Thief: 2 Open Source Clones Compared
The Dark Mod entry here is a Git mirror of the project's official, actively developed SVN source repository — building it needs separately-fetched third-party binaries and a compatible asset build linked from the project's forums. openDarkEngine is a separate, independent reimplementation of the same DarkEngine format that is currently unplayable, its development stalled partway through removing its Ogre3D rendering dependency.
Comparison table
Availability
- Status
- Playable
- Platforms
- Linux, Windows
- Play in browser
- No
- Mobile
- No
Project health
- Development status
- Active
- Last updated
- 8d ago
- Stars
- 179
- Contributors
- 41
- License
- —
- Engine
- —
Compatibility
- Requires original assets
- YesCompatible assets are required to run the game; the best way to get assets is to install an appropriate dev build.
- Modding support
- —
Availability
- Status
- Unplayable
- Platforms
- Windows, Linux
- Play in browser
- No
- Mobile
- No
Project health
- Development status
- Halted
- Last updated
- 8y ago
- Stars
- 170
- Contributors
- 5
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Engine
- Ogre3D
Compatibility
- Requires original assets
- YesRequires LookingGlass's DarkEngine game data files to display levels and objects.
- Modding support
- YesSupports scripting through Squirrel language bindings and entity creation.
| Title | The Dark Mod | openDarkEngine |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Playable | Unplayable |
| Platforms | Linux, Windows | Windows, Linux |
| Play in browser | No | No |
| Mobile | No | No |
| Project health | ||
| Development status | Active | Halted |
| Last updated | 8d ago | 8y ago |
| Stars | 179 | 170 |
| Contributors | 41 | 5 |
| License | — | GPL-2.0 |
| Engine | — | Ogre3D |
| Compatibility | ||
| Requires original assets | YesCompatible assets are required to run the game; the best way to get assets is to install an appropriate dev build. | YesRequires LookingGlass's DarkEngine game data files to display levels and objects. |
| Modding support | — | YesSupports scripting through Squirrel language bindings and entity creation. |
| Preview | | |
Known limitations
- feature: Project is currently undergoing refactoring and cleanup; currently limited by Ogre3d library usage which is being replaced.
- rendering: Basic display of levels works including objects and broken lighting.
Frequently asked questions
Are the Thief 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 Thief clones use?
openDarkEngine (GPL-2.0).
Do I need to own the original Thief to play these clones?
The Dark Mod and openDarkEngine require original game assets to play.
Which Thief clone is the most actively maintained?
The Dark Mod is currently under active development, based on recent commit activity. See the "Development status" row above for every clone's current status.
See the full write-up for each clone, or go back to Thief.