, Indie from $15/mo billed annually) covers 3D models alongside sprites, audio and video. Spline AI (free tier, Pro from $7/mo) is a 3D design tool aimed at interactive web experiences, and Luma AI (free tier) does photorealistic video, image and 3D generation. Prices are as listed by each vendor, in USD, and can change, so check before you commit.
Prices and details come from the ToolDrop directory and are as listed by each vendor. They can change, so check each tool's site.
Side by side 8 tools
| Tool | What it does | Pricing | Categories | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meshy | AI 3D model generator that creates textured, print-ready models from text prompts or images. | Freemium (Free tier, Pro from $20/mo) | 3D & Models | Visit → |
| Luma AI | AI creative platform for video, image, and 3D generation with photorealistic quality. | Freemium (Free tier available) | 3D & Models · Video & Trailers | Visit → |
| Kaedim | Transform 2D images into production-ready 3D models for games and applications. | Paid (From $15/mo) | 3D & Models | Visit → |
| Tripo AI | Fast AI-powered text-to-3D and image-to-3D model generation with high quality output. | Freemium (Free tier available) | 3D & Models | Visit → |
| Spline AI | 3D design tool with AI features for generating objects, textures, and interactive web experiences. | Freemium (Free tier, Pro from $7/mo) | 3D & Models | Visit → |
| Ludo.ai | AI game asset suite for sprites, 2D assets, 3D models, audio and video, with API, MCP and CLI access on Pro plans. | Freemium (Free credits to start, Indie $15/mo, Pro $35/mo (billed annually)) | Game Art & Sprites · 3D & Models · Audio, Music & SFX | Visit → |
| Thrixel | Text- and image-to-3D generator that outputs structured assets with labelled parts, usable in the browser or from coding agents like Claude Code, Codex and Cursor. | Freemium (Pricing not published) | 3D & Models | Visit → |
| Effigy | Fully local pipeline that turns a prompt or image into a textured, rigged and animated 3D model, plus sprite sheets and pixel art, exported to Godot, Unreal or Unity. | Free (Open source (MIT), runs locally on a 16 GB NVIDIA GPU) | 3D & Models | Visit → |
How to choose
- Completely free: Effigy. Listed as free in our data (pricing note: open source, self-hosted or early access).
- Free tier or free credits, paid upgrades: Meshy, Luma AI, Tripo AI, Spline AI and Ludo.ai. Try before you pay; check each tool's limits.
- Paid only: Kaedim. No free tier listed in our data.
- Pricing not published: Thrixel. Check the vendor's site for current pricing.
- Open source: Effigy. Tagged or listed as open source.
- Runs locally: Effigy. Tagged as local or self-hosted.
- API or MCP access: Tripo AI, Ludo.ai, Thrixel and Effigy. Tagged with API or MCP, handy if you want to drive it from code or a coding agent.
Related categories: 3D & Models