The Settlers: 2 Open Source Clones Compared
Freeserf.net is a C# port and extension of the original Freeserf codebase: it adds its own AI logic on top of what Freeserf provides, moves rendering to Silk.NET, and -- unlike Freeserf -- lets players freely mix DOS and Amiga original data files (for example, Amiga music with DOS graphics). Freeserf's own development has halted, while Freeserf.net is still active and working toward multiplayer support, though its Amiga map-tile rendering is currently broken and its audio depends on 64-bit-only BASS libraries.
Comparison table
Availability
- Status
- Playable
- Platforms
- Windows, Linux, OSX
- Play in browser
- No
- Mobile
- No
Project health
- Development status
- Halted
- Last updated
- 3y ago
- Stars
- 338
- Contributors
- 14
- License
- GPL-3.0
Compatibility
- Requires original assets
- YesRequires data files from original game (DOS: SPAE.PA/SPAD.PA/SPAF.PA/SPAU.PA or Amiga files like gfxheader, gfxfast, gfxchip, gfxpics, sounds, music).
Availability
- Status
- Playable
- Platforms
- Windows, Linux
- Play in browser
- No
- Mobile
- No
Project health
- Development status
- Sporadic
- Last updated
- 3mo ago
- Stars
- 169
- Contributors
- 10
- License
- GPL-3.0
Compatibility
- Requires original assets
- YesRequires DOS data file (SPAx.PA) or Amiga files to run; can combine DOS and Amiga data (e.g., music from Amiga and graphics from DOS).
| Title | Freeserf | Freeserf.net |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Playable | Playable |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, OSX | Windows, Linux |
| Play in browser | No | No |
| Mobile | No | No |
| Project health | ||
| Development status | Halted | Sporadic |
| Last updated | 3y ago | 3mo ago |
| Stars | 338 | 169 |
| Contributors | 14 | 10 |
| License | GPL-3.0 | GPL-3.0 |
| Compatibility | ||
| Requires original assets | YesRequires data files from original game (DOS: SPAE.PA/SPAD.PA/SPAF.PA/SPAU.PA or Amiga files like gfxheader, gfxfast, gfxchip, gfxpics, sounds, music). | YesRequires DOS data file (SPAx.PA) or Amiga files to run; can combine DOS and Amiga data (e.g., music from Amiga and graphics from DOS). |
| Preview | | |
Known limitations
- audio: Sound playback requires SDL2_mixer enabled at compile-time and sound patches available at runtime.
- compatibility: Amiga map tiles do not display properly; audio is provided by BASS assemblies which are 64-bit only.
Frequently asked questions
Are the The Settlers clones on this page open source?
Yes — every clone catalogued here is an open-source project. Availability, license, and development-status details for each one are listed in the comparison table above.
What license do these The Settlers clones use?
Freeserf and Freeserf.net (GPL-3.0).
Do I need to own the original The Settlers to play these clones?
Freeserf and Freeserf.net require original game assets to play.
See the full write-up for each clone, or go back to The Settlers.