Godot
Often the most natural-feeling 2D choice for small projects and clean iteration.
Best engines for 2D games
A short comparison focused on interface, scene building, and 2D comfort.
Recommendation: Godot is the clearest pure 2D recommendation, while Unity remains a strong option if you want broader long-term flexibility.
Unity
Excellent when you want to learn 2D now but keep the option of expanding into more systems later.
Unreal and Roblox
Both can serve specific 2D-like needs, but neither is the clearest dedicated 2D beginner recommendation.
Workflow difference
Godot often feels more scene-driven and direct for compact 2D ideas. Unity often feels stronger when you want long-term tool maturity, deployment flexibility, and more repeated tutorial coverage.
When not to choose it
Avoid forcing Unreal into the role of your first dedicated 2D engine unless a project requirement clearly demands it. Avoid Unity if what you really want is the lightest possible editor for short 2D experiments.