What platforms can Ren'Py games run on?
Ren'Py games run on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and — in beta — in a web browser via HTML5/Web Assembly. The engine is open source and free for commercial use, so the platform list applies to both hobby and commercial projects. If your target device is a desktop or mobile system, Ren'Py almost certainly supports it; if you need a browser build, treat it as usable but still in beta.
Supported platforms and version requirements
The official Ren'Py site lists these targets:
| Platform | Minimum version stated |
|---|---|
| Windows | Windows 10+ |
| macOS | Mac OS X 10.10+ |
| Linux | x86_64 / Arm |
| Android | Android 5.0+ |
| iOS | iOS 11+ |
| Web | HTML5 / Web Assembly (Beta) |
Two things are worth noting. First, the Linux entry is architecture-based rather than version-based — the site specifies x86_64 and Arm, not a distribution or kernel version. Second, the web target is explicitly labeled Beta, so browser support is the one platform where you should expect rough edges rather than a finished export path.
What this means for your project
- Desktop-first visual novels: Windows 10+, macOS 10.10+, and Linux x86_64/Arm cover the standard desktop audience. No extra platform work is implied by the engine itself.
- Mobile releases: Android 5.0+ and iOS 11+ are the stated floors. Older devices below those versions are outside the supported range.
- Browser demos or itch.io web builds: HTML5/Web Assembly is available but in beta. It can be a good fit for a demo or jam entry, but the beta label is a reason to verify your specific build rather than assume parity with desktop.
- Life simulation and complex games: The site notes that Ren'Py's Python scripting is enough for complex simulation games, not just visual novels, so the platform list isn't limited to simple dialogue-driven titles.
Current release and where to get it
The latest official release of Ren'Py 8 is 8.5.3 "We Can Go to the Moon", released May 15, 2026. The site recommends Ren'Py 8 for all projects. A nightly fix build is also offered; it contains fixes to the latest stable version but is not tested as thoroughly as the official release.
For a first project, start with the official 8.5.3 download rather than the nightly build. Use the nightly only if you're hitting a bug that's already fixed upstream and you're comfortable with less-tested code.
Getting started and getting help
- The quickstart walks through creating a simple game.
- The reference manual is described as comprehensive but complex, and is also available in Japanese, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese.
- Bugs go to the GitHub issue tracker; contributions go to the GitHub project page.
- Questions are best asked on the Ren'Py Discord or the Lemma Soft Forums.
One caveat on the platform list
The supported-platform list reflects the official page at the time you read it and can change with new releases. If you're targeting an unusual configuration — an older OS, a non-x86_64/Arm Linux device, or a specific browser — check the current documentation before committing, since the beta web target in particular is the most likely to shift.