2D Prop & Object Art Cost in 2025: Guide For Studios

Environmental detail has become a decisive factor in how players experience games. A recent survey by MoldStud revealed that 74% of players say immersive environments significantly increase their enjoyment of a game.

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That means props and objects — everything from barrels and crates to cluttered bookshelves or futuristic terminals — are more than filler. They are crucial for storytelling and atmosphere, and they require a carefully planned 2D prop & object art cost strategy.

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For producers, the challenge is balancing volume with quality. Props are often needed in large quantities, yet they must remain visually consistent. That’s why understanding the price and setting a solid 2D prop & object art budget are key steps for production in 2025.

Understanding 2D Prop & Object Art Price

The price varies depending on complexity, purpose and style. Even in 2D, props and objects come in categories that determine cost:

• Simple props: Everyday items like crates, bottles or chairs. These typically feature flat shading and minimal detail, making them faster to produce.
• Mid-complexity props: Interactive or focal items such as doors, terminals, or ornate furniture. These require more rendering detail, accurate perspective and stylization.
• Hero props: Objects central to the narrative or cutscenes, like magical relics, boss-room artifacts or sci-fi computers. These demand careful illustration, shading, and sometimes multiple versions for storytelling.
• Environmental sets: Groups of props that form kits — for example, a complete kitchen set, a tavern interior or a futuristic lab collection. While they require more upfront work, they reduce per-item cost when produced in batches.
  
  

Time investment reflects these tiers. A simple flat prop may take half a day, while a hero prop could demand several days of illustration and revisions. These timelines directly impact 2D prop & object art rates.

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3D Props Pricing Overview

Typical costs for small, medium, and complex prop sets.

3D Props — Cost & Rates

These estimates cover casual and game-ready props, with final pricing affected by optimization needs and texture quality.

Type	Price Range (USD)
Small prop	$150–400
Medium prop	$400–700
Complex prop set	$700–1,200

Need a custom quote? Email us at hello@rocketbrush.com with your project details and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Prices updated September 2025. Rates may change depending on your project specs.

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Planning Your 2D Prop & Object Art Budget

Building a reliable 2D Prop & Object Art Budget means more than just multiplying asset numbers by hourly rates. Here’s what studios need to factor in:

• Project scope: A puzzle game may only require 50 props, while a story-driven RPG could need hundreds.
• Style: Clean, minimal props for casual mobile games are faster to make. Hand-painted or painterly styles demand more rendering time, increasing the 2D prop & object art cost.
• Reusability: Modular props can be reused across environments, stretching the 2D Prop & Object Art budget further.
• Hero vs filler assets: Not every item deserves high fidelity. By identifying hero props early, teams can allocate budget strategically.

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Example budget ranges by project scale. As an example:

• An indie studio making a farming sim may invest $7,000–12,000 on props for the full game.
• A mid-sized tactical RPG could spend $40,000–60,000, balancing modular sets and hero items.
• A AAA 2D project may dedicate over $100,000 for props to ensure both quantity and quality.
  
  

These ranges underline the importance of defining your 2D prop & object art budget early to prevent scope creep and rushed filler art.

What Influences 2D Prop & Object Art Rates

The 2D prop & object art rates are shaped not only by complexity but also by production details often overlooked:

• Perspective work: A flat side-view chair is cheaper than an isometric chair with foreshortening.
• Polish level: Raw sketches cost less than fully rendered, textured illustrations.
• Revisions: Each extra feedback cycle extends production time, increasing the overall 2D prop & object art cost.
• Technical constraints: Props designed for multiple resolutions or UI integration need special adjustments.
• Batch efficiency: Producing props one by one is slower. Ordering them as themed sets lowers the average cost.

Studios that underestimate these details risk overspending. Accurate early planning of 2D prop & object Art rates helps avoid mid-project budget shocks.

Making the Most of Your 2D Prop & Object Art Budget

Props often account for a significant chunk of art production, but smart planning helps maximize return on investment. Strategies include:

• Bundle props into sets: Commissioning themed groups like “market stall” or “sci-fi laboratory” improves efficiency.
• Focus on visibility: Prioritize details on props players interact with most often.
• Use a mix of simple and hero assets: A background scene doesn’t need the same polish as a story-critical artifact.
• Work with specialists: Outsourcing studios familiar with game pipelines ensure that your 2D prop & object art budget translates into consistent quality without costly revisions.

This approach keeps the 2D prop & object art cost predictable while ensuring assets feel polished and cohesive.

Why Props Shape Games’ Visuals More Than You Think

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Props may not get the spotlight like characters, but they silently build games as a whole. Think of the scattered books and food in Hollow Knight’s environments, or the intricate object details in Dead Cells. These 2D props make the world believable, guiding players without them even noticing.

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Good prop art:

• Reinforces storytelling: A broken sword or burned-out torch tells part of the narrative.
• Improves gameplay clarity: Interactive items stand out with stronger silhouettes.
• Boosts replay value: Rich detail encourages players to revisit areas and notice new things.
• Strengthens marketing: Promotional screenshots filled with polished props look far more compelling.
  
  

Neglecting props leads to bland, empty-feeling environments. Investing wisely in a 2D prop & object art budget ensures your game world feels alive.

Props As The Glue of Immersion – Ensure Its High Quality!

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Props are the quiet glue that holds worlds together. They may not get headline attention, but they directly affect how players perceive and enjoy your game. Planning the 2D prop & object art cost with care ensures that environments feel rich rather than repetitive.

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If you’re preparing your next project and want a realistic estimate for the 2D Prop & Object Art budget, reach out to our team at hello@rocketbrush.com — we’ll help you build an art plan that balances scope, quality and costs effectively.