Need sound effects for your game? These 10 websites offer a wide variety of CC-licensed sounds that you can use for FREE.
Whether you're making a simple platformer or a complex RPG, sound effects are essential for creating a immersive and engaging experience for your players. But finding high-quality sound effects can be expensive and time-consuming.
That's where Creative Commons (CC) licensed sounds come in. CC sounds are free to use for commercial purposes, so you can use them in your game without having to worry about licensing fees.
Here are 10 of the best websites to find CC-licensed sound effects for your game, rated based on audio quality, number of tracks, ease of use, and legality:
Website | Audio Quality | # of Tracks | Legality | Link |
Freesound | Excellent | Over 500,000 | All sounds are licensed under Creative Commons | |
Audionautix | Excellent | Over 7,000 | All sounds are licensed under Creative Commons | |
Free Music Archive | Excellent | Over 100,000 | Most sounds are licensed under Creative Commons, but some are not, so be sure to check the license before using | |
Incompetech | Excellent | Over 8,000 | All sounds are licensed under Creative Commons | |
dig.ccMixter | Excellent | Over 42,000 | All sounds are licensed under Creative Commons | |
YouTube Audio Library | Good | Over 100,000 | All sounds are licensed under Creative Commons or are in the public domain | |
Audio Archive | Good | Over 1 million | Most sounds are licensed under Creative Commons, but some are not, so be sure to check the license before using | |
Free Sound Effects | Good | Over 500,000 | Most sounds are licensed under Creative Commons, but some are not, so be sure to check the license before using | |
Sonniss | Good | Over 100,000 | Most sounds are licensed under Creative Commons, but some are not, so be sure to check the license before using | |
SoundCloud (search for sounds with the Creative Commons filter) | Good | Over 200 million | Most sounds are licensed under Creative Commons, but some are not, so be sure to check the license before using |
How to use Creative Commons sounds in your games:
Creative Commons (CC) licensed sounds are a great resource for game developers who need high-quality audio for their games. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using CC-licensed sounds in your games:
Make sure to check the specific license for each sound before using it. Some CC licenses have restrictions, such as requiring attribution or prohibiting commercial use.
Be aware that not all sounds on CC-licensed websites are high quality. It's important to preview each sound before using it to make sure it meets your needs.
If you're unsure about whether a particular sound is appropriate to use in your game, it's always best to err on the side of caution and not use it.
Tips for using CC-licensed sounds in your games:
When choosing sounds, consider the overall mood and tone of your game. You want to choose sounds that complement the game's visuals and gameplay.
Use sounds sparingly. Too much sound can be overwhelming and distracting for players.
Be creative with the sounds you use. You can use layering and effects to create unique and interesting soundscapes.
Don't forget to test your sounds in the context of your game. Make sure that the sounds are audible and that they don't interfere with the gameplay.
I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any questions, or recommend another site for sourcing audio please leave a comment below.